Does Valuing Happiness Lead to Well-Being?

Huang, K. (2024).

Psychological Science.

https://doi.org/10.1177/09567976241263784

Abstract

Happiness has become one of the most important life goals worldwide. However, does valuing happiness lead to better well-being? This study investigates the effect of valuing happiness on well-being using a population-based longitudinal survey of Dutch adults (N = 8,331) from 2019 to 2023. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models indicated that those who valued happiness generally exhibited higher well-being as manifested by life satisfaction, more positive affect, and less negative affect. However, increases in valuing happiness did not result in changes in life satisfaction 1 year later and had mixed emotional consequences (i.e., increasing both positive and negative affect). Additional analyses using fixed-effects models indicated that valuing happiness had contemporaneous positive effects on well-being. These findings indicate that endorsing happiness goals may have immediate psychological benefits but may not necessarily translate into long-term positive outcomes.

Here are some thoughts:

The effect of valuing happiness on well-being can be mixed, with some studies suggesting that it can lead to short-term benefits but not long-term ones, while others suggest that it can have a negative effect: 

Short-term benefits

Valuing happiness can lead to immediate benefits, such as increased life satisfaction, positive affect, and decreased negative affect. This is because people may prioritize activities that can boost happiness. 

Long-term negative effects

However, valuing happiness may not necessarily lead to long-term positive outcomes. In fact, some studies suggest that valuing happiness can lead to a decrease in positive feelings and happiness, and an increase in depressive symptoms and loneliness. 

Paradoxical effect

The effect of valuing happiness on well-being can be paradoxical, and is influenced by culture. For example, one study found that valuing happiness was associated with lower hedonic balance, lower psychological well-being, less satisfaction with life, and higher levels of depression symptoms. 

Toward an understanding of collective intellectual humility

Krumrei-Mancuso, E. J., et al. (2024).

Trends in Cognitive Sciences.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2024.09.006

Abstract

The study of intellectual humility (IH), which is gaining increasing interest among cognitive scientists, has been dominated by a focus on individuals. We propose that IH operates at the collective level as the tendency of a collective’s members to attend to each other’s intellectual limitations and the limitations of their collective cognitive efforts. Given people’s propensity to better recognize others’ limitations than their own, IH may be more readily achievable in collectives than individuals. We describe the socio-cognitive dynamics that can interfere with collective IH and offer the solution of building intellectually humbling environments that create a culture of IH that can outlast the given membership of a collective. We conclude with promising research directions.

Highlights

• Like individuals, collectives can possess intellectual humility.
• A collective’s intellectual humility is not strictly reducible to the sum of the intellectual humility of its members.
• Collective intellectual humility is the tendency of members of a collective to attend to one another’s intellectual limitations and the intellectual limitations of their collective cognitive efforts.
• Given people’s propensity to better recognize others’ limitations than their own, intellectual humility may be more achievable in collectives than in individuals.
• Social support and institutional scaffolding are crucial to promoting collective intellectual humility.

Here are some thoughts:

The research on collective intellectual humility (IH) offers valuable insights for practicing psychologists, particularly in group settings. Psychologists can focus on fostering environments that encourage collective IH by cultivating diverse perspectives within teams, establishing norms that value open criticism, transparency, and accountability, and facilitating inclusive discussions where all members feel comfortable sharing their views.

Creating intellectually humbling environments is another critical area where psychologists can contribute. This involves scaffolding critical thinking by introducing tools and frameworks that prompt groups to consider alternative viewpoints and potential weaknesses in their reasoning. Additionally, developing reward systems that recognize and reinforce intellectually humble behaviors within the group can further promote a culture of humility.

The free will capacity: A uniquely human adaption.

Sheldon, K. M. (2024).

American Psychologist, 79(7), 928–941.

https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001296

Abstract

Herein, I characterize free will (FW) is an evolved functional capacity within the mature human mind, which provides us with numerous adaptive benefits. The FW capacity was selected for because it enables us to respond effectively to momentary contingencies, via on-the-spot deliberation. But FW also extricates us from the present moment, enabling us to generate and decide between imagined long-term futures. Based upon a compatibilist philosophical definition of FW, I present a creative process model of how the FW capacity works, the goal breakthrough model. I show that the goal breakthrough model is consistent with extant neuroscientific research on the brain networks involved in creative cognition and choice. I also show that (a) exercising one’s FW is a basic psychological need, as evidenced by the fact that thwarting peoples’ autonomy can be harmful, and that (b) the FW process is influenced by peoples’ broad goals and narrative identities, providing a way for we conscious people to causally affect our lives and the world. Finally, I show how this framework integrates recent arguments that FW may be a uniquely human adaptation, ranging from neuroscience and cognitive to personality, social, and cultural perspectives.

Public Significance Statement

This article argues that free will, properly understood, is an evolved capacity within the human mind. Also, it is partially commanded by conscious processes. This gives humans direct efficacy in the operation of their minds and their lives.

Here are some thoughts:

This article is important to practicing psychology in the context of providing psychotherapy services for several key reasons. It presents free will as an evolved functional capacity of the human mind, rather than an abstract philosophical concept, giving therapists a concrete way to understand and work with clients' decision-making processes. The goal breakthrough model provides a framework for understanding how people generate and choose between potential futures, which therapists can use to help clients explore options and make decisions aligned with their values and long-term goals.

The emphasis on exercising free will as a basic psychological need underscores the importance of supporting client autonomy in therapy and helping clients develop a sense of agency in their lives. By linking free will to broader goals and narrative identities, the text offers valuable insights for therapists working to help clients develop coherent life stories and make choices consistent with their sense of self. 

The presentation of free will as partially under conscious control empowers clients to actively shape their lives, which can be motivating and hopeful for those struggling with feelings of helplessness or lack of control. The integration of neuroscience, cognitive, personality, social, and cultural perspectives provides a holistic view of free will, informing more comprehensive and effective therapeutic approaches.

Finally, the creative process model of free will aligns with existing research on brain networks involved in creative cognition and choice, lending scientific credibility to therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing decision-making skills.

Overall, this framework offers therapists a scientifically-informed, empowering way to conceptualize and work with clients' ability to make choices and direct their lives, which is fundamental to many therapeutic goals and processes.

Longitudinal single-subject neuroimaging study reveals effects of daily environmental, physiological, and lifestyle factors on functional brain connectivity

Triana AM, et al. (2024)

PLoS Biol 22(10): e3002797.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002797

Abstract

Our behavior and mental states are constantly shaped by our environment and experiences. However, little is known about the response of brain functional connectivity to environmental, physiological, and behavioral changes on different timescales, from days to months. This gives rise to an urgent need for longitudinal studies that collect high-frequency data. To this end, for a single subject, we collected 133 days of behavioral data with smartphones and wearables and performed 30 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans measuring attention, memory, resting state, and the effects of naturalistic stimuli. We find traces of past behavior and physiology in brain connectivity that extend up as far as 15 days. While sleep and physical activity relate to brain connectivity during cognitively demanding tasks, heart rate variability and respiration rate are more relevant for resting-state connectivity and movie-watching. This unique data set is openly accessible, offering an exceptional opportunity for further discoveries. Our results demonstrate that we should not study brain connectivity in isolation, but rather acknowledge its interdependence with the dynamics of the environment, changes in lifestyle, and short-term fluctuations such as transient illnesses or restless sleep. These results reflect a prolonged and sustained relationship between external factors and neural processes. Overall, precision mapping designs such as the one employed here can help to better understand intraindividual variability, which may explain some of the observed heterogeneity in fMRI findings. The integration of brain connectivity, physiology data and environmental cues will propel future environmental neuroscience research and support precision healthcare.

The research is here.

Here are some thoughts:

This innovative longitudinal study investigates the dynamic relationship between brain functional connectivity and various environmental, physiological, and behavioral factors over a 133-day period. By employing a precision mapping approach focused on a single individual, the researchers collected high-frequency data using fMRI scans, smartphones, and wearables.

The study reveals that brain connectivity is significantly influenced by external factors such as sleep, physical activity, and physiological states, with these effects extending up to 15 days in the past. This research is particularly important for psychologists as it highlights the need to consider environmental and lifestyle factors when studying brain function and behavior.

The longitudinal design provides valuable insights into intraindividual variability, often overlooked in group-level studies. By integrating multiple data sources, the study demonstrates the potential for a more comprehensive understanding of brain-behavior relationships. The findings have implications for research methodology, suggesting that recent behavioral and physiological patterns should be considered as potential confounds in fMRI studies. Additionally, the study's approach and findings are relevant to understanding and monitoring mental health disorders. The openly accessible dataset and the potential for using wearables and smartphones as cost-effective monitoring tools open up new avenues for research and clinical applications in psychology and neuroscience.

Delay of gratification and adult outcomes: The Marshmallow Test does not reliably predict adult functioning

Sperber, J. F., et al. (2024).

Child Development.

https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.14129

Abstract

This study extends the analytic approach conducted by Watts et al. (2018) to examine the long-term predictive validity of delay of gratification. Participants (n = 702; 83% White, 46% male) completed the Marshmallow Test at 54 months (1995–1996) and survey measures at age 26 (2017–2018). Using a preregistered analysis, Marshmallow Test performance was not strongly predictive of adult achievement, health, or behavior. Although modest bivariate associations were detected with educational attainment (r = .17) and body mass index (r = −.17), almost all regression-adjusted coefficients were nonsignificant. No clear pattern of moderation was detected between delay of gratification and either socioeconomic status or sex. Results indicate that Marshmallow Test performance does not reliably predict adult outcomes. The predictive and construct validity of the ability to delay of gratification are discussed.

A pdf of the research is here.

Here are some thoughts:

This study is part of the replication crisis in psychology. This study examined the long-term predictive validity of the Marshmallow Test, a widely used measure of delay of gratification. The test, administered to 702 participants at age 4, was found to have limited predictive power for adult outcomes, such as achievement, health, and behavior, at age 26. While modest associations were detected with educational attainment and body mass index, these correlations were largely explained by demographics and home life factors. The study's findings question the construct validity of the Marshmallow Test, suggesting it may not accurately measure delay of gratification. Instead, it may screen for broader developmental advantages in early childhood. These results have implications for intervention strategies, highlighting the need to focus on broader capacities for lasting impact.

Suicide rates differ in subgroups of young Asian Americans

News Release

UW Newsroom

Originally posted 19 AUG 24

Although suicide rates have been relatively lower among Asian Americans, those rates have risen sharply in recent years among younger members of this broad demographic.

A new study reports that suicide rates among young Asian Americans (ages 15-24) vary significantly between different ethnic subpopulations, suggesting that very low rates in some groups might be concealing worryingly high rates in others.

The findings, published today in JAMA Pediatrics, suggest that programs aiming to reduce suicide rates among young Asian Americans should seek to address the needs of these higher-risk groups, said the study’s lead author, Dr. Anthony L. Bui, an acting assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.

“When we’re designing policies and programs to address this problem, we need to think about which communities to focus on and how to make our mental health interventions appropriate, taking into account things like culture, language and community resources,” said Bui, who is also an investigator at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. 

Bui and colleagues analyzed data from 2018 to 2021 on U.S. suicide rates among youths ages 15 to 19, and young adults ages 20 to 24, in five ethnic groups: Chinese, Filipinos, Indian, Korean, Vietnamese and “all other.” 

The “all other” categorization comprised ethnic groups for which there were not enough cases for individual statistical analysis. They included Bangladeshis, Bhutanese, Burmese, Cambodians, Hmong, Indonesians, Japanese, Laotians, Malaysians, Mongolians, Nepalese, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Taiwanese and Thais.

The info is here.

The actual research in paywalled here.

3% of US high schoolers identify as transgender, CDC survey shows

Kiara Alfonseca

abcnews.go.com

Originally posted 8 OCT 24

A first-of-its-kind survey has found that 3.3% of U.S. high school students identified as transgender in 2023, with another 2.2% identified as questioning.

The first nationally representative survey from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also highlights the multiple health disparities faced by transgender students who may experience gender dysphoria, stigma, discrimination, social marginalization or violence because they do not conform to social expectations of gender, the CDC reports.

These stressors increase the likelihood transgender youth and those who are questioning may experience mental health challenges, leading to disparities in health and well-being, according to the health agency.

Here are some of the findings:

More than a quarter (26%) of transgender and questioning students attempted suicide in the past year, compared to 5% of cisgender male and 11% of cisgender female students. The CDC urged schools to "create safer and more supportive environments for transgender and questioning students" to address these disparities, including inclusive activities, mental health and other health service referrals, and implementing policies that are LGBTQ-inclusive.

The info is here.

The CDC study is here.

Here are some thoughts:

Recent national data reveals that 3.3% of U.S. high school students identify as transgender, with an additional 2.2% questioning their gender identity. This groundbreaking study highlights significant disparities in the experiences of transgender and questioning youth compared to their cisgender peers. These students face higher rates of violence, discrimination, and mental health challenges, with approximately 25% skipping school due to safety concerns and 40% experiencing bullying. Alarmingly, 69-72% of transgender and questioning students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and about 26% have attempted suicide in the past year. Additionally, transgender students are more likely to experience unstable housing, with 10.7% facing this challenge.

These disparities can be understood through the lens of Minority Stress Theory and the Gender Minority Stress Framework, which highlight how stigma, discrimination, and social marginalization contribute to poor outcomes. However, protective factors such as supportive families and peers, school connectedness, affirmed name and pronoun use, and a sense of pride in identity can buffer against these stressors and promote better mental health.

Given these findings, it is crucial for psychologists to develop multicultural competence to effectively support transgender and questioning youth. This includes enhancing knowledge about the unique challenges faced by this population, developing awareness of personal biases and societal stigma, and honing skills to create affirming environments and use appropriate interventions. Psychologists should also advocate for inclusive policies, consider intersectionality, engage with families, provide trauma-informed care, and collaborate with schools and community organizations. By enhancing multicultural competence, psychologists can play a vital role in improving outcomes and promoting resilience among transgender and questioning youth, addressing the urgent need for culturally sensitive and effective mental health support for this vulnerable population.

Predicting Results of Social Science Experiments Using Large Language Models

Hewitt, L. Ashokkumar, A. et al. (2024)

Working Paper

Abstract

To evaluate whether large language models (LLMs) can be leveraged to predict the

results of social science experiments, we built an archive of 70 pre-registered, nationally representative, survey experiments conducted in the United States, involving 476 experimental

treatment effects and 105,165 participants. We prompted an advanced, publicly-available

LLM (GPT-4) to simulate how representative samples of Americans would respond to the

stimuli from these experiments. Predictions derived from simulated responses correlate

strikingly with actual treatment effects (r = 0.85), equaling or surpassing the predictive

accuracy of human forecasters. Accuracy remained high for unpublished studies that could

not appear in the model’s training data (r = 0.90). We further assessed predictive accuracy

across demographic subgroups, various disciplines, and in nine recent megastudies featuring

an additional 346 treatment effects. Together, our results suggest LLMs can augment experimental methods in science and practice, but also highlight important limitations and risks of

misuse.

The research is here.

Here are some thoughts. The implications of this research are abundant!!

Large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated significant potential in predicting human behaviors and decision-making processes, with far-reaching implications for various aspects of society. In the realm of employment, LLMs could revolutionize recruitment and hiring practices by predicting job performance and cultural fit, potentially streamlining the hiring process but also raising important concerns about bias and fairness. These models might also be used to forecast employee productivity, retention rates, and career trajectories, influencing decisions related to promotions and professional development. Furthermore, LLMs could assist organizations in predicting labor market trends, skill demands, and employee turnover, enabling more strategic workforce planning.

Beyond the workplace, LLMs have the potential to impact a wide range of human behaviors. In the realm of consumer behavior, these models could enhance predictions of consumer preferences, purchasing decisions, and responses to marketing campaigns, leading to more targeted advertising and product development strategies. In public health, LLMs could be instrumental in forecasting the effectiveness of health interventions and predicting population-level responses to various public health measures, thereby aiding in evidence-based policy-making. Additionally, these models might be employed to anticipate shifts in public opinion, the emergence of social movements, and evolving cultural trends, which could significantly influence political strategies and media content creation.

While the potential benefits of using LLMs to predict human behaviors are substantial, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns associated with their deployment. Ensuring transparency in the decision-making processes of these models, mitigating algorithmic bias, and validating results across diverse populations are essential steps in responsibly harnessing the power of LLMs. As we move forward, the focus should be on fostering human-AI collaboration, leveraging the strengths of both to achieve more accurate and ethically sound predictions of human behavior.

Women are increasingly using firearms in suicide deaths, CDC data reveals

Eduardo Cuevas

USA Today

Originally posted 26 SEPT 24

More women in the U.S. are using firearms in suicide deaths, a new federal report says.

Firearms were used in more than half the country’s record 49,500 suicide deaths in 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows. Traditionally, men die by suicide at a much higher rate than women, and they often do so using guns. The CDC report published Thursday, however, found firearms were the leading means of suicide for women since 2020, and suicide deaths overall among women also increased.

Firearms have been the primary means for most suicide deaths in the U.S. Guns stored in homes, especially those not stored securely, are linked to higher levels of suicide.

Increased use of firearms by women corresponds to a greater risk of suicide, Rebecca Bernert, founder of the Stanford Suicide Prevention Research Laboratory, said in an email.

For this reason, it's important to teach gun owners about safe storage to prevent people from having immediate access to a loaded weapon, said Bernert, who is also a Stanford Medicine professor. Restricting access to “lethal means," she said, is among "the most potent suicide prevention strategies that exist worldwide."

The problem, Bernert said, is such restrictions tend to be "vastly underutilized and poorly understood as a public health strategy.”

The info is here.

Here are some thoughts:

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a concerning trend in suicide deaths among women in the United States. In 2022, firearms were used in over half of the country's record 49,500 suicide deaths.

While men traditionally have higher suicide rates and more frequently use firearms, the CDC report indicates that since 2020, firearms have become the leading means of suicide for women as well. This shift corresponds with an overall increase in suicide deaths among women. Experts attribute this trend to various factors, including increased gun ownership among women, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which also exacerbated stress and isolation.

The accessibility of firearms in homes, especially when not stored securely, is linked to higher suicide risks. Suicide prevention specialists emphasize the importance of safe gun storage and restricting access to lethal means as crucial strategies.

The report highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention, including addressing social connections, mental health support, and awareness of crisis resources. While suicide rates have been rising across demographics, the increasing use of firearms by women in suicide attempts is a particularly alarming development that requires urgent attention and targeted interventions.