Well, the facts are in. Research now shows that women prefer men who are klind and altruistic. So forget that old saying that "Good guys never win"-- because it seems the kind guys in life really do get the girl!
To read more about the study written up in the British Journal of Psychology go to :
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178861.php
There is a new Washington State University study on sleep that states that sleep deprivation affects our our means of processing cognitive functions. Our memory may be intact after sleep deprivation, but we are incapable of processing that memory effectively. This means we may remember, but the brain will distort the information due to sleep deprivation.
As noted in previous blogs on this site, take some time to look over some of the important techniques for enhancing your sleep and getting a good night's rest.
For more information on this study, please go to http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/02/11/new-thoughts-on-sleep-deprivation/11371.html
It’s the month of love. Cupids and arrows fill the air, but we know that over 50% of all marriages fail, so tonight we’ll focus on ways to enhance relationships to increase the statistical likelihood of making your relationship fulfilling and enduring.
What do some of the new studies show related to love and marriage?
• 50 % of first marriages end in divorce
• 2/3 of all second marriages end in divorce
• 75% of all third marriages end in divorce
Why do so many marriages fail?
• Statistics shows that we enter relationships with poor skills for maintaining relationships
• People need to learn “how” to love each other
• Lasting marriages involve commitment, communication, and accommodation
You’ve talked about various studies, related to why relationships fail, but what do studies show are the proven building blocks in a couple’s intimacy?
• Studies at Stanford University show that the simple act of spending quality time together and talking enhances intimacy
• Humor- research shows that partners who make each other laugh are happier, in fact, it also shows that women typically search out men who make them laugh
• Doing something new. A Florida State University study shows that people who do new things, creating adventures together heightens couple’s intimacy and vulnerability with each other
• Multiple research studies show that practicing gratitude and kindness in relationships enhances intimacy and bonding. Kindness, accommodation and forgiveness are three keys to strong couples.
• Commitment. Purdue University studies show that those who believe that their partner’s commitment is unbreakable have stronger relationships and increased intimacy.
• Taking control. Partners who really work on enhancing their relationships on a continuous basis, and who indicate that working things vs evading problems have more enduring relationships and those in which they feel will end in continued success.
A new study suggests that is a correlation between excessive internet surfing and depression. The authors of the study believe this is due to increased internet use correlating with lower social interaction, and replacing "real life" with chat rooms and other activities.
The study also looked at those they suggest are "internet addicts" and their relationship to depression, usage of gaming sites, sexually gratifying sites, as well online communities.
For more go to: http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/02/05/obsessive-web-browsing-linked-to-depression/11223.html
Those couples who use the word "we" vs "I" just might be happier.. or so says a new study released from the University of California. Inclusive pronouns suggest that couples think in different terms of cooperativeness and mutual respect. More "we" terms were found in the conversations of older adults and happier couples.
Want to read more? go to:http://www.msnbc.com/id/35261776/ns/health-behavior
A new study shows that the "act of witnessing" good acts makes us feel emotionally enhanced, and draws us towards prosocial behaviors-- doing good things.
As Random Acts of Kindness week nears (the week of February 15th), we encourage you to become involved in some random acts of kindness. Buy a coffee for someone else in line, smile at a stranger, carry a grocery bag for a senior, call your mother (had to put that one in), or just open the door for someone else.
Want the scientific proof that these acts help YOUR well-being? Read this article: http://psychcentral.com/news/2010/02/04/observe-a-good-deed-perform-a-good-deed/11180.html
Well, it’s February and the time for looking at relationships. Tonight we will look at some of the new studies that look at the differences between men, women, and how we handle conflict, grief and love.
You’ve brought us some new research related to how women choose their partners. What did the research indicate?
• Women who are looking for a long-term partner want someone will be a good provider
• Women who are seeking short-termed relationships are looking for physical attractiveness
• Women gauge their own attractiveness with what they are able to “get in return.”
• The four key items that women identify as important to them are good genes reflected in physical traits, resources good parenting skills and loyalty and devotion
But what about those who already are in a relationship? What helps them stay together during marital difficulties?
• A 2009 study shows that those who use kind ”thoughtful words” during marital conflicts will reduce their stress and the implications of physical health problems
• Those who are in troubled relationships and use abusive hurtful words tend to have elevated levels of chemicals called CYTOKINES which fight infections in our immune system. High levels lead to increased levels of arthritis, cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Neutral , calming, and soft toned words during conflict tend to reduce stress—but most people don’t need a study to know these facts are accurate
Do we have any studies to share regarding men?
• A 2009 study shows that gender plays in part in partner abandonment after the diagnosis of a serious illness.
• The study shows that women are 6 times more likely to be abandoned by their partner if they are diagnosed with a diagnosis of cancer or MS—vs if the man is the patient
• The results suggest that men leave sick women because of their lack of ability to be caregivers and to assume the burdens of maintaining a home and family.
• The one bright spot is that the longer the duration of the marriage the less likely that a male will abandon his partner after the diagnosis of a life threatening illness
• Obviously, the key is for medical providers, counselors, and family members to be aware of the statistics and encourage some intervention from trained professional counselors to deal with these issues.
