Psychology news

• What happens to accidental heroes when the headlines fade? ‘You get your award and then there’s nothing’

  17-01-2026 20:00
  After traumatic events we look for reminders of humanity’s good, and flashes of courage from ordinary people become symbols of hope. But it can be hard to wear the hero’s crownFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe smell of burning flesh and pulverised concrete is seared into the psyche of Anneke Weemaes-Sutcliffe. On 22 March 2016, the Australian expat was due to check in for a flight when Islamic State su
  
  Read more

• People Readily Spot Gender and Race Bias But Often Miss "Lookism"

  17-01-2026 11:27 via socialpsychology.org
  Source: PsyPostDespite strong evidence that physically beautiful individuals receive advantages in hiring, salary, and legal outcomes, biases based on attractiveness are met with much less condemnation than other forms of discrimination. A new study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, suggests one reason why: people are much less likely to detect this form of bias—dubbed "lookism"—than they are to spot gender or race bias.
  
  Read more

• AI Maps the Hidden Forces Shaping Cancer Survival Worldwide

  17-01-2026 11:27 via socialpsychology.org
  Source: Science Daily - Top HealthResearchers have turned artificial intelligence into a powerful new lens for understanding why cancer survival rates vary widely around the world. In a report published in the cancer journal Annals of Oncology, an AI model analyzed cancer data and health system information from 185 countries to see which factors—such as access to radiotherapy, universal health coverage, and economic strength—are most closely linked to patient survival.
  
  Read more

• Why News Reports Often Refer to "Women and Children"

  17-01-2026 07:55 via socialpsychology.org
  Source: PsyPostHeadlines covering war, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises often refer to "women and children," and a new study suggests why. The research, published in the journal Cognition, reveals that highlighting these specific groups amplifies a psychological response known as moral outrage. The findings also indicate that this reaction is tied to traditional views regarding gender roles rather than a simple impulse to protect vulnerable groups.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Oxford Accused of Hiding Harassment Claims Against Miles Hewstone

  17-01-2026 07:55 via socialpsychology.org
  Source: Social Psychology Network NewsThe University of Oxford has been accused of putting women's safety at risk by withholding information about persistent sexual harassment allegations against Miles Hewstone, a well-known social psychology professor. Hewstone resigned his position at Oxford in 2019 and further relinquished his emeritus title last November. He was accused by female students and researchers of abuse of power, inappropriate sexual advances, unwanted touching, and...
  
  Read more

• ACLU Sues Trump Administration Over "Racial Profiling and Unlawful Arrests"

  17-01-2026 07:55 via socialpsychology.org
  Source: Google News - HealthThe American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing federal immigration authorities in Minnesota of racial profiling and unlawful arrests amid widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. In a 72-page lawsuit filed Thursday, the ACLU accused immigration agents of violating citizens' constitutional rights, arguing that Somali and Latino communities in the state have been...
  
  Read more

Follow @PsychologyUKnws on Twitter!