News

Research 31 Mar 2022

How Storytelling Can Motivate Us to Help Others

A new study finds that personal stories – instead of cold facts – make people want to help keep others safe.

Health Communication

Hands of an old person on the cover of a bible labeled "Biblia" and on an ornate green tapestry

Research 25 Mar 2022

Vaccines: Philosophical, moral beliefs tied to religion determine acceptance

A longitudinal study conducted pre-COVID-19 considered Americans' attitudes toward vaccines for the flu, measles, HPV, and others.

Protestors wearing COVID-protective facemasks march holding Black Lives Matter signs

Research 2 Mar 2022

The Black Lives Matter Movement, but not COVID-19, Encouraged Voters Toward Biden in the 2020 Election

As swing voters registered more awareness about discrimination against Black Americans, they became more likely to vote for the party they felt would best rectify that — Democrats.

Red and blue paper cutouts of a donkey and an elephant

Research 21 Jan 2022

Want to Reduce Political Polarization? Start by Looking Beyond Politics

Is bonding over non-political similarities the key to depolarizing political discussions? New research sheds light on how even hardliners can be swayed when coming in contact with opposing viewpoints.

Political Communication

Image of person holding magazine with Richard Branson featured

Research 11 Jan 2022

Do Success Stories Cause False Beliefs About Success?

Does explicitly acknowledging bias make us less likely to make biased decisions? A new study examining how people justify decisions based on biased data finds that this is not necessarily the case.

Culture & Media

Gloved hands drawing a medication into a syringe from a vial

Research 22 Dec 2021

The Role of Trust and Knowledge in Overcoming Vaccination Hesitancy

A new study finds willingness to be vaccinated against Covid-19 is anchored in factors such as trust in health authorities, knowledge about vaccination in general, flu vaccination history, and patterns of media reliance.

Health Communication

Research 21 Oct 2021

Mandates Likely Work to Increase Vaccine Uptake

Rather than causing a backlash, vaccination requirements will succeed at getting more people inoculated, according to research from PIK Professor Dolores Albarracín and colleagues at Penn.

Health Communication

Transgender flag waving against a blue sky with the sun shining through it

Research 13 Sep 2021

Study Examines Smoking Risk Factors and Prevention Among Transgender and Gender Expansive Adults

A new study aims to fill a critical research gap on effective, culturally sensitive approaches to smoking cessation among transgender and gender expansive individuals.