motivation

The early days of romantic relationships are like a blazing fire: partners share a great deal of passion, have high levels of sexual desire, and engage in sex frequently. But partners’ sex lives may change as their relationships progress, with sexual frequency and desire often waning over time. Although this is a common experience in long-term relationships, it is not without its consequences: partners’ low or mismatched sexual desire is linked to more thoughts about breaking up, as well as lower sexual and relationship satisfaction.

“Hate” – the term is becoming an all too familiar. “Hate group” members and sympathizers use “hate speech” and commit “hate crimes.” Recent events on the worldwide sociopolitical landscape have revealed the often intensely visceral reactions people have when they see actions that they consider to be hate. The three little words – “I HATE you” – can damage interpersonal, intergroup, and international relationships in ways that “I am angry at you” or “I dislike you” cannot begin to match.

In the last 30 years, the behavioral community has documented a myriad of quirks of altruism: we display warm glow; we’re weirdly sensitive to defaults and communication around norms, frames, and identity; we give readily, but are even quicker to exploit moral wiggle room or avoid the ask in the first place; we give most readily when observed.

This week's round-up includes a look at the recent problem with bots completing online surveys. See what else you may have missed online.

Recently in the news, written a post, or have selections you'd like us to consider? Email us, use the hashtag #SPSPblog, or tweet us directly @spspnews.

How can we live a meaningful and purposeful life? Answering this question can significantly contribute to our long-term well-being. Recent research in positive psychology among diverse populations unequivocally suggests that living a more meaningful and purposeful life predicts better physical and mental health.

On the Blogs