Culture Conscious

Cross-Cultural Psychology

6 Psychological Universals

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on October 20, 2024

In some ways, people are psychologically the same everywhere, no matter where they grow up. Which aspects of psychological functioning are impervious to cultural influences?

In some ways, people are psychologically the same everywhere, no matter where they grow up. Which aspects of psychological functioning are impervious to cultural influences?

Animal Behavior

Why Humans Have Thousands of Tools and Other Animals Do Not

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on September 12, 2024

Some animals communicate with others and use a few tools, which may be signs of culture. But humans have hundreds of millions of cultural products. Why the enormous difference?

Some animals communicate with others and use a few tools, which may be signs of culture. But humans have hundreds of millions of cultural products. Why the enormous difference?

Bias

Implicit Bias Training for Police: Does It Work?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on August 23, 2024

Three new studies examine the impact of training programs designed to reduce racial disparities in policing outcomes.

Three new studies examine the impact of training programs designed to reduce racial disparities in policing outcomes.

Geographical Psychology

Where (in the World) Do Social Liberals Live?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on July 8, 2024

Social liberals who value personal liberties and strong institutions are more likely to live in certain nations, regions, and culture zones.

Social liberals who value personal liberties and strong institutions are more likely to live in certain nations, regions, and culture zones.

Social Life

How to Respond to a "Cultural Incident"

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on June 20, 2024

Has a cultural encounter ever left you feeling confused, angry, and embarrassed? A few simple steps can help you successfully navigate your way.

Has a cultural encounter ever left you feeling confused, angry, and embarrassed? A few simple steps can help you successfully navigate your way.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Can Therapists Be Trained for Cultural Competence?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on June 15, 2024

Researchers in Germany tested the effectiveness of a transcultural therapy training course and found mixed results. What worked and what didn't?

Researchers in Germany tested the effectiveness of a transcultural therapy training course and found mixed results. What worked and what didn't?

Creativity

Do Conservative Values Lead to Lower Levels of Creativity?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on May 28, 2024

A new study examines the relationship between conservatism and creative thinking in 28 countries.

A new study examines the relationship between conservatism and creative thinking in 28 countries.

Media

Effect of Television Watching on Skin Tone Preference

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on April 22, 2024

A new study of rural villagers in Nicaragua finds a link between watching TV and a preference for lighter-skinned faces.

A new study of rural villagers in Nicaragua finds a link between watching TV and a preference for lighter-skinned faces.

Ethics and Morality

Do People Everywhere Cheat?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on April 13, 2024

Do people in some countries generally cheat more often than people in other countries? Two international teams of researchers think not.

Do people in some countries generally cheat more often than people in other countries? Two international teams of researchers think not.

Politics

Three Facial Features Can Tip the Scales in a Close Election

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on March 6, 2024

Studies in Germany have found that voters prefer candidates who have specific facial features that make them appear trustworthy and forceful.

Studies in Germany have found that voters prefer candidates who have specific facial features that make them appear trustworthy and forceful.

Sleep

Are Eight Hours of Sleep Necessary for Good Health?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on January 26, 2024

Cultural factors influence the relationship between the amount of sleep and overall health.

Cultural factors influence the relationship between the amount of sleep and overall health.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Cities Where Tourists Are More Likely to Receive Help

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on January 15, 2024

Picture yourself sightseeing in a foreign city. If misfortune comes your way and you stumble and fall, where will you be most likely to receive help from a passerby?

Picture yourself sightseeing in a foreign city. If misfortune comes your way and you stumble and fall, where will you be most likely to receive help from a passerby?

Parenting

The Practices of "Exemplary" Guatemalan Mothers

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on January 9, 2024

Highly regarded mothers in Guatemala raise their children to be kind, hard-working, and family-oriented. They also set strict limits. Should other mothers follow their example?

Highly regarded mothers in Guatemala raise their children to be kind, hard-working, and family-oriented. They also set strict limits. Should other mothers follow their example?

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Two Lessons From Psychology for Policymakers

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on December 12, 2023

When designing solutions to social problems in the U.S., we should (1) look at what other countries do and (2) shape behavior by modifying situations and environments.

When designing solutions to social problems in the U.S., we should (1) look at what other countries do and (2) shape behavior by modifying situations and environments.

Psychology

Can Psychology’s Two Tribes Reconcile Their Differences?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on November 26, 2023

In some ways, research psychologists and psychotherapists are like warring clans. What are the prospects for a cultural rapprochement?

In some ways, research psychologists and psychotherapists are like warring clans. What are the prospects for a cultural rapprochement?

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Can Anything Good Come from Shaming Others?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on November 6, 2023

In some parts of the world, shaming is associated with psychological harm. In other parts of the world, shaming is seen as beneficial to society.

In some parts of the world, shaming is associated with psychological harm. In other parts of the world, shaming is seen as beneficial to society.

Mating

Why Men Say “I Love You” First

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on September 4, 2023

"Male confession bias" may be universal.

"Male confession bias" may be universal.

Consumer Behavior

Is There a Link Between Materialism and Nomophobia?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on July 26, 2023

A study of Gen Zers in four countries has identified an unexpected predictor of who does—and who does not—fear being without their smartphone.

A study of Gen Zers in four countries has identified an unexpected predictor of who does—and who does not—fear being without their smartphone.

Autism

Is Life Easier for Autistic People in Japan?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on July 7, 2023

Why Japanese society may provide an especially good cultural fit for some autism-related behaviors.

Why Japanese society may provide an especially good cultural fit for some autism-related behaviors.

Happiness

What’s More Important, Your Family's Happiness or Your Own?

Lawrence T. White Ph.D. on May 31, 2023

Researchers surveyed people in 49 cultures to assess the relative importance of personal happiness and family happiness. Surprisingly, they found the same result everywhere.

Researchers surveyed people in 49 cultures to assess the relative importance of personal happiness and family happiness. Surprisingly, they found the same result everywhere.