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Articles by Karen Wu Ph.D
Is Paler Considered Prettier for Asian Americans?
Source: cottonbro studios/Pexels Colorism is pervasive in the U.S. and has negative effects on the income, education, quality of life, and relationships of many darker-skinned individuals (for an overview, see Wu & Chen, 2025). However, many people are unaware of their own prejudice when it comes to skin tone. In addition, most studies on colorism have been conducted on Black or Latinx Americans.
Are Extraverts Less Intelligent?
Source: 0fjd125gk87 / pixabay Are extraverts less intelligent than introverts, or is the opposite true? According to researchers, introversion-extraversion may affect performance on intelligence tests. Eysenck’s arousal theory (1994) proposes that introverts arouse more easily and therefore are less risk-taking than extraverts, which in turn affects test-taking behaviors. Whereas introverts work more slowly for accuracy, extraverts work more quickly and make more mistakes on intelligence tests.
4 Types of Weight Stigma that Pregnant Women Experience
Pregnancy is a challenging time when women must cope with rapid changes to their bodies. Yet, most pregnant women experience weight stigma, or shaming from others regarding their weight. Aside from causing mental distress, these criticisms may negatively affect women’s physical health, for instance, by causing disordered eating or avoidance of healthcare settings. Unfortunately, pregnant women most often experience weight stigma from close others, which may be especially harmful.
8 Common Experiences of Ghostees, According to Research - Karen Wu Ph.d
In my prior blog, I wrote about the experience of ghosters, or those who ghost others. But what is it like to be ghosted? Currently, ghosting is a very common experience in both romantic and platonic settings. Recent research suggests that over half of young adults have been ghosted by a romantic partner or interest, and a similar proportion have been ghosted by friends. However, most research on ghosting focuses on the former experience—ghosting within romantic (and typically digital) contexts.
Why Some Men Experience Pregnancy Symptoms
Researchers examined the physiological mechanisms for Couvade syndrome among expectant couples. Men and women showed similar shifts in hormones throughout pregnancy. Couvade syndrome may help prepare men for infant care and may reflect a close bond within couples. Curiously, many men report pregnancy symptoms alongside their female partners, often mirroring their partner’s experiences of nausea, fatigue, pain, appetite changes, and weight gain.
Why Some Men Experience Pregnancy Symptoms - Karen Wu Ph.d
Aa Aa Aa - A + Curiously, many men report pregnancy symptoms alongside their female partners, often mirroring their partner’s experiences of nausea, fatigue, pain, appetite changes, and weight gain. This phenomenon, termed Couvade syndrome, is the most common in cultures where men spend more time caring for infants and where couple intimacy is high. But why do men experience these symptoms? Storey et al.
14 Common Experiences of Femcels, According to Research - Karen Wu Ph.d
While much research has been conducted on incels, little is known about the less visible community of femcels, or women who identify as involuntarily celibate. In one of the first empirical studies of femcels, Evans and Lankford (2023) analyzed online discussion posts on ThePinkPill.co, a femcel-created community that broadened to encompass broader pink pill ideologies, which emphasize the misogyny faced by women, particularly those who are unattractive.
13 Surprising Reasons for Early Menarche
Source: Engin_Akyurt / pixabay Girls are menstruating earlier and earlier. From 1840 to the 1990s, the age of menarche (the onset of menstruation) in developed countries fell from 16.5 to 13 years of age. Better nutrition is one obvious (and positive) reason for earlier menarche; however, some other causes are pernicious. Below are 12 surprising reasons for early menarche. Plastics.
13 Surprising Reasons for Early Menarche - Karen Wu Ph.d
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9 Ways the Pandemic May Have Led to Precocious Puberty - Karen Wu Ph.d
Aa Aa Aa - A + The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted people’s lives in many irreversible ways. One of the lesser-known effects was precocious puberty among children. Precocious puberty occurs when children develop secondary sex characteristics at an extremely early age, that is, before age 8 for girls and age 9 for boys.
Why Pets Don’t Always Make Us Happier
Research is mixed on whether pets make people happier. Therefore, researchers examined the role of pet and owner characteristics on well-being during the pandemic. Findings generally indicated no association between pet ownership and well-being. Furthermore, pet and owner characteristics did not matter. Source: Optimusius1 / pixabay People often claim that their pets make them happier, but is this really the case? The research results are mixed.
8 Common Experiences of Ghosters
Most of us can recall a painful experience of being ghosted. However, it is likely that we have been on the other side as well, as a ghoster. Ghosting is now a normal aspect of our social lives. In prior research, nearly two-thirds of young adults reported ghosting a romantic partner or interest and nearly three-fourth reported being ghosted. However, ghosting has mostly been studied from the perspective of the ghostee. Less is known about how people experience the act of ghosting others.
9 Scientific Explanations for Why Masks Enhance Our Beauty
Source: onderortel /pixabay As the pandemic rages on, masking mandates in the United States have loosened dramatically. Many Americans no longer wear masks, citing reasons such as inconvenience, discomfort, and cost. A recent study by Cha et al. (2023) presented another reason — the belief that masks reduce one’s physical attractiveness. In this study, people who rated themselves as better looking were less willing to wear a mask.
How to Feel Less Lonely
How to Feel Less Lonely Simple acts of kindness can make a person feel happier and less lonely, plus other science-backed strategies.
How Do Femcels and Incels Differ?
Can women be involuntarily celibate? The recent movement of "femcels," or women who struggle with finding sexual partners, would suggest so. Although the original "incel" community was founded in 1997 as an inclusive environment for lonely people of any gender, the community shifted to be all but exclusively male and has unfortunately been connected with hatred and violence towards women, including several mass killings.
12 Ways That Hoarders Differ From Collectors
Key points Hoarding is now officially recognized as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Researchers sought to differentiate healthy collecting behavior and hoarding through interviews and surveys. 12 main differences were identified, indicating that hoarding and collecting are distinct. In the United States, homes have become much bigger despite the drop in birthrate and household size.
Why We Love Our Cats
There are many temptations to organize our life around the experience of earlier trauma. But that may short-change the future—which starts by our envisioning something better.
Why We Love Cats
There are many temptations to organize our life around the experience of earlier trauma. But that may short-change the future—which starts by our envisioning something better.
The pandemic caused huge shifts in behavior around the world. People were no longer able to engage in day-to-day activities that brought meaning to their lives, like spending time with family and friends, socializing, working, and traveling. Alongside these shifts came psychological changes, including changes in life goals and core values. In the first study of its kind, Daniel et al. (2022) conducted a large longitudinal study to investigate how personal values changed during the pandemic.
9 Reasons Couples Can Look Like Siblings
Most of us have marveled at the uncanny resemblance between a couple. While sometimes famous couples look alike (e.g., Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, or Vincent Kartheiser and Alexis Bledel), many times the couples in question are friends, acquaintances, or random strangers. This phenomenon has gained so much attention that people now play “Siblings or Dating” games on various social media channels including Instagram, Reddit, and YouTube.
Why Your Cat Will Always Be Your Baby, According to Science
Despite 12,000 years of evolution alongside humans, cats are still largely capable of finding their own food and shelter Source: Photo by Karen Wu The term “fur baby” is now widespread as people increasingly use their cats, dogs, and other pets as substitutes for human babies. No matter the age of our pets, they still seem like our little babies. This phenomenon is especially curious when it comes to cats.
Are Fertile Women Really More Attractive to Men?
Past laboratory studies have found that women dress in more fashionable and revealing clothing when they are more fertile Source: Gromovataya / Pixabay The human menstrual cycle is mysterious. While physical effects of the menstrual cycle are well-documented, its social effects are still debated. Some research suggests that women’s ovulation can be detected by others through changes in women’s behavior, looks, and body scent (Haselton & Gildersleeve, 2011).
Top 17 Fears of New Fathers During Pregnancy
Many men experience clinical levels of anxiety while awaiting a new child Source: PublicDomainPictures / pixabay Bringing a new life into the world is arguably one of the scariest and most exciting things that a person could do. It should come to no surprise then that a significant proportion of men and women experience clinical levels of anxiety while awaiting the arrival of a new child.
3 Reasons People Don't Adopt Black Cats
Black cats (kittens included) take longer to be adopted at shelters Source: nhudaibnumukhtar / pixabay The fur color of a cat plays a significant role in its fate. Statistics indicate that black cats take longer to be adopted than cats of other colors. For example, in a study of shelters in Colorado, solid black cats took an average of 26.55 days (SD = 25.09) to be adopted compared to 20.64 days (SD = 21.02) for their non-black counterparts.
Are You a Cat Person?
Why Orange Cats Are Special By Karen Wu Ph.D. These male cats may enjoy greater social status. The Feline-Human Relationship By Marc Bekoff Ph.D. A new book by cat expert Sarah Brown explores how cats fit into human society.
Why Orange Cats Are Special, According to Science
Cat owners report that orange cats are friendlier Source: Hans/Pixabay Orange cats are thought to be the friendliest of all cats, but is this just a myth? Self-report surveys indeed suggest that orange cats are more affectionate. This finding, however, could be a result of confirmation bias or a self-fulfilling prophecy, with cat owners looking to support their own stereotypes. Yet, there are other plausible reasons for why orange cats may be more affectionate.
Why Orange Cats Are So Special, According to Science
Cat owners report that orange cats are friendlier Source: Hans/Pixabay Orange cats are thought to be the friendliest of all cats, but is this just a myth? Self-report surveys indeed suggest that orange cats are more affectionate. This finding, however, could be a result of confirmation bias or a self-fulfilling prophecy, with cat owners looking to support their own stereotypes. Yet, there are other plausible reasons for why orange cats may be more affectionate.
What a Cat’s Personality Says about Their Owner
Recent research suggests that cats may not be as cold and aloof as many of us think, and that they may in fact bond with their owners like a child bonds with their parents. Therefore, just like a child’s personality is impacted by their parent’s personality, a cat’s personality may be impacted by their owner. Finka et al. (2019) conducted a study to examine this possibility. Finka et al.
What a Cat’s Personality Says About Their Owner
Recent research suggests that cats may not be as cold and aloof as many of us think, and that they may in fact bond with their owners like a child bonds with their parents. Therefore, just like a child’s personality is impacted by their parent’s personality, a cat’s personality may be impacted by their owner. Finka et al. (2019) conducted a study to examine this possibility. Finka et al.
Idealization Is Unnecessary in Romantic Relationships
Should we look at our partners through rose-colored glasses? Source: Nitin Dhumal Pixabay These days, it is often expected for couples to idealize each other. People may believe that their partner’s overly optimistic views of them will help to build their confidence or will shape them into a better person. Or, they may believe that these views are indicative of a healthy relationship.
Cat Breeds and their Personalities According to Science
Does nurture or nature matter more when it comes to a cat’s personality? Source: Skitterphoto/pixabay Does nurture or nature matter more when it comes to a cat’s personality? While many people claim that cat breeds are different in their personality, there is currently little research in the area.
13 Ways to Enrich an Indoor Cat’s Life According to Science
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats living in suburban and urban areas should be kept indoors or enclosed outdoors given the numerous dangers of a free-roaming outdoor life. Free-roaming outdoor cats are vulnerable to cars, attacks from other animals, animal abuse, poison, traps, poor weather, and infectious disease. In addition, cats may negatively affect the existing ecosystem of the environment through their hunting.
Why Racism is Rampant during the Coronavirus Pandemic
In a time when we might expect people to come together in unity, hate crimes are increasingly common. The Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council currently receives almost 100 reports per day of hate crimes against Asian Americans on their website Stop AAPI Hate. Most of these crimes involve “verbal harassment” or “shunning” and are centered on the victim’s race/ethnicity or on their face masks (which ironically is worn to protect others). Women are disproportionately targeted.
Is There a Link Between Disease and Racism?
In a time when we might expect people to come together in unity, stories of racial animosity are increasingly common. The Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council currently receives almost 100 reports per day of hate crimes against Asian Americans on their website Stop AAPI Hate. Most of these crimes involve “verbal harassment” or “shunning” and are centered on the victim’s race/ethnicity or on their face masks (which, ironically, are worn to protect others). Women are disproportionately targeted.
11 Reasons People Adopt Health Behaviors During Pandemics
Why do some people follow protective behaviors during pandemics, while others defy them? Source: coyot - pixabay At this moment, the world seems polarized. While some people are locking themselves in their homes with weeks of food and supplies, others are partying on beaches with their friends. Why do some people follow protective behaviors during pandemics, while others defy them? Behaviors during the 2009 swine flu (H1N1) pandemic and the 2002 SARS pandemic may give us some clues.
Research Suggests that Envy Leads to Antisocial Behaviors
Can envy cause antisocial behaviors? Source: nastya_gepp/pixabay While jealousy is referred to as the “green-eyed monster” , envy is often seen as its tamer, more innocent counterpart. Therefore, there has been relatively little research on the consequences of envy. Existing studies suggest that envy is linked to lower personal well-being, however, little research has investigated the interpersonal consequences of envy (Behler, Wall, Bos, & Green, 2020). Behler et al.
Does Envy Lead to Antisocial Behaviors?
Can envy cause antisocial behaviors? Source: Nastya_gepp/Pixabay While jealousy is referred to as the “green-eyed monster,” envy is often seen as its tamer, more innocent counterpart. Therefore, there has been relatively little research on the consequences of envy. Existing studies suggest that envy is linked to lower personal well-being, however, little research has investigated the interpersonal consequences of envy (Behler, Wall, Bos, & Green, 2020). Behler et al.
Do Attractive Social Media Profiles Hinder Commitment?
Attractive alternatives on social media may pose a threat to relationship commitment. Source: geralt / pixabay In the age of social media, relationship threats loom far and wide. They are no longer just the cute neighbor, the attractive coworker, or the old flame, but instead the thousands of carefully curated Instagram profiles that showcase a perfect body and an exciting lifestyle. What consequences might these expanded “options” have on an individual’s relationship?
Status Boosts Men’s Attraction to Beautiful Women
Several studies have indicated that high status women may be less appealing to men than their low status counterparts, perhaps because their status violates traditional gender norms. For example, Grietemeyer (2007) found that well-educated women with high incomes were seen by men as “less likable, less faithful, and ultimately less desirable” (p. 2). However, other studies indicate that status may at times make no difference in women’s appeal.
Daddy Issues and Dark Triad Predict Sexual Attention Seeking
Paternal bonding and the dark triad may underlie the phenomenon of sexy selfies Source: 366308/Pixabay Can sexy selfies be traced back to “daddy issues” and dark triad traits?
5 Reasons Men Choose to be Childfree
Both men and women face stigma for being childfree Source: Pexels/Pixabay Childfree communities abound in a time when choosing not to have a child (hence, the term childfree rather than childless) is still frowned down upon. Recent research indicates that college students not only perceive childfree men and women as less fulfilled, but also see them as more immoral in comparison to their counterparts who have children.
Slaves to a Material World
Materialism=Happiness? By Arash Emamzadeh What makes you happy may depend on your social class. Roots of Ownership By Abigail Fagan What is behind that drive to consume? What the Cost of a Wedding Means By Karen Wu Ph.D. How are wedding expenses related to marriage longevity? Driven to Buy More By Regan A. R. Gurung Ph.D. Feel the urge to splurge on the latest fads, gadgets, or products? Here's why
The Hidden Power of a Family-Style Meal
In individualistic cultures, people are less likely to share a plate Source: vivienviv0/pixabay As the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, I grew up on family-style meals. Eating out at Western restaurants (aside from fast food chains) was a special treat. At home we would eat from shared dishes, using chopsticks to carefully transfer portions to our plates. At restaurants, it was the same. We’d often sit at large round tables that held 10-20 people at a time, spinning the Lazy Susan to get our share.
What Your Wedding Spending Says About Your Marriage
The average cost of a wedding in the US is almost $35K Source: Pexels/Pixabay As I embarked on my own wedding planning this summer, I became intrigued by the differences in what a couple could spend on their wedding. On Reddit, which I often frequent, I was exposed to what I thought were tiny budgets of a few thousand.
No Need to Play Dumb: Smart Women are Welcome on Tinder
A new study on Tinder shows that men do not reject more educated women. Posted Jul 28, 2019 Previous research indicates that smarter or more educated women may face penalties in the dating market. Source: Pixabay/Pexels Is smart sexy? Past studies have indicated that while brains boost men’s attractiveness, they can be detrimental to a woman’s allure. However, a new study indicates that on Tinder, men are not deterred by a woman’s intelligence.
5 Reasons Why Social Pain Is Real
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Many of us grew up chanting these words as others—our classmates, siblings, or bullies—taunted us. As children, we were told to suck it up when we felt hurt or excluded. “It’s all in your head,” grown-ups would say. Or, “If you ignore it, it will go away.” This time, the grown-ups were wrong. Source: Cocoparisienne/Pixabay In the past decade, researchers have discovered that social pain is very real.
10 Surprising Ways to Spot a Narcissist on Social Media
On TV, they are easy to spot. Characters like Dr. House captivate the audience with their arrogance, charisma, brilliance…and narcissism. While our attraction to narcissism may be harmless in a fictional setting, it has negative consequences in real life. By the time that we discover a narcissist’s façade, it is likely too late. We may have already started dating (and perhaps even loving) the narcissist. Luckily, social media makes spotting a narcissist much easier.
4 Reasons Why Baby Talk is Good for Couples
Is baby talk good for a romantic relationship? Source: jambulboy/pixabay Baby talk triggers mixed emotions in people. Baby talking towards babies or pets seems perfectly appropriate to most observers. Meanwhile, baby talking among grown adults may evoke disgust. Accordingly, in 2009, Saturday Night Live ridiculed baby talk with the skit “Girlfriend Voice”. Yet, more recently, a speech pattern dubbed “sexy baby voice” has taken over the US.
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