Latest news with #CurrentPsychology
Forbes
3 days ago
- General
- Forbes
3 Signs Of An Emotionally Mature Partner, By A Psychologist
Emotional maturity is an invaluable strength in a partner. Here's how to tell if they're truly ... More mature, in ways that serve your connection. The presence of an emotionally mature partner is often understated, but the impact is anything but. They're the ones who steady the ship, who stay soft when everything around them gets tough and who make emotional safety non-negotiable, irrespective of what relationship they're a part of, whether it's their family, friends or a partner. A new study published this January in Current Psychology investigated emotional maturity and mental health outcomes among a sample of over 200 university students. Researchers found that emotional maturity alone explained almost all of the variation in anxiety and depression levels, at 97% within the study model. Combined with effective communication skills, the cumulative effect was strongly predictive of improved mental health. This indicates that emotional maturity is not merely about getting through relationships. It's a key aspect of psychological resilience. Yet, emotional maturity doesn't necessarily arrive with age or time passing. It's cultivated by gaining self-awareness and then intentionally applying that awareness by taking accountability, responsibility and being present, even when it's hard, for yourself and others. So, how do you know if you're in a relationship with someone who is emotionally mature? Here are three unmistakable signs. 1. They Handle Emotions With Care Emotionally mature partners take good care of their own emotions and remain sensitive to yours. You feel safe around them. You can speak your thoughts out loud without the fear of being judged or belittled, and express when you're hurt without questioning whether it will be used against you. During an argument, they don't lash out or stonewall. They listen with curiosity instead of being defensive. They own their mistakes without blaming or feeling sorry for themselves. They use their words and actions thoughtfully and show up to understand rather than win against you. For instance, suppose you've said, 'I felt disregarded at the team dinner last night when you spent more time on your colleagues than with me.' An emotionally intelligent partner will not retort with, 'That's not the case, you're being overly dramatic.' Instead, they might pause for a second and then inquire, 'Can you help me see what made you feel that way?' They do not rush to defend themselves; instead, they take accountability where it's due and genuinely make an effort to be fully present for your feelings. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology investigated individuals' management of emotions within close relationships. Participants wrote about two emotional conflicts: one with a parent and one with a romantic partner. Researchers found that individuals scoring high in emotional intelligence employed strategies such as cognitive reappraisal — actively changing one's perspective on a situation to reduce its emotional impact. They also used selective emotional suppression — opting not to express certain emotions when maintaining the relationship was more crucial than venting the emotion at that moment. This emotional flexibility is a true sign of maturity. It's not bottling up emotions or conflict avoidance, but understanding when and how to convey feelings in a manner that adds to the relationship, rather than undermining it. 2. They Know How To Communicate And Connect Emotional maturity is not just reflected in how one handles emotions, but also in how one relates through them. Such partners communicate with purpose. They listen with compassion. And when necessary, they move towards the pain rather than away from it. A 2017 study published in Couple and Family Psychology investigated the use of romantic competence — a blend of emotional awareness, mutual respect and self-regulation — in developing intimacy. The authors determined that women's romantic competence impacted both partners' capacity for expressing positive emotions that support closeness. In men, romantic competence had a greater influence on their own capacity for emotionally relating to the relationship. When your partner is emotionally mature, communication feels like a two-way street. They don't simply wait for their turn to talk. They ask good questions. They take a moment before answering. And they don't interrupt challenging conversations with tension or deflection. Additionally, they don't interpret your boundaries as rejections. Rather, they interpret them as signposts to connection. They work with you, not over you. They know when to give you space and when to step in gently. They also don't weaponize people-pleasing. Emotionally mature people don't use kindness, agreeableness or self-sacrifice as tools of manipulation, whether consciously or unconsciously. They don't say yes just to avoid conflict and then hold resentment in silence. They don't agree with you to gain approval only to later withdraw, explode or guilt-trip. They aren't overly nice because they fear rejection or want control over how others view them, and they don't avoid honest conversations just to keep the peace because they know that isn't healthy. A mature partner also apologizes meaningfully — not because they wish the fight to cease, but because they wish to comprehend the rupture and avoid it in the future. They don't repeat phrases merely to ease tension. They pause to think and repair. Because for them, resolution isn't about stopping discomfort — it's about restoring trust. 3. They Are Consistent With Their Support Every Day A 2022 meta-analysis published in Personality and Individual Differences examined 90 effect sizes across 78 studies. Researchers found that emotional intelligence significantly predicted romantic relationship satisfaction. The more emotionally intelligent the partner, the more likely their partners were to report fulfilling, stable relationships. Emotionally mature partners are reliable in their emotional presence, not only when things go south, but in the little, everyday moments where real intimacy is established. They do the small things that make you happy, such as putting on your favorite song while driving or ordering your favorite meal before you request it. They pay attention when you are uncomfortable and respond accordingly, without looking for an invitation. Your well-being is important to them, not just as a duty, but as a priority. They are also aware of their own emotional boundaries. They don't always need you to hold them up or be their emotional anchor. When they need space, they make it explicitly clear and manage their inner world themselves. They don't project or punish; rather, they can manage their emotions. Their kindness is not conditional. It's not limited to only you or to when times are good. They show others the same respect they show you, even when your relationship becomes strained. Their character does not change with mood or situation. Emotional maturity breeds safety. And from safety, everything else grows — intimacy, trust and long-term joy. Being with someone emotionally mature doesn't mean your relationship will be free of fights, disagreements and misunderstandings. But it does mean that when there are problems, you'll solve them as a team. Curious how emotionally intelligent you are? Take this research-backed test to find out: Emotional Quotient Inventory
Sydney Morning Herald
10-06-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Gaming, smartphone addiction starts in primary school as daily screen times soar
Screen time among Australian primary schoolers has ballooned to six-and-a-half hours a day, according to new research that also finds one in ten students uses their smartphone at problematic levels. The study of students in years four to eight found that average daily screen time for junior high schoolers was nine hours a day. One in 25 of the students surveyed showed signs of clinical-level Internet Gaming Disorder, which a separate study has found was the most likely to lead to social and emotional problems. Brad Marshall, the researcher from Macquarie University and online safety company Ctrl+Shft who led the screen use study, said usage was higher than he expected. 'Gaming addiction and smartphone addiction start in primary school. This is not a year 10 to 12 phenomena,' Marshall said. Most previous measures of Australian students' screen time were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2017 study put daily usage at just over four hours for primary students and six hours for high school students. But the social shutdown led to increased screen use, and this study affirms fears that usage has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The research, led by academics at Macquarie University and published in the journal Current Psychology, was undertaken in 2023 and involved almost 2000 students from six independent schools. It asked them about their total screen time, and did not differentiate between recreational and educational use. Loading It identified that almost 10 per cent of the students surveyed – particularly girls – were at moderate to high risk of smartphone addiction, while one in 25, or 4 per cent – particularly boys – showed signs of clinical or subclinical gaming disorder. Those with high screen use experienced up to three times more negative developmental effects than their peers, findings which Marshall said should prompt a national conversation.
The Age
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Age
Gaming, smartphone addiction starts in primary school as daily screen times soar
Screen time among Australian primary schoolers has ballooned to six-and-a-half hours a day, according to new research that also finds one in ten students uses their smartphone at problematic levels. The study of students in years four to eight found that average daily screen time for junior high schoolers was nine hours a day. One in 25 of the students surveyed showed signs of clinical-level Internet Gaming Disorder, which a separate study has found was the most likely to lead to social and emotional problems. Brad Marshall, the researcher from Macquarie University and online safety company Ctrl+Shft who led the screen use study, said usage was higher than he expected. 'Gaming addiction and smartphone addiction start in primary school. This is not a year 10 to 12 phenomena,' Marshall said. Most previous measures of Australian students' screen time were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2017 study put daily usage at just over four hours for primary students and six hours for high school students. But the social shutdown led to increased screen use, and this study affirms fears that usage has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The research, led by academics at Macquarie University and published in the journal Current Psychology, was undertaken in 2023 and involved almost 2000 students from six independent schools. It asked them about their total screen time, and did not differentiate between recreational and educational use. Loading It identified that almost 10 per cent of the students surveyed – particularly girls – were at moderate to high risk of smartphone addiction, while one in 25, or 4 per cent – particularly boys – showed signs of clinical or subclinical gaming disorder. Those with high screen use experienced up to three times more negative developmental effects than their peers, findings which Marshall said should prompt a national conversation.
New York Post
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Excessive use of emojis in a text message reveals this about someone, study says
Your favorite emoji might reveal more about you than your therapist. According to a new study published in the journal Current Psychology from Oklahoma State University, your emoji habits might be a window into your soul — and not necessarily the pretty part. Researchers surveyed 285 undergraduates — mostly around 20 years old — asking how often they used 40 common symbols in texts and social media posts. Advertisement The goal? To match those digital doodads to personality traits. Pay attention to your emoji use, and it'll reveal a lot about your personality. Shutterstock For guys, heavy emoji use revealed manipulative behavior and emotional roller-coaster vibes. Ladies weren't off the hook either. Advertisement Their carefully thought-out use of emojis correlated with their self-image and a desire to manage how others perceive them. Apparently, women want to come off as agreeable and open, so they throw in a bunch of emojis in a text or social media post to be perceived this way. 'Emoji use may be related to strategies to manipulate the perceptions of others and to present a positive impression of oneself,' the researchers said. And if you're a parent? You may find the meanings behind your child's emoji usage more surprising than you'd expect. Advertisement Researchers examined how frequently they used 40 common symbols in text messages and social media posts. AP Last month, Amit Kalley, founder of the organization For Working Parents, issued a warning to families about the hidden meanings behind certain smartphone emojis, which he claimed could be used by children to communicate potentially 'sinister' messages. 'The unregulated internet can be very dangerous for our children,' Kalley wrote on Instagram. According to Kalley's 'periodic table of emojis,' there are double meanings to seemingly innocent emojis that could be used by teens to send secretive messages. Advertisement For instance, cocaine is often represented by emojis such as a snowflake, 8-ball, or snowman; marijuana by a tree, leaf, or branch; MDMA by the money bill emoji; ketamine by a horse; and psychedelic mushrooms by the red mushroom icon. While some emoji meanings are straightforward — like the gun or knife for weapons and the smiley with X's for death — others require more explanation. 'Incel' can be represented by the apple, bean, bill, or '100' emoji, while 'Neo-Nazi' is symbolized by the hedgehog, lightning bolt, or the numbers 1488. 'Anti-woman' can be conveyed with the ghost, goblin, or monster emojis. 'It's far from an exhaustive list, but it's based on common emojis used to say something very different to what you'd think,' Kalley explained on the social media platform.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
What your emoji use says about you as study reveals psychological traits
The use of emojis has become a universal language for everyone, but the use of the digital hieroglyphics could reveal more deeper indications of your personality While you may think sending an innocent smiley face or a thumbs up is harmless, studies show the real meaning behind emoji language. A recent study has revealed the true personality traits of emoji users, and what your chosen smiley face says about you. The little icons have been around since 1999 and have become a universal language across the globe. You may think putting a thumbs up might mean you agree, putting a sunglasses emoji may signify coolness to your message, or adding a smiley face adds affability, but you may be wrong and, in fact, could be showing traits of narcissism. Emojis have encapsulated every aspect of human language. From a quick text to a corporate email, they are used in all day-to-day life. But now psychologists have delved deeper into the true meaning of what is really behind the digital hieroglyphics—and the results are pretty interesting. Experts have found that a person's emoji habits can disclose more than they intend. In one study where 285 university students were surveyed with an average of about 20, asking about their use of 40 symbols. As reported by The Times, the participants also completed questionnaires designed to reveal their personality traits. The results showed that among men, heavy emoji use was linked to Machiavellian tendencies and neuroticism, characteristics associated with manipulativeness and mood swings. For women, a fondness for emojis was tied to narcissism, said the new research, which has been published in the journal Current Psychology. So to break this down, men who heavily use emoji's may be trying to manipulate you to follow their unpredictability or to control you in an erratic or self-serving way. While a woman, who may be hammering the heart emoji in every message, is trying to improve her public image or representation, making her appear more appealing. Women who use emojis may put more thought into it to craft the way they are perceived to make themselves come across friendlier or more positively. It could also be down to women using social media and text messages more, but there was a small number of emojis that were used more by men which included the "pile of poop", the "exploding head" and the "face screaming in fear". According to previous studies, it was found that those who were more introverted would use emojis more frequently, but new research published in the journal Current Psychology found that among both males and females, extroverts were the most enthusiastic users. Another paper, published in 2019, found that students were far more likely to respond well to a task from an academic who used emojis, but in 2018, a survey suggested that more than a third of British adults believed that emojis were to blame for the deterioration of the English language. So next time you add a wink emoji, a face palm emoji or even a fire emoji, it may not be giving the true message you initially thought.
