Social Sciences

Genetically Diverse Crowds are Wiser

7 August, 2024

New study demonstrates that genetically diverse groups make more accurate collective judgments than genetically homogeneous groups, providing the first empirical evidence of genetic diversity's role in enhancing collective intelligence. This finding is crucial as it suggests that genetic diversity can significantly improve group decision-making processes, which has profound implications for organizational management, innovation, and our understanding of biodiversity's role in adaptation and resilience

A new study led by Dr. Meir Barneron from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that genetically diverse groups make more accurate collective judgments compared to genetically homogeneous groups. This research, published in Personality and Individual Differences, provides new insights into the origins of the ‘wisdom of crowds’ phenomenon, emphasizing the role of genetic diversity in enhancing collective intelligence.

Past studies have suggested that combining individual judgments can improve accuracy, especially when individuals differ in background, education, and demography.

However, Dr. Barneron's research takes this a step further by proposing that genetic diversity itself contributes significantly to the accuracy of combined judgments.

The study involved 602 identical and fraternal twins, who participated by making numerical judgments in pairs. These pairs consisted either of co-twins (related pairs) or non-related individuals (unrelated pairs). The results revealed that judgments made by unrelated (i.e., heterogenous) pairs were more accurate than those made by related (i.e., homogeneous) pairs. Theoretically, however, this finding could emerge either from environmental or genetic factors.

In order to distinguish between environmental and genetic factors, the study compares the performance of related and unrelated pairs, separately among identical and fraternal twins. This comparison is relevant as genetic influences make identical twins more similar to one another compared to fraternal twins because the former share virtually 100 percent of their genetic variance, whereas fraternal twins share, on average, 50 percent of the genetic variance.

The findings revealed that the superior performance of unrelated versus related pairs was evident for the identical twins. This underscores the impact of genetic relatedness on collective judgment.

Dr. Barneron's research is the first empirical demonstration of the benefits of genetic diversity for collective judgments. The findings suggest that genetic diversity enhances the collective cognitive abilities of groups, providing a deeper understanding of how diverse crowds can achieve wiser outcomes. By uniquely highlighting the genetic aspect, this research adds a new dimension to the ‘wisdom of crowds’ phenomenon.

"These findings highlight the significant impact genetic diversity can have on collective decision-making, underscoring the importance of embracing diversity in all its forms to enhance our cognitive abilities and tackle complex challenges more effectively." - Dr. Meir Barneron, Hebrew University

Utilizing a sample of identical and fraternal twins, the study effectively isolates genetic diversity, allowing for a clear comparison between genetically homogeneous and heterogeneous groups, and providing robust evidence for the hypothesis. This empirical evidence supports the broader theory that diversity enhances decision-making, with significant implications for organizational management. It suggests that diverse teams may be better equipped to tackle complex problems and innovate effectively.

Moreover, the research contributes to our understanding of genetic diversity as a fundamental aspect of biodiversity, highlighting its crucial role in adaptation, resilience, and the long-term survival of populations in the face of environmental changes.

The research paper titled “Genetically-diverse crowds are wiser” is now available at Personality and Individual Differences and can be accessed at https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/personality-and-individual-differences

Researchers:

Meir Barneron^a, Ilan Yaniv^b, Lior Abramson^{b c}, Ariel Knafo-Noam^b

Institution:

Seymour Fox School of Education, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Department of Psychology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, United States

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 86th according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en

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Names May Shape Facial Appearance Over Time New Study Suggests

29 July, 2024

A new study reveals that a person’s name may influence their facial appearance over time. Using human perception tests and machine learning, the research found that adults’ faces can be matched to their names more accurately than chance. However, this effect is not found in children’s faces, suggesting that face-name congruence develops as individuals age rather than being present from birth. This "self-fulfilling prophecy" highlights how social expectations can subtly shape physical appearance. The findings have implications for psychology, sociology, and artificial intelligence, demonstrating the interaction between social factors and identity formation.

The debate about the meaning of stereotypes is longstanding. Do they carry an inherent, hereditary factor, where, for example, boys and girls differ biologically, or is it the influence of social expectations? While the effects of heredity are relatively straightforward to measure, isolating and empirically measuring the impact of the environment is much more challenging. A new study led by Prof. Ruth Mayo at the Hebrew University, together with Dr. Yonat Zwebner, Dr. Moses Miller, Prof. Jacob Goldenberg of Reichman University's Arison School of Business, and Noa Grobgeld from the Hebrew University, has made a groundbreaking achievement by demonstrating the significant impact of social structuring. It was found that this influence is so powerful that it can even change a person's facial appearance.

The study has uncovered intriguing evidence that a person's name may influence their facial appearance as they age. This research, which combines human perception tests and advanced machine learning techniques, offers new insights into the complex interplay between social expectations and self-identity development.

Building on previous findings that adults' faces can be matched to their names at above-chance levels, Prof. Mayo's team sought to determine whether this face-name congruence is present from birth or develops over time.

Key findings include:

Both adults and children could accurately match adult faces to their names above chance levels.
Neither adults nor children could match children's faces to their names above chance levels.
Machine learning algorithms found greater similarity between facial representations of adults sharing the same name compared to those with different names.
This name-based facial similarity was not observed among children.
Artificially aged images of children's faces did not exhibit the face-name matching effect seen in actual adult faces.

"These results suggest that the congruence between facial appearance and names is not innate, but rather develops as individuals mature," explains Prof. Mayo. "It appears that people may alter their appearance over time to conform to cultural expectations associated with their name."

This "self-fulfilling prophecy" highlights the profound impact that social factors have. The study suggests that even seemingly arbitrary social tags like names can shape our appearance in subtle yet measurable ways.

The research raises fascinating questions about identity formation and the long-term effects of social expectations on individual development.

Prof. Mayo emphasizes that further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this face-name matching effect and its broader implications. However, this study represents a significant step forward in understanding how social factors shape who we become.

The research paper titled “Can names shape facial appearance” is now available in PNAS and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2405334121.

Researchers:

Yonat Zwebner¹, Moses Miller², Noa Grobgeld³, Jacob Goldenberg^1,4, Ruth Mayo⁵

Institution:

Marketing Department, Arison School of Business, Reichman University
Data Science Department, Arison School of Business, Reichman University
Clinical Child and Educational Psychology, The Seymour Fox School of Education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Marketing Department, Columbia Business School, Columbia University
Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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The Secrets Behind Zelensky's Appeal

25 July, 2024

A recent study underscores the significant impact of personality and media representation in international relations, providing valuable insights for leaders aiming to garner global support through strategic communication. The findings reveal that highlighting Ukrainian President Zelensky's communal traits, such as warmth and morality, markedly boosts global empathy and support for Ukrainian citizens.

A new study conducted by Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen from the Department of Communication and Journalism, alongside Nitzan Attias and Prof. Eran Halperin from the Department of Psychology at the Hebrew University, reveals that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's communal personality traits significantly increase empathy and pro-social behaviors towards Ukrainian citizens amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The research, which aimed to explore how national leaders can leverage their personality traits to influence public opinion and garner support beyond their borders, found that emphasizing Zelensky's communal traits such as warmth and morality led to increased empathy, willingness to help, and actual monetary donations for Ukrainians. The study was conducted through two experimental studies in Israel and the United States, providing robust evidence of the impact of personality traits on global perceptions and actions.

Since the onset of the Russian invasion in early 2022, President Zelensky has become a prominent figure on the world stage. His appeals to both world leaders and ordinary citizens have been pivotal in maintaining international support for Ukraine. Zelensky's frequent updates on social media and direct communications have aimed to elicit empathy and support from the global community.

"This study delves into the psychological mechanisms behind these efforts, revealing the power of communal traits in fostering empathy and pro-social behavior," said Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen. "Our findings have profound implications for understanding how national leaders can shape global public opinion and mobilize support. By highlighting communal traits, leaders can potentially overcome psychological barriers and foster a sense of connection and responsibility among international audiences."

This study underscores the critical role of personality in international relations, offering valuable insights for leaders seeking to galvanize global support for their nations. It also highlights the importance of media representation in shaping perceptions of foreign leaders. By focusing on communal traits, media outlets can enhance empathy and support for populations in conflict zones. These findings have significant implications for international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, suggesting that strategic communication can be a powerful tool in mobilizing global assistance.

These findings offer a hopeful perspective on the power of empathy and the role of leadership in fostering global solidarity. The research underscores the potential for leaders to influence public opinion and drive positive action through the strategic emphasis of their personality traits.

The research paper titled “The Warm War: The Effect of Ukrainian President’s Communal Personality Traits on Empathy and Pro-Social Behavior towards the Ukrainians” is now available in Journal of Conflict Resolution and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1177/00220027241258379.

Researchers:

Meital Balmas¹, Nitzan Attias², and Eran Halperin²

Institutions:

Department of Communication and Journalism, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Department of Psychology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Foto credit: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP

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Tobacco industry is specifically targeting Arab and Ultra-Orthodox news media in Israel

17 July, 2024

A recent study revealed that there are significant disparities in how Philip Morris International's IQOS heated tobacco product is portrayed in newspapers and other media aimed at different demographic groups in Israel. Specifically, news media targeted at Israel's Arab population tends to present IQOS more positively and is more likely to include misinformation regarding its safety, social benefits, and accessibility, often relying on PMI as a primary information source. This contrasts with the portrayal in mainstream media and media aimed at the general public. These differences suggest potential biases which may influence consumer perceptions and behaviors regarding tobacco products.

A recent research initiative led by Doctoral candidate Amal Khayat, Prof. Hagai Levine and Prof. Yael Bar-Zeev from the Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the Hebrew University-Hadassah, together with Prof. Carla Berg, Prof. Lorien Abroms and Dr. Yan Wang from George Washington University has uncovered significant disparities in the portrayal of Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS, a prominent heated tobacco product, among minority groups in Israel.

The research, published in Tobacco Control, found distinct differences in how Arab and Ultra-Orthodox media depict IQOS compared to the mainstream media. Arab media, in particular, tended to present IQOS more positively, and more likely to spread misinformation regarding its safety and social benefits, and frequently relying on PMI as a primary information source. Moreover, Arab media articles emphasized the accessibility of IQOS retail locations, mimicking advertisement.

PMI’s IQOS ranks as the top heated tobacco product globally and was introduced in Israel in 2016. Notably, advertising for all tobacco products, including IQOS, is prohibited in Israel except in print media. However, the study suggests that news media may serve as an alternative advertising channel, circumventing these advertising restrictions.

The favorable depictions of IQOS and PMI in media articles can significantly influence consumer perceptions and behaviors. While paid advertisements are known to target specific demographics, the impact of "earned" media such as news articles on these groups remains less clear.

Methodologically, the study analyzed media articles from January to October 2020 from Ifat media, utilizing abductive coding techniques. Statistical tests were employed to compare article characteristics across different subpopulations (Arab, Ultra-Orthodox Jews, and the general public). The analysis focused on understanding how IQOS and PMI were framed in the media to assess the tone and content of coverage.

The findings, based on 63 unique articles, revealed significant biases in media targeting of different subpopulations. Specifically, articles directed at Arabs and Ultra-Orthodox Jews portrayed IQOS more positively compared to those aimed at the general public—100% and 75% versus 52%, respectively. Arab media notably emphasized IQOS accessibility (81% versus 17% and 13%) and its social benefits (88% versus 8% and 17%) more prominently. Furthermore, 100% of articles in the Arab media reflected content from the tobacco company press release, compared to 35% in the general public media.

Prof. Levine, senior author: "The study underscores the critical need for rigorous media surveillance and regulatory measures, especially in media outlets targeting minority populations, to ensure fair and balanced reporting. The positive framing of IQOS in minority-targeted media highlights the potential influence of targeted marketing on public perceptions and tobacco product usage across diverse demographics. Minority populations in Israel, and likely in other countries, are not protected from the manipulative vicious marketing strategies of the tobacco industry, corrupting media outlets".

Amal Khayat, lead author: "We recommend enhanced media surveillance and regulation, particularly in minority-oriented media, to ensure accurate reporting on tobacco products. Understanding how different subpopulations, such as the Arab minority in Israel, perceive tobacco-related information can guide regulatory interventions to counteract potential misinformation and prevent disparities in tobacco-related behaviors. Our study also calls attention to the use of news media as an alternative marketing channel by tobacco companies in regions with advertising bans, advocating for measures to protect public health and mitigate the promotion of potentially harmful products."

The research paper titled “IQOS news media coverage in Israel: a comparison across three subpopulations” is now available in Tobacco Control and can be accessed at 10.1136/tc-2023-058422.

Researchers:

Amal Khayat¹, Yael Bar-Zeev¹, Yechiel Kaufman¹, Carla J. Berg², Lorien C. Abroms², Zongshuan Duan³, Cassidy R. LoParco², Yan Wang², Yuxian Cui², Hagai Levine¹

Institutions:

Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Hadassah Medical Center
Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University
Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University

Funding

This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (RO1CA239178-01-A1; MPIs: CJB, HL)

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's premier academic and research institution. Serving over 23,000 students from 80 countries, the University produces nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and has received over 11,000 patents. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.

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Beyond Algorithms: The Role of Human Empathy in AI-Enhanced Therapy

15 July, 2024

A new study at Hebrew University explored the balance between AI and human therapists in mental health therapy, focusing on the role of empathy. The researchers propose a hybrid model where AI supports therapeutic processes without replacing the crucial human elements of empathy and emotional engagement. The study calls for further investigation into how AI can enhance therapy while ensuring genuine human connections are maintained.

A new study by researchers from the Psychology Department at the Hebrew University published in JMIR Ment Health have made significant strides in understanding the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health therapy. Their research focuses on the delicate balance between AI-driven interactions and the irreplaceable human touch in therapeutic settings, addressing critical questions about when AI might effectively replace human therapists and when the human connection remains indispensable.

Led by Prof. Anat Perry, the team has carefully defined various aspects of empathy, comparing the empathic capabilities of humans and AI. In the current JMIR paper, the authors delve into how AI versus human capabilities align with the therapeutic needs, considering both the methodologies employed in therapeutic settings and the individual goals of patients. The study emphasizes the nuanced role of empathy in therapy, underscoring that while AI can simulate empathic interactions and sometimes even create the impression of understanding beyond human capabilities, it lacks the ability to genuinely connect on an emotional level, and crucially to genuinely care.

Prof. Perry highlights the core of their findings, stating, "While AI can provide responses that seem empathically correct, true empathy involves an emotional engagement, and signalling of genuine care, that AI simply does not have. Our study seeks to explore this boundary to better understand when AI can be beneficial in therapy and when it cannot."

The research proposes a novel hybrid therapeutic model where AI supports but does not replace human therapists. This model suggests that AI could effectively handle tasks such as initial patient intake and routine evaluations, and even assist in certain treatment modalities. However, it crucially maintains that human therapists should be involved in situations where deep empathy and compassion are required, ensuring that the therapy remains grounded in genuine human interaction.

This study aligns with emerging trends in the field of mental health therapy, where technology is increasingly integrated into traditional therapeutic practices. Existing models, such as those combining cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with AI-driven tools, have shown promise in enhancing accessibility and efficiency of therapy. For instance, AI applications can offer real-time feedback and personalized recommendations, complementing the therapist's role and enabling more effective treatment plans.

Though much of the research remains theoretical, it raises empirical questions that are vital for the future of mental health therapy. The team calls on both industry professionals developing AI applications for mental health and academic researchers to consider these insights and the importance of maintaining human elements in therapy.

These theoretical opinion papers serve as a crucial reminder of the need to carefully evaluate the use of AI in mental health therapies, balancing technological innovations with the essential human connections that form the backbone of effective therapeutic relationships.

This is Perry’s third paper on the topic, following an influential Correspondence piece in Nature Human Behaviour last year (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01675-w), and a Correspondence on AI, empathy and ethics published with a team of interdisciplinary scholars last month in Nature Machine Intelligence (https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-024-00841-7).

The research paper titled “Considering the Role of Human Empathy in AI-Driven Therapy” is now available in JMIR Ment Health and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.2196/56529.

Researchers:

Matan Rubin, Hadar Arnon, Jonathan D Huppert, Anat Perry

Institutions:

Psychology Department, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel's premier academic and research institution. Serving over 23,000 students from 80 countries, the University produces nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and has received over 11,000 patents. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.

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First-Ever Study of the Psychological Impact of War on Autistic Children

9 July, 2024

Unlocking the Secrets of Adaptive Parental Speech

8 July, 2024

A new study reveals how parents naturally adjust their speech patterns to match their children's language proficiency. It shows that parents use less redundant language with older children, highlighting the impact of perceived language proficiency on communication. The findings offer valuable insights for our understanding of language development.

Hidden Mechanisms Behind Hermaphroditic Plant Self-Incompatibility Revealed

24 June, 2024

A new study presents an evolutionary-biophysical model that sheds new light on the evolution of the collaborative non-self recognition self-incompatibility, a genetic mechanism in plants that prevents self-fertilization and promotes cross-fertilization. Their innovative model introduces promiscuous molecular interactions as a key ingredient, enhancing our understanding of genetic diversity and evolution in hermaphroditic plants. This research enriches our understanding of plant biology and has broader implications for deciphering the evolution of biological networks and managing biodiversity.

A new study led by Dr. Tamar Friedlander and her team at The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture at the Hebrew University, in collaboration with Prof. Ohad Feldheim from the Einstein Institute of Mathematics at the Hebrew University has developed an evolutionary-biophysical model that sheds new light on the evolution of collaborative non-self recognition self-incompatibility in plants. The study introduces a novel theoretical framework that incorporates promiscuous molecular interactions, which have been largely overlooked by traditional models.

Self-incompatibility (SI) is a widespread biological mechanism in plants having both male and female reproductive organs, that prevents self-fertilization and promotes genetic diversity. Under this mechanism, fertilization relies on the specific recognition between highly diverse proteins: the RNase (female determinant) and the SLF (male determinant). The interaction between these proteins ensures that plants are only compatible with non-self mates, thus maintaining a diverse gene pool.

The new model proposed by Dr. Friedlander and her team represents a significant advancement in understanding the evolutionary dynamics of self-incompatibility proteins. By allowing for promiscuous interactions—where interactions with unfamiliar partners are likely – and for multiple distinct partners per protein, the model aligns more closely with empirical findings than previous models that assumed only one-to-one interactions. This promiscuity enables a flexible interaction pattern between male and female proteins, offering new insights into how these proteins evolve and interact over generations.

"Our research shows that the ability of proteins to engage in promiscuous interactions is crucial for the long-term evolutionary maintenance of self-incompatibility systems," explained Dr. Friedlander. "We propose that the default state of this system is that recognition is likely and an evolutionary pressure is needed to avoid it, in contrast to what was previously thought. This flexibility not only helps in maintaining genetic diversity but also suggests that similar mechanisms could be operating in other biological systems."

The study also reveals how populations of these plants spontaneously organize into distinct compatibility classes, ensuring full compatibility across different classes while maintaining incompatibility within the same class. The model predicts various evolutionary paths that could lead to the formation or elimination of these compatibility classes based solely on point mutations. The dynamic balance between the emergence and decay of these classes, which provides a sustainable model of evolution, was analyzed by the researchers using a mixture of empirical and theoretical tools borrowed from the field of statistical mechanics in physics.

"These insights from our study have profound implications not only for plant biology but also for understanding the fundamental principles of molecular recognition and its impact on the evolution of biological networks," Dr. Friedlander added. "Our findings could also help in the conservation of plant biodiversity."

This research, which highlights the role of promiscuous and multi-partner molecular interactions, is likely to inspire seeking these two elements in additional biological systems, and help in explaining the evolution of various complex molecular networks.

The research paper titled “The role of promiscuous molecular recognition in the evolution of RNase-based self-incompatibility in plants” is now available in Nature Communications and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49163-7.

Pictures

Title: A shift of paradigm in the molecular recognition model: from one-to –one (left) into many-to-many (right).

Description: Previous models of self-incompatibility accounted for only one-to-one interactions between male and female-determinant proteins. The new model allows for a more general network of interactions, where each protein can interact with any number of partners.

Credit: Tamar Friedlander and Amit Jangid.

Title: Tamar Friedlander holding two petunias

Credit: Nathan Mengisto, Faculty of Agriculture, HUJI.

Researchers:

Keren Erez¹, Amit Jangid¹, Ohad Noy Feldheim² & Tamar Friedlander¹

Institutions:

1) The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

2) The Einstein Institute of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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Predicting PTSD in Post-Conflict Israel

24 June, 2024

A new study has developed a predictive model for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the mass terror attack on October 7th, 2023, and the subsequent Israel-Hamas war. The research determined that approximately 5.3% of the population, or about 519,923 individuals, may develop PTSD due to these events. This model serves as a vital tool for preparing mental health interventions and can be adapted for future mass trauma situations globally.

A new study led by PhD student Dana Katsoty from the Psychology Department at the Hebrew University, alongside Michal Greidinger from University of Haifa, in collaboration with Prof Yuval Neria from Columbia University, Prof. Ido Lurie from Tel Aviv University and Shalvata Mental Health Center and Dr. Aviv Segev from Tel Aviv University and Shalvata Mental Health Center and Kings College London, has developed a predictive model for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of the mass terror attack on October 7th, 2023, and the subsequent Israel-Hamas war. This period marked by intense conflict has deeply affected the national psyche, highlighting the need for reliable predictive tools for mental health interventions.

The terror attack by Hamas militants on October 7th, 2023, marked the beginning of a profound national crisis in Israel, leading to widespread trauma and significant mental health challenges across the country. The primary objective of this research was to create a model that can predict the prevalence of PTSD in the aftermath of trauma exposure across different segments of the Israeli population based on their exposure levels to the trauma.

The research team categorized the Israeli population into six distinct groups depending on their exposure to the conflict: direct exposure to terror, close-proximity to terror, involvement of soldiers in combat and support units, intense and moderate exposure to rocket attacks, and communities indirectly affected. Utilizing national databases, the team estimated the size of each group, conducted a literature review to derive PTSD prevalence rates, and performed a random-effects meta-analysis for the prevalence of PTSD in each group.

The findings suggest that approximately 5.3% of the Israeli population, or about 519,923 individuals, may develop PTSD as a result of the terror attack and the conflict, with a prediction interval ranging from 160,346 to 879,502. The study emphasizes the substantial mental health impact of such mass trauma and provides a crucial tool for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers. This model not only facilitates the planning and implementation of necessary mental health interventions but also has the potential to serve as a framework for addressing future mass trauma incidents worldwide.

This predictive model for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) presents a pivotal opportunity for policy action. Following the mass terror attack and subsequent war, proactive measures are imperative. Policy recommendations should prioritize resource allocation for mental health services, including increased funding for counseling, therapy programs, and psychiatric care. As the need across the population is expected to be substantial, there is a pressing need for the adoption of comprehensive, system-wide models facilitating large-scale interventions. Such models should incorporate evidence-based group therapies, short-term individual protocols, initiatives for prevention and early intervention, and the utilization of digital technologies for monitoring and management of mental health symptoms. Governments should invest in training programs for mental health professionals to enhance their ability to identify and treat PTSD effectively. Integrating predictive models into disaster preparedness plans can assist in implementation of mental health interventions following mass trauma events, while global collaboration facilitates knowledge sharing and best practices for addressing mental health needs on a broader scale.

The research paper titled “A Prediction Model of PTSD in the Israeli Population in the Aftermath of October 7th, 2023, Terrorist Attack and the Israel-Hamas War” is now available in medRxiv and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.02.25.24303235.

Researchers:

Dana Katsoty¹, Michal Greidinger², Yuval Neria^3,4, Aviv Segev^5,6,7, Ido Lurie^5,6

Institutions:

Psychology Department, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Department of Counseling and Human Development, Faculty of Education, University of Haifa, Israel
Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York
Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon, Israel
School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK

(photo credit: DALL-E, AI)

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In Sync: The Biological Underpinnings of Romantic Attraction and Bonding

19 June, 2024

A new study reveals that physiological synchrony, the alignment of physiological responses between individuals, significantly enhances perceived romantic attraction. Findings show that some individuals are Super Synchronizers- naturally, synchronize well in social and nonsocial contexts, and that super synchronizer are perceived as more romantically appealing. This paves the way for further research into how physiological and behavioral synchrony can broadly shape human relationships.

A new study led by Dr. Shir Atzil and her team from the Department of Psychology at the Hebrew University unveils intriguing insights into the mechanisms of romantic bonding, focusing particularly on physiological synchrony—the alignment of physiological responses between individuals—and its impact on perceived romantic attraction.

Physiological synchrony refers to the alignment of physiological responses between individuals. This can include parameters like heart rate, respiration, and skin conductance. When two people are physiologically in sync, their bodily functions align in a way that is measurable and often occurs naturally during interactions.

The research integrated both experimental and observational methods to investigate how physiological synchrony influences romantic appeal. An online experiment involving 144 participants demonstrated that inducing synchrony between actors significantly boosted their attractiveness ratings. Further investigations in a lab-based speed-dating scenario with 48 participants identified individuals with a naturally high propensity to synchronize in both social and nonsocial contexts, termed 'Super Synchronizers'. These individuals were consistently rated as more romantically appealing, underscoring the potential of physiological alignment to significantly enhance perceived attractiveness.

Dr. Atzil explains, "Our findings suggest that the ability to synchronize with others might not just be a social skill but could stem from more fundamental sensorimotor abilities that require an individual to adapt themselves to dynamic inputs. This adaptability, whether in response to social cues or rhythmic patterns, is perceived as attractive, potentially because of the beneficial physiological consequences a synchronous partner can have."

The study proposes that synchronized physiological states can improve regulation across various bodily systems, making these interactions more fulfilling. Additionally, effective synchrony may indicate cognitive and evolutionary advantages, suggesting a deeper biological importance of this trait.

Despite these promising insights, Dr. Atzil notes the limitations of the research. "The cross-sectional design of our study limits our ability to draw definitive conclusions about the long-term stability of synchrony as a trait and its causal relationship with romantic attraction," she remarks. Future research will delve into these dynamics more deeply, especially considering the implications of synchrony in sustained romantic relationships and across different sexual orientations.

This study not only advances our understanding of romantic attraction but also paves the way for further exploration into how physiological and behavioral synchrony can shape human relationships in broader contexts.

The research paper titled “Social and nonsocial synchrony are interrelated and romantically attractive” is now available in Communications Psychology and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-024-00109-1.

Researchers:

Matan. Cohen, Maayan. Abargil, Merav. Ahissar, Shir Atzil

Institution:

Department of Psychology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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