Welcome to the Weekly Medius PsychNews. Every week, we select five thought-provoking Psychology articles from hundreds published in journals and other media. Psychology Drives Everything.

Are Men Really Funnier Than Women?
Think about someone you know who has a great sense of humor. Are you thinking of a man or a woman? Most people, when asked this question, imagine a man. There is a prevalent stereotype that men are funnier than women. This stereotype is shared by both men and women—but of course, just because it exists does not mean it is true. A new study I conducted with Paul Silvia and Emily Nusbaum from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro put the stereotype to the test. We systematically reviewed all available studies that looked at sex differences in humor ability, and using the statistical tool called meta-analysis, we calculated the difference. Before I reveal the results, let me explain what we did. Full article.


Sleep Deprivation Can Have Significant Impact on Cognition:
Sleep deprivation appears to affect cognition far more than previously thought, according to a large study by Michigan State University’s (MSU) Sleep and Learning Lab. The study is the first to assess how sleep deprivation impacts placekeeping, the ability to complete a series of steps without losing one’s place despite potential interruptions. The study builds on prior research from MSU’s sleep scientists to determine the effects that lack of sleep has on a person’s ability to follow a procedure and maintain attention. The findings are published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. “Our research showed that sleep deprivation doubles the odds of making placekeeping errors and triples the number of lapses in attention, which is startling,” Fenn said.  Full article.

 

 

Causes of the Lack of Meaning at Work:
We often separate our work lives from our personal lives but, in reality, both are intertwined.  Our work lives take our time and energy and often dictate where we live, how much we travel, and how much money we have. Frequently, we bring the conflict we have experienced at work home into our personal lives, and vice versa. When we consider the amount of time we spend “at work” (both paid and unpaid such as volunteering), it should not be surprising that the search for meaning at work is—or at least should be—an important concern. Whether we run a company, drive a bus, clean a hotel room, or help the sick and homeless, our work is a reflection of the presence or absence of meaning in our lives. Full article.

Self-Care Spotlight: Savoring
Savoring is a skill that entails paying full attention to a pleasurable sensory experience. By concentrating on the sensations you experience, you amplify your pleasure and activate the body's psychophysiological relaxation response. The benefits of savoring can include an increased sense of well-being and enjoyment in life, reduced depressive symptoms, and greater mindfulness. Savoring is closely related to other forms of attentional honing, such as meditation, and to other positive psychology exercises that increase gratitude. You can apply savoring to any pleasurable moment: a sip of cold water, a bite of fresh food, a warm bubble bath, a hug. The key is to pay attention—to focus on the way this pleasurable moment feels. Be as fully present in your body as you can be, and take a moment to appreciate this soothing, delicious, beautiful, or otherwise pleasurable sensation you are experiencing. Savoring is a way to practice really enjoying the good things in life!  Full article.