Happy New Year 🎉 !! The first 2026 article of Peer Community Journal is in the #Psychology section: Robust tests should be the default, not the backup
https://peercommunityjournal.org/articles/10.24072/pcjournal.670/
yesterday i learned about the scheming Heliconia species which has a slot machine pay-off way of doing business -- some slots on the flower have extra sugar, most have none, it keeps the hummingbirds hooked on coming back in hopes of a big pay off...same psychology that gets humans hooked on slot machines & lotteries...
see how he spins? he's thinking, "this is the one, I am SO due"
#AnimalBehavior #Hummingbird #Bird #Heliconia #Nature #Psychology #BirdsOfMastodon #Neotropics
yesterday i learned about the scheming Heliconia species which has a slot machine pay-off way of doing business -- some slots on the flower have extra sugar, most have none, it keeps the hummingbirds hooked on coming back in hopes of a big pay off...same psychology that gets humans hooked on slot machines & lotteries...
see how he spins? he's thinking, "this is the one, I am SO due"
#AnimalBehavior #Hummingbird #Bird #Heliconia #Nature #Psychology #BirdsOfMastodon #Neotropics
Asking Fedi cos my tutor doesn't know the answer to this:
It surprises me that a correlation coefficient of +/-0.5 or more is considered strong correlation in psychology. That seems like an awfully low bar for "strong" correlation. I would have assumed that +/-0.7 or more would be considered strong and +/-0.4 to +/-0.6 moderate.
Is there some reason that 0.5 was chosen as the bottom end of "strong"?
A new blog post - on the mother I knew and the one I never met - I hope some of you find it useful or it stirs a memory or two in you (also audio and video versions - tangential of course)
[thecosmicshamblesnetwork\.subs…](https://thecosmicshamblesnetwork.substack.com/p/the-courage-of-mothers) [\ #psychology]( https://mastodon.social/tags/psychology) [\ #childhood]( https://mastodon.social/tags/childhood) [\ #poetry]( https://mastodon.social/tags/poetry) [\ #poem]( https://mastodon.social/tags/poem) [\ #love]( https://mastodon.social/tags/love) [\ #loss]( https://mastodon.social/tags/loss) [\ #grief]( https://mastodon.social/tags/grief)
A new blog post - on the mother I knew and the one I never met - I hope some of you find it useful or it stirs a memory or two in you (also audio and video versions - tangential of course)
[thecosmicshamblesnetwork\.subs…](https://thecosmicshamblesnetwork.substack.com/p/the-courage-of-mothers) [\ #psychology]( https://mastodon.social/tags/psychology) [\ #childhood]( https://mastodon.social/tags/childhood) [\ #poetry]( https://mastodon.social/tags/poetry) [\ #poem]( https://mastodon.social/tags/poem) [\ #love]( https://mastodon.social/tags/love) [\ #loss]( https://mastodon.social/tags/loss) [\ #grief]( https://mastodon.social/tags/grief)
You don't live under the rule of law online. You live under the rule of defaults.
They're faster than regulation and more effective than consent.
If you want to see a platform's real values, don't read it's policy. Check what's already switched on.
#technology #politics #psychology #society
New read at:
'Default Settings as Cultural Power: The Most Powerful Opinion You Never Chose'
https://www.keystone-collective.org/default-settings-as-cultural-power-the-most-powerful-opinion-you-never-chose/
Oops!
#psychology #mental #medical
DATE: January 12, 2026 at 04:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG
** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------
TITLE: Insecure attachment is linked to Machiavellian personality traits
URL: https://www.psypost.org/insecure-attachment-is-linked-to-machiavellian-personality-traits/
A new analysis of psychological data suggests that manipulative personality traits may stem from deep-seated insecurities regarding social bonding. Researchers found that individuals who struggle to form secure emotional attachments are more likely to exhibit characteristics associated with Machiavellianism.
These findings indicate that dark personality traits may function as defensive mechanisms developed in response to unstable relationships. The study was published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
To understand these findings, it is necessary to look at two distinct areas of psychological research. The first area is the concept of Machiavellianism. This construct draws its name from Niccolò Machiavelli and his political philosophy. It represents a personality trait defined by a willingness to manipulate others, a cynical view of human nature, and a belief that the ends justify the means.
Psychologists often group Machiavellianism with narcissism and psychopathy under the umbrella of the “Dark Triad.” People with high levels of this trait are often described as having a “cool syndrome.” They tend to detach emotionally from others to maintain control. They view other people as tools to be used rather than individuals to be connected with.
The second concept is attachment theory, which was originally developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. This theory posits that the bonds formed between children and their caregivers create a blueprint for all future relationships. This blueprint is known as an internal working model.
When caregivers are responsive and supportive, children typically develop a secure attachment style. They grow up viewing themselves as worthy of love and others as trustworthy. However, when care is inconsistent or negligent, children may develop insecure attachment styles.
There are several forms of insecure attachment. Anxious attachment involves a fear of rejection and a constant need for validation. Avoidant attachment involves a discomfort with intimacy and a preference for excessive independence.
Previous research has attempted to link these two psychological constructs. The logic is that people who do not trust others due to early attachment failures might resort to manipulation to get their needs met. However, prior studies produced inconsistent results. Some papers found strong links, while others found little to no connection.
To clarify this relationship, a team of researchers led by Yihan Zhang from the University of Macau decided to aggregate the existing data. They performed a meta-analysis. This is a statistical method that combines the results of multiple independent studies to identify broader trends.
The researchers searched through six major academic databases for relevant literature. They looked for studies that measured both insecure attachment and Machiavellianism using validated psychological scales. They applied strict criteria for inclusion.
The team excluded studies involving clinical patients to focus on the general population. They also ensured that the statistical data in the papers could be converted into a common format for comparison. After a comprehensive screening process, they selected 27 articles.
These articles provided 86 different effect sizes. The total sample size across all studies included 13,791 participants. The participants ranged from teenagers to middle-aged adults and came from various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
The researchers utilized a three-level random-effects model to analyze the data. This statistical approach allowed them to account for variations within individual studies as well as differences between the studies.
The primary finding was a positive correlation between insecure attachment and Machiavellianism. This correlation was statistically significant. It suggests that as an individual’s level of attachment insecurity rises, their tendency toward Machiavellian behavior also increases.
The researchers propose that this link exists because insecurely attached people hold biased mental representations. They often filter out positive social cues and amplify negative ones. This reinforces a skeptical view of human nature.
If a person expects others to be hostile or unreliable, they may adopt manipulative strategies as a form of self-protection. This aligns with the Machiavellian worldview that it is better to manipulate than to be manipulated.
Beyond the general link, the researchers conducted a moderator analysis. They wanted to see if specific types of insecure attachment were more strongly connected to Machiavellianism than others. This deep dive revealed nuanced results.
The analysis showed that “disorganized” and “fearful-avoidant” attachment patterns had the strongest associations with Machiavellian traits. Disorganized attachment is often the result of childhood experiences where the caregiver was a source of fear.
People with disorganized attachment possess chaotic internal working models. They simultaneously desire intimacy and fear it. The researchers explain that this internal conflict can lead to suspicion and hostility. These individuals may prioritize self-protection above all else.
Fearful-avoidant individuals feel unworthy of love and believe others are incapable of loving them. They often experience a low sense of social belonging. The study suggests these individuals may use manipulation to survive socially because they lack faith in genuine emotional bonds.
The study also examined anxious attachment. Anxiously attached people tend to be over-reliant on others. They may use manipulative tactics to induce guilt or solicit attention. The analysis confirmed a link here as well, though it operates differently than the avoidant types.
The researchers found that the method used to measure these traits influenced the results. Different psychological scales capture slightly different aspects of personality. However, the connection remained robust across various measurement tools.
These findings imply that Machiavellianism is not simply a malicious trait chosen voluntarily. It may be rooted in hostile family environments or negative early experiences. Inappropriate parenting practices can impede the development of amicable social strategies.
When children are exposed to environments where their needs are ignored, they develop coping mechanisms. Machiavellianism may serve as a protective shell. It allows insecure individuals to navigate a social world they perceive as dangerous.
There are limitations to this study that should be noted. The analysis was restricted to articles written in English. This may have excluded relevant data from other linguistic regions.
The number of included studies was relatively small at 27. While the sample size of participants was large, a higher number of studies would allow for more detailed moderator analyses.
Some potential moderators could not be fully explored due to insufficient data. For example, the study could not fully assess how gender might influence the strength of the relationship between attachment and manipulation.
The researchers also noted that the study relies on correlational data. This means they cannot definitively say that insecure attachment causes Machiavellianism. It only shows that the two are related.
Future research is needed to establish causality. Longitudinal studies that follow individuals from childhood into adulthood would be particularly useful. Such studies could track how early attachment styles evolve into adult personality traits.
The researchers suggest that future studies should also explore other variables. Factors such as gender and specific attachment figures (parents versus romantic partners) might play a role.
Despite these caveats, the study offers practical implications for mental health treatment. It highlights the importance of fostering attachment security.
Therapists treating individuals with high levels of manipulativeness might benefit from focusing on underlying insecurities. Helping a patient develop a more secure attachment style could theoretically reduce their reliance on Machiavellian tactics.
If clinicians can address the root cause—the fear of rejection or betrayal—the need for defensive manipulation may decrease. This suggests a potential pathway for intervention.
The study, “The relationship between insecure attachment and Machiavellianism: A meta-analysis,” was authored by Yihan Zhang, Yihui Wang, Xiyu Jiang, Xinyun Li, and Juan Zhang.
URL: https://www.psypost.org/insecure-attachment-is-linked-to-machiavellian-personality-traits/
-------------------------------------------------
DAILY EMAIL DIGEST: Email psybot-mastodon-digest-subscribe@clinicians-exchange.org -- no subject or message needed.
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org
Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot
NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot
Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: https://www.nationalpsychologist.com
EMAIL DAILY DIGEST OF RSS FEEDS -- SUBSCRIBE: http://subscribe-article-digests.clinicians-exchange.org
READ ONLINE: http://read-the-rss-mega-archive.clinicians-exchange.org
It's primitive... but it works... mostly...
-------------------------------------------------
#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist
DATE: January 12, 2026 at 04:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG
** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------
TITLE: Insecure attachment is linked to Machiavellian personality traits
URL: https://www.psypost.org/insecure-attachment-is-linked-to-machiavellian-personality-traits/
A new analysis of psychological data suggests that manipulative personality traits may stem from deep-seated insecurities regarding social bonding. Researchers found that individuals who struggle to form secure emotional attachments are more likely to exhibit characteristics associated with Machiavellianism.
These findings indicate that dark personality traits may function as defensive mechanisms developed in response to unstable relationships. The study was published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
To understand these findings, it is necessary to look at two distinct areas of psychological research. The first area is the concept of Machiavellianism. This construct draws its name from Niccolò Machiavelli and his political philosophy. It represents a personality trait defined by a willingness to manipulate others, a cynical view of human nature, and a belief that the ends justify the means.
Psychologists often group Machiavellianism with narcissism and psychopathy under the umbrella of the “Dark Triad.” People with high levels of this trait are often described as having a “cool syndrome.” They tend to detach emotionally from others to maintain control. They view other people as tools to be used rather than individuals to be connected with.
The second concept is attachment theory, which was originally developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. This theory posits that the bonds formed between children and their caregivers create a blueprint for all future relationships. This blueprint is known as an internal working model.
When caregivers are responsive and supportive, children typically develop a secure attachment style. They grow up viewing themselves as worthy of love and others as trustworthy. However, when care is inconsistent or negligent, children may develop insecure attachment styles.
There are several forms of insecure attachment. Anxious attachment involves a fear of rejection and a constant need for validation. Avoidant attachment involves a discomfort with intimacy and a preference for excessive independence.
Previous research has attempted to link these two psychological constructs. The logic is that people who do not trust others due to early attachment failures might resort to manipulation to get their needs met. However, prior studies produced inconsistent results. Some papers found strong links, while others found little to no connection.
To clarify this relationship, a team of researchers led by Yihan Zhang from the University of Macau decided to aggregate the existing data. They performed a meta-analysis. This is a statistical method that combines the results of multiple independent studies to identify broader trends.
The researchers searched through six major academic databases for relevant literature. They looked for studies that measured both insecure attachment and Machiavellianism using validated psychological scales. They applied strict criteria for inclusion.
The team excluded studies involving clinical patients to focus on the general population. They also ensured that the statistical data in the papers could be converted into a common format for comparison. After a comprehensive screening process, they selected 27 articles.
These articles provided 86 different effect sizes. The total sample size across all studies included 13,791 participants. The participants ranged from teenagers to middle-aged adults and came from various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
The researchers utilized a three-level random-effects model to analyze the data. This statistical approach allowed them to account for variations within individual studies as well as differences between the studies.
The primary finding was a positive correlation between insecure attachment and Machiavellianism. This correlation was statistically significant. It suggests that as an individual’s level of attachment insecurity rises, their tendency toward Machiavellian behavior also increases.
The researchers propose that this link exists because insecurely attached people hold biased mental representations. They often filter out positive social cues and amplify negative ones. This reinforces a skeptical view of human nature.
If a person expects others to be hostile or unreliable, they may adopt manipulative strategies as a form of self-protection. This aligns with the Machiavellian worldview that it is better to manipulate than to be manipulated.
Beyond the general link, the researchers conducted a moderator analysis. They wanted to see if specific types of insecure attachment were more strongly connected to Machiavellianism than others. This deep dive revealed nuanced results.
The analysis showed that “disorganized” and “fearful-avoidant” attachment patterns had the strongest associations with Machiavellian traits. Disorganized attachment is often the result of childhood experiences where the caregiver was a source of fear.
People with disorganized attachment possess chaotic internal working models. They simultaneously desire intimacy and fear it. The researchers explain that this internal conflict can lead to suspicion and hostility. These individuals may prioritize self-protection above all else.
Fearful-avoidant individuals feel unworthy of love and believe others are incapable of loving them. They often experience a low sense of social belonging. The study suggests these individuals may use manipulation to survive socially because they lack faith in genuine emotional bonds.
The study also examined anxious attachment. Anxiously attached people tend to be over-reliant on others. They may use manipulative tactics to induce guilt or solicit attention. The analysis confirmed a link here as well, though it operates differently than the avoidant types.
The researchers found that the method used to measure these traits influenced the results. Different psychological scales capture slightly different aspects of personality. However, the connection remained robust across various measurement tools.
These findings imply that Machiavellianism is not simply a malicious trait chosen voluntarily. It may be rooted in hostile family environments or negative early experiences. Inappropriate parenting practices can impede the development of amicable social strategies.
When children are exposed to environments where their needs are ignored, they develop coping mechanisms. Machiavellianism may serve as a protective shell. It allows insecure individuals to navigate a social world they perceive as dangerous.
There are limitations to this study that should be noted. The analysis was restricted to articles written in English. This may have excluded relevant data from other linguistic regions.
The number of included studies was relatively small at 27. While the sample size of participants was large, a higher number of studies would allow for more detailed moderator analyses.
Some potential moderators could not be fully explored due to insufficient data. For example, the study could not fully assess how gender might influence the strength of the relationship between attachment and manipulation.
The researchers also noted that the study relies on correlational data. This means they cannot definitively say that insecure attachment causes Machiavellianism. It only shows that the two are related.
Future research is needed to establish causality. Longitudinal studies that follow individuals from childhood into adulthood would be particularly useful. Such studies could track how early attachment styles evolve into adult personality traits.
The researchers suggest that future studies should also explore other variables. Factors such as gender and specific attachment figures (parents versus romantic partners) might play a role.
Despite these caveats, the study offers practical implications for mental health treatment. It highlights the importance of fostering attachment security.
Therapists treating individuals with high levels of manipulativeness might benefit from focusing on underlying insecurities. Helping a patient develop a more secure attachment style could theoretically reduce their reliance on Machiavellian tactics.
If clinicians can address the root cause—the fear of rejection or betrayal—the need for defensive manipulation may decrease. This suggests a potential pathway for intervention.
The study, “The relationship between insecure attachment and Machiavellianism: A meta-analysis,” was authored by Yihan Zhang, Yihui Wang, Xiyu Jiang, Xinyun Li, and Juan Zhang.
URL: https://www.psypost.org/insecure-attachment-is-linked-to-machiavellian-personality-traits/
-------------------------------------------------
DAILY EMAIL DIGEST: Email psybot-mastodon-digest-subscribe@clinicians-exchange.org -- no subject or message needed.
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: https://www.clinicians-exchange.org
Unofficial Psychology Today Xitter to toot feed at Psych Today Unofficial Bot @PTUnofficialBot
NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot
Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: https://www.nationalpsychologist.com
EMAIL DAILY DIGEST OF RSS FEEDS -- SUBSCRIBE: http://subscribe-article-digests.clinicians-exchange.org
READ ONLINE: http://read-the-rss-mega-archive.clinicians-exchange.org
It's primitive... but it works... mostly...
-------------------------------------------------
#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist
Growing up feeling like youre walking on egg shells changes your brain
open.substack.com/pub/thementa...
#psychology #mentalhealth #science
If You Grew Up Walking on Eggs...
Growing up feeling like youre walking on egg shells changes your brain
open.substack.com/pub/thementa...
#psychology #mentalhealth #science
If You Grew Up Walking on Eggs...
Presenting the RESQUE (Research Quality Evaluation) framework:
Responsible Research Assessment I: Implementing #DORA and #CoARA for hiring and promotion in #psychology
https://conferences.lnu.se/index.php/metapsychology/article/view/4601
Responsible Research Assessment II: A specific proposal for hiring and promotion in psychology
https://conferences.lnu.se/index.php/metapsychology/article/view/4604
Responsible Research Assessment (Parts I and II): Responses to the Commentaries
https://conferences.lnu.se/index.php/metapsychology/article/view/4603
by @nicebread et al.
Elon Musk seems like someone who looked at Steve Jobs and saw a talented, yet deeply flawed, person, didn’t understand the talent and so decided that the flaws were the important things to copy.
@david_chisnall I'm with you here, but just saying: narcissists don't have to "copy" anybody, in the sense that they are fully-formed that way - according to psychology - **even by the age of 6 or 9**. They will behave in the egregious, toxic ways we know, and cringe at, until their dying breath, with about 95% statistical likelihood (again, according to #psychology). They virtually never want to go to a psychologist to change things, because they're ~200% confident they're doing things just great already, thank you very much - their toxicity is a "winning" strategy to them.
THREAD
1/
A few thoughts ahead of the piece of writing I’m releasing on Friday.
Psychological research links revenge fantasies to unresolved injustice and denied agency. They’re common. In women, they’re more often internalised and read, by others and by women themselves, as personal or moral failure.
#Writing #WritingCommunity #Reading #Books #Women #Psychology #Scotland #UK #Essay
I forgot to share the #mTurk data quality result that got scooped:
“In late 2020…. Participants from the United States were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk, - #CloudResearch, #Prolific, and a #university. One participant source yielded up to 18 times as many low-quality respondents as the other three.”
https://doi.org/10.1093/analys/anaf015
#psychology #philosophy #surveyMethods #quantMethods #dataScience #qualityControl
Reflection-philosophy order effects and correlations across samples
We've found recruiting people for online #research via #onlineAdvertising yielded good results on overt and covert #dataQuality measures (perhaps because participation incentives aren't financial):
Attention checks passed ≅ 2.6 out of 3
ReCAPTCHA (v3) ≅ 0.94 out of 1.0
Sample size > 5000 (from six continents)
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0034412525000198
#surveyMethods #cogSci #psychology #xPhi #QualityControl #econ #marketing
Repli-scooping some of what I find in a soon-to-be finished paper about correlations and effects between reflective reasoning and philosophical thought experiments across multiple participant samples, the Brauer lab finds
- mTurk workers offered lower quality and lower value data than Prolific workers, students, and even CloudResearch's approved mTurk workers
- Qualtrics panels had the least value but moderate quality
- Students seemed to offer the highest value
I forgot to share the #mTurk data quality result that got scooped:
“In late 2020…. Participants from the United States were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk, - #CloudResearch, #Prolific, and a #university. One participant source yielded up to 18 times as many low-quality respondents as the other three.”
https://doi.org/10.1093/analys/anaf015
#psychology #philosophy #surveyMethods #quantMethods #dataScience #qualityControl
Reflection-philosophy order effects and correlations across samples
You don't live under the rule of law online. You live under the rule of defaults.
They're faster than regulation and more effective than consent.
If you want to see a platform's real values, don't read it's policy. Check what's already switched on.
#technology #politics #psychology #society
New read at:
'Default Settings as Cultural Power: The Most Powerful Opinion You Never Chose'
https://www.keystone-collective.org/default-settings-as-cultural-power-the-most-powerful-opinion-you-never-chose/
