Know when to fold ‘em: Study reveals benefits of dropping unrealistic goals
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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 14-Jan-2026 06:11 ET (14-Jan-2026 11:11 GMT/UTC)
Though many people may benefit from setting life goals, new research led by Curtin University has revealed working towards unachievable targets could in fact have a negative impact on overall wellbeing – and knowing when to abandon or change your goals may be just important as persistence.
Decisions about the HPV vaccine among adolescents and their families are influenced by a web of social, cultural and trust-related factors, beyond simple awareness or access, a Cochrane review finds.
A new study reveals that even acts of help in conflict zones can lead to negative consequences. When members of a dominant group witness initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the disadvantaged side, without addressing underlying political issues, they may feel morally satisfied and, as a result, become less supportive of meaningful concessions for peace. The findings highlight the importance of coupling humanitarian aid with genuine political change to create lasting peace.
Support from family, friends and partners can influence a person’s behaviors around firearms, with more support corresponding to a reduction in unsafe behaviors, according to a Rutgers Health researchers. Their study, published in Injury Prevention, examined how connections with others shape the ways that a person interacts with firearms.
Many students face anxiety, stress, or disconnection that can hinder academic and social-emotional growth. FAU College of Education researchers studied the Student Success Skills small group counseling program for sixth graders. Across six sessions, students strengthened anger management, goal-setting, and social problem-solving skills while fostering trust and community. Findings showed improved school connectedness, positive perceptions of school climate, and increased engagement, demonstrating that ASE-based small group counseling effectively supports students’ emotional well-being and academic success.
Shared houses are redefining urban living in Tokyo. By analyzing 1,374 supplier-written property listings through text-mining, researchers identified 11 key promotional themes highlighting safety, community, and convenience as the main selling points. The study uncovers how shared houses are promoted not as low-cost options but as lifestyle-oriented spaces that foster social connection and urban comfort, reflecting Japan’s shifting housing values and evolving notions of city living.
What do hake fillet, port wine from 1890, and Azorean pineapple have in common? At some point, these dishes were served as part of diplomatic dinners hosted in Portugal. But is there a deeper meaning behind these choices? Portuguese researchers have examined menus from dinners hosted over the last 100 years. They found the dishes served at those dinners are vital parts of the execution of Portugal’s foreign policy and that national cuisines can be strategically used to strengthen a country’s global standing.