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.