This, in turn, apparently affects the brands we like, says a new study. So, yes, you can blame your mom for that, too. Those of us defined by "anxiety" (our views of ourselves) like brands which we feel project anthropomorphic traits like "sincerity" or "excitement." Wrote the authors of the study, "Anxious individuals who were more avoidant of relationships tended to choose Abercrombie jeans, which were perceived to be more exciting than sincere. In contrast, anxious individuals who seek intimacy in relationships were more likely to pick Gap jeans, which were perceived as more sincere than exciting." (Those of us who are neither 15 years old nor able to wear Gap jeans without looking awful apparently prefer a life of celibacy.) Apparently, the study could be a big help for companies who can apparently market to our deepest insecurities even more effectively.

The thing about studies like this is, at what point does the analysis just devolve into "taste" or "personality," or, if you refuse to admit to the existence of such concepts beyond societal pressures, when do your choices cease to become a function of societal pressures and contexts? Perhaps someone with the early development factors they describe might be more prone to peer pressure in the first place - but wouldn't the actual choice of brand be more a question of individual circumstances, the economics of the demographic, the music that's popular? For that matter, doesn't a parent have some influence beyond babyhood?

The study obviously possesses scientific significance and behavioral studies such as these surely have wider application. But for the advertising business? After all, isn't that what brands are already doing: creating an image that people respond to intuitively? This may provide a basis for what we've always known, but seriously: Talk about reductive! Of course, given that right now Abercrombie's in economic free fall, it might be wise to also consider larger environmental factors: in a recession, apparently even teenagers have about all the excitement they can handle. Bring on the sincere jeans - preferably ones that flatter the can.

Filling In The Gaps: Personality Types Lead People To Choose Certain Brands [Science Daily]

• A loyal dog stood by her owner's side for 6 weeks after her owner had committed suicide in the Colorado plains. • Sandy Allen, one of the world's tallest women (7'7") died today at the age of 53. • Obvious studies alert: A new study has found that the more intimacy decreases in a relationship, the higher relational uncertainty (or lack of confidence in a relationship) increases. • Religious authorities in Nepal have begun a search for a new young girl to be the "living goddess" of Kumari, a virgin goddess. The young girl will serve until she starts menstruating, after which she will be forced to retire. • A study analyzing a Weakest Link-type game show in the Netherlands found that contestants would often favor attractive players over more intelligent players. • A survey from Olay (surprise) has found that women begin to worry about looking older when they hit the age of 28. • Last year Australian men spent $44.2 million on male cosmetics. That's a lot of guyliner! • According to a study of young people in 10 different countries (including the United States, Australia, China, and Japan) young men and women are divided about issues of sharing housework and a woman's right to choose, although the Chinese people surveyed were the most in favor of letting a woman choose to have an abortion. Not really a surprise there. • Oh raspberries: The National Zoo's female Giant Panda, Mei Xiang, is not pregnant after her second consecutive artificial insemination. No baby pandas this year! • A new study finds that "beer goggles" are real! • This little kitty really wants to bring you some flowers. •