Essential Reads

The Benefits of Emotional Awareness

By Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on January 05, 2018 in Between Cultures
Insights into our emotions from one of the most influential psychologists of our time.

Freezing with Fear

Does scaring people about climate change lead them to freeze and do nothing in response? How to motivate action rather than inducing overwhelming fear.

Explaining the 5 Most Commmon New Year's Resolutions

It turns out that the most common New Year’s resolutions connect strongly with our evolved nature. Perhaps understanding this fact can help us actually keep them in 2018.

Fear Is Nothing to Be Feared

By Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on December 26, 2017 in Insight Therapy
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” FDR once famously declared. But was he right?

More Posts on Environment

Why Do People Move Countries? Global Warming?

Why do people migrate? Does it have to do with climate change? How should the media explain migrants' reasons for changing their lives?

Nurturing The “Better Angels Of Our Nature”

If we fully embrace ethical values that most people would actually agree to (e.g., the Golden Rule), we might be able to better steer this ship that has steered well off course.

The Psychology in Culture

By Mario D Garrett Ph.D. on January 01, 2018 in iAge
Studying culture as a psychological feature might result in a better understanding of how ourselves are a product of our environment.

Why Your Child is Not One of Your 2017 Accomplishments

By Paula L. White M.A. on December 31, 2017 in Shape Parenting
Trying to tally up your accomplishments for 2017? Great! Just leave your kids out of it!

Life In the Compassionoscene, Freedom and Justice For All

By Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on December 31, 2017 in Animal Emotions
Coexistence in the Anthropocene and beyond means compassion and justice for all. We must stop wantonly killing other animals and decimating their homes in the name of humans.

Don't Ask, They'll Tell

It's not a good idea to ask your child about their sexual orientation. Let them take the lead.

This Blog Is About You

By Liz Swan Ph.D. on December 26, 2017 in The Philosopher Is In
Ever wanted your own personal philosopher? Well, now you have one. Let's explore the light, the dark, and the various shades of grey of human nature together...

4 Keys to Understanding Our Weird, Inconsistent Morality

By Rob Henderson on December 26, 2017 in After Service
What science reveals about morality, and how to make better moral decisions.

Matter & Desire: Ecology As Erotic Love

By Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on December 24, 2017 in Animal Emotions
In this interview with biologist and philosopher Andreas Weber, we're asked to view ecology as a tender practice of forging relationships and of yearning for connections.

Superstition: Quirky Beliefs or Psychopathology?

Is superstition just anxiety in disguise?

Emotional Experiences Can Change the Nature of a Dog's Sleep

By Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on December 22, 2017 in Canine Corner
New data on the brain activity of sleeping dogs shows that the effect of emotional experiences on sleep is different for dogs and people.

Five Ways to Protect Yourself from Holiday Travel Thieves

By Wendy L. Patrick, Ph.D. on December 22, 2017 in Why Bad Looks Good
Holiday travel is both difficult and distracting. That is what thieves are banking on. Understand the psychology of distraction in order to stay focused, and stay safe.

The Joy of Living “Tiny”

By Susan Biali M.D. on December 21, 2017 in Prescriptions for Life
"Tiny" homes and small urban spaces have surged in popularity, in response to limited affordability and availability of housing. Who knew they'd be so much fun?

The Long and the Short of It: Sleep Duration and Health

By Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on December 21, 2017 in The Gravity of Weight
Does it matter how much sleep we get each night? Too much or too little may have important consequences for our metabolic health, including our weight. Why?

4 Ways Nature Can Help You Build Mental Strength

Not all muscle is built in the gym. There are several ways nature can help you build the mental muscle you need to reach your greatest potential.

Unwelcome Emotional Memories

Sometimes it's okay to put a lid on the past.

Youth Say “Listen to Science” and Do the Kind Thing

By Mica B. Estrada, Ph.D. on December 18, 2017 in Lead with Kindness
Youth feel climate science is clear and the response is to act. But what do we do? Social scientists say we can easily do these three things that go beyond changing a light bulb.

How to Make the World Better for Nonhuman Animals

By Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on December 17, 2017 in Animal Emotions
When asked how to do so, responses converged on key points including education, respect, overcoming apathy, compassion, the golden rule, and respecting individuals.

Five Steps to Convince Science Deniers Over Holidays

By Gleb Tsipursky Ph.D. on December 15, 2017 in Intentional Insights
Want to convince science deniers without arguing? A five-step research-based strategy can help.

Fake Sex Hormones: Chemicals Damage Health and Reproduction

By Robert D. Martin Ph.D. on December 14, 2017 in How We Do It
DDT and DES were just the beginning of a series of environmental chemicals that act as fake hormones, seriously disrupting our health and reproduction.

“Get Some Fresh Air” to Boost Your Creativity

By Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on December 14, 2017 in The Social Thinker
Want to boost your creativity? Go outside and let your mind (and feet) wander.

Bad Humans! 2017 Sees Record Increase in Carbon Emissions

Give the gift of climate science this year. It's free and full of surprises. This offer is only good for a short time on this planet.

Losing Weight in a Weight-Loss Resort: Will It Stay Off?

Aren't you already looking to getting away for some healthful pampering? Preparation is about more than packing outfits; it's also about seeing the maintenance of re-entry.

The Demography of Aging

Ever wonder why nearly 75 percent of our longevity has so little to do with our genetics or health care?

Moral Relativism Is Tricky, but Smarter Than the Alternative

By Jeremy E Sherman Ph.D. on December 09, 2017 in Ambigamy
When push comes to shove, we dig in our heels, pretending that nature or the supernatural stands for what we stand for. That's a problem worth keeping an eye on.

Rethinking Authenticity

Being authentic does not mean standing alone; it means making worthy judgments about the people one chooses to stand with.

Climate Change Affecting Farmers' Mental Health

By Robert T Muller Ph.D. on December 07, 2017 in Talking About Trauma
As the temperatures increase, so do the mental health risks among farmers.
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The Kingdom of Bayes

By Joachim I Krueger Ph.D. on December 04, 2017 in One Among Many
Will there be a second coming of the Reverend, or is the Bayesian revolution a matter of rhetoric? Consider some eschatological perspectives.

What If You Could See What's Coming?

By Peter Bregman on December 04, 2017 in How We Work
Discover your seventh sense for perceiving tipping points, why there’s no “second place” in the connected world of the future, and what you can do to prepare your business.
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Hot Nights Can Disrupt Your Sleep

By Michael J Breus Ph.D. on November 30, 2017 in Sleep Newzzz
New research explores how warm nighttime temperatures disturb sleep.