Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist

Happiness

We’re All in the Goldilocks Business

Timothy A Carey Ph.D. on November 8, 2024 in In Control

Everything we do centers around keeping the just rights that determine, and are determined by, our living, exactly the way we want them to be.

Everything we do centers around keeping the just rights that determine, and are determined by, our living, exactly the way we want them to be.

Mating

Attraction at First Sight

Frank J. Ninivaggi M.D., DLF-A.P.A. on November 8, 2024 in Envy This!

Understanding the science and predictable psychology of attraction becomes vital for enriching how we connect personally and collectively.

Understanding the science and predictable psychology of attraction becomes vital for enriching how we connect personally and collectively.

Career

Does the 'Generation Effect' in Advertising Still Work?

Yellowlees Douglas Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in How Writing Works

Marketeers use generation effects to bolster the memorability of ads. But what if its effects are laboratory illusions? And do generation effects work in multicultural societies?

Marketeers use generation effects to bolster the memorability of ads. But what if its effects are laboratory illusions? And do generation effects work in multicultural societies?

President Donald Trump

The Psychology of Celebrity Endorsements for President

Raj Persaud MD FRCPsych on November 7, 2024 in Slightly Blighty

A postmorten analysis of why Kamala Harris fared so poorly should perhaps include evaluation of the psychology of celebrity endorsement.

A postmorten analysis of why Kamala Harris fared so poorly should perhaps include evaluation of the psychology of celebrity endorsement.

Stress

Leading Through Crisis: Process Before Responding

Mira Brancu, Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in A New Look at Women's Leadership

In times of national crisis, leaders must sometimes communicate understanding before they fully have processed the situation. Here are five ways to slow down and gain clarity.

In times of national crisis, leaders must sometimes communicate understanding before they fully have processed the situation. Here are five ways to slow down and gain clarity.

Persuasion

To Manage Conflict Effectively, Watch Your “Punctuation”

Craig B. Barkacs MBA, JD on November 7, 2024 in Power and Influence

It’s natural to cling to your views during conflict, but adopting another’s perspective can take your influence to the next level.

It’s natural to cling to your views during conflict, but adopting another’s perspective can take your influence to the next level.

Anxiety

Do You Avoid the Doctor Because of Health Anxiety?

Brittney Chesworth Ph.D., LCSW on November 7, 2024 in Managing Health Anxiety

If you fear going to the doctor because you are anxious about your health, this behavioral strategy can help you face your fear with baby steps.

If you fear going to the doctor because you are anxious about your health, this behavioral strategy can help you face your fear with baby steps.

Attention

A Prosthesis for the Mind

Bruce Wilson Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Explorations in Positive Psychology

“Continuous partial attention is an automatic process motivated only by ‘a desire to be a live node on the network’ or by the willingness to connect and stay connected."

“Continuous partial attention is an automatic process motivated only by ‘a desire to be a live node on the network’ or by the willingness to connect and stay connected."

Parenting

Parenting That Is Mindful of Children’s Temperament

Liliana J. Lengua Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Cultivating Resilience

Children have different temperaments, so what works with one may not work with another. For more effective parenting, tailor strategies to a child's unique characteristics.

Children have different temperaments, so what works with one may not work with another. For more effective parenting, tailor strategies to a child's unique characteristics.

Consumer Behavior

Apples vs. Apple Jacks

Nicole Avena Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Food Junkie

Marketing tactics minimize big differences among substances, including food products.

Marketing tactics minimize big differences among substances, including food products.

Workplace Dynamics

Power and Privilege in Conflict of Interest Disclosures

Nafees Alam Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Pop Culture Mental Health

Conflict of interest disclosures, even when well-intentioned, can exacerbate dynamics of power of privilege. Is there a better way?

Conflict of interest disclosures, even when well-intentioned, can exacerbate dynamics of power of privilege. Is there a better way?

Resilience

Restarting Your Mind

Aseem D. Desai M.D. on November 7, 2024 in Mindful Beats

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s chaos? Explore science-backed ways to recalibrate your mind and thrive.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s chaos? Explore science-backed ways to recalibrate your mind and thrive.

Mindfulness

The Benefits of Surrender

Tchiki Davis, Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Click Here for Happiness

Could surrendering things you can’t control actually be empowering? Consider the potential of surrender.

Could surrendering things you can’t control actually be empowering? Consider the potential of surrender.

Relationships

Is Love Really Blind, Habibi?

Sarah Rasmi Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Bridging the Gulf

What does the Netflix show "Love Is Blind, Habibi" reveal about the psychology of attraction, and can love grow without visual cues?

What does the Netflix show "Love Is Blind, Habibi" reveal about the psychology of attraction, and can love grow without visual cues?

Eating Disorders

When the Shoe Fits, Wear It: Understanding Body Weight Set Point

Melissa Gerson LCSW on November 7, 2024 in The Road to Recovery

Your body has a natural weight range, just like its shoe size. Embracing that is a key to health and self-acceptance, especially in eating disorder recovery.

Your body has a natural weight range, just like its shoe size. Embracing that is a key to health and self-acceptance, especially in eating disorder recovery.

Trauma

Avoiding Trauma Keeps It Alive

Wendy Lustbader M.S.W. on November 7, 2024 in Life Gets Better

Breaking out of isolation and talking about what happened with a trusted friend or therapist greatly reduces the burden of what is remembered.

Breaking out of isolation and talking about what happened with a trusted friend or therapist greatly reduces the burden of what is remembered.

Relationships

There Is No Such Thing as a Soulmate

Matt Wotton, MBA and Graham Johnston, MBA on November 7, 2024 in Get Some Help!

Clinging to the dream of the perfect soulmate may be holding you back from building a strong, fulfilling relationship. Here's what to look for instead.

Clinging to the dream of the perfect soulmate may be holding you back from building a strong, fulfilling relationship. Here's what to look for instead.

Introversion

The Quiet Leaders: How Shy CEOs Succeed

Richard Dancsi on November 7, 2024 in Dear Life, Please Improve

While charisma certainly helps chief executives make connections and inspire teams, introverted CEOs have other significant advantages.

While charisma certainly helps chief executives make connections and inspire teams, introverted CEOs have other significant advantages.

Aging

Learn to Savor Again

Francine Toder Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Enhance Your Vintage Years

A Personal Perspective: As we age, our sense of smell can become less pronounced. Invigorating your senses can help connect you to pleasant memories and present pleasures.

A Personal Perspective: As we age, our sense of smell can become less pronounced. Invigorating your senses can help connect you to pleasant memories and present pleasures.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness in Context

Michael J. Formica EdM, NCC, LPC on November 7, 2024 in Enlightened Living

Mindfulness, or shamatha, is a subdiscipline of meditation. It is, in part, an exercise in nonattachment. Plot twist: Awakening to self-awareness is a destructive process.

Mindfulness, or shamatha, is a subdiscipline of meditation. It is, in part, an exercise in nonattachment. Plot twist: Awakening to self-awareness is a destructive process.

Relationships

How to Fight Without Fighting

John Kim LMFT on November 7, 2024 in The Angry Therapist

The next time you feel a fight coming on, don’t see it as a sign of doom. See it as an opportunity.

The next time you feel a fight coming on, don’t see it as a sign of doom. See it as an opportunity.

Narcissism

Do Narcissists Have Empathy?

Elinor Greenberg Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Understanding Narcissism

Do you wonder how narcissists can be so cold and hurtful to people they claim to love? A lack of emotional empathy makes it easier to ignore how other people are feeling.

Do you wonder how narcissists can be so cold and hurtful to people they claim to love? A lack of emotional empathy makes it easier to ignore how other people are feeling.

Conformity

Trapped in the Echo Chamber

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Beyond School Walls

You've seen the effects of echo chambers: political divides, social bubbles, and the constant reinforcement of familiar ideas. What keeps us trapped in these bubbles?

You've seen the effects of echo chambers: political divides, social bubbles, and the constant reinforcement of familiar ideas. What keeps us trapped in these bubbles?

Resilience

What Can You Do, When You Can’t Do Anything?

Lisa Liggins-Chambers Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Spotlight on Special Education

When you feel like there’s nothing you can do, try focusing on what is within your control.

When you feel like there’s nothing you can do, try focusing on what is within your control.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Agony of Perfectionism

Glenn R. Schiraldi Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Hidden Wounds

If perfect is the enemy of good, then compassionate, flexible striving for excellence may be the better approach.

If perfect is the enemy of good, then compassionate, flexible striving for excellence may be the better approach.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Trapped in War Zones

Ezenwa E. Olumba MSc on November 7, 2024 in Homeless Mind

Soldiers who have served in distant wars may remain mentally stuck in those places long after they have returned home. Here's what we can learn from this phenomenon.

Soldiers who have served in distant wars may remain mentally stuck in those places long after they have returned home. Here's what we can learn from this phenomenon.

Adolescence

Redefining Youth: Economic Pressures and Shifting Values

Nigel R. Bairstow Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Disconnection Dynamics

Taiwan’s youth navigate high living costs, limited job options, and evolving cultural values, revealing unique approaches to well-being and independence.

Taiwan’s youth navigate high living costs, limited job options, and evolving cultural values, revealing unique approaches to well-being and independence.

Consumer Behavior

Are We What We Buy?

Lawrence R. Samuel Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Psychology Yesterday

Do you consider consumerism a good or bad thing? Chances are you may actually think of it as both.

Do you consider consumerism a good or bad thing? Chances are you may actually think of it as both.

Relationships

3 Things You Should Always Speak Up About in a Relationship

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 7, 2024 in Social Instincts

Honesty is always the best policy, especially when it comes to relationships. Here are three things that aren't best left unsaid between partners.

Honesty is always the best policy, especially when it comes to relationships. Here are three things that aren't best left unsaid between partners.