From the Diagnosis Dictionary

Social Life

Human beings are social animals, and the tenor of our social life is one of the most important influences on our mental health. Without positive, durable relationships, both our minds and our bodies fall apart. We begin life dependent for survival on the quality of relationship with our primary caregiver, usually Mom. And the nature of that relationship typically influences all others in our life.

Our survival as a species similarly hinges on our capacity for social living. Most of human history spent in small groups in which each was dependent on the others for survival, and much evidence suggests that that is the condition to which we are best adapted.

The Latest on Social Life

What Happens When Two Water Buffaloes Strain in Opposite Directions? by Peter H. Kahn, Jr., Ph.D.

New studies are showing how investors make irrational decisions. by Ken Eisold, PhD

Contributing to dating sites: Consciousness-raising or selling out? by Bella DePaulo, Ph.D.

Can employers check your DNA? Not any more. by Pete Shanks

The ghosts of past relationships haunt new ones. by Art Markman, Ph.D.

"Selfish" doesn't have to mean antisocial by Jamil Zaki

Activating fear and trauma, and seeking justice by Ken Eisold, PhD

Fairness can be more rewarding than money by David Rock

You don’t have to be single to have lots of cats. by Bella DePaulo, Ph.D.

Mental illness often results from excess emotion. by Ilana Simons, Ph.D.

Social Life Blogs

"Benign" Bigotry
The Psychology of Subtle Prejudice
By Kristin J. Anderson, Ph.D.
Tinted Lenses
How bias distorts perception and shapes social interaction.
By Steve Livingston
Born To Be Good
The new science of emotions--and how compassion, mirth, embarrassment and awe bring out the good in others and in ourselves.
By Dacher Keltner
Connections
Social Dependence and Independence
By C. Nathan DeWall, Ph.D.
Consequential Strangers
The Power of People Who Don't Seem To Matter...But Really Do
By Melinda Blau
Living Single
The truth about singles in our society.
By Bella DePaulo
Loneliness
The need for social connection.
By John Cacioppo, Ph.D.
One Among Many
The self in social context
By Joachim I. Krueger, Ph.D.
Science Of Small Talk
The science of social behavior, one interaction at a time
By Sam Sommers
Somebodies and Nobodies
Dignity for all.
By Robert Fuller, Ph.D.
The Social Self
How self-knowledge influences interactions and perceptions.
By Allen R. McConnell, Ph.D.
The Social Thinker
How we think about ourselves and others
By Melissa Burkley, Ph.D.
Personality and Social Interaction
Psychology in everyday life.
By Nicholas Herrera, Ph.D.