Why Bad Looks Good

Conscientiousness

What the Condition of Your Office Says About You

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on December 12, 2024

Dressing to impress involves more than clothes. Research reveals how your space represents yourself.

Dressing to impress involves more than clothes. Research reveals how your space represents yourself.

Relationships

The Best Emotional Response to Protect Romance

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on December 9, 2024

When your partner needs to vent, you need to listen. Your relational quality depends on your response.

When your partner needs to vent, you need to listen. Your relational quality depends on your response.

Loneliness

The Best Way to Overcome Loneliness

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on December 4, 2024

Everyone gets lonely—or do some people just experience being alone? The difference may depend on your social circle.

Everyone gets lonely—or do some people just experience being alone? The difference may depend on your social circle.

Self-Help

The Emotional Benefits of De-Cluttering

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on December 2, 2024

How separating trash from treasure promotes well-being.

How separating trash from treasure promotes well-being.

Relationships

Should You Trust Someone With a Checkered Past?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on December 1, 2024

How do past transgressions impact present trustworthiness? Research suggests some factors to consider.

How do past transgressions impact present trustworthiness? Research suggests some factors to consider.

Infidelity

Should You Reveal Past Infidelity?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 30, 2024

Overcoming past infidelity in a present relationship requires transparency and trust, and an emphasis on loyalty.

Overcoming past infidelity in a present relationship requires transparency and trust, and an emphasis on loyalty.

Relationships

Should You Share Secrets with a Love Interest?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 29, 2024

Sharing personal information can be endearing or off-putting. Learn what makes the difference.

Sharing personal information can be endearing or off-putting. Learn what makes the difference.

Infidelity

Detecting an Unfaithful Partner Who Doesn’t Feel Guilty

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 28, 2024

How do you detect an unfaithful partner who doesn’t feel guilty? Here are some ideas.

How do you detect an unfaithful partner who doesn’t feel guilty? Here are some ideas.

Stress

The Rewards of Supporting a Stressed-Out Partner

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 25, 2024

Is your partner stressed out? If you respond positively, you won't just be helping them; you'll be strengthening your relationship, too.

Is your partner stressed out? If you respond positively, you won't just be helping them; you'll be strengthening your relationship, too.

Law and Crime

Does Crime Run in Families?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 23, 2024

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." We've all heard the expression. But when it comes to criminality, is it true?

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." We've all heard the expression. But when it comes to criminality, is it true?

Mating

Are You More Likeable When You Ask Questions?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 21, 2024

Are inquisitive people viewed as more attractive? Not necessarily, as research suggests it's more about listening than asking.

Are inquisitive people viewed as more attractive? Not necessarily, as research suggests it's more about listening than asking.

Family Dynamics

Welcoming the Black Sheep of the Family

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 18, 2024

Will a family member be joining the Thanksgiving table who has recently been released from prison? Research indicates some complicating factors, and how to extend grace.

Will a family member be joining the Thanksgiving table who has recently been released from prison? Research indicates some complicating factors, and how to extend grace.

Infidelity

Why Relationship Partners View Online Alternatives

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 17, 2024

Why would a committed partner view alternatives? Research explains the reasons behind virtual exploration.

Why would a committed partner view alternatives? Research explains the reasons behind virtual exploration.

Relationships

Preserving Personal Relationships During Political Season

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 14, 2024

For many people, politics is personal. But there are ways to separate political views from personal relationships.

For many people, politics is personal. But there are ways to separate political views from personal relationships.

Infidelity

Are Cheaters Actually Happy With Their Affairs?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 13, 2024

If it's just about the sex, probably not.

If it's just about the sex, probably not.

Politics

When Politics is Personal: Surviving Election Season

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 11, 2024

Is political rhetoric stressing you out just in time for the holidays? Learn the reasons why, and how to weather the storm.

Is political rhetoric stressing you out just in time for the holidays? Learn the reasons why, and how to weather the storm.

Infidelity

Does Most Infidelity “Just Happen” or Is It Planned?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 3, 2024

Pre-planned cheating is driven by a particular set of risk factors.

Pre-planned cheating is driven by a particular set of risk factors.

Politics

Turning Down the Heat: Averting Political Violence

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 27, 2024

In a season of divisive political rhetoric, research reveals possible methods of reducing the potential for violence.

In a season of divisive political rhetoric, research reveals possible methods of reducing the potential for violence.

Trauma

Unique Methods of Caring for Human Trafficking Victims

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 17, 2024

No two trafficking victims are alike. Research reveals how that reality can inform supportive survivor care.

No two trafficking victims are alike. Research reveals how that reality can inform supportive survivor care.

Artificial Intelligence

Seeking Support: How AI Can Make You Feel Better

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 14, 2024

When you feel the need to emotionally unload, consider the value of the virtual.

When you feel the need to emotionally unload, consider the value of the virtual.