Face It

Beauty

The Case for Real Beauty

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on March 20, 2014

Real beauty. It sounds like an oxymoron, but it is now a welcome message for many women. While the shift has been slowly building, we're currently witnessing an important sea change in how beauty is viewed in today's culture.

Real beauty. It sounds like an oxymoron, but it is now a welcome message for many women. While the shift has been slowly building, we're currently witnessing an important sea change in how beauty is viewed in today's culture.

Beauty

The Beauty Gap is Closing

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on December 19, 2013

Whether men's interest in cosmetic products and services is viewed positively or negatively, there are clear reasons to believe this trend will continue to grow in years to come.

Whether men's interest in cosmetic products and services is viewed positively or negatively, there are clear reasons to believe this trend will continue to grow in years to come.

I've never liked the saying (not to mention the sentiment) "you can't be too rich or too thin." But now, "you can't be too beautiful" is under fire, too. When it comes to women and their looks, it seems we just can't win.

Mating

Your Profile Photo Reveals More Than Meets the Eye

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on August 31, 2013

How well does your online profile express who you truly are? For millions of people today, this is not an unimportant question since the results can strongly impact their future.

How well does your online profile express who you truly are? For millions of people today, this is not an unimportant question since the results can strongly impact their future.

A true midlife crisis hits when overwhelming anxiety about aging combines with a person's biological and psychological changes. While this confluence of events wreaks havoc for some, it need not lead to an emotional meltdown for all.

When Congress passed Title IX 40 years ago, many believed it would be a breakthrough for women and sports. The law not only provided equal financial support for girls' teams in schools, but changed attitudes about female athleticism. But, while an unprecedented number of young girls are now on the fields instead of the stands, few have gone on to become sports leaders.

We have to open our eyes to cruel and unnecessary tactics being used to bring exceptional talent to fruition. Making winning a priority over all else is not good for anyone involved -- coaches, parents and definitely not students -- and ultimately muddies the spirit and joy of healthy competition.

The 'midlife crisis' has served as fodder for many a Judd Apatow movie, but the reality of the experience is anything but funny. In truth, it's emotionally more complicated and when a true midlife crisis hits, it can wreak havoc for both men and women as well as their families and friends.

Media

Are Media Moms Bad for Our Health?

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on May 20, 2013

From the first signs of baby bumps ("is she or isn't she?") to the days after delivery ("is she too fat or too thin?"), celebrity moms are paraded all over the media as if they were the first to have ever entered the maternal world. What is this obsession really about?

From the first signs of baby bumps ("is she or isn't she?") to the days after delivery ("is she too fat or too thin?"), celebrity moms are paraded all over the media as if they were the first to have ever entered the maternal world. What is this obsession really about?

Gender

The Gender Hair Gap

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on April 30, 2013

While gender differences have narrowed in so many ways, when it comes to hair loss, the gap remains wide. A clean-shaven head may be commonplace among men, but it continues to be a rare and complicated choice for everyday women. Why is that? And is it likely to change anytime soon?

While gender differences have narrowed in so many ways, when it comes to hair loss, the gap remains wide. A clean-shaven head may be commonplace among men, but it continues to be a rare and complicated choice for everyday women. Why is that? And is it likely to change anytime soon?

How do we distinguish the angst and insecurities felt by most teenagers from the pain resulting from bullying? Does all teasing between kids warrant prohibition, or is there room for some joking and fooling around? When things clearly go too far, who should intervene -- the bullied, bystanders, parents, school administrators, state or federal governments?

Unless you perform regularly, being in the spotlight is very challenging. Prepare yourself using these tips so you can get through your performance with less wear and tear.

"Un-Whining," is a tactic to productively deal with the urge to complain. It's based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a technique shown effective in undoing maladaptive habits. By challenging the thoughts and feelings attached to dysfunctional behavior (complaining), it offers alternatives that can result in more positive reactions.

Dementia

Exercise Your Mind and Body

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on March 12, 2013

We have heard that playing Scrabble and doing crossword puzzles may help keep our minds sharp as we age. Now, new research suggests that if we can find a way to play these games while walking on a treadmill, we may stay sharper even longer.

We have heard that playing Scrabble and doing crossword puzzles may help keep our minds sharp as we age. Now, new research suggests that if we can find a way to play these games while walking on a treadmill, we may stay sharper even longer.

Adolescence

Latest News about Teen Marijuana Use

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on February 27, 2013

While recent studies show some good news regarding the decline in teenage cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse, the bad news is that more are using marijuana and doing so more regularly than ever before. Studies also reveal a growing perception that marijuana use is harmless—a confluence of trends that could lead to an entirely new health crisis among teenagers today.

While recent studies show some good news regarding the decline in teenage cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse, the bad news is that more are using marijuana and doing so more regularly than ever before. Studies also reveal a growing perception that marijuana use is harmless—a confluence of trends that could lead to an entirely new health crisis among teenagers today.

Mating

Connecting Through Online Dating

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on February 23, 2013

With the breakdown of social structures that once ensured connection to others -- like families and religious affiliations -- a romantic partner is viewed as the primary way to counteract isolation. Do online dating sites serve to alleviate that isolation? Or do they lead some to feel even more lonely?

With the breakdown of social structures that once ensured connection to others -- like families and religious affiliations -- a romantic partner is viewed as the primary way to counteract isolation. Do online dating sites serve to alleviate that isolation? Or do they lead some to feel even more lonely?

Media

Beauty That's Here to Stay

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on January 24, 2013

Rather than fighting the aging process, more women today seem to be coming to terms with it. They are redefining what it means to be beautiful — at age 50, 60 and beyond — and are wearing that new definition proudly on their faces. What a relief. What a positive outlook for future generations of women to come. It's about time!

Rather than fighting the aging process, more women today seem to be coming to terms with it. They are redefining what it means to be beautiful — at age 50, 60 and beyond — and are wearing that new definition proudly on their faces. What a relief. What a positive outlook for future generations of women to come. It's about time!

Trauma

Trauma Can Spark Change

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on January 13, 2013

While there have been gestures following the Sandy Hook shooting that have brought national attention -- like the one that NBC's Ann Curry began when she created a Twitter-generated program for 26 acts of kindness -- there are small ones within our own families that may go unnoticed. But it's these very actions by everyday people that may contribute most to helping avoid r

While there have been gestures following the Sandy Hook shooting that have brought national attention -- like the one that NBC's Ann Curry began when she created a Twitter-generated program for 26 acts of kindness -- there are small ones within our own families that may go unnoticed. But it's these very actions by everyday people that may contribute most to helping avoid r

Guilt

Surviving Guilt: Next Steps at Sandy Hook

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on December 27, 2012

Survivors of tragedies struggle in ways that most people find hard to understand. The emotions are complex and confusing. The feelings depend upon on the psychological makeup of the individual involved and vary depending on the nature of the traumatic event -- but one emotion felt by many is guilt.

Survivors of tragedies struggle in ways that most people find hard to understand. The emotions are complex and confusing. The feelings depend upon on the psychological makeup of the individual involved and vary depending on the nature of the traumatic event -- but one emotion felt by many is guilt.

Psychopathy

Ten Tips For Raising Moral Children

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on December 20, 2012

Is there anything we can do now to avoid tragedies like Sandy Hook Elementary in the future? As a psychologist and a parent, I believe there is. We can understand the role we must play in the moral development of our children. We can acknowledge when they fail to follow this developmental track and seek counsel when they — or we — need help to get back on course.

Is there anything we can do now to avoid tragedies like Sandy Hook Elementary in the future? As a psychologist and a parent, I believe there is. We can understand the role we must play in the moral development of our children. We can acknowledge when they fail to follow this developmental track and seek counsel when they — or we — need help to get back on course.