In Love and War

Relationships

Why It’s Not Always Easy to Turn Away an Unwanted Sexual Advance

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on December 30, 2021

People are taught to “just say no” to intimate acts they’re not comfortable with. But sometimes advances are made in ways that make refusal more difficult than it should be.

People are taught to “just say no” to intimate acts they’re not comfortable with. But sometimes advances are made in ways that make refusal more difficult than it should be.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

4 Cognitive Biases That Can Impair Pandemic Decision-Making

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on December 23, 2021

As we navigate risk-related decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing potential biases in our judgments may help us make choices we feel good about.

As we navigate risk-related decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing potential biases in our judgments may help us make choices we feel good about.

Empathy

Why Some People Really Resent Do-Gooders

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on October 18, 2021

Someone who donates a kidney to a stranger seems worthy of high praise. But reactions to a recent viral article reveal that this is not always what happens.

Someone who donates a kidney to a stranger seems worthy of high praise. But reactions to a recent viral article reveal that this is not always what happens.

Health

Can Being Kind to Yourself Improve Health?

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on September 30, 2021

Coping with health challenges can be stressful. Research suggests that self-compassion may help quell health-related anxieties and motivate us to address problems proactively.

Coping with health challenges can be stressful. Research suggests that self-compassion may help quell health-related anxieties and motivate us to address problems proactively.

Cognitive Dissonance

4 Reasons We Unfairly Judge Others

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on September 30, 2021

Seeing someone struggling doesn’t always evoke compassion—sometimes it evokes the opposite: judgment and blame.

Seeing someone struggling doesn’t always evoke compassion—sometimes it evokes the opposite: judgment and blame.

Aging

3 Ways That Negative Stereotypes About Aging Become Reality

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on September 10, 2021

Compounding the effects of age discrimination, negative beliefs about aging can become internalized in ways that harm health and well-being.

Compounding the effects of age discrimination, negative beliefs about aging can become internalized in ways that harm health and well-being.

Empathy

4 Deeper Psychological Causes of Mask-Related Hostility

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on June 29, 2021

Do you find yourself feeling irritated when you see someone wearing a mask? Here are four potential reasons for this reaction that you might not have considered before.

Do you find yourself feeling irritated when you see someone wearing a mask? Here are four potential reasons for this reaction that you might not have considered before.

Stress

3 Ways We Lie to Ourselves

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on June 14, 2021

The whole point of self-deception is that we don’t know we’re doing it. But the truth has subtle ways of revealing itself to us.

The whole point of self-deception is that we don’t know we’re doing it. But the truth has subtle ways of revealing itself to us.

Anxiety

Why We May Not Realize That Our Friends Are Struggling

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on May 25, 2021

When we’re struggling, it can feel like no one else would understand. But it’s possible that others are going through the exact same thing—and we’re just not seeing it.

When we’re struggling, it can feel like no one else would understand. But it’s possible that others are going through the exact same thing—and we’re just not seeing it.

Career

How Being a People-Pleaser May Harm Performance at Work

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on March 23, 2021

In a job interview or other high stakes context, it can be tempting to say what you think the other person wants to hear. But catering to others' expectations can backfire.

In a job interview or other high stakes context, it can be tempting to say what you think the other person wants to hear. But catering to others' expectations can backfire.

Fear

Why People Are Drawn to Horror Movies During the Pandemic

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on March 6, 2021

Fictional fear can be oddly comforting—and instructional.

Fictional fear can be oddly comforting—and instructional.

Trauma

“A Teacher” Illustrates the Difficulty of Recognizing Abuse

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on January 4, 2021

In a new miniseries, viewers gain insight into some of the ways victims may be blindsided by predatory behavior.

In a new miniseries, viewers gain insight into some of the ways victims may be blindsided by predatory behavior.

Stress

Could Worrying Be Good for Your Health?

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on December 27, 2020

When it comes to health, “don’t worry about it” may not always be the best advice.

When it comes to health, “don’t worry about it” may not always be the best advice.

Supporting others not only benefits the recipient; it can also benefit the giver by reducing stress and improving well-being. But this is only true under certain conditions.

Personality

In The Extreme, These “Good” Personality Traits Can Turn Bad

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on October 23, 2020

Certain personality traits are associated with better relationships, career success, and other benefits. But taken too far, these traits can have the reverse effect.

Certain personality traits are associated with better relationships, career success, and other benefits. But taken too far, these traits can have the reverse effect.

Forgiveness

Which Is More Empowering, Forgiveness or Revenge?

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on September 24, 2020

The best way to respond when we’ve been hurt may depend on a number of factors, including the offender’s intentions.

The best way to respond when we’ve been hurt may depend on a number of factors, including the offender’s intentions.

Motivation

Three Reasons It Can Be Hard to Know What You Really Want

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on September 14, 2020

These psychological biases may hinder your ability not just to reach your goals, but to know what they are in the first place.

These psychological biases may hinder your ability not just to reach your goals, but to know what they are in the first place.

Ethics and Morality

Six Common Ways People Justify Unethical Behavior

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on August 31, 2020

People sometimes behave in ways they know to be unethical yet continue to see themselves as moral people. Here are some possible reasons why.

People sometimes behave in ways they know to be unethical yet continue to see themselves as moral people. Here are some possible reasons why.

Personality

Self-Compassion vs. Letting Yourself Off the Hook

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on June 24, 2020

Are you being self-compassionate or just taking the easy way out? Ask yourself these four questions to distinguish between the two.

Are you being self-compassionate or just taking the easy way out? Ask yourself these four questions to distinguish between the two.

Relationships

The 5 Most Awkward Things People Say to Adults Who Don't Have Kids

Juliana Breines Ph.D. on June 18, 2020

Misconceptions about non-parents are common and can make for awkward conversations. Here are some tips for navigating them.

Misconceptions about non-parents are common and can make for awkward conversations. Here are some tips for navigating them.