Verified by Psychology Today

Talking Apes

How natural selection reprogrammed the brain for language

Loneliness
How to Decrease Feelings of Loneliness

David Ludden Ph.D. on September 22, 2023

We’re more connected than ever, but we also feel much lonelier than before. Online exchanges may not be as satisfying, but quality also counts.

We’re more connected than ever, but we also feel much lonelier than before. Online exchanges may not be as satisfying, but quality also counts.

Bias
Why People Today Say They Feel Younger Than Ever

David Ludden Ph.D. on July 12, 2023

More and more older people today report that they feel younger than their age, even though they are approaching the final years of their lives.

More and more older people today report that they feel younger than their age, even though they are approaching the final years of their lives.

Sexual Orientation
Can You Tell if a Man Is Bisexual Just From His Voice?

David Ludden Ph.D. on May 24, 2023

The ability to identify a man as gay just from his voice is well-documented. Researchers now ask if bisexual men can also be identified by voice alone, with surprising results.

The ability to identify a man as gay just from his voice is well-documented. Researchers now ask if bisexual men can also be identified by voice alone, with surprising results.

Gender
What Is Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria?

David Ludden Ph.D. on May 4, 2023

Sex researchers have known about gender dysphoria in childhood and adulthood for over a century. But the cause of rapid-onset gender dysphoria is still fiercely debated.

Sex researchers have known about gender dysphoria in childhood and adulthood for over a century. But the cause of rapid-onset gender dysphoria is still fiercely debated.

First Impressions
How to Make a Good First Impression

David Ludden Ph.D. on April 20, 2023

There’s plenty of advice on how to make a good first impression, much of it contradictory. New research shows which strategy works best.

There’s plenty of advice on how to make a good first impression, much of it contradictory. New research shows which strategy works best.

Genetics
Is There a “Gay Gene"?

David Ludden Ph.D. on March 13, 2023

Sexual orientation is shaped in prenatal development, but science shows that there are not only many ways of becoming gay but also many ways of being gay.

Sexual orientation is shaped in prenatal development, but science shows that there are not only many ways of becoming gay but also many ways of being gay.

Social Life
How to Be an Effective Listener

David Ludden Ph.D. on March 6, 2023

Half of communication is listening—but we also need to send our conversation partners authentic signals that they’ve been heard.

Half of communication is listening—but we also need to send our conversation partners authentic signals that they’ve been heard.

Attention
Why We Should Practice "Critical Ignoring" in the Digital Age

David Ludden Ph.D. on February 24, 2023

The internet is full of attention-grabbing, yet low-quality information. However, honing “critical ignoring” skills can keep you mentally healthy in the digital age.

The internet is full of attention-grabbing, yet low-quality information. However, honing “critical ignoring” skills can keep you mentally healthy in the digital age.

False Memories
Testing the Visual Mandela Effect

David Ludden Ph.D. on February 7, 2023

Many people have similar false memories of cultural icons like logos and cartoon characters. New research investigates why the "visual Mandela effect" occurs.

Many people have similar false memories of cultural icons like logos and cartoon characters. New research investigates why the "visual Mandela effect" occurs.

Sex
The Keys to a Satisfying Single Life

David Ludden Ph.D. on January 3, 2023

People can be happy living alone as long as they can meet their sexual and relationship needs without a regular partner.

People can be happy living alone as long as they can meet their sexual and relationship needs without a regular partner.

First Impressions
How Much Should You Talk in a First Conversation?

David Ludden Ph.D. on October 29, 2022

Conversations with strangers can be daunting because first impressions are so important. The best approach is to show interest in your partner, but to share as much as you listen.

Conversations with strangers can be daunting because first impressions are so important. The best approach is to show interest in your partner, but to share as much as you listen.

Sex
Why Women Don't Enjoy Sex as Much as Men

David Ludden Ph.D. on September 9, 2022

Women express less desire for sex than men, and the reasons are hotly debated. One likely cause is that the sex they’re getting just isn’t that good.

Women express less desire for sex than men, and the reasons are hotly debated. One likely cause is that the sex they’re getting just isn’t that good.

Sex
What Kind of Men Buy Sex Dolls?

David Ludden Ph.D. on August 28, 2022

The received wisdom is that sex dolls constitute social harm because they acclimate men to sexual aggression, but new research challenges this notion.

The received wisdom is that sex dolls constitute social harm because they acclimate men to sexual aggression, but new research challenges this notion.

Pornography
Who Likes Violent Porn? New Research Upends Expectations

David Ludden Ph.D. on July 17, 2022

According to a new study, women who watch porn are more likely than their male counterparts to be turned on by scenes of aggression, as long as it's clearly consensual.

According to a new study, women who watch porn are more likely than their male counterparts to be turned on by scenes of aggression, as long as it's clearly consensual.

Pornography
The Trouble With Porn "Addiction"

David Ludden Ph.D. on July 1, 2022

Cases of self-reported porn addiction are on the rise, but the challenge for therapists is to help their clients reconcile their moral beliefs with their natural sexual behaviors.

Cases of self-reported porn addiction are on the rise, but the challenge for therapists is to help their clients reconcile their moral beliefs with their natural sexual behaviors.