Essential Reads

Have People Living Alone Become Lonelier Since COVID-19?

By Bella DePaulo Ph.D. on July 04, 2020 in Living Single

Researchers expected people living alone to be more vulnerable to increased loneliness. Instead, people have tended to feel more supported, regardless of living arrangements.

Researchers expected people living alone to be more vulnerable to increased loneliness. Instead, people have tended to feel more supported, regardless of living arrangements.

What Happens in Vegas: Notes on the Psychology of Gambling

By Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on July 03, 2020 in Insight Therapy

Casinos are intentional environments, designed for a purpose. The purpose is to take your money and make you feel good about it—no easy task. How do they do it?

Casinos are intentional environments, designed for a purpose. The purpose is to take your money and make you feel good about it—no easy task. How do they do it?

"13 Reasons Why" and Teen Suicide

By Christopher J. Ferguson Ph.D. on July 03, 2020 in Checkpoints

Did the popular Netflix show "13 Reasons Why" spark an increase in youth suicides? The answer may say more about societal morality than it does about television.

Did the popular Netflix show "13 Reasons Why" spark an increase in youth suicides? The answer may say more about societal morality than it does about television.

5 Ways to Keep Your Circle Close in a Post-COVID Future

By Georgia Witkin Ph.D. on July 02, 2020 in The Chronicles of Infertility

When the world opens up and we are back to our old routines, how can we keep the relationships we depended on during this difficult time strong?

When the world opens up and we are back to our old routines, how can we keep the relationships we depended on during this difficult time strong?

Is There a Link Between Social Isolation and Inflammation?

By Jamie D. Aten Ph.D. on July 02, 2020 in Hope + Resilience

What the science on social isolation and loneliness does and does not reveal.

What the science on social isolation and loneliness does and does not reveal.

The Price of “Friends with Benefits”

By Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on July 02, 2020 in In the Name of Love

Can casual sex be part of profound friendship? How similar is “friendship with sex” to romantic love?

Can casual sex be part of profound friendship? How similar is “friendship with sex” to romantic love?

You Will Never Win Your Political or Relationship Arguments

By Jason Whiting Ph.D. on July 01, 2020 in Love, Lies and Conflict

Are you convinced your views are correct? Research on the futility of arguing suggests that debating others and pushing your views rarely changes minds.

Are you convinced your views are correct? Research on the futility of arguing suggests that debating others and pushing your views rarely changes minds.

"Never Have I Ever" Is a Godsend for Children’s Mental Health

By Jack Turban MD MHS on July 01, 2020 in Political Minds

Mindy Kaling's new Netflix show is the program about children's mental health we've been waiting for.

Mindy Kaling's new Netflix show is the program about children's mental health we've been waiting for.

Who's Playing Hard-to-Get, Who’s Attracted to It, and Why

By Omri Gillath Ph.D. on July 01, 2020 in All We Need Is Love

Left on read? Benched? Modern technology injects new life to old mating strategies of playing, and pursuing, hard-to-get.

Left on read? Benched? Modern technology injects new life to old mating strategies of playing, and pursuing, hard-to-get.

Can Dogs Who Are Afraid of Fireworks or Loud Noise Be Cured?

By Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on July 01, 2020 in Canine Corner

Does the sound of fireworks or thunder frighten your dog? New research shows which methods of treating fear of loud noises in dogs work, and which don't.

Does the sound of fireworks or thunder frighten your dog? New research shows which methods of treating fear of loud noises in dogs work, and which don't.

6 Tips for Managing Conflict Over Social Distancing

By Andrea Bonior Ph.D. on June 30, 2020 in Friendship 2.0

Differences of opinion about safety precautions for the coronavirus are causing friction in many relationships. Here are ways to manage the conflict.

Differences of opinion about safety precautions for the coronavirus are causing friction in many relationships. Here are ways to manage the conflict.

The Science Behind the Power of the Eyes

By Matt Johnson Ph.D. on June 30, 2020 in Mind, Brain, and Value

New research helps us understand why the eyes are both powerful and mysterious.

New research helps us understand why the eyes are both powerful and mysterious.

Does Being in the “Here and Now” Increase Life’s Meaning?

By Iddo Landau, Ph.D. on June 30, 2020 in Finding Meaning in an Imperfect World

Many try to focus as much as possible on the present. But transcending the moment is often much more helpful.

Many try to focus as much as possible on the present. But transcending the moment is often much more helpful.

Love Lockdown: How to Tell If Your Relationship Will Survive

By Gery Karantzas Ph.D. on June 30, 2020 in The Science of Love

Life in lockdown has been tough on many relationships—but negotiating the transition back to “normal” can also be a challenge. These three factors can help the relationship survive.

Life in lockdown has been tough on many relationships—but negotiating the transition back to “normal” can also be a challenge. These three factors can help the relationship survive.

When Women Feel Disrespected at Work

By Elizabeth Dorrance Hall Ph.D. on June 29, 2020 in Conscious Communication

New research reveals six ways women in male-dominated workplaces are disrespected at work, and what women do about it.

New research reveals six ways women in male-dominated workplaces are disrespected at work, and what women do about it.

A Fundamental Error: Beware the Gospel of Self-Improvement

By Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on June 29, 2020 in Insight Therapy

We commit an error when we rush to attribute someone’s behavior to their character qualities while ignoring the much greater role played by circumstances.

We commit an error when we rush to attribute someone’s behavior to their character qualities while ignoring the much greater role played by circumstances.

How Couples Deal with Differences in Sexual Desire

By David Ludden Ph.D. on June 29, 2020 in Talking Apes

If you and your partner are experiencing sexual desire discrepancy, here are some strategies for resolving the issue that have been tested by other couples.

If you and your partner are experiencing sexual desire discrepancy, here are some strategies for resolving the issue that have been tested by other couples.

Worry Is a Waste: Take Control in 5 Minutes or Less

By Kailey Spina Horan, Ph.D., LMHC on June 28, 2020 in The Reality of Gen Z

How much time have you spent worrying today? Here's how to gain back control.

How much time have you spent worrying today? Here's how to gain back control.

Dear CDC: I Have to Make a Life-and-Death Decision

By Gregg R. Murray Ph.D. on June 28, 2020 in Caveman Politics

What is the fully informed, expert estimate of the probability that a typical person has COVID-19 right now? Is it 1%, 10%, 25%, or something else?

What is the fully informed, expert estimate of the probability that a typical person has COVID-19 right now? Is it 1%, 10%, 25%, or something else?

Phonies Don’t Like Spending Time Alone; Authentic People Do

By Bella DePaulo Ph.D. on June 28, 2020 in Living Single

People who are true to themselves enjoy being alone. Solitude lovers are also curious about their feelings, even the negative ones.

People who are true to themselves enjoy being alone. Solitude lovers are also curious about their feelings, even the negative ones.