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Today’s Essentials Today’s Essential Reads

Career

Can We Stop Being Nepotistic?

Jennifer Verdolin Ph.D. on June 4, 2023 in Wild Connections

Just as the hit series Succession demonstrates, family feuds and competition can undermine the nepotistic advantages that should be enjoyed by close relatives. Killer whales may not be as dramatic as the Roy family, but they can also make a spectacle of themselves.

Just as the hit series Succession demonstrates, family feuds and competition can undermine the nepotistic advantages that should be enjoyed by close relatives. Killer whales may not be as dramatic as the Roy family, but they can also make a spectacle of themselves.

Marriage

A World Without Marriage

Bella DePaulo Ph.D. on June 4, 2023 in Living Single

What would happen if the government got out of the marriage business? And if it doesn’t, should individuals make the decision to opt out? A scholar makes a forceful argument.

What would happen if the government got out of the marriage business? And if it doesn’t, should individuals make the decision to opt out? A scholar makes a forceful argument.

Cognition

Analogical Reasoning Puzzles

Marcel Danesi Ph.D. on June 3, 2023 in Brain Workout

"Smiles is to happiness as tears are to sadness" reveals our analogical thinking process. Exploring analogy puzzles demonstrates the unfolding of analogies.

"Smiles is to happiness as tears are to sadness" reveals our analogical thinking process. Exploring analogy puzzles demonstrates the unfolding of analogies.

The Latest

Where Do Desires for BDSM Come From?

Michael Castleman M.A. on June 4, 2023 in All About Sex

A recent study asked a large number of people interested in BDSM where their desires come from. Their replies show how mysterious sexuality can be.

A recent study asked a large number of people interested in BDSM where their desires come from. Their replies show how mysterious sexuality can be.

Will People Fall In Love with Their Chatbot?

Elyakim Kislev Ph.D. on June 4, 2023 in Society 5.0

The emergence of AI-powered conversational agents has given rise to various platforms and applications that aim to provide users with emotionally engaging interactions

The emergence of AI-powered conversational agents has given rise to various platforms and applications that aim to provide users with emotionally engaging interactions

To Go or Not to Go?

Jane Greer Ph.D. on June 3, 2023 in Shrink Wrap

Invited to a family gathering of any kind and felt reluctant to attend for any reason? Think twice before saying no.

Invited to a family gathering of any kind and felt reluctant to attend for any reason? Think twice before saying no.

Is Forgiveness as Easy as ‘Ted Lasso’ Made It Seem?

Alan Jern Ph.D. on June 3, 2023 in Overthinking TV

In the latest season, a character was forgiven after a major betrayal. Although emotionally satisfying, research on forgiveness suggests it wasn't very realistic.

In the latest season, a character was forgiven after a major betrayal. Although emotionally satisfying, research on forgiveness suggests it wasn't very realistic.

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Feature

Vacation Is a State of Mind

Taking the Rest We Need

Depression

Has the Concept of Depression Been Overextended?

Neel Burton M.D. on June 2, 2023 in Hide and Seek

Pushing us towards doctors and drugs can prevent us from identifying and addressing the important real-life problems or psychological issues at the root of our distress.

Pushing us towards doctors and drugs can prevent us from identifying and addressing the important real-life problems or psychological issues at the root of our distress.

Career

Thinking Inside the Box

Richard Dancsi on June 2, 2023 in Dear Life, Please Improve

Which work environment would you prefer? An open-plan office with serendipitous meetings or a cubicle to get focused work done?

Which work environment would you prefer? An open-plan office with serendipitous meetings or a cubicle to get focused work done?

Reflections on OCD

David T. Culkin Ph.D. on June 2, 2023 in OCD and Marriage

Personal Perspective: Ever wonder how you can cope with a mental disorder? Try telling a story about it.

Personal Perspective: Ever wonder how you can cope with a mental disorder? Try telling a story about it.

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May 2023
Find Your Path Forward

Hope is double-edged, false hope can set you on a collision course with despair. Know when your hopes are well-founded and how to turn your deep desires into results.

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