Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist

Today's Essential Reads Today's Essentials

Health

Get a Pet, Get Healthy?

By Gail F. Melson Ph.D. on April 21, 2018 in Why the Wild Things Are

The health benefits of pet ownership have been touted widely. However, a new study points to selection factors that question this conclusion.

Personality

Why Psychopaths Make Such Bad First Impressions

By Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D. on April 21, 2018 in Fulfillment at Any Age

Making a great first impression is a sure-fire way to get others to trust you. New research on people high in the Dark Tetrad traits shows why they fail when meeting new people.

Memory

It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again

By David Ludden Ph.D. on April 21, 2018 in Talking Apes

Feelings of déjà vu and premonition seem spooky, but when we understand the common tricks our memory plays on us, there’s nothing unusual about these experiences.

Philosophy

The Beautiful People

By Jesse Marczyk Ph.D. on April 20, 2018 in Pop Psych

The world seems less fair to the unattractive and poor.

News

The Latest

Animal Behavior

10 Buzzworthy Facts About Bees

By Naveed Saleh M.D., M.S. on April 21, 2018 in The Red-Light District

For eons, bees have intrigued and inspired people from all walks of life. Learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Relationships

Let Your Vision Be Big Part 1

By Linda and Charlie Bloom on April 21, 2018 in Stronger at the Broken Places

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakens.” - Carl Jung

Self-Help

The Art of Quitting

By Robert Taibbi L.C.S.W. on April 21, 2018 in Fixing Families

Quitting -- be it a job, relationship or personal goal -- is rarely easy. Guidelines on how to do it right

Animal Behavior

Dogs' Noses in the News: Scents Reduce Stress in Shelters

By Marc Bekoff Ph.D. on April 21, 2018 in Animal Emotions

Dogs' noses are amazing works of art. Two recent books discuss this fascinating organ and a new study shows scent enrichment reduces stress (activity and barking) in shelter dogs.

Relationships

Should You Overlook Dishonesty To Maintain Romance?

By Wendy L. Patrick, Ph.D. on April 21, 2018 in Why Bad Looks Good

Research indicates that in love, we extend the benefit of the doubt to those closest to us. Ironically, even in the face of information that could jeopardize the relationship.

Addiction

Pursuing Policy That Causes More Drug Deaths

By Stanton Peele Ph.D. on April 21, 2018 in Addiction in Society

We would rather opioid users die than to consider sensible ways to allow people to take drugs.

Ethics and Morality

Do We Care?

By Thomas Henricks Ph.D. on April 21, 2018 in The Pathways of Experience

Caring for others is a fundamental aspect of the human condition. But this society does little to support the expression of that commitment. Indeed, it discourages it.

Education

One Semester’s End Means Planning for the Next

By Dana S Dunn Ph.D. on April 21, 2018 in Head of the Class

Are students ready for their next academic year? Working ahead will not only save time later, it will increase their chances for success.

Happiness

If I Do Not Forgive, Do I Lack Moral Virtue?

By Robert Enright Ph.D. on April 21, 2018 in The Forgiving Life

Forgiveness can set people free. Not ready to forgive? Do not become imprisoned by harshly judging yourself as not morally virtuous. It is time to explore this issue.

Spirituality

"Spiritual But Not Religious" Is Associated with Depression

By Neighborhood Psychiatry on April 21, 2018 in Psychiatry for the People

Are you spiritual, but not religious? Depending on your practice, research suggests you may be at greater risk for depression.

Media

What's in a Team Name? Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Super Identity

By Travis Langley Ph.D. on April 21, 2018 in Beyond Heroes and Villains

One group can be perceived as a single unit or plural individuals. DC and Marvel superhero teams have classically show such a top-down vs. bottom-up distinction in group identity.

Relationships

Angry Men and the Women Who Love Them

By Jeffrey Bernstein Ph.D. on April 20, 2018 in Liking the Child You Love

Men continually tell me that they feel weak when admitting their fears to their intimate partners. Tragically, men tend to unhealthily express their anxieties through anger.

Media

What No One Wants To Say About Avicii’s Passing

By Shainna Ali Ph.D., LMHC on April 20, 2018 in A Modern Mentality

Understanding the tragic loss of the electronic music pioneer may warrant a mental health consideration.

Race and Ethnicity

The Negative Health Impact of Migration Policies

By Arash Emamzadeh on April 20, 2018 in Finding a New Home

Prejudiced Immigration policies are unfair but they are not hurting anybody. Or are they? New research shows the many ways that biased policies impact migrant mental health.

Save Your Planet

For a Happier Earth

Reconnecting With Nature

On This Earth Day

What We Think About Climate Change

The New Ambivalence for Warm Weather

Neuroscience

The Case for Lifestyle Medicine

By Dean Sherzai, M.D., Ph.D. Ayesha Sherzai M.D. on April 20, 2018 in Ravaged Minds

Preventing cognitive decline.

Relationships

#MeToo Hits Home

By Judith Eve Lipton M.D. on April 20, 2018 in Peace and War

#MeToo has had tremendous consequences, in our hearts and minds as well as society. I am allergic to bullying and sexism, and this is difficult for my friends and family. And you?

Anxiety

Anxiety Happens: It's Not a Choice

By John P Forsyth Ph.D. on April 20, 2018 in Peace of Mind

You may not be able to control anxiety, but you can learn not to let it control you.

Child Development

Helping Children Cope With Violent Events in the News

By Julie Linker Ph.D. on April 20, 2018 in The Resilient Teen

Giving a sense of control and stability in a difficult time.

Anxiety

Defense Mechanisms

By Roberta Satow Ph.D. on April 20, 2018 in Life After 50

Can compulsive humor be a defense against anxiety and pain?

Parenting

The Best Way to Help Teens Snack Mindfully

By Susan Albers Psy.D. on April 20, 2018 in Comfort Cravings

Here are 6 ideas for parents to help teens stop their mindless snacking and choose healthier snacks after school. Avoid the eye-rolls with these simple tips.

Aging

Debunking the Stigma of Age

By Katherine Bouton on April 20, 2018 in What I Hear

You don't have to be old to have hearing loss. Let's debunk that dangerous stereotype.

Sleep

Top 3 Missed Signs of a Sleep Disorder

By Chuck Schaeffer Ph.D. on April 20, 2018 in Psychlopedia

Are you missing the red flags of a sleep disorder? Learning these signs can give you back restorative, restful sleep.

Creativity

Stone Broken Is All in

By Michael Friedman Ph.D. on April 20, 2018 in Brick by Brick

"We’re always working – whether it’s in the band or making money to invest in the band."

Personality

What Sir Paul McCartney Can Teach Us About Motivation

By Bobby Hoffman Ph.D. on April 20, 2018 in Motivate!

Based on how he spends his time and dedicates his effort, Paul McCartney is powerful role model. These five behaviors distinguish him from many other performers.

Child Development

School Doesn't Have to Be Hard

By William R. Klemm Ph.D. on April 20, 2018 in Memory Medic

Got kids or grandkids in school? Are you in school or college? This post is for you.

Health

Can Acupuncture Help You Lose Weight?

By Temma Ehrenfeld on April 20, 2018 in Open Gently

Here's what we know (and what we don't).

Relationships

5 Steps to Smarter Romantic Coupling

By Jill P. Weber Ph.D. on April 20, 2018 in Having Sex, Wanting Intimacy

Approximately 40 to 50 percent of married couples divorce, and the rate for second and third marriages is even higher. Here are 5 steps to smarter romantic coupling.