Media Spotlight

A psychological twist on the news.

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D.

The Science of Body Esteem

Adolescence can be a brutal time for many young people as they come to terms with becoming adults. New research shows the importance of body esteem in forming personal identity

What Makes Us Resilient?

What does it mean to be resilient? New research explores the different strengths that help people survive and flourish after a traumatic experience.

Are Smartphones Making Adolescents Less Happy?

Why are surveys reporting a recent drop in self-esteem and well-being among adolescents? Could the rise of smartphones and digital media be responsible?

Can the Smell of a Loved One Relieve Stress?

People in romantic relationships rely on their partners in all sorts of ways. Can the familiar smell of a romantic partner help people manage stress better?

How Are Substance Abuse and Violence Related?

Do drug and alcohol really make people more violent? New research explores the connection between substance abuse and violence and what it may mean for public safety.

Can Traumatic Brain Injury Lead to Alzheimer's Disease?

Can head injuries increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults? New research explores the link between traumatic brain injuries and dementia

How Long Should Mothers Breastfeed?

How long should a mother breastfeed, and what are some of the positive benefits involved? New research explores the link between breastfeeding duration and maternal sensitivity.

Staying in Control Can Help You Live Longer

While exposure to trauma is something that everyone faces sooner or later (and often more than once), the key to survival often rests on how much control people feel they have.

When a Child Loses a Parent

New research explores the impact of losing a parent before the age of eighteen and what it can mean for later ability to form adult relationships

When Coworkers Become Violent

Is there any way to prevent violence in the workplace? A new study explores some of the underlying risk factors that can increase the likelihood of worker violence.

Is There a Bridget Jones Effect?

Is there really a Bridget Jones effect? New research explores how romantic media content in movies and television can reinforce the fear of being single.

Learning from the Amazing Memory Man

Is being able to remember virtually anything you ever learned necessarily a good thing? A new case study explores the mysteries behind a man with an exceptional memory.

Are Other People Really Having More Fun Than We Are?

Are other people really having more fun than you are? New research explores the persistent bias that can shape how we view our own social lives compared to others we know.

Can Coping With Stress Help You Live Longer?

How does chronic stress affect life expectancy in people already dealing with serious health problems? New research examines the stress-mortality connection.

What Does Marijuana Legalization Mean for Adolescents?

With the rising trend toward marijuana legalization, what impact is this likely to have on adolescent drug use? New research explores this question and what it means.

How Dangerous Is a Broken Heart?

Are people dealing with a romantic breakup more prone to depression and suicide? New research examines the short-term dangers of relationship loss.

Does Your Child Have a Digital Addiction?

Is it really possible for children to become addicted to digital devices? New research raises some disturbing questions.

Are Psychopathy and Heroism Two Sides of the Same Coin?

A new research study looking at first responders suggests that heroes and psychopaths have more in common than you might think.

Is a Little Knowledge Really a Dangerous Thing?

While we may be impressed by people willing to make bold statements (especially at election time), the fact is that, more often than not, overconfidence can be a grave mistake

How Physically Fit Are You Really?

New research suggests that how we perceive our level of physical activity compared to other people our age can play an important role in staying healthy and living longer.

Rape Myths and the Search for True Justice

Why are sexual assault complaints so often dismissed or ignored? New research explores how rape myths can influence how police and the courts treat victims of sexual assault.

The Science of Falling Out of Love

New research explores the thorny question of how to cope after a failed relationship and what it can mean for long-term emotional health.

How Do Bedroom Digital Devices Affect Children?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has long warned against children having televisions or video-game consoles in their bedrooms. New research bears out this warning.

Can Smartphones Make Us More Absent-Minded?

Can smartphones and other digital devices make us more absent-minded in general? New research explores the role that smartphone use can have on our ability to pay attention.

Weight Loss, Dating, and Relationships

Does the stigma against obesity even apply to people who have successfully lost weight? New research provides a look at how this kind of stigma can affect mating choices.

Can Too Much Information Increase the Risk of Drunk Driving?

How effective are public service announcements in persuading people not to drive when they are impaired? The results of a new study may surprise you.

Is There a Perfect Age for Getting Married?

Is marrying early or late the key to happiness in later life? A new research study yields some intriguing findings about the importance of marital timing.

What Makes Conspiracy Theories so Appealing?

What motivates people to believe in different conspiracy theories and what makes these beliefs so hard to change?

How Smart Should a Leader Be?

Is it possible for a leader to be too smart? New research suggests that the link between intelligence and perceived leadership may be more complicated than you might think.

Constant Phone Interruptions Affect Toddlers

New research suggests that constant phone interruptions can have more serious consequences for parents of toddlers than you might think.

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