Presence of Mind

Understanding environmental and other social problems.

Shawn M. Burn Ph.D.

What Does “Allostatic Load” Mean For Your Health?

It's been a tough year and the cumulative effects of the physiological stress response can increase health risks. But you can increase your resilience.

Is Your Pet a Pandemic Stress Buster?

Psychological research explains how companion animals, like cats and dogs, can prevent and reduce the effects of pandemic stress.

Making Peace With Your Regret

Regret is painful and common, and sometimes debilitating. Fortunately, psychology offers some healthy ways to better manage your regrets.

Maybe It's Not So Silly to Cancel Brands Evocative of Racism

Cultural traditions that represent and contribute to social inequality are psychologically harmful. When we learn of this, we should willingly retire them. 

The Masks We Wear (and Don’t Wear)

The psychology of risk perception offers explanations for why people don’t take COVID-19 preventative actions, but these are cold comfort to the high-risk people stuck at home.

Do People Still Think of Men and Women as “Opposite Sexes”?

Interesting findings from a new study examining gender stereotypes over time finds that while gender roles have changed in the last 70 years, some gender stereotypes persist.

Social Support Rainbows for Pandemic Stress Storms

COVID-19 has created a stress pandemic. Fortunately, even the simplest forms of social support help people’s coping and resilience in the face of disaster.

COVID-19: What Is the "Right" Amount of Scared?

Preventative behaviors can reduce our own and others’ risk of illness from COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold. Psychology tells us how to scare people into doing them.

The Enabling Romantic Relationship: An Unhealthy Alliance

Here are 10 questions to ask if you’re wondering whether you’re in an enabling romantic relationship, and what you can do if you are.

Do You Need to Mind the Generation Gap?

Generation gaps are normal but we have to push back so they don’t promote ageism or harm cross-generational relationships and cooperation.

She's Crazy

Examining your anger through a gender lens makes it more likely that your anger will be an empowering tool instead of a source of new problems.

Whistleblowers and Rats

Psychological perspectives and research on whistleblowing are interesting to consider in the context of the Ukraine scandal.

When One Relationship Partner Is More Interested

The most interested/least interested relationship dynamic usually leaves both partners feeling badly. Here’s what to do if you’re in one of these relationships.

Hazing: When Rites of Passage Are Harmful Practices

It’s hazing season, and students’ desire to belong puts them at-risk for abuse and humiliation, injury, and even death. How can we inspire them to reduce hazing risks?

Healthy Helping for Family Caregivers of Senior Parents

Caring for senior parents can enrich and heal the parent-child relationship and improve a senior’s life quality, especially when adult children promote “assisted autonomy.”

Healthier Morals of Your “Failed” Relationship Stories

A relationship’s end or being single doesn’t mean you or your relationships are failures. Thinking so can lead you into trouble.

Is Empathy Your Greatest Strength and Greatest Weakness?

Does your empathy get you into helping trouble? Here's how to better manage your helping boundaries.

What to Do When Your Group’s Norms Make You Uneasy

What should we do when a group norm is harmful or unhealthy? Can we change it or should we distance or leave?

Is It Time to Stop Avoiding and Time to Talk?

Is an unaddressed issue coming between you and another? If so, it's time to use constructive confrontation strategies to enrich and save your relationship.

Sexual Harassment Dynamics Revealed in the McSally Case

Senator Martha McSally's (R-AZ) testimony about her sexual assault while serving in the Air Force illustrates common sexual harassment dynamics and points the way for change.

Defensiveness: An Enemy of Growth and Good Relationships

Defensiveness is an enemy of relationship satisfaction and longevity. Fortunately, there are ways to counteract it.

The Perils of Trump’s Autocratic Leadership Style

According to leadership theory and research, President Trump’s leadership style is a recipe for ineffective leadership.

Five Healthy Holiday Boundaries for Givers

Already feeling overwhelmed by holiday demands? Setting limits on what you do during the holiday season can help keep your holidays merry and bright.

A Woman's Place Is In the House (and the Senate)

Why do women comprise only 23% of the United States House and Senate? How will their numbers increase?

Holiday Strategies for Dealing With Difficult Family Members

When you expect criticism or conflict at a family gathering, these five strategies can help you keep the peace.

Very Superstitious

Research explains why we knock on wood and wear lucky socks. Not only is superstition natural and normal, but it can also reap psychological benefits.

Sexual Harassment Myths and Secrets in the Les Moonves Case

The case shows how power and harassment myths silence victims and protect harassers. But it also shows positive effects from the #MeToo movement.

Why We Call Major Depression the "Dark Passenger"

Those of us with major depression call it the "dark passenger" for a reason but it's worth it to fight the battle in the hopes of winning the war.

The Codependent Friendship

There’s a big difference between the closeness of a healthy friendship and the closeness of the unhealthy codependence. Here's how to tell them apart.

Don’t Let a Loved One’s Health Problems Come Between You

Feeling frustrated because your loved one won't take your health advice? Here’s how to keep their health problems from becoming a relationship problem.

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