The Bejeezus Out of Me

Mating

A Fake Dating Site and an Astonishing Political Opportunity

Rebecca Coffey on April 14, 2020

Three researchers from the University of New South Wales were not on the hunt for ammo in the political wealth sharing wars. Even so, they may have found some.

Three researchers from the University of New South Wales were not on the hunt for ammo in the political wealth sharing wars. Even so, they may have found some.

Hypnosis

Romantic Desperation and Erotomania in The Woman in the Park

Rebecca Coffey on July 5, 2019

Can garden-variety heartbreak become dangerous to both lover and beloved? A thrilling new novel builds its mystery on a delusional disorder called erotomania.

Can garden-variety heartbreak become dangerous to both lover and beloved? A thrilling new novel builds its mystery on a delusional disorder called erotomania.

Anxiety

College? We Don't Need Yer Stinkin' College

Rebecca Coffey on May 9, 2019

The college admissions scandal has me thinking: Sometimes, to love is to worry, especially when you're the mother of a high school senior who may or may not be college bound.

The college admissions scandal has me thinking: Sometimes, to love is to worry, especially when you're the mother of a high school senior who may or may not be college bound.

Freudian Psychology

Beyond the Best Interests of the Migrant Child

Rebecca Coffey on December 31, 2018

What could we be doing to emotionally help the children in tent cities?

What could we be doing to emotionally help the children in tent cities?

Gender

Conservative Voters and the Messy "Down There"

Rebecca Coffey on October 24, 2018

What lies behind political conservatism—and behind transphobia and homophobia? Peoples' attitudes towards toilet seats may hold a clue.

What lies behind political conservatism—and behind transphobia and homophobia? Peoples' attitudes towards toilet seats may hold a clue.

Pornography

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, Meet Stormy Daniels

Rebecca Coffey on October 8, 2018

Madonnas, whores, and slut shaming in the political discourse.

Madonnas, whores, and slut shaming in the political discourse.

Women are getting nips and tucks on their genitalia. Does the law even allow this? Think: What's the difference between a cosmetic clitoridectomy and female genital mutilation?

Empathy

Film Review: Moving Stories

Rebecca Coffey on March 9, 2018

“Moving Stories” shows dance as a soft power helping people that political and social failures have hurt.

“Moving Stories” shows dance as a soft power helping people that political and social failures have hurt.

President Donald Trump

Should President Trump Shave His Head?

Rebecca Coffey on March 2, 2018

Going proudly bald signals dominance, masculinity, confidence, and physical strength. Shellacking sparse hair does not.

Going proudly bald signals dominance, masculinity, confidence, and physical strength. Shellacking sparse hair does not.

Sex

The Human Ape

Rebecca Coffey on November 29, 2017

When it comes to sexual politics, why do even the good guys act like apes?

When it comes to sexual politics, why do even the good guys act like apes?

Psychopathy

What Do the Milwaukee Cannibal and Roy Moore Have in Common?

Rebecca Coffey on November 15, 2017

And where do JFK and FDR fit in?

And where do JFK and FDR fit in?

President Donald Trump

Old Marshmallow Experiment Illuminates Trump's Weaknesses

Rebecca Coffey on November 13, 2017

What does research into "delay discounting" tell us about Trump's "Achilles heel?"

What does research into "delay discounting" tell us about Trump's "Achilles heel?"

Relationships

Intimacy Across Cultures—and Species

Rebecca Coffey on July 11, 2017

Do you like gentlemanly/ladylike kisses or meaty, beastly ones? And what might that say about you as a human—and about humans as a species?

Do you like gentlemanly/ladylike kisses or meaty, beastly ones? And what might that say about you as a human—and about humans as a species?

Psychoanalysis

America's Founding Fathers Meet the Father of Psychoanalysis

Rebecca Coffey on June 21, 2016

"Hamilton" just swept the Tonys. What did America's founding fathers know that Freud knew, and that we should all celebrate about free speech ... and desire?

"Hamilton" just swept the Tonys. What did America's founding fathers know that Freud knew, and that we should all celebrate about free speech ... and desire?

Personality

Man’s Best Friend Meets Man's Best Robot

Rebecca Coffey on May 9, 2016

Scientists have distilled the elements of dogs’ behavioral language for use in robots.

Scientists have distilled the elements of dogs’ behavioral language for use in robots.

Guilt

A Human Face on Survival Guilt

Rebecca Coffey on May 4, 2016

Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Here is the story of Sande Boritz Berger's discovery of family history.

Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Here is the story of Sande Boritz Berger's discovery of family history.

Freudian Psychology

Sigmund Freud Had Penis Envy

Rebecca Coffey on May 2, 2016

May 6th is Sigmund Freud's 160th birthday. Let's start the celebration with some secrets. Freud had plenty.

May 6th is Sigmund Freud's 160th birthday. Let's start the celebration with some secrets. Freud had plenty.

Career

Molesley’s Dilemma

Rebecca Coffey on April 26, 2016

Downtown Abbey's Molesley finally got his dream job—after spending years working at a lowly, "make-do" one. How do employers today respond to evidence of make-do jobs on résumés?

Downtown Abbey's Molesley finally got his dream job—after spending years working at a lowly, "make-do" one. How do employers today respond to evidence of make-do jobs on résumés?

Happiness

And Spread Sunshine All Over the Place

Rebecca Coffey on April 19, 2016

A new study shows that taking careful, daily notice of beauty in human behavior, in nature, and in the word in general can boost happiness. Is that something to worry about?

A new study shows that taking careful, daily notice of beauty in human behavior, in nature, and in the word in general can boost happiness. Is that something to worry about?

Marriage

The Naked Truth About the Wives of Tall Men

Rebecca Coffey on April 12, 2016

Time and again studies have shown that women prefer tall men. But are the wives of tall husbands actually happier?

Time and again studies have shown that women prefer tall men. But are the wives of tall husbands actually happier?