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The Bullied Brain

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Workplace Dynamics
“Severance” Dramatizes Employees as Hostages

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on March 24, 2025

Why are the abused employees of the Apple TV+ series "Severance" bonding with their manipulative managers? The trapped employees display the symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome.

Why are the abused employees of the Apple TV+ series "Severance" bonding with their manipulative managers? The trapped employees display the symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome.

Repression
TV Show 'Severance' Dramatizes Suppression and Repression

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on February 24, 2025

The TV show 'Severance' exposes the mechanisms of workplace bullying. A requirement to suppress your emotions may well be a red flag that managers are, in fact, repressing their own.

The TV show 'Severance' exposes the mechanisms of workplace bullying. A requirement to suppress your emotions may well be a red flag that managers are, in fact, repressing their own.

Bullying
How the TV Series 'Severance' Dramatizes Workplace Bullying

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on January 27, 2025

When a workplace is built on bullying and responds with gaslighting, you can feel torn in two. 'Severance' dramatizes the destructive impact of workplace abuse on the brain.

When a workplace is built on bullying and responds with gaslighting, you can feel torn in two. 'Severance' dramatizes the destructive impact of workplace abuse on the brain.

Bullying
Those Who Bully Use Kindness to Manipulate

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on November 28, 2024

Those who bully may be masters at using kindness as a way to groom higher-ups and beneficiaries. Learn seven strategies to protect against this textbook manipulation.

Those who bully may be masters at using kindness as a way to groom higher-ups and beneficiaries. Learn seven strategies to protect against this textbook manipulation.

Leadership
From Principals to CEOs, Kindness Gets Results

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on November 18, 2024

Are you looking for a way to take your leadership to the next level? Have you tried kindness? Sounds almost too easy, but the research shows it's a game-changer.

Are you looking for a way to take your leadership to the next level? Have you tried kindness? Sounds almost too easy, but the research shows it's a game-changer.

Bullying
Bullying Hurts Your Health. Kindness Boosts It.

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on November 13, 2024

Our brain and body health are impacted by whether or not we bully others or treat them with kindness. Bullying puts your health at risk while kindness gives it a boost.

Our brain and body health are impacted by whether or not we bully others or treat them with kindness. Bullying puts your health at risk while kindness gives it a boost.

Cognition
The Surprising Benefits of Early Reading

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on May 9, 2024

Is it better for kids to read books or spend time on screens? Research shows early reading for pleasure is a game-changer for healthy brain development. Screen time? Not so much.

Is it better for kids to read books or spend time on screens? Research shows early reading for pleasure is a game-changer for healthy brain development. Screen time? Not so much.

Bias
The Brain Reacts to Racism by Experiencing Pain

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on April 25, 2024

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) do not only right historical wrongs. When we factor in brain research, we see they could act as pain medication for the agony of racism.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) do not only right historical wrongs. When we factor in brain research, we see they could act as pain medication for the agony of racism.

Bullying
Why Bullying Leads to Burnout

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on March 22, 2024

Are you suffering from burnout? Research shows that feeling threatened is draining, whereas safety is utterly vital for an energized brain and body.

Are you suffering from burnout? Research shows that feeling threatened is draining, whereas safety is utterly vital for an energized brain and body.

Bullying
Why Are Bullies Popular? Brain Science Can Explain

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on February 16, 2024

Do you wonder how it is possible that bullying and abusive people are often well-liked? Brain science shows that they use empathy to manipulate, but not to care.

Do you wonder how it is possible that bullying and abusive people are often well-liked? Brain science shows that they use empathy to manipulate, but not to care.

Bullying
Bullying as the Brain's Response to Anger and Fear

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on February 8, 2024

We teach teens that bullying is due to a power imbalance, but that's outdated. Brain imaging reveals that bullying can be in response to angry and fearful facial expressions.

We teach teens that bullying is due to a power imbalance, but that's outdated. Brain imaging reveals that bullying can be in response to angry and fearful facial expressions.

Bullying
Bullying Hurts Your Ability to Remember

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on August 31, 2023

Few are aware of how bullying and abuse harm target areas of the brain. Knowing the science empowers us to repair and recover.

Few are aware of how bullying and abuse harm target areas of the brain. Knowing the science empowers us to repair and recover.

Bullying
How You React to Bullying May Lessen Its Impact

Jennifer Fraser Ph.D. on August 4, 2023

You can't control those who bully you, but research suggests your brain can assert control over how it interprets the potentially toxic stress.

You can't control those who bully you, but research suggests your brain can assert control over how it interprets the potentially toxic stress.

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Magazine
March 2025 magazine cover
March 2025
Are You Too Nice?

Being overly polite might seem kind, but it often leads to problems anyway, in relationships, with friends, and at work.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.