The Pathways of Experience

On ourselves, our societies, and our emotions

Social Life
Why We All Need Sociology

Thomas Henricks Ph.D. on August 19, 2026

All of us should be clear that the absence of sociology permits a society without far-reaching institutional analysis, where deeper meanings of our collective life go unexamined.

All of us should be clear that the absence of sociology permits a society without far-reaching institutional analysis, where deeper meanings of our collective life go unexamined.

Identity
Why We Watch the World Cup

Thomas Henricks Ph.D. on July 15, 2026

Fandom is more than watching events. It's becoming involved in ways that showcase identity and social connections.

Fandom is more than watching events. It's becoming involved in ways that showcase identity and social connections.

Identity
Why We Collect

Thomas Henricks Ph.D. on February 2, 2026

People may think of collectors being obsessive, withdrawn, or self-absorbed. Instead, collections are expressions of social involvement.

People may think of collectors being obsessive, withdrawn, or self-absorbed. Instead, collections are expressions of social involvement.

Relationships
Solitude as a Time for Connection

Thomas Henricks Ph.D. on December 29, 2025

Personal Perspective: Solitude is more than psychic pondering. It is the opportunity to explore a great range of relationships, free from the interventions of other people.

Personal Perspective: Solitude is more than psychic pondering. It is the opportunity to explore a great range of relationships, free from the interventions of other people.

Shame
Shame: Its Social Foundations

Thomas Henricks Ph.D. on August 22, 2025

Commonly, groups try to put us in "our place." In extreme cases, they want us to feel bad about ourselves. Such is the mechanism of shaming.

Commonly, groups try to put us in "our place." In extreme cases, they want us to feel bad about ourselves. Such is the mechanism of shaming.

Play
Visions of the Good Life: Which One Is Yours?

Thomas Henricks Ph.D. on July 17, 2025

Who among us hasn't traveled somewhere and thought: "I'd like to live here"? But vacationing and routine living are different matters.

Who among us hasn't traveled somewhere and thought: "I'd like to live here"? But vacationing and routine living are different matters.

Emotions
Artificial Excitements: How We Surrender to Electronic Media

Thomas Henricks Ph.D. on June 17, 2025

We believe ourselves the masters of electronic environments, yet we find ourselves "wanting" what they offer us and modifying our desires to keep pace with their enticements.

We believe ourselves the masters of electronic environments, yet we find ourselves "wanting" what they offer us and modifying our desires to keep pace with their enticements.

Identity
Identity Niches: Have You Found Yours?

Thomas Henricks Ph.D. on May 13, 2025

All of us want a setting where we can operate productively, where we possess an identity that is acceptable to us and that provides us with opportunities to have a fulfilling life.

All of us want a setting where we can operate productively, where we possess an identity that is acceptable to us and that provides us with opportunities to have a fulfilling life.

Nostalgia
An Inclusive Society Doesn't Ignore but Embraces Differences

Thomas Henricks Ph.D. on April 10, 2025

The "great society" is one that includes rather than excludes. It affirms that all of us, whatever our circumstances, can make important contributions to collective well-being.

The "great society" is one that includes rather than excludes. It affirms that all of us, whatever our circumstances, can make important contributions to collective well-being.

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Magazine
September 2026 magazine cover
September 2026
The Power of Enough

We’re all holding onto something we’re sure we can’t give up on, but research shows that letting go can boost our happiness a lot more than we might think.

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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.

Self Assessments
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