The Science of Self-Help

Anxiety

Crazed by Coronavirus (Literally)

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on May 3, 2020

In this uncertain time, where many experience new heights of anxiety, it is important to learn new skills for coping with anxiety quickly, before anxiety becomes “the new normal."

In this uncertain time, where many experience new heights of anxiety, it is important to learn new skills for coping with anxiety quickly, before anxiety becomes “the new normal."

Self-Help

Self-Helping Responsibly

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on June 4, 2018

In a sea of self-help websites that are out to get your money any way they can, how do you spot a self-help website that is ethically responsible and science-based?

In a sea of self-help websites that are out to get your money any way they can, how do you spot a self-help website that is ethically responsible and science-based?

Happiness

Express Happiness

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on May 29, 2018

Want to increase your happiness, but only have 5 minutes a day to spend on it? No problem! Dr. Parks describes her favorite 3 ways to give your mood a boost.

Want to increase your happiness, but only have 5 minutes a day to spend on it? No problem! Dr. Parks describes her favorite 3 ways to give your mood a boost.

Self-Help

Testing Self-Help

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on February 4, 2014

Research can show whether or not a self-help approach "works." Here are some examples of my own research where we have done just that.

Research can show whether or not a self-help approach "works." Here are some examples of my own research where we have done just that.

Self-Help

Who Uses Self-help?

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on October 29, 2013

Exploring the characteristics of people using happiness-based self-help.

Exploring the characteristics of people using happiness-based self-help.

Happiness

Why Valuing Happiness Is a Good Thing After All

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on February 12, 2013

New data contradicts previous research saying that valuing happiness prevents you from becoming happier.

New data contradicts previous research saying that valuing happiness prevents you from becoming happier.

Post-Traumatic Growth

Gains and Losses

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on October 21, 2012

Musings about loss and post-traumatic growth in the wake of a recent death in the positive psychology community.

Musings about loss and post-traumatic growth in the wake of a recent death in the positive psychology community.

Self-Help

It Worked For Me! (But No One Else)

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on September 30, 2012

Dr. Parks talks about why trying to learn from someone else's inspirational story is kind of like making your chicken wear a sweater.

Dr. Parks talks about why trying to learn from someone else's inspirational story is kind of like making your chicken wear a sweater.

Career

My Friend Says It Works, So I'm Sure It Will

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on September 1, 2012

Testimonials are more than a way to sell a product - they actually help the consumer to benefit from that product.

Testimonials are more than a way to sell a product - they actually help the consumer to benefit from that product.

Self-Help

No Time Is Ever Wasted, Or Is It?

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on August 25, 2012

A recent study showing that how we feel about the time we spend - and whether or not it's wasted - depends on how we spend it.

A recent study showing that how we feel about the time we spend - and whether or not it's wasted - depends on how we spend it.

Self-Help

I Want to Be Happier! What Should I Read?

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on August 18, 2012

Dr. Parks discusses her three favorite self-help books and helps readers figure out which one might be best for them.

Dr. Parks discusses her three favorite self-help books and helps readers figure out which one might be best for them.

Placebo

This Sounds Like Quackery, but I Feel Like It Helps Me. Am I Crazy!?

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on August 11, 2012

A reader writes in to ask whether it's crazy to feel helped by a self-help author whose advice might be ... well ... crazy. Dr. Parks explains why the reader is not, in fact, off his/her rocker.

A reader writes in to ask whether it's crazy to feel helped by a self-help author whose advice might be ... well ... crazy. Dr. Parks explains why the reader is not, in fact, off his/her rocker.

Self-Help

One Size Does Not Fit All

Acacia C Parks Ph.D. on August 3, 2012

When it comes to happiness, can we ever really determine "what works"? This blog post explores the importance of person-activity fit; a bad match could render the activity ineffective, or worse, harmful!

When it comes to happiness, can we ever really determine "what works"? This blog post explores the importance of person-activity fit; a bad match could render the activity ineffective, or worse, harmful!