Essential Reads

A Universe Made for Us? Some Philosophy and Physics

By David P. Barash Ph.D. on November 12, 2018 in Pura Vida

According to some experts, the physical constants of the universe shows that it was made, somehow, for us. Others disagree.

The Surprising Downside of Instagram Compliments

By Renee Engeln Ph.D. on November 12, 2018 in Beauty Sick

Research shows that reading compliments about appearance made on other people's Instagram posts can make you feel worse about your own body.

The Beauty of Human Imperfection

By Nathan H. Lents, Ph.D. on November 12, 2018 in Beastly Behavior

Of all the species that have ever walked the earth, we may be the most flawed, but we are certainly the most beautiful.

The Art of the Apology

By Robert Taibbi L.C.S.W. on November 11, 2018 in Fixing Families

Apologies are not about being wrong but accepting responsibility for hurting another's feelings.

How to Help Your Child Like Her or His Body

By Edward Abramson Ph.D. on November 11, 2018 in It's Not Just Baby Fat!

You can help your child feel good about his or her body regardless of their weight.

Can Happiness Lead to Confidence?

By Lynn Taylor on November 11, 2018 in Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant

Stronger self-esteem may emerge from a conscious commitment to greater happiness.

Is Permanent Weight Loss a Myth?

By Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on November 10, 2018 in Media Spotlight

A review article suggests that most weight loss programs do more harm than good.

5 Ways to Keep Loneliness from Turning into Depression

By Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D. on November 10, 2018 in Fulfillment at Any Age

Everyone feels lonely and upset about being flawed at times. These 5 research-based strategies will allow you to keep these thoughts in check and improve your mood.

One Tool We Need After a Tragedy

By Lisa Firestone Ph.D. on November 10, 2018 in Compassion Matters

When tragedies occur, we may feel hopeless, paralyzed, powerless, or defeated. Psychological First Aid can be a valuable tool.

How Our Genomes Shape Psychiatric Symptoms

By Robert Berezin M.D. on November 09, 2018 in The Theater of the Brain

Understanding the role that genetic temperament plays in how specific psychiatric symptoms are created.

Is There a Science to Psychotherapy?

By Sara Gorman, Ph.D., MPH, and Jack M. Gorman, MD on November 09, 2018 in Denying to the Grave

Can't biologists and psychologists get along? On the neuroscience behind psychotherapy.

How Independent Should Teenagers Be?

By Christine L. Carter Ph.D. on November 09, 2018 in Brave Over Perfect

Healthy, self-disciplined, motivated teenagers have a strong sense of control over their lives.

Hate Is Not a Mental Illness

By Amy Barnhorst MD on November 09, 2018 in In Crisis

There is a difference between being psychologically unwell and mentally ill. Angry, entitled, vengeful mass shooters overwhelmingly fall into the first category.