The Psychology Podcast Jesse Singal || Fad Psychology
Apr 8, 2021
Jesse Singal, a contributing writer at New York Magazine and author of The Quick Fix, dives into the pitfalls of fad psychology. He critiques the validity of popular self-help trends like 'power posing' and the Implicit Association Test, questioning their scientific grounding. Singal explores why we hold scientists to a higher standard than self-help gurus and discusses the complexities of concepts like grit and self-esteem. His insights reveal the challenge of discerning credible psychology from fleeting fads, urging a more critical perspective.
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Jesse's Initial Belief in Press Releases
- Jesse Singal initially accepted press releases about psychology studies at face value.
- He realized he wasn't skeptical enough, especially regarding social psychology claims.
The IAT's Impact on Singal's Skepticism
- Jesse Singal became more critical of psychological findings after realizing the Implicit Association Test (IAT) might be flawed.
- Questioning the IAT's validity led him to re-evaluate other accepted ideas.
Self-Help's Appeal to Hope
- Claims suggesting dramatic self-improvement are popular, especially among those lacking hope.
- Self-help targets individuals with low self-esteem, offering solutions and a sense of potential.