Speaking of Psychology

Pain, sadness, joy, awe – under the right circumstances, any of these emotions can bring on tears. Lauren Bylsma, PhD, talks about why crying evolved, the psychological and social purposes of tears, why some people cry more easily than others, and whether having a good cry can make you feel better when you’re sad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matti Wilks, a psychology lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, and Daniel Rosenfeld, a postdoctoral scholar at UCLA, delve into the psychology behind dietary choices, particularly regarding lab-grown meat. They explore how moral values, disgust, and societal perceptions influence consumer acceptance. The discussion touches on the potential environmental benefits of cultured meat, ethical dilemmas in traditional meat production, and surprising gender dynamics in meat consumption preferences. Their insights reveal the complex interplay between personal beliefs and food choices.

Richard Stephens, PhD, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Keele University, dives into the captivating world of swearing. He reveals how swearing boosts pain tolerance and physical performance, a phenomenon he coined 'lalochesia.' The conversation explores the brain's unique processing of profane language and its surprising neurological underpinnings. Stephens also discusses the shifting societal views on swearing, its psychological benefits, and how it can enhance emotional strength in stressful situations, especially for bilingual individuals.

Vonetta Dotson, PhD, a clinical neuropsychologist and professor at Georgia State University, explores essential strategies for maintaining brain health as we age. She emphasizes the importance of physical activity, mental engagement, and social connections in preventing dementia. Dotson also discusses the impact of depression on cognitive health and shares the benefits of a Mediterranean diet for brain wellness. With practical tips for adopting healthy habits, she encourages listeners that it's never too late to prioritize their brain health.

Dr. Taisha Caldwell-Harvey, founder of The Black Girl Doctor, and Dr. Erin Parks, co-founder of Equip, dive into the intriguing phenomenon of 'therapy speak.' They discuss how terms like ‘narcissist’ and ‘gaslighting’ have infiltrated everyday conversations. The duo highlights the importance of using psychological terms responsibly, cautioning against trivializing serious conditions. They also explore how this language can both inform and hinder personal growth, emphasizing the need for clear communication in mental health discussions.

In this engaging conversation, Daniel Freeman, PhD, a professor at the University of Oxford and a leading expert on paranoia, delves into the complex nature of mistrust. He explores the commonality of paranoid thoughts and distinguishes between healthy skepticism and excessive fear. The discussion highlights innovative therapeutic approaches, including the use of virtual reality to confront social fears. Freeman also addresses how substance use and the pandemic have exacerbated paranoia, providing fresh insights on treatment and management strategies.

Andrew Brodsky, a management professor at the McCombs School of Business and author of "Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication," dives into the complexities of modern workplace communication. He discusses the pros and cons of using video in meetings, the phenomena of Zoom fatigue, and the balance between professionalism and personal connection. Brodsky also explores the role of AI in enhancing or hindering authentic communication and shares strategies for mastering virtual interactions, including the nuanced use of emojis and maintaining engagement.

In this fascinating discussion, Dr. Suzanne Bell, an industrial organizational psychologist leading NASA’s Behavioral Health and Performance Lab, delves into the psychological hurdles astronauts will face during extended missions to Mars. She highlights the effects of confinement, limited communication, and the importance of resilience and teamwork. Dr. Bell also shares insights from a Mars mission simulation, emphasizing support systems for mental health and the critical role of family connections during long journeys in space.

Russell Ramsay, PhD, a leading clinician and researcher in ADHD, unveils the rising trend of adult diagnoses. He discusses how heightened awareness and unique symptom presentations, especially in women, contribute to this surge. The impact of ADHD on work and relationships is examined, along with the effectiveness of treatment options like medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Ramsay also emphasizes the importance of professional evaluations over self-diagnosis, stressing the need for guidelines in adult ADHD assessments.

Paul Rozin, PhD, is a psychology professor emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania and a leading expert on disgust. He discusses the origins and evolution of disgust as a protective mechanism, highlighting cultural variations in food aversions. Rozin explains how humor can stem from disgust, showcasing the lighter side of this complex emotion. He also explores the psychological barriers related to dietary choices and the intricate relationships between disgust, morality, and societal norms.