Speaking of Psychology

Darby Saxbe, PhD, an associate professor at USC and director of the NEST Lab, discusses the fascinating brain changes that occur in new parents. She explains how these shifts improve bonding and caregiving but can also bring challenges. Saxbe highlights the benefits of paternity leave, which significantly boost mental health for families. The conversation touches on the neuroprotective advantages of parenthood and the need for policies that support the mental well-being of both parents during this critical transition.

Ximena Arriaga, PhD, is a Professor of psychological sciences at Purdue University, specializing in close relationship bonds. She discusses how our early experiences shape our attachment styles, revealing that these styles are not fixed and can evolve over time. The conversation dives into strategies for fostering emotional security within relationships, especially for partners dealing with anxiety and self-worth issues. Arriaga also emphasizes the importance of identity reclamation after abusive dynamics, advocating for healthy communication and support.

Ruth Ogden, a Professor at Liverpool John Moores University, dives into the curious psychology of time. She shares why time seems to race when we're enjoying ourselves and drags during dull moments. The conversation highlights how aging shifts our time perception and discusses the bewildering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our sense of time. Ruth also critiques daylight saving time's impact on well-being and offers practical strategies to enrich our experiences and reclaim our relationship with time.

George Bonanno, PhD, a Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, dives deep into the human capacity for resilience. He explores how people can survive trauma without lasting effects and emphasizes the role of cognitive flexibility in navigating tough times. Bonanno discusses adaptability as a learned skill and separates the differences between trauma and challenges. He highlights therapeutic strategies for managing mental health and shares insights into supporting veterans during their transitions, all while showcasing the extraordinary ways humanity copes with adversity.

Mary E. Dozier, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor at Mississippi State University, delves into the complexities of hoarding disorder. She reveals that hoarding affects about 2% of people, often intertwining with other mental health issues. Dozier underscores the altruistic traits found in many who hoard and emphasizes a values-based intervention approach. The discussion also touches on the challenges of treatment, particularly how understanding individual motivations can lead to effective decluttering strategies and compassionate support for those affected.

Join developmental psychologist Janet Boseovski and social psychologist Ashleigh Gallagher as they explore the crucial role mothers play in shaping their daughters' body image. They discuss how girls start receiving societal messages about body image as early as preschool. The duo offers insights into promoting self-appreciation and modeling positive self-talk, while also addressing the impact of media and cultural influences. Discover strategies for fostering a healthy self-image and the significance of open family conversations around body positivity.

The word “extremist” might call up images of violence or terrorism. But extreme behaviors are all around us and can be a force for good as well as destruction. Arie Kruglanski, PhD, and Sophia Moskalenko, PhD, talk about what drives people to extreme behaviors, whether there’s an “extremist personality,” how social media drives extremism and whether the world is becoming more extreme. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.