Speaking of Psychology

Marc Berman, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Chicago, explores how nature enhances our mental well-being. He discusses Attention Restoration Theory and the benefits of 'soft fascination' that nature provides. Even dreary weather walks can boost focus and memory! Berman highlights the cognitive gains from exposure to green and blue spaces and the importance of unplugging to fully engage with the environment. He advocates for biophilic designs in urban planning to bring more nature into our lives, improving our mood and cognitive performance.

Andrea Hussong, PhD, a developmental scientist and clinical psychologist, shares insights on nurturing gratitude in children. She highlights gratitude's importance for empathy and relationships, breaking it down into developmental stages. Practical tips for parents include modeling and engaging in meaningful conversations. Hussong emphasizes the value of authentic family rituals over forced routines. She also addresses how to handle ungrateful behavior and the distinction between social niceties and genuine gratitude.

In this episode, Dr. Heather Hansen, an assistant professor at the College of William & Mary and director of the Misophonia Research Network, dives into the curious world of misophonia, a condition where everyday sounds trigger profound emotional responses. She explores brain mechanisms behind these reactions, linking them to anxiety and distinct cognitive impacts. Dr. Hansen also discusses trigger sounds, assessments, and effective coping strategies. Plus, she sheds light on the social challenges and relationship dynamics often faced by those living with misophonia.

Dr. Rachel Goldman, a licensed clinical psychologist and NYU professor, dives into the world of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. She explains how these medications affect appetite and mental health, discussing both the hopes and pitfalls of weight loss. Goldman addresses the stigma surrounding GLP-1 use and emphasizes the importance of thoughtful questions before starting treatment. She explores the complexities of changes in relationships post-weight loss and dispels myths like the 'Ozempic personality.' A must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of medication, weight, and mental well-being!

Övül Sezer, PhD, an Assistant Professor at Cornell's S.C. Johnson School of Business, unpacks the pitfalls of humblebragging and impression mismanagement. She highlights how such tactics often come off as insincere and can hinder genuine connection. Sezer also discusses the risks of downplaying achievements, how cultural norms influence self-promotion, and the evolving standards on social media. With a dash of humor from her stand-up experience, she offers insights on effective self-presentation strategies that balance being liked and respected.

Body-focused repetitive behaviors such as hair pulling (trichotillomania) and skin picking are relatively common but remain stigmatized and misunderstood. Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD, and Clare Mackay, PhD, talk about why these behaviors occur and how they relate to grooming and emotion regulation; how living with BFRBs affects people’s lives and mental health; why reducing shame and stigma is so important; and how parents can support children with BFRBs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Andrew Stevenson, a cultural psychologist and author, explores the psychological impact of travel. He delves into whether vacations genuinely enhance happiness and the phenomenon of post-vacation blues. Stevenson contrasts transformative travel with packaged tourism, emphasizing how mindset shapes our experiences. He also discusses the role of technology and social media in travel, the stress it can cause, and offers tips for managing travel anxiety. Finally, he highlights how we can adopt a travel mindset, even in our own neighborhoods.

Cynthia Pury, PhD, a psychology professor at Clemson University, explores the multifaceted nature of courage. She reveals that courage isn’t just found in dramatic scenarios but also in everyday acts. Fear doesn’t always define courage; motivations and societal values shape our perceptions. Pury discusses the different types of courage—personal, physical, and moral—and whether it's a trait or a choice. She emphasizes that courage can be learned and practiced, making it accessible to everyone.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Tim Odegard, a developmental cognitive psychologist and expert in dyslexia, shares his personal journey with the condition. He dispels common myths around dyslexia, explaining that it's a language processing issue, not a visual one. Dr. Odegard emphasizes the importance of early identification and effective interventions, highlighting how reading difficulties can impact mental health. He also critiques the idea of 'dyslexic gifts', cautioning against stereotypes that may hinder self-esteem.

Sebastian Ocklenburg, PhD, a researcher focused on handedness and brain asymmetries, dives into the intriguing world of left-handedness: only about 10.6% of the population is left-handed. He explores the genetic and environmental factors influencing handedness and dispels the myth that lefties are more creative. Ocklenburg also discusses why left-handed individuals are underrepresented in research, the concept of pawedness in animals, and the curious advantages left-handers may have in certain sports. Plus, he unravels the complexities of ambidexterity!