Speaking of Psychology

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.

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.