Speaking of Psychology

Terrie Moffitt, PhD, a renowned psychology professor at Duke University and leader of the Dunedin study, dives deep into the remarkable findings on aging from this long-term research tracking over 1,000 New Zealanders since 1972. She discusses how genetics and life experiences shape not just physical but mental health as well. Moffitt highlights the innovative Dunedin-PACE test for measuring biological aging, the significance of early life circumstances, and potential lifestyle interventions that could align biological and chronological ages.

In a captivating discussion, health psychologist Richard de Visser, a professor at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, dives into the Dry January movement. He examines the surge in interest for alcohol-free living and the benefits of temporary abstinence, like improved sleep and energy. De Visser also explores the psychological factors fueling this trend and offers practical tips for success. Additionally, he highlights the potential rebound effect of drinking behaviors post-January, providing a nuanced view of modern drinking culture.

Daniel Simons, a psychology professor and head of the Visual Cognition Laboratory, and Christopher Chabris, co-director of the Behavioral Decision Sciences Program, reveal the cognitive traps that lead us to believe lies. They discuss infamous frauds like Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme and a chess con that highlights our vulnerabilities. The duo stresses the importance of skepticism and critical thinking in protecting ourselves from scams, while also exploring how small interventions can lead to significant behavioral changes.

Carla Sharp, PhD, a leading expert in social cognition and psychiatric disorders at the University of Houston, shares her insights on borderline personality disorder (BPD). She discusses the complexities of diagnosing BPD, particularly in adolescents, and highlights the importance of nurturing environments. She also addresses the shift from categorical to dimensional models of understanding personality disorders, emphasizing the need for continuous empirical research. Carla offers practical strategies for family members to support loved ones affected by BPD.

Antonio Zadra, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Montreal and a researcher in sleep medicine, specializing in dreams and nightmares. He discusses why some people remember dreams while others do not and explores the therapeutic value of dreams in understanding emotional conflicts. Zadra delves into treatments for recurring nightmares, particularly for those with PTSD, and examines the fascinating realms of lucid dreaming and sleepwalking. He also touches on the intriguing concept of dream hacking, raising ethical questions about manipulating dreams.

In job interviews and in life, perfectionism is often seen as a selling point – an asset disguised as a flaw. But as psychologists have found rising rates of perfectionism in the United States and around the world in recent decades, they’ve begun to recognize the toll that the drive to be perfect can take on people’s mental health and well-being. Thomas Curran, PhD, author of “The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough,” talks about different types of perfectionism, why more and more of us feel the need to push ourselves to perfection, and what can we do – as individuals, as parents and as a society – to recognize that often, ‘good’ is good enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kari Leibowitz, a health psychologist and author of "How to Winter," dives into the psychology of winter's embrace. She discusses the Scandinavian mindset that transforms cold, dark months into opportunities for coziness and beauty. By sharing insights from Tromsø, Norway, she illustrates how outdoor activities can enhance mood and appreciation for winter's uniqueness. Leibowitz also tackles seasonal affective disorder, advocating for a cultural shift that embraces winter's rhythms rather than fearing them, highlighting the benefits of a positive winter mindset.

Scott Rick, an associate professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, dives into the emotional forces that influence our shopping habits. He explores why some people effortlessly spend while others struggle, dissecting the concepts of tightwads and spendthrifts. Rick reveals how events like Black Friday play with our emotions and why 'retail therapy' might not be as effective as we think. He also touches on the development of spending behaviors in children and the tensions between financial personalities in relationships.

John Gottman, an Emeritus professor of psychology and co-founder of the Gottman Institute, and Julie Schwartz Gottman, a clinical psychologist specializing in distressed couples, delve into the secrets of nurturing strong relationships. They discuss understanding your partner’s 'bids for connection' and the myth that you should avoid bedtime arguments. The Gottmans share practical strategies for conflict resolution, the impact of technology on relationships, and emphasize that any couple can learn to communicate better, making love last through challenges.

Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, McCourtney Professor of Child Studies at Penn State, delves into the fascinating world of childhood shyness. She explains how shyness develops from infancy and differentiates it from introversion, highlighting that shyness is rooted in anxiety. The discussion includes strategies for parents to support their shy kids, emphasizing the benefits of understanding different temperaments. Dr. Pérez-Edgar also explores the links between childhood shyness and adult social anxiety, offering valuable insights for fostering emotional health.