New Books in Psychology

Gohar Homayounpour, a psychoanalyst and Crediva award-winning author, discusses her book and the intertwined themes of mourning, culture, and psychoanalysis. She emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort and the complexities of personal grief, particularly through her experience of loss. The conversation delves into the connections between Persian blues, storytelling, and identity, as well as the nuances of femininity in Iranian culture. Homayounpour also explores empathy in therapeutic settings, advocating for creativity and authentic engagement in psychoanalysis.

Drs. Messina and Gill talked about cognitive offloading in our digital age—how smartphones, AI, and other technologies are reshaping our mental habits, our memory, our capacity for attention, and ultimately, our emotional lives.Cognitive offloading refers to the process of using tools and technologies to take over mental functions we used to perform ourselves. Whether it's using GPS to navigate, storing phone numbers in our contacts, or asking ChatGPT for help organizing thoughts, we’re increasingly externalizing our thinking.They also discussed the psychoanalytic defense mechanisms involved in our reliance on technology, how AI impacts metacognition, and how this process influences us both individually and collectively.From a psychoanalytic perspective, cognitive offloading is similar to projection—placing uncomfortable labor or responsibility outside of ourselves. It may also involve disavowal: we know we’re becoming dependent, but we ignore or deny the psychological cost.Dr. Messina mentioned that Freud saw memory as a core element of identity adding that when we delegate memory to devices, we risk fragmenting the ego. She also elaborated on the concept of “metacognition” which refers to the awareness and regulation of one’s own thought processes, also described as “thinking about thinking.” It involves understanding how we learns, plans, monitors, and evaluates our cognitive strategies to achieve specific goals.Dr. Gill talked about cognitive offloading from a neuroscience perspective noting that the practice of using external tools or resources to reduce mental effort involves complex interactions between several brain regions. He discussed how the prefrontal cortex plays a central role in cognitive offloading while the hippocampus is critical for memory encoding and retrieval.How to mitigate problems that arise from cognitive offloading was also discussed as well as the risks of overreliance on AI chatbots which can lead to cognitive atrophy. This is now referred to as artificial intelligence chatbots induced cognitive atrophy or AICICA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

Yellowlees Douglas, founder of ReadersBrain Academy and seasoned writing instructor, delves into the science of writing and readability. He discusses the five 'Cs' of writing—clarity, continuity, coherence, concision, and cadence—and their role in engaging readers. The conversation explores the cognitive processes influencing comprehension, the debate on active versus passive voice, and the significance of sentence structure. Douglas emphasizes practical strategies for clear communication, highlighting that effective writing can be learned and refined.

Elizabeth Weingarten, author of 'How to Fall in Love with Questions', shares her insights on thriving in uncertainty. She draws inspiration from Rainer Maria Rilke, emphasizing the value of embracing deep questions over seeking quick answers. The conversation highlights personal stories that illustrate how patience in love and community support can lead to profound emotional understanding and personal growth. Weingarten advocates for a practice of questioning, transforming uncertainty into a pathway for self-discovery and deeper connections.

Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin and the first Black woman to earn an economics PhD from the University of Chicago, dives into the practical application of economic principles in everyday life. She shares actionable insights on navigating relationships and careers, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic systems. From behavioral biases in home buying to leveraging game theory in personal negotiations, Fairweather advocates for a strategic approach to decision-making. Her focus on social justice and economic fairness reshapes how we think about property taxes and community engagement.

Elliot Jurist, a distinguished Professor of Psychology and Philosophy at CUNY, shares insights from his latest work on a mentalization-based approach to therapy for parents. He delves into how understanding emotions and mental states can improve the therapist-parent dynamic, discussing cultural influences on emotional expression. Jurist also highlights the significance of mentalization in navigating complex family dynamics and the potential challenges posed by societal stigma surrounding mental health diagnoses. His philosophical perspective adds depth to the conversation on emotional regulation and personal growth.

Nancy Ceulemans, a neurodevelopmental educational consultant and co-author of a book on supporting children with autism, provides valuable insights on understanding children's behavior. She discusses how sensory processing, environmental toxins, and holistic approaches affect behavior in both autistic and neurotypical kids. With practical tips for handling meltdowns and sensory overload, Nancy empowers parents and educators alike. Her expertise highlights the importance of compassionate strategies and a comprehensive view on child development.

Miguel Farias, an experimental psychologist and religion researcher at Coventry University, dives deep into meditation's complexities. He discusses the often-overlooked adverse effects of meditation, urging a balanced perspective on its benefits and risks. The conversation highlights how meditation can have both positive and negative outcomes, particularly for those with trauma. Farias advocates for a nuanced understanding of altered states of consciousness, emphasizing the need to recognize diverse experiences and their implications in both traditional and modern contexts.

Harry Gill, a psychiatrist with a PhD in neuroscience, dives into the serious effects of screen time on middle-aged and older adults. He discusses how excessive screen usage can hinder personal growth and lead to feelings of stagnation and despair. Gill highlights the dangers of isolation from real-life interactions and emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections. Practical strategies to manage screen time and foster healthier habits are also shared, aiming to enhance mental well-being and life engagement as we age.

Ciara Greene, an associate professor at University College Dublin and co-author of 'Memory Lane,' dives deep into the quirks of human memory. She discusses how technology influences our recollection and reflects on personal experiences in memory research. Ciara highlights the transformative case of Henry Molaison, revealing insights about the hippocampus and memory construction. The conversation also tackles the complexities of multitasking and underscores that memory is an adaptive process, not just a flawless recording.