New Books in 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.

Sally King, a medical sociologist and founder of menstrualmatters.com, dives into the misconceptions surrounding PMS and the historical myths linking women's behavior to hormonal changes. She critiques the stigma of being labeled 'hormonal' and urges a reassessment of menstrual education. King highlights how stereotypes, especially regarding race, influence perceptions of women's health. She calls for better understanding and communication about menstrual health, aiming to empower women and dispel damaging narratives in society and medicine.

Bradley Lewis, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Alisha Ali, an expert on oppression's mental health effects, and Jazmine Russell, co-founder of an innovative mental health institute, dive into the transformative world of mad studies. They explore the intersection of mental health, arts, and activism, advocating for inclusive narratives that challenge traditional frameworks. The conversation highlights how lived experiences and diverse perspectives can reshape our understanding of mental difference, confront stigma, and promote collective healing in society.