New Books in Psychology

Uncovers a powerful relationship between pathology and money: beginning in the nineteenth century, the severity of mental illness was measured against a patient’s economic productivity.Madness and Enterprise: Psychiatry, Economic Reason, and the Emergence of Pathological Value (U Chicago Press, 2024) reveals the economic norms embedded within psychiatric thinking about mental illness in the North Atlantic world. Over the course of the nineteenth century, various forms of madness were subjected to a style of psychiatric reasoning that was preoccupied with money. Psychiatrists across Western Europe and the United States attributed financial and even moral value to an array of pathological conditions, such that some mental disorders were seen as financial assets and others as economic liabilities. By turning to economic conduct and asking whether potential patients appeared capable of managing their financial affairs or even generating wealth, psychiatrists could often bypass diagnostic uncertainties about a person’s mental state.Through an exploration of the intertwined histories of psychiatry and economic thought, Nima Bassiri shows how this relationship transformed the very idea of value in the modern North Atlantic, as the most common forms of social valuation—moral value, medical value, and economic value—were rendered equivalent and interchangeable. If what was good and what was healthy were increasingly conflated with what was remunerative (and vice versa), then a conceptual space opened through which madness itself could be converted into an economic form and subsequently redeemed—and even revered.Nima Bassiri is assistant professor of literature at Duke University, where he is also the codirector of the Institute for Critical Theory.Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

Adrian Perkel, a clinical psychologist from Cape Town, delves into the complexities of human aggression in his latest book. He argues that aggression isn’t inherently hostile but a response to unmet needs and frustrations. By linking Freudian theories with contemporary neuroscience, he reveals how subjective experiences shape our reactions. Perkel also discusses the interplay between aggression and narcissism in relationships, offering insights on how buried feelings can affect dynamics. His approach emphasizes understanding these themes for effective psychological practice.

Mazviita Chirimuuta, a senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, discusses her book on the oversimplification in neuroscience. She critiques how models misrepresent brain functions, emphasizing the efficiency of biological cognition compared to AI systems. Chirimuuta introduces 'haptic realism', highlighting the interplay between scientific methods and our understanding of the brain. The conversation also addresses misconceptions about AI, the energy demands of data centers, and the philosophical dilemmas in equating brain processes with computer operations.

Studies show that students who have a positive outlook on their lives outperform students who don’t. Is positive thinking a skill? Can it be taught?Our article is: “Teaching Positive Psychology Skills at school may be one way to help student mental health and happiness,” by Dr. Kai Zhuang Shum, published in The Conversation, which explores how the components of happiness and connection can be applied to classroom settings around the world. Amid the reduced access to mental health services for many students, and the rising rates of student stress and depression, researchers are finding that positive psychology interventions make a real difference. “Students who’ve been introduced to science-based ideas about happiness,” Dr. Shum writes, “feel more satisfied with life.” She joins us for this episode to explain more.Our guest is: Dr. Kai Zhuang Shum, who is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) and a Licensed Psychologist. She serves as an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Knoxville School Psychology Program. She specializes in positive psychology, motivation, anxiety (including OCD), attention, time management, and well-being (happiness).Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is the creator, producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast.Listeners may enjoy this playlist: Mindfulness The Well-Gardened Mind Inside Look at Campus Mental Wellness Services You Will Get Through This Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection Managing Your Mental Health During Your PhD Make a Meaningful Life Meditation Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 240+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

Steven Lesk, a board-certified psychiatrist with nearly four decades of experience, discusses his groundbreaking work, "Footprints of Schizophrenia: The Evolutionary Roots of Mental Illness." He presents a revolutionary theory that connects evolutionary biology with the understanding of schizophrenia. Lesk critiques current psychiatric practices and advocates for integrating evolutionary factors into treatment. He delves into the impact of language on mental health and addresses the stigma surrounding schizophrenia, aiming to reshape societal perceptions of this complex illness.

Peter Shabad, a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Northwestern University, discusses his new book on the interplay of passion and shame in personal growth. He explains how early relationships shape our emotional landscape and the importance of self-acceptance in overcoming shame. Shabad emphasizes that psychotherapy can help individuals reclaim their passion by recognizing their vulnerabilities. The conversation dives into the complexities of trauma, personal decision-making, and the dynamics of transference love in therapy, offering insights for anyone seeking healing.

Jonathan Haidt, a renowned social psychologist and author, discusses the mental health crisis facing today’s youth in the digital age. He examines how social media and technology contribute to rising anxiety and reshape identity. Haidt warns of a potential generational divide rooted in circumstances beyond young people's control. He also highlights the need for cultivating resilience and critical thinking among Gen Z, advocating for healthier relationships and greater social media responsibility to support their development.

Dr. Harry Gill, a renowned psychiatrist with a PhD in neuroscience, delves into adolescent brain development and the effects of screen time on youth. He discusses how excessive screen exposure disrupts brain pruning, essential for efficient neural functioning. The conversation explores the challenges social media presents in forming identity and the impact of online interactions on real-life relationships. They emphasize limiting screen time and fostering in-person connections to support healthy development and overall well-being in adolescents.

The discussion highlights the psychological dynamics surrounding the Trump administration's dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. It explores key defense mechanisms like denial and rationalization that can distort perceptions of systemic inequality. The concept of reaction formation is examined, showing how actions often contradict true feelings. Additionally, the importance of grassroots organizing and civil engagement amidst political strife is emphasized, underscoring the need for critical thinking in today’s socio-political climate.

Dr. Carl Waitz, an attending psychologist at Boston Children's Hospital and faculty member at Harvard Medical School, dives deep into youth mental health crises in his latest book. He discusses alarming trends in depression and suicide rates among young people, rooted in disrupted social connections. Dr. Waitz intertwines personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the influence of social media on traditional values. He advocates for open dialogue over rigid diagnoses and highlights the psychological impacts of modern identity struggles, urging the need for supportive spaces for youth.