New Books in Psychology

Marc Schuilenburg, a criminology professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, explores the pervasive nature of hysteria in modern society. He discusses how media shapes our fears surrounding crime and safety, framing public reactions historically linked to women's issues. By examining consumer behavior, he highlights the exaggerated responses to crises like pandemics and immigration. Schuilenburg argues that this cultural hysteria may hinder community engagement but can also serve as a catalyst for social change.

Charles Foster, a legal scholar, veterinary surgeon, and naturalist, delves into human evolution in his latest work. He shares experiences living as a Cro-Magnon hunter-gatherer, engaging in shamanic journeys, and exploring the significance of our senses. The conversation delves into the transition from nomadic lifestyles to agriculture, examining freedom versus security. Foster reflects on humanity's complex relationship with nature and our consciousness, urging a return to meaningful narratives that foster empathy and responsibility for the environment.

Sheva Rajaee, a licensed marriage and family therapist and director of the Center for Anxiety and OCD, offers a deep dive into Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD). She shares her insights on how cultural backgrounds influence OCD experiences and emphasizes love as a growth journey rather than an ideal. Topics include the blurred lines between caution and obsession in relationships and the unique cognitive habits that hinder intimacy. Rajaee also introduces practical strategies for supporting both individuals with ROCD and their loved ones.

In 1929, the United States government approved two ground-breaking and controversial drug addiction treatment programs. At a time when fears about a supposed rise in drug use reached a fevered pitch, the emergence of the nation’s first “narcotic farms” in Fort Worth, Texas, and Lexington, Kentucky, marked a watershed moment in the treatment of addiction. Rehab on the Range is the first in-depth history of the Fort Worth Narcotic Farm and its impacts on the American West. Throughout its operation from the 1930s to the 1970s, the institution was the only federally funded drug treatment center west of the Mississippi River. Designed to blend psychiatric treatment, physical rehabilitation, and vocational training, the Narcotic Farm, its proponents argued, would transform American treatment policies for the better. The reality was decidedly more complicated.In Rehab on the Range: A History of Addiction and Incarceration in the American West (University of Texas Press, 2024) Dr. Holly M. Karibo tells the story of how this institution—once framed as revolutionary for addiction care—ultimately contributed to the turn towards incarceration as the solution to the nation’s drug problem. Blending an intellectual history of addiction and imprisonment with a social history of addicts’ experiences, Rehab on the Range provides a nuanced picture of the Narcotic Farm and its cultural impacts. In doing so, it offers crucial historical context that can help us better understand our current debates over addiction, drug policy, and the rise of mass incarceration.This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

Robert Caper, a prominent U.S. psychoanalyst and author in the British tradition, engages in a profound discussion about the nuances of psychoanalysis. He explores the tension between suggestion and genuine exploration, stressing the importance of truth in therapy. Caper introduces the concepts of maternal and paternal containers, shedding light on their roles in managing emotions. He also delves into the complexities of transference and containment, emphasizing the need for psychoanalysts to facilitate deep self-discovery while navigating the intricate dynamics of therapy.

In this engaging discussion, Andrea Scarantino, a Professor of Philosophy at Georgia State University, introduces his groundbreaking two-volume work, 'Emotion Theory: The Routledge Comprehensive Guide.' He explores the complexities of defining emotions and the challenges faced in interdisciplinary communication. Scarantino highlights unique cultural expressions of emotions and their physiological responses while shedding light on the historical evolution of emotion theory. The conversation illuminates how emotions serve both natural and normative roles in our lives, making it a must-listen for psychology enthusiasts.

Karyne E Messina, a psychoanalyst and educator, delves into the psychology behind political leadership in the U.S. and Russia. She discusses how personal histories shape leaders' actions and the critical role of truth in politics. Messina explores the erosion of public trust due to historical scandals and the importance of acknowledging mistakes. She analyzes Vladimir Putin's psyche in light of intergenerational trauma while advocating for transparency and critical thinking in political discourse. The conversation reveals the complexities of political ideologies and ethical considerations in leadership.

Alex Mayhew, a historian specializing in the First World War, dives into the grim realities faced by soldiers on the Western Front. He discusses how English infantrymen navigated unimaginable hardships, often crafting meaningful narratives about their experiences. Mayhew explores the role of regional identities in bolstering morale and contrasts perceptions of duty shaped by class distinctions. He also reveals how soldiers found psychological refuge by reminiscing about home, providing insights into their experiences and mental resilience during a brutal conflict.

Yochai Ataria, a professor at Tel-Hai College in Israel, specializes in trauma and consciousness, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses how consciousness is deeply intertwined with our bodies and shared experiences. The dialogue explores the psychological impacts of conflict on children's identities and the isolation faced by prisoners. Yochai advocates for empathy and understanding to transcend historical traumas, emphasizing the need for open conversations to bridge divides amid ongoing violence.

Delve into how psychological defense mechanisms shaped the 2024 presidential campaign! Discover the interplay of denial and cognitive dissonance among supporters and the impact on political communication strategies. Explore how voters suppress negative perceptions to maintain a positive narrative about their candidates. The discussion highlights collective repression within group identities and the dynamics of political beliefs. Finally, learn tips for navigating political conversations tactfully during holiday gatherings.