Black Friday: why our brains love a bargain

The art of looking away from the deal.

Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, Professor of Consumer Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University • conversation
Nov. 28, 2024 ~5 min

An upward spiral – how small acts of kindness and connection really can change the world, according to psychology research

A psychologist and human connection researcher explains how individual acts of kindness and connection can have a real impact on global change when these acts are collective.

Liza M. Hinchey, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychology, Wayne State University • conversation
Nov. 27, 2024 ~8 min


Gen Z heads home: How to navigate the evolving parent-child relationship as kids become adults

Parenting’s ultimate goal is raising healthy, happy, successful children. Figuring out how to keep parenting once the kids are adults is just another transition.

Amy Root, Professor of Applied Human Sciences, West Virginia University • conversation
Nov. 25, 2024 ~9 min

Awkwardness can hit in any social situation – here are a philosopher’s 5 strategies to navigate it with grace

Awkwardness is what happens in social interactions when you suddenly find yourself without a script to guide you through.

Alexandra Plakias, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Hamilton College • conversation
Nov. 22, 2024 ~7 min

Time alone heightens ‘threat alert’ in teenagers – even when connecting on social media

Scientists say the findings might shed light on the link between loneliness and mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, which are on the rise in

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Nov. 13, 2024 ~6 min

I’m a neuroscientist who taught rats to drive − their joy suggests how anticipating fun can enrich human life

Equipped with a rodent version of a Cybertruck, these driving rats reveal that positive experiences may sculpt the brain just as powerfully as stressful ones

Kelly Lambert, Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Richmond • conversation
Nov. 11, 2024 ~11 min

Election anxiety doesn’t need to win − here are 3 science-backed strategies from a clinical psychologist to rein in the stress

Given the polarized political climate in the US, it’s hard not to be affected by the election. But there are ways to make sure stress and uncertainty don’t send you on a downward spiral.

Shannon Sauer-Zavala, Associate Professor of Psychology & Licensed Clinical Psychologist, University of Kentucky • conversation
Nov. 1, 2024 ~7 min

Monkeys know who will win the election – primal instincts humans share with them shape voters’ choices

Every human brain still holds primitive instincts that we share with our monkey ancestors. Is that part of your brain in charge when you cast your ballot?

Michael Platt, Professor of Marketing and Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania • conversation
Nov. 1, 2024 ~8 min


Americans own guns to protect themselves from psychological as well as physical threats

Owning a gun can influence your outlook, both fueling a sense of danger in the world around you and holding out the promise of rescuing you from those fears.

Nick Buttrick, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
Oct. 31, 2024 ~8 min

Time to freak out? How the existential terror of hurricanes can fuel climate change denial

Terror management theory explores the lengths our minds will go to to deny existential threats. Psychologists explain what that can mean for climate denial.

Joshua Hart, Professor of Psychology, Union College • conversation
Oct. 30, 2024 ~8 min

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