Nostalgic foods and scents like fresh-cut grass and hamburgers grilling bring comfort, connection and well-being

Once thought to be an unhealthy experience, researchers now know that feelings of nostalgia can promote greater social connectedness and a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.

Chelsea Reid, Associate Professor of Psychology, College of Charleston • conversation
June 17, 2025 ~9 min

Supporting a grieving loved one on holidays and special occasions: Practical tips from a clinical psychologist

A clinical psychologist offers research-backed ways to work through grief and support grieving friends and family members during the holidays.

J. Kim Penberthy, Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia • conversation
Dec. 16, 2024 ~8 min


Infectious diseases killed Victorian children at alarming rates — their novels highlight the fragility of public health today

Between 40% and 50% of children didn’t live past 5 in the US during the 19th century. Popular authors like Charles Dickens documented the common but no less gutting grief of losing a child.

Andrea Kaston Tange, Professor of English, Macalester College • conversation
Dec. 11, 2024 ~9 min

Wind phones help the bereaved deal with death, loss and grief − a clinical social worker explains the vital role of the old-fashioned rotary phone

The first wind phone appeared in Japan in 2010, and the concept has since spread around the world.

Taryn Lindhorst, Professor of Social Work, University of Washington • conversation
Sept. 20, 2024 ~6 min

Do cats grieve?

Research has shown cats become distressed and want more attention when a fellow pet dies.

Grace Carroll, Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast • conversation
Aug. 27, 2024 ~6 min

Ghostbots: AI versions of deceased loved ones could be a serious threat to mental health

AI ghosts, the recreation of digital versions of the dead, may sound like a wonderful idea to those dealing with the pain of loss but this technology could seriously disrupt the grieving process

Nigel Mulligan, Assistant Professor in Psychotherapy, School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University • conversation
March 14, 2024 ~7 min

For many who are suffering with prolonged grief, the holidays can be a time to reflect and find meaning in loss

A trauma-informed therapist discusses how grief affects the brain and highlights the role of a sixth stage of grief – finding meaning – in the healing process.

Mandy Doria, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
Dec. 20, 2023 ~9 min

Want to help Maui's animals after the wildfires? Send cash, not kibble

Animal shelters and other organizations that support pets and their owners after disasters will still need help months after the media has moved on.

Sarah DeYoung, Disaster Researcher and Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware • conversation
Aug. 21, 2023 ~10 min


A trauma-focused therapy is helping Ukrainian children besieged by war – a clinical psychologist explains how it could bring resilience to kids around the world

No matter their age, gender, ethnicity or locale, kids undergoing this therapy can make real progress in recovering from the most devastating traumas.

Zlatina Kostova, Child psychologist and director of training at Lifeline for Kids, UMass Chan Medical School • conversation
June 27, 2023 ~10 min

Processing and grieving an ongoing loss – such as a child with a devastating injury or disability – does not fit neatly into traditional models of grief

Letting go of what could have been is a critical step in handling ambiguous loss.

Brad Phillips, Assistant Professor of Nursing, West Virginia University • conversation
June 23, 2023 ~7 min

/

2