New research suggests cat and dog 'moms' and 'dads' really are parenting their pets – here's the evolutionary explanation why

Human beings evolved to nurture – and that drive can extend to children who aren’t your own and even to members of other species.

Shelly Volsche, Clinical Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Boise State University • conversation
Oct. 28, 2021 ~9 min

Psychological 'specialness spirals' can make ordinary items feel like treasures – and may explain how clutter accumulates

Have you ever bought an item and then just not gotten around to using it because the time never felt right? New studies suggest an explanation for what researchers call nonconsumption.

Jacqueline Rifkin, Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Missouri-Kansas City • conversation
Sept. 22, 2021 ~7 min


Selfish or selfless? Human nature means you're both

Cognitive neuroscientists use brain imaging and behavioral economic games to investigate people's sense of fairness. They find it's common to take care of yourself before looking out for others.

Jean Decety, Professor of Psychology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago • conversation
March 17, 2021 ~10 min

7 research-based resolutions that will help strengthen your relationship in the year ahead

Psychology studies suggest a variety of ways you can strengthen your bond and increase your satisfaction with your partner.

Gary W. Lewandowski Jr., Professor of Psychology, Monmouth University • conversation
Dec. 28, 2020 ~8 min

The urge to punish is not only about revenge – unfairness can unleash it, too

Unfairness alone is upsetting enough to drive people to punish lucky recipients of unfair outcomes.

Paul Deutchman, PhD Candidate in Psychology, Boston College • conversation
Sept. 30, 2020 ~6 min

Microaggressions aren't just innocent blunders – new research links them with racial bias

White people are often defensive when they're called out for these subtle snubs and insults. But researchers have found that microaggressions correlate with racial bias.

Jonathan Kanter, Director of the Center for the Science of Social Connection, University of Washington • conversation
Sept. 24, 2020 ~9 min

Here's how Americans coped during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic

A survey of 500 adults in the US provides a snapshot of the ways people are dealing with life during a pandemic and how well they think they're doing.

Melissa Liu, Ph.D. Student in Psychology, IUPUI • conversation
April 9, 2020 ~7 min

Porn use is up, thanks to the pandemic

Online pornography is one business that's booming during the coronavirus pandemic. A psychology researcher explains its pull and whether there are likely to be longer-term effects of this surge in use.

Joshua B. Grubbs, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Bowling Green State University • conversation
April 8, 2020 ~8 min


Stuck at home with your partner? Look to retirees for how to make it work

Cooped up with a partner and nowhere to go to break it up? Coronavirus social distancing... or another day in retirement? Research on older couples holds tips for everyone else on how to deal.

Anne Fishel, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School • conversation
April 6, 2020 ~7 min

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