TITLE When Stress Harms the Heart DESCRIPTION A small study indicates that the amygdala region of the brain, long known for it’s role in emotions may now play a role in heart disease. The study found that stress affecting the brain in the processing of emotions in the amygdala can cause inflammation of the… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Psychology Update
Psychology Update — A Brief History of Twin Studies
TITLE A Brief History of Twin Studies DESCRIPTION After astronaut Scott Kelly returned from a year in space, the results of his tests (physical and psychological) were compared with his identical twin brother Mark’s tests. Mark was earth bound while Scott was in space. Psychologist have been fascinated with the “nature-nurture” question and have devoted… Read more »
Psychology Update — How Prenatal Pollution Exposure Can Lead to Behavior Problems in Children
TITLE How Prenatal Pollution Exposure Can Lead to Behavior Problems in Children DESCRIPTION This article discusses a series of studies that investigated whether exposure to high levels of pollution during pregnancy affects psychological, emotional, and behavioral variables in children. The studies found “… stronger evidence now about how that air pollution can affect even… Read more »
Psychology Update — Why More Companies Are Eager To Hire People With Autism
TITLE Why More Companies Are Eager To Hire People With Autism DESCRIPTION Individuals on the autism spectrum are, for the most part, unemployed (70% and higher) and often on SSI for disability. Companies (accounting, software, computer) are realizing that some of those on the spectrum have abilities that can be helpful in these professions. … Read more »
Psychology Update — When Dad Struggles After the Baby Arrives
TITLE When Dad Struggles After the Baby Arrives DESCRIPTION Though research and therapy have focused on women and postpartum depression, about 14% of new fathers experience psychological distress in the first year after the birth of a child; the percentage might be higher because men do not necessarily open up about their feelings. “Experts call… Read more »
Psychology Update — 3 Articles Regarding the Senses: Vision, Hearing & Vestibular, and Touch
3 Articles Regarding the Senses: Vision, Hearing & Vestibular, and Touch Article #1 From Vertigo to Tinnitus, Ear Ailments Are New Focus for Drugs DESCRIPTION This article is found in the business section of the New York Times rather than the health or science sections. It focuses on pharmaceutical research companies that are only… Read more »
OVERCOMING FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
OVERCOMING FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING DESCRIPTION The author, Beverly D. Flaxington, points out that “speech anxiety is so common that there is a formal term for it – glossophobia.” Her post briefly discusses the missteps that individuals make and how negative the anxiety of public speaking can intensify. She lists “Six Keys to Confident Presenting.” … Read more »
GUIDED IMAGERY CAN RELIEVE ANXIETY
GUIDED IMAGERY CAN RELIEVE ANXIETY DESCRIPTION Dr. Moore points out that while therapists make good use of traditional techniques to reduce anxiety in a variety of situations, self-help techniques, such as guided imagery, have been somewhat neglected. Further, he points out that “it’s a simple yet effective way to manage a variety of negative emotions,… Read more »
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK — Technology For Academics
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK Technology For Academics URL http://suefrantz.com/ DESCRIPTION Sue Frantz is well know among Psychologists and academics for her excellent reporting on the uses of technology as applied to both the classroom and professional life. Her site is amazing for how well up to date she reports on new developments, apps, web sites,… Read more »
21 THINGS CLINICAL PERFECTIONISTS DO
21 THINGS CLINICAL PERFECTIONISTS DO What’s the difference between ordinary perfectionism and a problem? DESCRIPTION Clinical Perfectionism can be viewed as a combination of cognitions and behaviors wherein the individual has high level, often unreasonable, criteria, standards, and expectations. Due to the fact that these thoughts are unrealistic, the individual experiences negative affect such as… Read more »
Psychological Science: The Curious Mind
Abnormal Psychology, 15th Edition DSM-5-TR Update
Behavioral Neuroscience
Personality, 15th Edition
Cognition, 11th Edition
