Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life

The Feminine Face of Evil Part Two: The Arias Verdict

Dr George Simon, PhD — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:07:06 +0000

In her recent trial, Jodie Arias gave us a vivid demonstration of some typical features of personality disorder, especially pathological lying. Interestingly, her jurors were not fooled by the fact that she is an attractive, charming young woman.

Tags: character disturbance, law enforcement, personality disorders, women

A Fatal Case of Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Dr George Simon, PhD — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:02:52 +0000

We seem to be losing sight of the values and discipline of 'good sportsmanship' as we become ever more tolerant of unruly and even violent behavior from our athletes, officials and fans.

Tags: aggression, character disturbance, personality disorders, society, violence

The Frugal Guide to Workplace Competitiveness

Gordon Shippey — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:44:30 +0000

Anxiety about unemployment remains high, even as unemployment rates themselves creep slowly downward. How can cash-strapped workers stand out without breaking the bank?

Tags: communication, in practice, relationships, responsibility, work-life

Mothers Can Make the Difference: A Mother’s Day Plea

Dr Misty Hook, PhD — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:51:38 +0000

Postpartum hormones are designed to sensitize mothers to the needs of their children. It is this very compassion that makes mothers uniquely situated to help fix what ails us. With Mother's Day approaching, it is time for us to focus less on what to buy and more on what we can do.

Tags: emotions, parenting and children, society, women

Untangling Guilt, Shame and the Vocabulary of Therapy

Gordon Shippey — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:50:57 +0000

Of all the words we use for emotions, 'guilt' and 'shame' may be the most troublesome to pin down.

Tags: communication, society, therapy

More Evidence of Abnormal Brain Functioning in Psychopaths

Dr George Simon, PhD — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:43:10 +0000

Recent research on neuronal processes associated with empathy brings new hope for understanding and treating psychopaths. Surprisingly, their brains showed heightened response to certain emotionally-laden scenarios.

Tags: brain, empathy, neuroscience, news and research, personality disorders

Environmental Destruction is Earth-Shattering News: What We Can Do about It?

Dr Misty Hook, PhD — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:14:18 +0000

Climate insecurity is one of the great crises of our times, yet many people seem to have their heads in the sand about it. Psychology gives us reasons why some are in denial, and it also provides solutions for how to combat it.

Tags: denial, motivation, responsibility, society

Careful: Sharp Edges

Gordon Shippey — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:32:08 +0000

Change is difficult enough without making it harder for ourselves. Here's how to avoid goals and personal standards that do more harm than good.

Tags: control, in practice, motivation, tools

“Look for the Helpers”: Fred Rogers’ Powerful Message for Tragic Times

Dr George Simon, PhD — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:18:12 +0000

During times of tragedy, we can find some comfort in the fact that good people come forward to help. It is heartening to know that most of us do have the empathy and courage to make things better.

Tags: empathy, ethics, responsibility, society

We Haven’t Come a Long Way…And Don’t Call Me ‘Baby’

Dr Misty Hook, PhD — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:12:33 +0000

A recent New York Magazine article demonstrates just how challenging it can be to be a woman in today's society. The problem is that the article does not carefully analyze issues or offer potential solutions, but instead uses specious evidence and a tired bashing of feminism. We deserve better.

Tags: politics, power, society, women, work-life