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Dr. Carol Tavris: Ideas on Science Advocacy
Carol Tavris has had a significant impact on psychology, known for her sharp intellect, critical lens, and steadfast advocacy for evidence-based science.
While her work has been widely celebrated, it has also sparked intense debates, particularly regarding gender differences, memory reliability, and evolutionary psychology.
In this post, we’ll explore her contributions and the controversies they’ve inspired, taking a balanced look at her intellectual legacy.
Dr. Cordelia Fine: Ideas on Gender and Neurosexism
Cordelia Fine’s work has been a cornerstone in reshaping contemporary discussions around gender, neuroscience, and cultural stereotypes.
As a psychologist and author, she has garnered both acclaim and critique for her bold challenges to biological determinism.
While her books, such as Delusions of Gender (2010) and Testosterone Rex (2017), have significantly influenced public discourse, her arguments are not without their flaws.
Scholars like David Buss have raised pointed critiques that highlight potential blind spots in her approach.
This article explores Fine’s key ideas, and examines the broader academic debates surrounding her work.
Dr. Gad Saad on Human Mating and Intimacy: Evolution, Lust, and Consumerism
Let’s talk about love, lust, and why your ex still hasn’t returned your hoodie. Dr. Gad Saad, evolutionary psychologist extraordinaire, claims that the answers to these mysteries lie in your DNA—not your Spotify breakup playlist.
Saad’s work unravels human mating and intimacy as a grand performance choreographed by evolution, with humans driven by ancient instincts that whisper, "Find a mate, secure the species!"
But not everyone’s on board with Saad’s views.
To some, he’s a truth-teller who’s slapped modern nonsense across the face with science.
To others, he’s the biological equivalent of that guy at a party who keeps insisting it’s actually about survival of the fittest. Let’s dig deeper into the juicy debates swirling around Saad’s provocative ideas on human mating.
Embracing Wisdom Growth in Aging: Exploring Dr. Gene Cohen’s Insights
Aging gracefully has become a more nuanced concept with the work of pioneering geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Gene Cohen. Known for his research on creativity, wisdom, and growth throughout the aging process,
Dr. Cohen offered groundbreaking insights into how our cognitive abilities evolve as we age. His work emphasizes that aging isn't merely a process of physical decline; rather, it can be a time of profound wisdom growth, creativity, and personal expansion.
The Pleasures and Consolations of Narrative Openness
There’s something truly wonderful about a story that leaves room for interpretation—a narrative that doesn’t hammer its meaning into us but instead invites us to wander around and discover for ourselves.
This approach, often called “narrative openness,” is like a choose-your-own-adventure for adults, minus the treacherous caves and pirate maps (though those would be fun too).
But narrative openness isn’t just a stylistic choice in storytelling; it’s also a quality that enriches our lives in subtle, surprising ways. So let’s dig into why leaving room for possibility in our stories, and in our lives, can bring both pleasure and consolation.
Feeling Stuck in Your Story? Understanding Narrative Foreclosure and Covert Narcissism in a Culture That Craves Validation
Life can sometimes feel like it’s hit a standstill.
Maybe you’ve reached a point where the future feels like a closed book, or maybe you’ve struggled with feeling unrecognized, like others don’t see the potential you know is there.
These experiences can feel isolating, but they’re also surprisingly common—and there are names for them. Two concepts that capture these feelings are narrative foreclosure and covert narcissism, and they both reveal a lot about how we understand ourselves and our stories.
Add the influence of cultural narcissism—our society’s fixation on external success and validation—and it’s easy to see why many people feel disconnected from their own sense of purpose.
Let’s explore these ideas, looking at how they impact us, how they’re shaped by our culture, and ways to reconnect with ourselves in a meaningful, fulfilling way.
What is the 4B Movement? Breaking Down the "Four No’s"
The 4B women’s movement, known as 4B 운동 in Korean, stands for four “no’s” that guide its philosophy: no dating (연애), no sex (섹스), no marriage (결혼), and no childbirth (출산).
This movement is a radical and deliberate choice by South Korean women to reject traditional expectations and cultural norms around gender, family, and romantic relationships.
Keep the Home Fires Burning
In the midst of a world unraveling under the weight of war, loss, and estrangement, one phrase captures the essence of unyielding human hope: “keep the home fires burning.”
This simple yet profound exhortation has echoed through generations, carrying with it a legacy of warmth, persistence, and a quiet defiance in the face of terror.
To truly understand its impact, we must peel back the layers of its origin and explore what it reveals about the American spirit of intimacy and resilience—a spirit that endures even when marinated in uncertainty and fear.
The Surprising Power of Sadness and Fear: How Negative Emotions Can Sharpen Self-Control
Emotions—our lifelong companions—often steer our thoughts, behaviors, and responses in ways that can feel as overwhelming as they are profound.
Happiness and joy are celebrated for their uplifting, motivational effects, while sadness and fear are typically dismissed as unwanted houseguests we’re eager to usher out.
However, new research published in Cognition & Emotion is shaking up this narrative, showing that sadness and fear may actually play an important role in enhancing self-control.
The 2024 Election: America's Greatest Mental Health Disaster, No Matter Who Wins?
The United States is heading into an election season unlike any other, and that’s saying something.
The past few years have conditioned Americans to expect a certain amount of chaos—political clashes, cultural upheavals, and economic uncertainties have become as routine as morning coffee.
But 2024 promises not just the storm, but the tempest.
And regardless of who wins, the outcome is likely to bring with it the most significant mental health crisis the nation has ever seen.
If that sounds dramatic, it’s because it is. And it should be.
Americans are already grappling with escalating rates of anxiety, depression, and stress, fueled by political polarization and socio-economic strains. Now, we’re heading into an election that feels like a pressure cooker set to explode.
The irony? No matter which side of the aisle you're on, you're probably already pre-disappointed with the outcome.
Who's More Biased, Conservatives or Progressives?
Political bias – every American’s favorite blind spot.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get juicier, new research says ideological bias is like a messy breakup: it gets way worse when you’re not the one calling the shots.
Turns out, when your political team isn’t in power, your dislike for “the other side” heats up faster than Thanksgiving leftovers.
So, are conservatives or progressives more biased?
According to this study, it’s not that simple. The real answer: It all depends on who’s currently in power.
The Journey to Excellence: How Athletes Become Super Champions, Champions, and Almosts
As a couples therapist, I often see parallels between the challenges faced by my clients and those encountered by athletes on their journey to success.
This post explores the unique experiences of athletes—categorized as "Super Champions," "Champions," and "Almosts"—as they navigate the winding path to the top of their sports.
Understanding these differences offers insight into the resilience, psychological fortitude, and mindset that can make or break success, whether on the playing field or in relationships.