Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

Kafka on Friendship and the Art of Reconnection: A Modern Perspective on Estrangement

Franz Kafka’s reflections on friendship offer a timeless lens through which we can examine the fractures and reconnections that define modern American family estrangements.

As Kafka wrestled with the paradoxes of intimacy and isolation, he illuminated truths about the human condition that resonate profoundly in our era of growing disconnection.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

The Science of Career Personalities: What Your Job Says About You

Ever wonder if your job is shaping your personality—or if your personality guided you to your job in the first place?

A fascinating new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology explored personality profiles across 263 occupations, revealing distinct personality patterns tied to specific professions.

Spoiler alert: it turns out not all accountants are shy, and not all salespeople are extroverts, but the trends are as entertaining as they are enlightening.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The Complex Connection Between Dark Personality Traits and Mental Health: What a New Study Reveals

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality sheds light on how dark personality traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—interact with mental health over time.

These findings bring an important perspective to understanding the nuanced relationships between traits associated with manipulative or self-serving tendencies and psychological well-being.

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Married Life & Intimate Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Married Life & Intimate Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Are People in Relationships Happier Than Singles? Science Says Yes—With a Catch

Ever wondered if couples are really happier than their single friends?

Maybe you’ve scrolled through Instagram, side-eyeing those picture-perfect couples, while quietly relishing your solo Netflix binge.

Well, the verdict is in: people in relationships tend to be happier than singles, but—as with all things in life—it’s complicated.

A recent cross-cultural study, published in Evolutionary Psychological Science, dives deep into the emotional wellbeing of singles and couples across 12 countries.

The research reveals that intimate relationships, especially good ones, are strongly tied to higher life satisfaction and emotional wellbeing.

But before you run off to find a partner (or throw your phone across the room), let’s unpack the nuances with a dash of humor and a whole lot of science.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

How Many Conflicting Theories of ADHD Are There Anyway?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most complex neurodevelopmental conditions to study, and it shows no signs of yielding simple answers.

From neuroscientists mapping dopamine pathways to sociologists critiquing institutional norms, ADHD has sparked debates across disciplines.

The result?

A mosaic of conflicting theories that reflect the diverse and multifaceted nature of this condition. Let’s take a deeper dive into these theories, bringing in the latest research and exploring the interplay of biology, psychology, and social factors.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Surprising ADHD Research: Greater Life Demands Linked to Reduced Symptoms?

ADHD is often thought of as a persistent, unchanging condition, but new research is challenging that view. A long-term study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reveals that ADHD symptoms often fluctuate over time, influenced by life circumstances and environmental factors. For many, ADHD is not a static diagnosis but a dynamic condition with periods of remission and recurrence—a finding that offers both hope and a more nuanced understanding of the disorder.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Autism and the Cuteness Effect: A Deeper Dive into Social Perception and Attention

What makes something “cute”?

For most of us, it’s the irresistible features of a baby’s face—big eyes, round cheeks, and a small nose—or the playful antics of a puppy or kitten.

These traits trigger the cuteness effect, a universal response hardwired into human biology to draw attention and evoke caregiving behaviors.

But how do children on the autism spectrum experience this phenomenon?

A recent study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders explored this question, uncovering nuanced differences in how autistic children engage with cute imagery based on the severity of their symptoms.

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Married Life & Intimate Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Married Life & Intimate Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Does Marriage Help You Age More Gracefully? For Men, Yes. For Women, It’s a Mixed Bag

Marriage and aging: a duo that’s been studied for decades, but new research reveals the relationship is a bit like your in-laws—complicated.

A study published in International Social Work offers fresh insights, showing that married men are more likely to age gracefully, while for women, the benefits of marriage seem a little more... situational.

For women, marital stability—not just marriage itself—might hold the key to thriving in later years.

Let’s dig into the findings, sprinkle in a little humor (and empathy), and explore what this means for all of us.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Tactile Massage and ADHD: A Holistic Approach to Managing Symptoms

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 5% of children and adolescents worldwide, presenting challenges in focus, hyperactivity, and impulse control.

Traditional treatments, such as medications and behavioral therapies, can be effective, but they are not without limitations. Families often seek non-pharmacological approaches, either due to side effects or incomplete symptom relief from standard therapies.

A recent study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice explores the potential of tactile massage as a gentle, non-invasive intervention for adolescents with ADHD, offering promising results in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Let’s discuss these findings, and the broader implications of tactile massage. We will also touch on how community mental health programs might apply research to adopt integrative, patient-centered approaches to ADHD care.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The Influence of Pornography on Young Adults' Sexual Behaviors and Scripts: Key Findings from a Longitudinal Study

A new study published in Psychology of Popular Media provides a detailed look into the role of pornography in shaping sexual scripts and behaviors among university students in Germany.

Conducted over nearly two years, the study found that increased pornography consumption is linked to adopting risky sexual scripts and behaviors, shedding light on the broader impact of adult content in shaping sexual attitudes and practices.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Do Narcissists Have Demons? An Exploration of Psychology, Theology, and Metaphor

The question, "Do narcissists have demons?" invites a complex dialogue bridging psychology, theology, and cultural metaphor.

While psychological frameworks describe narcissism as a diagnosable personality disorder, many religious traditions interpret similar traits—pride, grandiosity, and manipulation—as evidence of spiritual affliction or even demonic influence.

Let’s explore explore the idea from a balanced perspective, offering insights into how psychology and theology can converge and diverge in addressing this provocative question.

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Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

"Exes at the Wedding": A Celebration of Queer Relational Fluidity

In many LGBTQ+ communities, weddings often look less like a Hallmark scene and more like a joyful reunion of chosen family.

It’s not uncommon for ex-partners to play central roles: officiating, giving toasts, or simply sharing in the celebration.

This cultural phenomenon isn’t just a quirky detail—it reflects a deeply rooted set of values about community, connection, and the ability to redefine relationships.

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