Speaking Of Psychology

Recent mass shootings have inevitably led to news reports of the suspected shooters’ mental health, but psychological research shows there is no clear link between mental illness and violence. In this episode, clinical and forensic psychologist Joel Dvoskin, PhD, talks about the misconceptions surrounding mental illness and violent behavior and how basic prevention efforts could help stop future violent events. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Psychologists are studying millennials and trying to discover more about the motivations and desires of a generation often thought of as being narcissistic and self-absorbed. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Research has shown that psychotherapy is an effective tool for people who are dealing with a wide range of mental and behavioral health issues, yet people are still hesitant to visit a therapist for treatment. In this episode, we talk with psychologist and researcher Bruce Wampold, PhD, about why psychotherapy works and can often be a better alternative to medications. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Millions of people suffer from mental illness but stigma prevents many of them from seeking out effective treatments. In this episode, psychologist Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, talks about how the city of Philadelphia is using several novel approaches to help improve the mental health of its residents, fight stigma and get people on a path to recovery. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Despite recent medical advances and drug treatments, HIV remains a burdensome condition for millions of people around the world. In this episode, psychologist Perry Halkitis, PhD, MS, MPH, talks about how the lessons from the survivors of the AIDS generation can inform the lives of those who are newly infected with HIV and those living with other challenging diseases. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

APA’s latest Stress in America survey found that 72 percent of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at least some time in the prior month. In this episode, psychologist and researcher Linda Gallo, PhD, talks about how stress from finances and other sources can affect your health. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

There are few things in life so strongly tied to our overall happiness as a stable and happy marriage. In this episode, psychologist Ty Tashiro, PhD, gives advice and tips on how to use psychological science to find lasting love, showing us that using our heads, and not just our hearts, can lead to our happily ever after. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

A growing body of research has shown a connection between our minds and bodies – a relationship that can affect our overall health. In this episode, psychologist Parinda Khatri, PhD, discusses the impact of an integrated and patient-centered health care model, which brings psychologists, physicians and patients together to treat the whole person. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Advancements in virtual reality technology have not only led to improved experiences for people who enjoy video games but they are also treating very serious psychological and physical disabilities. In this episode, psychologist Albert “Skip” Rizzo, PhD, discusses research into the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy and how this technology can improve the therapist-client relationship. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Research into effective ways to prevent or slow down the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease has come a long way, according to researcher and neuropsychologist Glenn E. Smith, PhD. In this episode, he discusses the causes of dementia as well as the effectiveness of activities such as physical exercise and brain training games in preventing it. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Research into effective ways to prevent or slow down the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease has come a long way, according to researcher and neuropsychologist Glenn E. Smith, PhD. In this episode, he discusses the causes of dementia as well as the effectiveness of activities such as physical exercise and brain training games in preventing it. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Teenagers and young adults who use marijuana regularly are at risk of significantly altering the structure of their brains, according to research by neuropsychologist Krista Lisdahl, PhD. In this episode, she discusses what this means for parents, youths and policymakers considering legalizing recreational and medicinal marijuana. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Deciding how to discipline a child can be one of the hardest parts of being a parent. Even parents of generally well-behaved children can find themselves at a loss when trying to discipline a defiant toddler or a surly teenager. In this episode, psychologist Alan Kazdin, PhD, discusses corporal punishment and the most effective techniques for getting the behavior parents want. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Suicide rates have been steadily increasing in recent years, according to the CDC. Stigma and lack of access to mental health services prevent many people from receiving the help they need, according to this episode’s guest, psychologist, professor and 2014 APA President Nadine J. Kaslow, PhD, ABPP. She talks about what psychologists are doing to enhance the services available to people who are struggling with thoughts of suicide. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Are companies like people? According to Susan Fiske, PhD, companies may not be flesh and blood, but customers view even the largest publicly traded companies very much like the way they view other people. And the reasons for this way of thinking are not all that different from how humans evolved to trust one another. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Creating our own happiness can be stressful. But psychologist and clinician Pamela Hays, PhD, says implementing change in our lives doesn't have to be stressful. Author of the book, “Creating Well-Being: Four Steps to a Happier, Healthier Life,” Hays discusses those four steps in this episode, as well as how life’s daily demands can keep us from becoming our best selves. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Can music make us healthier or even smarter? Can it change how we experience pain? In this episode, former rock musician and studio producer Daniel Levitin, PhD, talks about how music changes our brain’s chemistry and affects our health. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Do you have to be intelligent to be creative? Can you learn to be more creative? In this episode, we speak with neuropsychologist Rex E. Jung, PhD, who studies intelligence, creativity and brain function. He discusses why – even if it sounds counterintuitive – intelligence and creativity may not have all that much in common. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

As the discussion over how to address climate change heats up this Earth Day, we’re taking a look at how people understand the risks of climate change and how they adapt. We talk with two psychologists in this episode about how psychological research can contribute to an understanding of global climate change. Psychology professor Janet Swim, PhD, and conservation psychologist John Fraser, PhD, discuss the psychology of communication, politics and behavior as well as how psychologists can encourage others to become more engaged in the environment. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

“Cyberheroes” are those who actively use the Internet and digital technologies to help others, animals and the environment, says psychologist Dana Klisanin, PhD. She researches how online interactions can promote compassion and altruism and is even designing a video game that could help young people tackle global challenges using their computers. In this episode, Dr. Klisanin discusses how social media and online interactions can be a force for good. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals