Five Ways Food Can Lead to Self-Fulfillment
Psychologists often study the negative aspects of eating, but food is intrinsically linked to positive psychology in at least five central ways.
View ArticleThe Psychology of Walking
In 1909, a 70-year-old man walked from New York to San Francisco. His story touches on several critical aspects of modern psychology.
View ArticleAre Sex Differences in Mate Choice Really Universal?
Classic studies found men and women differ in preference for youth, attractiveness, and finances. A recent study asks how replicable those findings are.
View ArticleHow to Survive the Modern World With a Stone-Age Brain
A hunter-gatherer transported to the modern urban world would think they’d landed in paradise. Why isn't modern technology making us happy?
View Article7 Ways Electronic Devices Parasitize Teenagers' Brains
Are teenagers' brains being parasitized by electronic technology? Here I count a few of the ways, and ask: Is there anything we can do about it?
View Article50 Years of Basking in Robert Cialdini’s Reflected Glory
A now classic paper by Robert Cialdini and his colleagues explored the topic of basking in reflected glory; which is described (and illustrated) here.
View ArticleWhy Is It So Hard for Us to Change?
Building and maintaining healthy habits is not a one-time fix, but a lifetime endeavor.
View Article4 (More) Tricks to Help You Change
Developing habits to make you healthy and happy in the long run requires a clever combination of personally-tailored techniques.
View Article7 Life Lessons From a "Wise Guy"
Most psychologists don't consult evangelists for life lessons, but there's a lot to learn from the fellow who was the head evangelist for the original MacIntosh computer.
View ArticleShould You Seek Self-Satisfaction or Self-Transcendence?
Some infer that an evolutionary perspective prescribes a life pursuing self-interest in the service of selfish genes, but that’s a misconception at multiple levels. Here's why.
View ArticleIs the World Ready for a Nonsexual Revolution?
Breeder, incel, or ace, there’s an argument for forgetting about your mating status altogether. Here are 7 alternative ways to live a fulfilling life.
View Article3 Tips for Relishing the Surprising Joy of Everyday Things
A Personal Perspective: You don't need an expensive trip to the Caribbean to find joy. There are ways to get the same thrill when walking around your neighborhood.
View ArticleWhy I Gave a $50 Tip on a $20 “Rideshare”
There are four good reasons you should give a large tip next time you have the chance.
View ArticleThe Psychology of Hollywood's All-Time Blockbuster
Can the principles of evolutionary psychology help us understand why some movies are terrible, and some are wonderful? Let's consider the highest-grossing film of all time.
View ArticleThree Life Lessons from a Great Sage of Psychology
David Myers is perhaps the wisest living psychologist. In his new book, he shares some of his wisdom. Here are three tidbits from his extensive tasting menu.
View ArticleJohn Alcock Inspired a Generation
John Alcock inspired a generation of researchers interested in evolution and behavior.
View ArticleTaking the Stress out of Travel: Micro-Triumphs en España
Personal Perspective: Here are three suggestions to make foreign travel more delightful and less stressful.
View ArticleSteven Pinker Thinks Rationality Is Unnatural, But...
Does rational thinking, like language, come naturally to humans? Will we solve the many problems wrought by modern irrational thinking, as we've solved so many past problems?
View Article3 Reasons to Go on a Good News Diet
The news is full of hard-to-resist stories about threats and abominations, but there are three good reasons we should all actively change our news diet.
View ArticleWho's a Better Role Model: Genghis Khan or Mr. Rogers?
Do selfish genes mean that humans are designed to be selfish?
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