The Science of Spiritual Narcissism
Self-enhancement through spiritual practices can fool some of us into thinking we’re evolving and growing when all we’re growing is our ego
Stories by Scott Barry Kaufman
The Science of Nerdiness
It’s a neurotransmitter thing
In Defense of the Psychologically Rich Life
It involves complex mental engagement; a wide range of deep, intense emotions; and diverse, novel and interesting experiences
Unraveling the Mindset of Victimhood
Focusing on grievances can be debilitating; social science points to a better way
Review of Learned Hopefulness: The Power of Positivity to Overcome Depression
By refocusing on the positive potential that already lies within, you will restore a greater sense of hope than you ever thought possible
On Consciousness: Science and Subjectivity: A Q&A with Bernard Baars
Here’s a chat with Baars about his latest thinking on the scientific study of consciousness
Forced Social Isolation Causes Neural Craving Similar to Hunger
New research highlights the profound effect of severe social isolation on the brain
Finding Inner Harmony: The Underappreciated Legacy of Karen Horney
She believed in the great potential for growth and development
Embracing the Ultimate Unknown
The best way to have a good death is to live a good life
Post-Traumatic Growth: Finding Meaning and Creativity in Adversity
Resilience and strength can often be attained through unexpected routes
What Humans Could Be
As psychologist Abraham Maslow wrote, “Perhaps human nature has been sold short”
Choose Growth
As Abraham Maslow wrote, “One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again”
The Neuroscience of Free Will: A Q&A with Robyn Repko Waller
We discuss blending philosophy and neuroscience in unraveling the mysteries of free will
Autistic People Make Great Social Partners if You Actually Give Them a Chance
Style, not substance, drives negative impressions of the social life of people on the autism spectrum
Why Don’t People Care That More Men Don’t Choose Caregiving Professions?
People attribute the lack of women in STEM fields to external factors but attribute the lack of men in helping professions to internal ones
RIP Jerome L. Singer, “The Father of Daydreaming” (1924–2019)
A seminal psychologist who explored the positive, creative and productive aspects of daydreaming has passed away at the age of 95
Taking Sex Differences in Personality Seriously
New approaches are shedding light on the magnitude of sex differences in personality, and the results are so strong and pervasive that they can no longer be ignored
Can Empathic Concern Actually Increase Political Polarization?
New research suggests that those who display the most concern for others are also the most socially polarized
Are You a Moral Grandstander?
New research suggests that moral grandstanding may be a major source of conflict in the world today
Do Narcissists Ever Grow Up?
New research investigates continuity and change in narcissism from young adulthood to midlife
