Speaking of Psychology

Psychologists are key in understanding how and why we use technology the way we do. Our smartphones and activity trackers can gauge our moods, and there are apps that can act as mobile therapists. In this episode, Pamela Rutledge, PhD, applies psychological science to interactive and mobile media technology, an evolving area of research. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Racial bias is everywhere but we may not always see it. However, understanding the way people feel about and behave toward those outside their own group can help communities heal after a tragedy, as well as prevent future ones, according to Yale University psychologist John Dovidio, PhD. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transgender and gender nonconforming people are becoming more accepted in mainstream society, but they still remain misunderstood and understudied. In this episode, psychologist Anneliese Singh discusses how she and other researchers are trying to understand resilience within this population. She also talks about new practice guidelines for the mental health professionals who work with them. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Combining mental and behavioral health services with pediatric medical care is a natural fit. But there have been relatively few studies on whether or not it actually works. In this episode, we speak with Joan Asarnow, PhD, who led one of the top studies comparing more traditional care with integrated health care models. She talks about why these studies can help expand integrated care to even more patients. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Much like in our arms or legs, our brain’s “muscles” can rebuild and grow if they’re given the right exercise. In this episode, neuroscientist Tracey Shors talks about how her research has led her to explore links between physical and mental exercise. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices