Speaking of Psychology

Paul Rozin, PhD, is a psychology professor emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania and a leading expert on disgust. He discusses the origins and evolution of disgust as a protective mechanism, highlighting cultural variations in food aversions. Rozin explains how humor can stem from disgust, showcasing the lighter side of this complex emotion. He also explores the psychological barriers related to dietary choices and the intricate relationships between disgust, morality, and societal norms.

Sunita Sah, PhD, an organizational psychologist and author, dives into the challenges of saying 'no' in a world that pressures us to comply. She explores the empowering nature of defiance and its alignment with personal values. Topics include the critical differences between consent and compliance, and practical techniques to resist social pressures. Sah also discusses the 'voice empathy gap' in nursing, shedding light on the need for better communication across hierarchical structures. An insightful conversation on standing firm and asserting oneself!

Rachel V. Aaron, PhD, is an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins, specializing in chronic pain. She discusses the complex interplay between chronic pain and mental health, revealing that nearly 40% of chronic pain sufferers also face mental health challenges. The conversation explores innovative treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, as well as the potential of acupuncture and other alternative therapies. Aaron emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation and the collaboration between patients and healthcare providers in effective pain management.

Adam Galinsky, PhD, a social psychologist and Paul Colello Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia Business School, shares insights from his book, "Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others." He discusses the stark contrast between inspiring and infuriating leaders. Listeners learn about the leader amplification effect and the importance of mindful communication. Galinsky emphasizes that traits like optimism can be cultivated, enhancing leadership abilities in both personal and professional spheres. Reflection and personal values also play a key role in inspiring success.

Dewey Cornell, PhD, a forensic clinical psychologist and expert in school violence prevention, shares valuable insights on how to improve safety in schools. He emphasizes the need for effective threat assessment protocols and collaboration among students, teachers, and law enforcement. Cornell discusses the rarity of school shootings compared to other violence in public spaces and advocates for supportive, non-punitive approaches to handling threats. He also highlights the importance of understanding student behavior and the role of technology in fostering a safe school environment.

Terrie Moffitt, PhD, a renowned psychology professor at Duke University and leader of the Dunedin study, dives deep into the remarkable findings on aging from this long-term research tracking over 1,000 New Zealanders since 1972. She discusses how genetics and life experiences shape not just physical but mental health as well. Moffitt highlights the innovative Dunedin-PACE test for measuring biological aging, the significance of early life circumstances, and potential lifestyle interventions that could align biological and chronological ages.

In a captivating discussion, health psychologist Richard de Visser, a professor at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, dives into the Dry January movement. He examines the surge in interest for alcohol-free living and the benefits of temporary abstinence, like improved sleep and energy. De Visser also explores the psychological factors fueling this trend and offers practical tips for success. Additionally, he highlights the potential rebound effect of drinking behaviors post-January, providing a nuanced view of modern drinking culture.

Daniel Simons, a psychology professor and head of the Visual Cognition Laboratory, and Christopher Chabris, co-director of the Behavioral Decision Sciences Program, reveal the cognitive traps that lead us to believe lies. They discuss infamous frauds like Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme and a chess con that highlights our vulnerabilities. The duo stresses the importance of skepticism and critical thinking in protecting ourselves from scams, while also exploring how small interventions can lead to significant behavioral changes.

Carla Sharp, PhD, a leading expert in social cognition and psychiatric disorders at the University of Houston, shares her insights on borderline personality disorder (BPD). She discusses the complexities of diagnosing BPD, particularly in adolescents, and highlights the importance of nurturing environments. She also addresses the shift from categorical to dimensional models of understanding personality disorders, emphasizing the need for continuous empirical research. Carla offers practical strategies for family members to support loved ones affected by BPD.

Antonio Zadra, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Montreal and a researcher in sleep medicine, specializing in dreams and nightmares. He discusses why some people remember dreams while others do not and explores the therapeutic value of dreams in understanding emotional conflicts. Zadra delves into treatments for recurring nightmares, particularly for those with PTSD, and examines the fascinating realms of lucid dreaming and sleepwalking. He also touches on the intriguing concept of dream hacking, raising ethical questions about manipulating dreams.