Speaking of Psychology

In job interviews and in life, perfectionism is often seen as a selling point – an asset disguised as a flaw. But as psychologists have found rising rates of perfectionism in the United States and around the world in recent decades, they’ve begun to recognize the toll that the drive to be perfect can take on people’s mental health and well-being. Thomas Curran, PhD, author of “The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough,” talks about different types of perfectionism, why more and more of us feel the need to push ourselves to perfection, and what can we do – as individuals, as parents and as a society – to recognize that often, ‘good’ is good enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kari Leibowitz, a health psychologist and author of "How to Winter," dives into the psychology of winter's embrace. She discusses the Scandinavian mindset that transforms cold, dark months into opportunities for coziness and beauty. By sharing insights from Tromsø, Norway, she illustrates how outdoor activities can enhance mood and appreciation for winter's uniqueness. Leibowitz also tackles seasonal affective disorder, advocating for a cultural shift that embraces winter's rhythms rather than fearing them, highlighting the benefits of a positive winter mindset.

Scott Rick, an associate professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, dives into the emotional forces that influence our shopping habits. He explores why some people effortlessly spend while others struggle, dissecting the concepts of tightwads and spendthrifts. Rick reveals how events like Black Friday play with our emotions and why 'retail therapy' might not be as effective as we think. He also touches on the development of spending behaviors in children and the tensions between financial personalities in relationships.

John Gottman, an Emeritus professor of psychology and co-founder of the Gottman Institute, and Julie Schwartz Gottman, a clinical psychologist specializing in distressed couples, delve into the secrets of nurturing strong relationships. They discuss understanding your partner’s 'bids for connection' and the myth that you should avoid bedtime arguments. The Gottmans share practical strategies for conflict resolution, the impact of technology on relationships, and emphasize that any couple can learn to communicate better, making love last through challenges.

Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, McCourtney Professor of Child Studies at Penn State, delves into the fascinating world of childhood shyness. She explains how shyness develops from infancy and differentiates it from introversion, highlighting that shyness is rooted in anxiety. The discussion includes strategies for parents to support their shy kids, emphasizing the benefits of understanding different temperaments. Dr. Pérez-Edgar also explores the links between childhood shyness and adult social anxiety, offering valuable insights for fostering emotional health.

Irene Pepperberg, an adjunct research professor at Boston University, shares her groundbreaking research on gray parrots, particularly focusing on her work with Alex. She reveals how these birds can communicate using English words and showcases their surprising cognitive abilities, likening them to young children's intelligence. The discussion dives into their problem-solving skills, ability to understand mathematical concepts, and the evolving field of animal cognition. Pepperberg also touches on the personal journey that led her from chemistry to avian insights.

In this engaging discussion, Ericka Rovira, a professor at West Point specializing in engineering psychology, delves into the evolving landscape of human-robot collaboration. She highlights the critical role of trust in settings ranging from the battlefield to healthcare. Rovira addresses the potential challenges of skill degradation as we increasingly rely on AI. Additionally, she shares insights from her research on integrating robots in military training and operations, emphasizing the need for human oversight and effective communication in these complex interactions.

Daryl Van Tongeren, a psychology professor and author of "Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion," dives deep into the rising trend of people departing from traditional faiths in America. He explores the psychological motivations behind this shift and the challenges faced by those re-evaluating their identity. The conversation sheds light on how individuals can find meaning and navigate spirituality outside organized religion, along with the intriguing role of psychedelics in contemporary spiritual exploration.

Toni Falbo, a Professor of Educational Psychology at UT Austin and expert on only children, dispels myths about their supposed loneliness and maladjustment. She reveals that only children often excel socially and academically, challenging negative stereotypes. The discussion navigates the growing trend of single-child families, influenced by modern factors like economic concerns. Practical parenting advice on promoting healthy social interactions rounds out the conversation, debunking myths around screen time and imaginary friends.

Clare Mehta, PhD, an associate professor of psychology, dives into the bustling decade of established adulthood, ages 30 to 45. She discusses the balancing act of career and family life, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities this stage presents. Gender differences in caregiving roles are explored, revealing the added pressures on women. Mehta also addresses how race and ethnicity influence these experiences, and emphasizes the emotional toll of nurturing adult friendships amidst a loneliness crisis.