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Between Cultures

Psychology for the cultural explorer

Trauma
How We Help Each Other Heal

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on April 4, 2024

Although we often feel alone in our suffering, much of our healing can take place in relation to others.

Although we often feel alone in our suffering, much of our healing can take place in relation to others.

Creativity
Tell a Story to Build a Connection

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on March 22, 2024

Stories can change lives, deepen connections, and make us feel seen. Telling a good story—at a dinner table or on a stage—is easier than we might think. An expert explains how.

Stories can change lives, deepen connections, and make us feel seen. Telling a good story—at a dinner table or on a stage—is easier than we might think. An expert explains how.

Resilience
Self-Care in Space

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on February 21, 2024

A NASA psychologist explains how astronauts cope with the stress of demanding environments and what the rest of us can learn from their resilience.

A NASA psychologist explains how astronauts cope with the stress of demanding environments and what the rest of us can learn from their resilience.

Philosophy
11 Stoic Instructions for Living a Good Life

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on January 26, 2024

By developing virtues, we can align ourselves with what’s best in us and live in agreement with nature. This, for the Stoics, is the goal of life itself.

By developing virtues, we can align ourselves with what’s best in us and live in agreement with nature. This, for the Stoics, is the goal of life itself.

Philosophy
5 Ancient Ideas That Can Help You Flourish Today

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on January 4, 2024

As the preeminent psychologists of the Western world, the Stoic philosophers thought deeply about what made a good life. Their wisdom can still benefit us today.

As the preeminent psychologists of the Western world, the Stoic philosophers thought deeply about what made a good life. Their wisdom can still benefit us today.

Happiness
How Far Would You Travel for Happiness?

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on November 8, 2023

What can traveling to almost 90 countries in almost 50 years teach us about what it means to fall in love with our lives right where we are?

What can traveling to almost 90 countries in almost 50 years teach us about what it means to fall in love with our lives right where we are?

Social Life
How to Have Extraordinary Interactions

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on October 11, 2023

Other people matter for our health, longevity, and well-being. Here's how to overcome the fear of rejection and make healing connections.

Other people matter for our health, longevity, and well-being. Here's how to overcome the fear of rejection and make healing connections.

Identity
Becoming Friends With Your Future Self

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on July 11, 2023

Strengthening the relationship between our present and future selves can benefit our well-being both now and later. Here’s how to do it.

Strengthening the relationship between our present and future selves can benefit our well-being both now and later. Here’s how to do it.

Relationships
Social Mindfulness, "Vitamin S," and Well-Being

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on June 20, 2023

What is the optimal dose of sociality for our well-being? Why do we sometimes deeply connect with strangers? How do we decide whether or not to trust someone?

What is the optimal dose of sociality for our well-being? Why do we sometimes deeply connect with strangers? How do we decide whether or not to trust someone?

Anxiety
How Curiosity Can Help Ease Anxiety

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on May 3, 2023

Stuck in a loop of anxious thoughts? Addiction psychiatrist Jud Brewer explains how to approach them with your superpower of curiosity.

Stuck in a loop of anxious thoughts? Addiction psychiatrist Jud Brewer explains how to approach them with your superpower of curiosity.

Relationships
Kama Muta: Being Moved by Love

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on April 21, 2023

Why are we moved to tears watching animals form close bonds with each other, or humans reuniting at airports? An expert’s insights into the wonderful feeling of kama muta.

Why are we moved to tears watching animals form close bonds with each other, or humans reuniting at airports? An expert’s insights into the wonderful feeling of kama muta.

Mindfulness
How Mindfulness Affects the Brain and Body

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on March 16, 2023

Mindfulness practices can offer various benefits for well-being, but they are not a panacea. A neuroscientist gives insights into the complex science of mindfulness.

Mindfulness practices can offer various benefits for well-being, but they are not a panacea. A neuroscientist gives insights into the complex science of mindfulness.

Appetite
The Wonders of Awe

Marianna Pogosyan Ph.D. on November 11, 2022

Awe binds humans to their environments and to each other in extraordinary ways. An expert on this complex emotion explains how.

Awe binds humans to their environments and to each other in extraordinary ways. An expert on this complex emotion explains how.