Insight Therapy

Divorce

The Genetics of Divorce

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on October 8, 2024

New research sheds light on the genetic link between psychological disorders and the odds of divorce.

New research sheds light on the genetic link between psychological disorders and the odds of divorce.

Stress

The Stress We Make: Dependent Stress and Why It Matters

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on October 3, 2024

The stress generation hypothesis views the symptoms of psychopathology as a unique source of stress that may contribute to the development and maintenance of disordered states.

The stress generation hypothesis views the symptoms of psychopathology as a unique source of stress that may contribute to the development and maintenance of disordered states.

Parenting

Changing With the Times? Attitudes About Nonparental Care

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on October 1, 2024

Nonparental care is the cultural norm. But is it the preference?

Nonparental care is the cultural norm. But is it the preference?

Child Development

Beyond the Marshmallow Test: Rethinking Delayed Gratification

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on July 8, 2024

Cognitive control develops gradually during childhood, The question for psychologists and policymakers is: Can this development be sped up with intentional training?

Cognitive control develops gradually during childhood, The question for psychologists and policymakers is: Can this development be sped up with intentional training?

Loneliness

Loneliness and Social Norm Violations

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on July 2, 2024

A recent study offers new ideas about the causes of loneliness.

A recent study offers new ideas about the causes of loneliness.

Happiness

11 Ways to Be Happier, Based on the Best Science

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on July 1, 2024

Acting happy, helping others, avoiding certain thoughts, and more.

Acting happy, helping others, avoiding certain thoughts, and more.

OCD

A New Theory of OCD

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on June 25, 2024

New work proposes that individuals with OCD have difficulty accessing their internal states. To circumvent this, they activate “proxies” in the form of rigid rituals.

New work proposes that individuals with OCD have difficulty accessing their internal states. To circumvent this, they activate “proxies” in the form of rigid rituals.

Scent

Sniff Test: Research Is Unraveling The Mysteries of Smell

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on June 17, 2024

Smell is more important than you think. A recent research review debunks myths about our sense of smell and highlights the power of olfaction.

Smell is more important than you think. A recent research review debunks myths about our sense of smell and highlights the power of olfaction.

President Donald Trump

What Makes a Cult Leader?

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on June 11, 2024

A Personal Perspective: Is Trump a cult figure? A look at the evidence.

A Personal Perspective: Is Trump a cult figure? A look at the evidence.

Motivation

The Power of Imagination in Achieving Your Goals

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on June 1, 2024

Research finds strong links between some aspects of goal setting and pursuit and well-being.

Research finds strong links between some aspects of goal setting and pursuit and well-being.

Relationships

The Power of Touch

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on May 28, 2024

Thought experiment: What would life be if you did not have a sense of touch?

Thought experiment: What would life be if you did not have a sense of touch?

Friends

First Encounters: How to Behave if You Want to Be Liked

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on May 10, 2024

When meeting other people for the first time, how should one behave to be liked?

When meeting other people for the first time, how should one behave to be liked?

Sex

The Psychology of Erectile Disorder

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on May 6, 2024

Erectile disorder is common and consequential for individuals and for relationships. A recent review explores the psychological predictors, and consequences, of ED.

Erectile disorder is common and consequential for individuals and for relationships. A recent review explores the psychological predictors, and consequences, of ED.

Gender

Does Our Approach to Gender Dysphoria Need an Overhaul?

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on April 15, 2024

The healthcare we provide to youngsters struggling with gender distress should be aimed at helping them, rather than winning a culture war.

The healthcare we provide to youngsters struggling with gender distress should be aimed at helping them, rather than winning a culture war.

Altruism

Are People Generous When the Financial Stakes Are High?

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on April 3, 2024

If someone gave you $10,000 tomorrow, no strings attached, how much of it would you spend on yourself?

If someone gave you $10,000 tomorrow, no strings attached, how much of it would you spend on yourself?

Trauma

Trigger Warnings Can Be Triggering

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on April 1, 2024

Recent research concludes that trigger warnings are neither necessary nor devastating for those who receive them—although they may induce uncomfortable anticipation.

Recent research concludes that trigger warnings are neither necessary nor devastating for those who receive them—although they may induce uncomfortable anticipation.

Domestic Violence

7 Red Flags That May Predict Intimate Partner Violence

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on March 1, 2024

Researchers search for reliable non-abusive behaviors that may predict future abuse.

Researchers search for reliable non-abusive behaviors that may predict future abuse.

Sleep

Why Sleep Is Even More Important Than You Thought

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on February 1, 2024

A new study, reviewing 50 years of sleep research, offers clarity on the effects of various sleep deficiencies on emotional health.

A new study, reviewing 50 years of sleep research, offers clarity on the effects of various sleep deficiencies on emotional health.

Deception

The Truth About Lie Detection

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on January 4, 2024

The dream of a simple, straightforward, reliable, and practical lie detection technology has yet to be fulfilled.

The dream of a simple, straightforward, reliable, and practical lie detection technology has yet to be fulfilled.

Education

On Failure, Truth, and Learning

Noam Shpancer Ph.D. on December 8, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Stories about success and lying, and an old joke about a dead cat.

A Personal Perspective: Stories about success and lying, and an old joke about a dead cat.