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The Bejeezus Out of Me

Startling behavioral science.

Mating
A Fake Dating Site and an Astonishing Political Opportunity

Rebecca Coffey on April 14, 2020

Three researchers from the University of New South Wales were not on the hunt for ammo in the political wealth sharing wars. Even so, they may have found some.

Three researchers from the University of New South Wales were not on the hunt for ammo in the political wealth sharing wars. Even so, they may have found some.

Cover photo.
Hypnosis
Romantic Desperation and Erotomania in The Woman in the Park

Rebecca Coffey on July 5, 2019

Can garden-variety heartbreak become dangerous to both lover and beloved? A thrilling new novel builds its mystery on a delusional disorder called erotomania.

Can garden-variety heartbreak become dangerous to both lover and beloved? A thrilling new novel builds its mystery on a delusional disorder called erotomania.

Anxiety
College? We Don't Need Yer Stinkin' College

Rebecca Coffey on May 9, 2019

The college admissions scandal has me thinking: Sometimes, to love is to worry, especially when you're the mother of a high school senior who may or may not be college bound.

The college admissions scandal has me thinking: Sometimes, to love is to worry, especially when you're the mother of a high school senior who may or may not be college bound.

Health
The Social Vagina

Rebecca Coffey on May 23, 2018

Women are getting nips and tucks on their genitalia. Does the law even allow this? Think: What's the difference between a cosmetic clitoridectomy and female genital mutilation?

Women are getting nips and tucks on their genitalia. Does the law even allow this? Think: What's the difference between a cosmetic clitoridectomy and female genital mutilation?

Friends
Film Review: Moving Stories

Rebecca Coffey on March 9, 2018

“Moving Stories” shows dance as a soft power helping people that political and social failures have hurt.

“Moving Stories” shows dance as a soft power helping people that political and social failures have hurt.

Sex
The Human Ape

Rebecca Coffey on November 29, 2017

When it comes to sexual politics, why do even the good guys act like apes?

When it comes to sexual politics, why do even the good guys act like apes?

Relationships
Intimacy Across Cultures—and Species

Rebecca Coffey on July 11, 2017

Do you like gentlemanly/ladylike kisses or meaty, beastly ones? And what might that say about you as a human—and about humans as a species?

Do you like gentlemanly/ladylike kisses or meaty, beastly ones? And what might that say about you as a human—and about humans as a species?

Guilt
A Human Face on Survival Guilt

Rebecca Coffey on May 4, 2016

Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Here is the story of Sande Boritz Berger's discovery of family history.

Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Here is the story of Sande Boritz Berger's discovery of family history.

Freudian Psychology
Molesley’s Dilemma

Rebecca Coffey on April 26, 2016

Downtown Abbey's Molesley finally got his dream job—after spending years working at a lowly, "make-do" one. How do employers today respond to evidence of make-do jobs on résumés?

Downtown Abbey's Molesley finally got his dream job—after spending years working at a lowly, "make-do" one. How do employers today respond to evidence of make-do jobs on résumés?

Happiness
And Spread Sunshine All Over the Place

Rebecca Coffey on April 19, 2016

A new study shows that taking careful, daily notice of beauty in human behavior, in nature, and in the word in general can boost happiness. Is that something to worry about?

A new study shows that taking careful, daily notice of beauty in human behavior, in nature, and in the word in general can boost happiness. Is that something to worry about?