Why Bad Looks Good

Politics

When Politics is Personal: Surviving Election Season

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 11, 2024

Is political rhetoric stressing you out just in time for the holidays? Learn the reasons why, and how to weather the storm.

Is political rhetoric stressing you out just in time for the holidays? Learn the reasons why, and how to weather the storm.

Infidelity

Does Infidelity “Just Happen” or Is It Planned?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on November 3, 2024

Your partner may explain unfaithfulness as a spontaneous mistake in the heat of the moment. But is that true?

Your partner may explain unfaithfulness as a spontaneous mistake in the heat of the moment. But is that true?

Politics

Turning Down the Heat: Averting Political Violence

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 27, 2024

In a season of divisive political rhetoric, research reveals possible methods of reducing the potential for violence.

In a season of divisive political rhetoric, research reveals possible methods of reducing the potential for violence.

Trauma

Unique Methods of Caring for Human Trafficking Victims

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 17, 2024

No two trafficking victims are alike. Research reveals how that reality can inform supportive survivor care.

No two trafficking victims are alike. Research reveals how that reality can inform supportive survivor care.

Artificial Intelligence

Seeking Support: How AI Can Make You Feel Better

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 14, 2024

When you feel the need to emotionally unload, consider the value of the virtual.

When you feel the need to emotionally unload, consider the value of the virtual.

Social Life

Beyond Zoom: How Meeting in Person Creates Connection

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 13, 2024

If you have the opportunity for a live meeting on an important topic, take it. Research explains why.

If you have the opportunity for a live meeting on an important topic, take it. Research explains why.

Artificial Intelligence

Using AI to Care for Sexual Assault Survivors

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 11, 2024

When recovering from trauma, artificial assistance is no substitute for human relationships. But it is a start.

When recovering from trauma, artificial assistance is no substitute for human relationships. But it is a start.

Artificial Intelligence

Sharing the Real You Is Easier with a Virtual Human

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 9, 2024

Sharing personal information risks judgment, stigma, and disapproval. Unless you are talking with a computer.

Sharing personal information risks judgment, stigma, and disapproval. Unless you are talking with a computer.

Confidence

The Confidence Code: 3 Ways to Project (and Attain) Success

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 8, 2024

Got confidence? In some settings, what you think can boost your image.

Got confidence? In some settings, what you think can boost your image.

Career

Want a Promotion? Three Strategies for Success

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 5, 2024

Is being noticed at work about dressing the best or speaking the loudest? Not even close. Research reveals real factors that predict promotability.

Is being noticed at work about dressing the best or speaking the loudest? Not even close. Research reveals real factors that predict promotability.

Stalking

The Dark Side of Romance: Bad Thoughts Spark Bad Behavior

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on October 2, 2024

Many people are flattered to be the object of someone’s affection, but some should be frightened instead. Research reveals the dark side of romantic intentions.

Many people are flattered to be the object of someone’s affection, but some should be frightened instead. Research reveals the dark side of romantic intentions.

Attention

How Romantic Pursuit Goes Too Far

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 29, 2024

Bold moves can be flattering or frightening.

Bold moves can be flattering or frightening.

Workplace Dynamics

Conquering Workplace Anxiety Through Civility

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 21, 2024

Professional life is uncertain; personal life doesn’t need to be. Civility improves the ability to accept change.

Professional life is uncertain; personal life doesn’t need to be. Civility improves the ability to accept change.

Career

How Being Happy at Work Can Make You Happy at Home

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 15, 2024

Most of us work to live, not live to work. But being happy at work can improve your mood at home.

Most of us work to live, not live to work. But being happy at work can improve your mood at home.

Personality

Scene Selection: You Reveal Who You Are by Where You Are

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 13, 2024

If you want to know what someone is like, observe where they go.

If you want to know what someone is like, observe where they go.

Consumer Behavior

Is Your Car Part of Your Image? The Surprising Truth

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 9, 2024

Think you can guess what somebody drives? You may be right.

Think you can guess what somebody drives? You may be right.

Politics

Passion for a Politically Dissimilar Partner: Can It Work?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 8, 2024

Do Republicans ever successfully date Democrats? The answer is yes, and the relationship impact may surprise you.

Do Republicans ever successfully date Democrats? The answer is yes, and the relationship impact may surprise you.

Narcissism

Why People May Seek to Marry a Narcissist

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 7, 2024

Narcissists are flashy and fun at first impression. But women also want to marry them—when they are not marriage material. Research explains.

Narcissists are flashy and fun at first impression. But women also want to marry them—when they are not marriage material. Research explains.

Narcissism

Does Your Narcissistic Partner View You as a Trophy?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 4, 2024

When your partner would rather “show you off” than spend time alone with you.

When your partner would rather “show you off” than spend time alone with you.

Relationships

How to Lovingly Discuss Finances With Your Partner

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 3, 2024

Want to talk about money with love? Here is how to approach economic stress with sensitivity.

Want to talk about money with love? Here is how to approach economic stress with sensitivity.