Time Out

Trauma

The Psychological Needs of Freed Hostages

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on March 13, 2024

What would you do if your patient's situation had never been seen before?

What would you do if your patient's situation had never been seen before?

Depression

The Disturbing Link Between Depression and Dementia

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on August 13, 2023

Depression was once considered the common cold of mental illness. A new study finds it may have lasting neurologic effects.

Depression was once considered the common cold of mental illness. A new study finds it may have lasting neurologic effects.

Chronic Pain

Are You in Pain?

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on June 30, 2023

No one wants to listen to the chronic pain patient complain. Now, finally, someone does.

No one wants to listen to the chronic pain patient complain. Now, finally, someone does.

Caregiving

The Biblical Book of Ruth and the Dynamics of Compassion

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on May 24, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Social science research affirms some of the dynamics of kindness in the biblical Book of Ruth narrative.

A Personal Perspective: Social science research affirms some of the dynamics of kindness in the biblical Book of Ruth narrative.

Appetite

Why We Cry for Ritual

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on March 5, 2023

Rituals have served as social glue since prehistoric times. Can we establish new modern rituals?

Rituals have served as social glue since prehistoric times. Can we establish new modern rituals?

Leadership

Corruption Kills: Over 40,000 Dead in Turkey

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on February 21, 2023

Corruption is an ancient problem that destroys trust and social cohesion. As the recent earthquake in Turkey demonstrated, corruption also kills.

Corruption is an ancient problem that destroys trust and social cohesion. As the recent earthquake in Turkey demonstrated, corruption also kills.

CBD

Research on Therapeutic Cannabis Lags Public Embrace

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on February 7, 2023

With so many patients turning to cannabis for relief, why does the medical system lag dramatically far behind?

With so many patients turning to cannabis for relief, why does the medical system lag dramatically far behind?

Humor

Medical Clowns: Not Just Comic Relief

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on January 16, 2023

Do medical clowns have a role in hospital care teams?

Do medical clowns have a role in hospital care teams?

Stress

Getting Older and Chilling Out

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on January 10, 2023

Maurice Chevalier was on to something when he sang, "I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore."

Maurice Chevalier was on to something when he sang, "I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore."

Domestic Violence

The State of Child Soldiers in 2023

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on January 4, 2023

Anyone who cares about children should be speaking out.

Anyone who cares about children should be speaking out.

Gender

Damsel in Distress Vs. Build Back Better: Gender Stereotype Influences Philanthropy

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on December 12, 2022

Do male philanthropic donors prefer to donate to "damsels in distress" rather than to female empowerment? Implications of research findings.

Do male philanthropic donors prefer to donate to "damsels in distress" rather than to female empowerment? Implications of research findings.

Spirituality

Religious and Spiritual Americans Help Heal a Divided Nation

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on December 8, 2022

In this time of declining religious affiliation, surprising survey results suggest spirituality and religion help build bridges across the wide political divide.

In this time of declining religious affiliation, surprising survey results suggest spirituality and religion help build bridges across the wide political divide.

Media

How Political Extremism Becomes a Norm

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on November 14, 2022

Do we have to accept the growing political extremism? No.

Do we have to accept the growing political extremism? No.

There are some old-time diseases we thought had been eradicated, but then they reappeared.

Why do some of the fringe religious groups defy public health instructions? Some psychological factors likely play a role in their self (and other) destructive behavior.

Addiction

America's Gun Addiction

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on March 26, 2018

Our nation is addicted to guns, with increasingly deadly consequences.

Our nation is addicted to guns, with increasingly deadly consequences.

Social fragmentation, alienation, and loneliness are symptoms of a spiritual disorder pandemic.

Aging

Who Can Afford to Grow Old?

Renee Garfinkel Ph.D. on November 27, 2017

The blessing of a long life comes with a high price tag.

The blessing of a long life comes with a high price tag.

Is national anxiety undermining our liberty?

Anxiety is spreading through the population at an alarming rate. It is an epidemic of psychological and cultural pathology.