Who You Are

Suicide

Murder, Guns, and Mental Illness: What the Statistics Show

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on May 27, 2022

Personal perspective: A focus on mental health, and recognizing each other's humanity, is not likely to solve the growing problem of mass shootings. Prevalence of guns is at the root of this problem.

Personal perspective: A focus on mental health, and recognizing each other's humanity, is not likely to solve the growing problem of mass shootings. Prevalence of guns is at the root of this problem.

Motivation

Is Gerrymandering Unraveling America’s Connectedness?

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on January 21, 2022

What will it take to bring Republicans and Democrats back to the negotiation table?

What will it take to bring Republicans and Democrats back to the negotiation table?

Career

Conversation Partners Literally Get on the Same Wavelength

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on September 4, 2021

Want to have better conversations with the people you care about? Make sure you can see each others' gestures and facial expressions.

Want to have better conversations with the people you care about? Make sure you can see each others' gestures and facial expressions.

Decision-Making

Moral Choices Emerge in the Moment

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on March 25, 2021

New research suggests that your moral decisions emerge in the moment from interactions of brain, body, and environment.

New research suggests that your moral decisions emerge in the moment from interactions of brain, body, and environment.

Friends

How to Safely Watch the Super Bowl With Your Buddies

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on February 4, 2021

Are you tempted to go to an in-person Super Bowl party? Here's a safer solution during this pandemic.

Are you tempted to go to an in-person Super Bowl party? Here's a safer solution during this pandemic.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Instead of In-Person Gatherings, Try a Videoconference Party

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on January 4, 2021

Don't visit friends and family in person for special occasions. Visit them via videoconference. Get that bonding feeling without spreading COVID-19.

Don't visit friends and family in person for special occasions. Visit them via videoconference. Get that bonding feeling without spreading COVID-19.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

OK, Millennials, Please Vote

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on September 27, 2020

Millennials like to bicker with boomers about political issues. But boomers have outvoted them in every election. Can they change that?

Millennials like to bicker with boomers about political issues. But boomers have outvoted them in every election. Can they change that?

Cognitive Dissonance

Flies in the Ointment for Presidential Cognitive Dissonance

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on September 16, 2020

Many of the Americans who support President Trump may be experiencing some cognitive dissonance—and there are multiple ways to respond to it.

Many of the Americans who support President Trump may be experiencing some cognitive dissonance—and there are multiple ways to respond to it.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Is Political Tribalism Spreading COVID-19 in California?

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on August 13, 2020

In California, counties that lean Republican may be experiencing wider spread of COVID-19 than is predicted by their population.

In California, counties that lean Republican may be experiencing wider spread of COVID-19 than is predicted by their population.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Not Wearing a Mask Is 'the New Smoking'

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on July 2, 2020

If you appreciate no longer having cigarette smoke in restaurants and shops, then you should appreciate how important it is to wear a face-covering during the coronavirus pandemic.

If you appreciate no longer having cigarette smoke in restaurants and shops, then you should appreciate how important it is to wear a face-covering during the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Why I Can't Breathe

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on June 7, 2020

George Floyd and Eric Garner told police they couldn't breathe. I'm not sure the rest of us can either.

George Floyd and Eric Garner told police they couldn't breathe. I'm not sure the rest of us can either.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Wear a Medical Mask

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on May 14, 2020

In an individualist nation like the U.S., wearing a medical mask for the good of the community doesn't come naturally. But without it, more American lives will be lost.

In an individualist nation like the U.S., wearing a medical mask for the good of the community doesn't come naturally. But without it, more American lives will be lost.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Why You Should Trust the Scientists on COVID-19

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on April 30, 2020

The medical scientists are giving the best advice for how to deal with coronavirus. The fringe theorists are giving advice that could kill you.

The medical scientists are giving the best advice for how to deal with coronavirus. The fringe theorists are giving advice that could kill you.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Why You Need to Keep Social Distancing While Connected

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on April 9, 2020

Cooperating in social distancing is a bit like cooperating in the prisoner's dilemma. But if you defect, people can die.

Cooperating in social distancing is a bit like cooperating in the prisoner's dilemma. But if you defect, people can die.

Trust

Why You Need to Stay Connected While Social Distancing

Michael J. Spivey Ph.D. on April 1, 2020

The biological system of a human community stays healthy and productive only when people maintain connections to each other.

The biological system of a human community stays healthy and productive only when people maintain connections to each other.