Media Spotlight

Personality

Do Killer Whales Have Personalities?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on December 2, 2018

Classified as a toothed whale, orcas are actually a species of oceanic dolphins as well as remarkable predators. But do they have personality traits like humans do?

Classified as a toothed whale, orcas are actually a species of oceanic dolphins as well as remarkable predators. But do they have personality traits like humans do?

Diet

Is Permanent Weight Loss a Myth?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on November 10, 2018

A review article suggests that most weight loss programs do more harm than good.

A review article suggests that most weight loss programs do more harm than good.

Agreeableness

Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on October 30, 2018

New research into agreeableness and financial success yields some surprises.

New research into agreeableness and financial success yields some surprises.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD in Survivors of 9/11

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on October 15, 2018

A new research study provides the most up-to-date conclusions about the long-term psychological impact of 9/11.

A new research study provides the most up-to-date conclusions about the long-term psychological impact of 9/11.

Bias

Does Systematic Racism Undermine Health?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on September 30, 2018

What are the long-term effects of systematic exposure to racial discrimination and segregation? A new study presents disturbing conclusions.

What are the long-term effects of systematic exposure to racial discrimination and segregation? A new study presents disturbing conclusions.

Sleep

Video Games, School Success, and Your Child

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on September 21, 2018

Some studies suggest intensive video gaming can have a negative effect on grades, but others have found the exact opposite.

Some studies suggest intensive video gaming can have a negative effect on grades, but others have found the exact opposite.

Trauma

How Traumatic Are Law Enforcement Raids?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on September 13, 2018

Though thousands of police raids occur each year, there is little research into the trauma from these raids. A new exploratory study examines long-term psychological effects.

Though thousands of police raids occur each year, there is little research into the trauma from these raids. A new exploratory study examines long-term psychological effects.

Adolescence

Why Are Teenagers Playing It Safe?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on September 3, 2018

Why is high-risk behaviour decreasing in adolescents? Could digital devices such as smartphones and tablets be playing a role? And what does this mean for the future?

Why is high-risk behaviour decreasing in adolescents? Could digital devices such as smartphones and tablets be playing a role? And what does this mean for the future?

Media

How "Trial by Media" Can Undermine the Courtroom

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on August 22, 2018

High-profile criminal cases are often covered ad nauseam by news organizations. But how does this "trial by media" affect the fairness of the actual criminal trials?

High-profile criminal cases are often covered ad nauseam by news organizations. But how does this "trial by media" affect the fairness of the actual criminal trials?

Bullying

What Makes Cyberbullying So Popular?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on August 12, 2018

A new study examines past research into cyberbullying and who the victims are. Are females more likely to experience cyberbullying than males? And why?

A new study examines past research into cyberbullying and who the victims are. Are females more likely to experience cyberbullying than males? And why?

Smoking

The Social Side of Nicotine

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on July 19, 2018

Does nicotine use play a role in how people function in social situations — and can this explain why smokers have so much difficulty quitting?

Does nicotine use play a role in how people function in social situations — and can this explain why smokers have so much difficulty quitting?

Dreaming

Why Children Have Nightmares

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on July 6, 2018

Why are some children prone to nightmares? New research explores some potential causes.

Why are some children prone to nightmares? New research explores some potential causes.

Personality

How Does Being a Newlywed Affect Personality?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on June 11, 2018

While the "honeymoon phase" of a marriage is traditionally seen as happy, it can also be an extremely difficult transition period requiring enormous adjustment for both partners.

While the "honeymoon phase" of a marriage is traditionally seen as happy, it can also be an extremely difficult transition period requiring enormous adjustment for both partners.

Aging

Riding the Retirement Roller Coaster

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on June 4, 2018

New research explores what retirement can mean for older workers in terms of self-esteem and stress. Why are some retirees better able to handle retirement than others?

New research explores what retirement can mean for older workers in terms of self-esteem and stress. Why are some retirees better able to handle retirement than others?

Psychology

The Psychology of Living Life Fully

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on May 24, 2018

What does it mean to live life more fully? Here are some life lessons inspired by recent research in psychology.

What does it mean to live life more fully? Here are some life lessons inspired by recent research in psychology.

Stalking

What Is the Psychological Toll of Stalking?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on May 11, 2018

What are the psychological costs of unwanted pursuit behavior and stalking? New research explores how different kinds of harassment can affect women.

What are the psychological costs of unwanted pursuit behavior and stalking? New research explores how different kinds of harassment can affect women.

Identity

The Science of Body Esteem

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on April 17, 2018

Adolescence can be a brutal time for many young people as they come to terms with becoming adults. New research shows the importance of body esteem in forming personal identity

Adolescence can be a brutal time for many young people as they come to terms with becoming adults. New research shows the importance of body esteem in forming personal identity

Resilience

What Makes Us Resilient?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on April 10, 2018

What does it mean to be resilient? New research explores the different strengths that help people survive and flourish after a traumatic experience.

What does it mean to be resilient? New research explores the different strengths that help people survive and flourish after a traumatic experience.

Media

Are Smartphones Making Adolescents Less Happy?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on April 3, 2018

Why are surveys reporting a recent drop in self-esteem and well-being among adolescents? Could the rise of smartphones and digital media be responsible?

Why are surveys reporting a recent drop in self-esteem and well-being among adolescents? Could the rise of smartphones and digital media be responsible?

Stress

Can the Smell of a Loved One Relieve Stress?

Romeo Vitelli Ph.D. on March 18, 2018

People in romantic relationships rely on their partners in all sorts of ways. Can the familiar smell of a romantic partner help people manage stress better?

People in romantic relationships rely on their partners in all sorts of ways. Can the familiar smell of a romantic partner help people manage stress better?