Matthew Shanahan M.Sc.

About

Matthew Shanahan is a Ph.D. student at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada. He variously occupies different locations on the decisional-style spectrum, maximizing his academic and clinical development opportunities, satisficing with an adequate network of social support and opportunities to serve the community, and simplifying what makes him truly happy: time at home with his wife or spent in personal prayer. He has published his undergraduate research with fellow PT blogger Timothy Pychyl, and has also presented a mathematical model of decisional control (coping with stress through good decisions) in a recent article. Matthew holds a doctoral-level Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada, is an award-winning teaching assistant for honours-level statistics, has given numerous public talks on stress, procrastination, and identity, and has been featured in a research profile for graduate students at Western.

Following the inspiration of his favourite philosopher of psychology, Chris Peet at The King's University College at the University of Alberta, Matthew subscribes to the theory that psychology expertise must be lived to be authentically of value. Consistent, however, with his patience in supporting clinical clients towards incremental, trending progress, he makes allowance for patience with himself in this regard as well.

Recent Posts

Is it Both-AND, or Either-OR: How Does Your Tarp Hang?

Thinking about how to think, Father's Day, and many great camping memories, I compare two fundamental logical operations by a contrast of plausible surfaces.

The Logical Genealogy of Mr. Spock

A method of logically synthesizing parent values as a key to children's identity choices

Same Team!

SAME TEAM! This phrase is used when players on a team inadvertently fight each other for possession of the scoring object. The logic described in this blog entry describes various aspects to consider with regard to working at cross-purposes with peers, and recognizing when efforts are counter-productive.

The Initiative of Tamar

As part of a series of psychological portraits of Biblical figures, the unusual and difficult situation of Tamar, matriarch in the line of David, is briefly examined.

Nebraska

Beautiful Nebraska - a big red wagon at the top of a hill.

Professionals Psychology – A Reflection

After many years of study, hard work, and entrepreneurship, many professionals find that it is the interpersonal skills and personal growth they may have missed out on in training that are sorely needed in their practices for dealing with the public, their staff, and taking care of themselves.

The Bible and Psychology – Jesus' Mercy

This eighth portrait of men in the Bible is of Jesus. His attribute of mercy is the focus, and the writer of the series shares his own impetus and faith perspective. Thanks for reading!

The Bible and Psychology -- Joseph's Workshop

The story of Joseph the Carpenter tells of a man deeply committed to God's plan -- and capable and willing to carry it out. The most important job in history? Raising a child to say his prayers, do good work, be kind to his mother, and take responsibility.

The Bible and Psychology -- David's Oil

This psychological portrait of the Biblical figure of David focuses on his intensity and passion: zeal in all that he did.

The Bible and Psychology – Jacob’s Lentils

This psychological portrait looks at Jacob or Israel in the Bible: the man who wouldn't quit.