How Older Siblings Impact Mental Health: Surprising Study Findings Having siblings is often seen as a path to building empathy and social skills, but a 2023 Ohio State University study, published in Journal of Family Issues, suggests that more siblings, especially older ones, may weaken teens’ mental health. Led by sociologist Doug Downey, the research … Read more
How to Be a Best Friend: Science-Backed Tips for Stronger Bonds Quality friendships are key to happiness, per the Harvard Study of Adult Development, reducing stress and boosting well-being. Psychologists Andrew Kahan and Boris Charpentier, cited in Verywell Mind, emphasize presence, active listening, and authenticity as hallmarks of a good friend. As a psychology professor … Read more
Why We Instantly Connect with Some People: The Science of Bonding Ever met someone and felt an instant spark, as if you’ve known them forever? A 2018 Dartmouth College study, cited in Psychology Today, reveals that neural synchronization, shared humor, and linguistic mimicry drive these rapid connections. As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, … Read more
8 Sentences That Reveal a Toxic Ego and How to Protect Your Mental Health Words can conceal a toxic ego, subtly undermining relationships and mental health, warns Ductisimo, listing eight phrases like “Is enough about you, let’s talk about me” or “I’m just honest.” These signal self-centeredness that harms emotional well-being. As a psychology professor … Read more
Unhappy Habits to Break: Simple Steps to Boost Your Happiness Chasing happiness can feel like pursuing a distant horizon, but certain habits quietly sabotage our joy, per Psychology Today. Social comparison, neglecting gratitude, negative thinking, and procrastination erode well-being, says psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein. As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen breaking … Read more
How to Respond to Condescending Remarks with Class and Confidence Condescending remarks, with their subtle sting of superiority, can unsettle anyone in a conversation, leaving you feeling diminished. Behavioral specialist Ava Sinclair, writing for HackSpirit, and workplace expert Amy Gallo, in Harvard Business Review, offer elegant, effective sentences to respond with poise, like “Thank you … Read more
How to Respond to Spicy Comments in Meetings with Calm and Intelligence Workplace meetings can be a minefield of sharp remarks and tense moments, but public speaking coach Emmanuel Chila offers five key strategies—plus a bonus sixth—to handle spicy comments with poise and intelligence. From dodging remarks to using humor or asserting authority, these techniques … Read more
Master Conversations with This Simple Gesture for Confidence and Control Feeling interrupted or sidelined in a conversation, especially in professional settings, can be frustrating. Communication coach Jimmy Dusseau, sharing insights on LinkedIn, offers two powerful techniques—a “pause and redirect” and a “stop gesture”—to regain control politely and assertively. These methods not only restore balance but … Read more
Rediscover Childhood Passions to Boost Mental Health and Feel Alive Again Reconnecting with childhood hobbies like badminton, swimming, or dance can spark joy and mental health benefits, says clinical psychologist Maroussia Cross. Stories from Edaline, Pascale, Sandra, Thomas, and Mary show how these activities combat stress and restore identity. As a psychology professor with decades … Read more
Can AI Replace Your Therapist? The Benefits and Risks of AI in Mental Health Could you share your deepest struggles with a chatbot? AI tools like Woebot, developed by Stanford psychologists and studied in a 2019 JMIR Mental Health study, show promise in easing depression symptoms, but experts like Jean-Paul Santoro, Fréderic Tordo, and Olivier … Read more