Speaking of Psychology
333 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 704 ratings"Speaking of Psychology" is an audio podcast series highlighting some of the latest, most important and relevant psychological research being conducted today. Produced by the American Psychological Association, these podcasts will help listeners apply the science of psychology to their everyday lives.
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Episodes
The Dark Side of Screen Time (SOP81)
May 22, 2019 10:30 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBAmericans spend nearly half of the day interacting with screens of all kinds -- smartphones, televisions and computers, according to a recent Nielsen report. While these technologies have made our lives better in many ways, it is easier than ever to become addicted to screens. Guest Adam Alter, PhD, author of "Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked" discusses the dark side of screen time and how our devices are affecting our well-being and happin...
Anxiety and Teen Girls (SOP80)
May 08, 2019 10:30 - 46 minutes - 64.8 MBAnxiety among teens and young adults is rising, and studies have shown that it has skyrocketed in girls. One study found that the number of girls who often felt nervous, worried or fearful jumped by 55 percent over a five-year period. What factors are behind rising stress and anxiety in girls and what can we do about it? Our guest is Dr. Lisa Damour, a clinical psychologist and executive director of Laurel School’s Center for Research on Girls. She has a new book out called "Under Pressure: ...
The Psychology of Climate Change (SOP79)
April 24, 2019 10:30 - 35 minutes - 49.4 MBAs we grapple with a warming world and increasingly unstable weather, our mental health is at risk. Psychologists say that stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD will increase as climate change’s physical impacts accelerate, as many scientists predict. Is there anything we can do to mitigate the mental health risks of climate change? Our guest for this episode is Dr. Susan Clayton, a professor of psychology and environmental studies at The College of Wooster. APA is currently seeking proposa...
The Mind-Gut Connection (SOP78)
April 10, 2019 10:30 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBIs your gut a second brain? Emerging research is showing that our brains and our gastrointestinal systems may be more connected than we previously thought – potentially holding profound influence over our moods, mental health and sense of well-being. Our guests are Faith Dickerson, PhD, a psychologist who researches the role of infectious and immune factors in serious mental illness, and Emeran Mayer, MD, one of the world’s leading experts on brain-gut interactions in GI disorders. APA is ...
The Psychologically Healthy Workplace (SOP77)
March 27, 2019 10:30 - 40 minutes - 55.5 MBWe spend a significant portion of our lives at work and feeling miserable on the job can be detrimental to our mental and physical health and productivity. A work environment that is psychologically healthy is one that focuses on employees’ health and well-being and the bottom line. Our guests for this episode are David Ballard, PsyD, who leads APA’s Office of Applied Psychology, and Bryce Veon, president and CEO of Autosoft, a winner of our 2019 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards. A...
Bonus Episode: After New Zealand - The Spread of Extremism in the Digital Age
March 21, 2019 18:22 - 34 minutes - 47 MBIn the aftermath of the New Zealand mosque attacks, we explore the psychological factors that cause a person to commit heinous acts of mass violence, technology’s role in spreading extremist propaganda and what governments and communities can do to prevent terrorism. The guest for this episode is Arie W. Kruglanski, PhD, an APA fellow and distinguished university professor in psychology at the University of Maryland, who is an expert on terrorism, radicalization and deradicalization. APA i...
Bonus Episode: The College Admissions Scandal and the Psychology of Affluence
March 15, 2019 19:20 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBThe college admissions bribery scandal has generated a lot of conversations about the role of affluence and privilege in higher education. What would cause a parent to go to such great lengths to ensure their child’s spot at a prestigious university? What does this tell us about our high-pressure society? Our guest for this bonus episode is Suniya S. Luthar, PhD, foundation professor of psychology at Arizona State University, and an expert on affluence, resilience and adolescent development....
The Molecule of More: Dopamine (SoP76)
March 13, 2019 10:30 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MBDopamine is known as the chemical of love, creativity and addiction. It pushes us to achieve greatness, but it can also lead to our downfall. To help us understand this tricky molecule, the guests for this episode are Dr. Daniel Lieberman, professor and vice chair for clinical affairs in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University, and Michael Long, a speechwriter, screenwriter and playwright who teaches writing at Georgetown University. They co-wrote...
How to Find Meaning in Life (SOP75)
February 27, 2019 11:30 - 47 minutes - 67 MBWe all want to find meaning in our lives, our reason to get up in the morning, yet doing so may not be easy. What is meaning in life and how do we find it for ourselves? The guest for this episode is Clara Hill, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Maryland and author of Meaning in Life: A Therapist’s Guide. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020 sessions, learn more at http://convention.apa.org/proposals
Living in a Lonely World (SOP74)
February 13, 2019 11:30 - 45 minutes - 63.8 MBHalf of Americans say they are lonely and the average person reports having only one close friend. Loneliness can also make us sick, contributing to heart disease, depression, suicide and cognitive decline. Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, explains the science behind why social connectedness is so essential for our health. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020 sessions, learn more at http://convention.apa.org/proposals
Stock Market Anxiety (SOP73)
January 30, 2019 16:12 - 42 minutes - 61.3 MB2018 was the worst year the U.S. stock market has seen since 2008 and worries about the economy are continuing in 2019. How do you deal with anxiety in a volatile market? Psychologist Frank Murtha, PhD, co-founder of MarketPsych, a consulting firm to the financial industry, explains how to calm stock market fears and ways to build a savvy investor identity. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Giving Away Psychology in the Digital Age (SOP72)
January 16, 2019 11:30 - 28 minutes - 27.3 MBSharing your expertise with the world on YouTube and other social media platforms can be both thrilling and terrifying. If you want to know where to start, look no further than Ali Mattu, PhD. He’s a licensed clinical psychologist and creator of “The Psych Show” whose videos have been watched over 700,000 times. Mattu gives advice on where to begin, how to overcome impostor syndrome and the lessons he’s learned along the way. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to l...
The Science of Dreaming (SOP71)
January 02, 2019 11:30 - 50 minutes - 47.5 MBWe all dream yet many of us don’t know what to make of our nocturnal adventures. Dream scholar Deirdre Barrett, PhD, explains why we dream and what our dreams may be trying to tell us. She also offers tips on how to better remember your dreams to harness the power of your sleeping mind. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
How to Cope with Political Discussions and Keep it Civil this Holiday Season (SoP 70)
December 19, 2018 11:30 - 33 minutes - 32.3 MBWorried about making it through your next holiday gathering without it devolving into a political screaming match? Get advice from the experts, APA's Dr. Lynn Bufka and Dr. Jeanne Safer, host of the podcast, "I Love You But I Hate Your Politics." APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Philip Zimbardo, PhD, on Heroism, Shyness and the Stanford Prison Experiment (SOP69)
December 05, 2018 11:30 - 31 minutes - 30.2 MBPhilip Zimbardo, PhD, is one of the most recognizable names in the field of psychology. In this episode, Zimbardo discusses recent criticism of his controversial 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment as well as his other work on time, shyness, men and heroism. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Stress in America: Generation Z (SOP68)
November 21, 2018 11:30 - 14 minutes - 28.1 MBHeadline issues, from immigration to sexual assault, are causing significant stress for teens and young adults in Generation Z with mass shootings topping the list of stressful current events and more than two-thirds of adults reported feeling major stress about the nation’s future, according to the 2018 APA Stress in America™ report. APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, explains the findings and shares coping strategies to combat stress. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click...
Using Psychology for Pain Relief and Opioid Reduction (SOP67)
November 07, 2018 11:30 - 17 minutes - 18.9 MBThe national conversation on opioids focuses mostly on abuse and overdose deaths but there are millions of Americans using opioids to manage chronic pain. Can integrating psychological approaches into pain care offer some patients low-risk pain treatment options? Beth Darnall, PhD, from Stanford University, explains how psychology and mindfulness can treat pain and help people with chronic pain live better lives. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more htt...
Making Love Last and Dating in the Digital Age (SOP66)
October 17, 2018 10:30 - 42 minutes - 39.8 MBLove. We all want it but sustaining that spark can be difficult in our hectic world, especially with life stressors beyond our control. How do we find love and keep the passion alive throughout the years? Relationship expert Benjamin Karney, PhD, from the UCLA Marriage Lab shares valuable insights. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Smartphones Are a Problem: Can They Be a Solution? (SOP65)
October 03, 2018 13:00 - 18 minutes - 19.1 MBSmartphones allow us to connect with loved ones, keep us informed and entertained and on time for our meetings, but they are also negatively affecting our attention spans, relationships, sleep and mental health. What if smartphones could be used to monitor our mental health and wellbeing? You guessed it. There’s an app for that. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Something Happened In Our Town (SOP64)
September 19, 2018 13:00 - 14 minutes - 29 MB"Something Happened In Our Town" is a children’s book about racial injustice from Magination Press, APA’s children's books imprint. The story follows two families — one white, one black — as they discuss the police shooting of a black man in their community. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https:/...
Social Robots and Deception (SOP63)
September 05, 2018 13:00 - 20 minutes - 39.9 MBHow people interact with robots is influenced by the robots’ characteristics. Whether a robot has eyes or arms or a human-like voice affects our response to them. Jeff Hancock, PhD, has studied the research to date on social robots and learned that robots’ perceived warmth and competence have the strongest effect. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
The Internet of Things and Consumer Risk (SOP62)
August 15, 2018 13:00 - 14 minutes - 27.9 MBInternet of Things devices such as smart televisions and thermostats often lack adequate built-in security, leading to privacy and safety risks not commonly understood by consumers. John Blythe, PhD, argues that a labelling scheme for these devices will provide consumers with a clear picture of the security of an IoT device and help them to choose technology that meets their security and privacy needs. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://conven...
Online Risks (SOP61)
July 25, 2018 13:00 - 20 minutes - 40.6 MBEvery day, we are all called on to make online security decisions. Psychologist Emma Williams studies the contexts in which we make these decisions in an effort to develop safer practices. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Twitter and ADHD (SOP60)
July 11, 2018 13:00 - 10 minutes - 20.4 MBLooking at large numbers of social media postings in aggregate can tell us quite a bit about Americans’ mental state. Sharath Guntuku, PhD, has analyzed the language in tweets to identify regional variations in stress and well-being. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Big Data (SOP59)
June 20, 2018 13:00 - 21 minutes - 42 MBSocial physics is the idea of using statistics to quantify and manage change in culture. This idea inspired the modern national census, but the difficulty of acquiring data limited what could be accomplished. Today’s technology produces a continuous trail of digital breadcrumbs that allow human behavior to be examined even in complex natural environments. Alexander “Sandy” Pentland, PhD, discusses how large-scale studies can be used to predict and shape a wide range of important common behav...
Suicide Contagion (SOP58)
June 06, 2018 13:00 - 11 minutes - 22.4 MBConventional wisdom says that impressionable individuals will imitate all kinds of behaviors they see in movies and on TV — including suicide, especially in the wake of the TV series "13 Reasons Why." But is there such a thing as suicide contagion? The evidence is weak, according to Christopher Ferguson, PhD, who details a scientific review he conducted to try to answer that question. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/propo...
Self-Driving Cars (SOP57)
May 16, 2018 13:00 - 19 minutes - 19.1 MBSeveral technology and automotive companies are already testing highly automated vehicles on public roads, and many automobiles can be driven with the assistance of semi-automated systems. Through the development of these systems, significant public attention has been placed on the promise of removing drivers from the vehicle; however, more limited focus has been drawn to the role of people in automated vehicle systems. David Friedman discusses how automation inside and outside vehicles may ...
Raising Children in the Digital Age (SOP56)
May 02, 2018 13:00 - 18 minutes - 18.5 MBTouchscreen use among children is ubiquitous. But how much is too much, and is there an age before which you shouldn’t hand a child a smartphone or tablet? Roberta Golinkoff, PhD, discusses how this relatively new technology can help young children learn and why it’s different from television and books. Help us learn more about you. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
The Power of Persuasion (SOP55)
April 23, 2018 13:00 - 20 minutes - 15.5 MBPersuasion expert Robert Cialdini, PhD, talks about his formidable body of work developing and understanding what he calls the six universal principles of influence. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Graying green (SOP54)
March 16, 2018 13:00 - 13 minutes - 10.2 MBClimate change will have significant psychological effects on many people, including older adults, according to a report published by the American Psychological Association and ecoAmerica. In this episode, Michael Smyer, PhD, talks about how to get older adults to move from anxiety to action in reducing the effects of climate change. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Getting teens to eat healthy (SOP53)
February 16, 2018 13:00 - 12 minutes - 9.48 MBSince 1980, obesity in the United States has doubled among children ages 2 to 4, and nearly tripled among children and adolescents ages 6 to 19. In this episode, Eleanor Mackey, PhD, talks about why improving eating habits among children and teens should be a family affair. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
How women become leaders (SOP52)
January 19, 2018 13:00 - 15 minutes - 11.9 MBFor decades, psychologists have been studying what makes people good leaders. But it isn’t just about possessing certain leadership traits. In this episode, Alice Eagly, PhD, talks about how stereotypes grounded in everyday psychological observations and stereotypes affect how women are perceived as leaders and how society can change those perceptions. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Making talking about death easier (SOP51)
December 22, 2017 13:00 - 14 minutes - 10.6 MBTalking to loved ones about important end-of-life decisions can spark a complicated land mine of emotions. So much so, many people put it off until it’s too late. In this episode, Brian Carpenter, PhD, talks about why it’s important to have these conversations and how to approach these discussions successfully. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Feminism A to Z (SOP50)
November 03, 2017 13:00 - 16 minutes - 13.1 MBFeminist discussions are often aimed at adults, while girls tend to be left out of the conversation. In this episode, Gayle Pitman, PhD, talks about her new book, “Feminism: A to Z,” and how parents and teachers can use a feminist theory and perspective to give teenage girls the support, courage and energy to face the challenges of adolescence. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
False confessions aren’t always what they seem (SOP49)
September 13, 2017 13:00 - 33 minutes - 24.2 MBIt defies intuition to think innocent people would confess to a crime they did not commit. But, research has shown that everyone has a breaking point. In this episode, Saul Kassin, PhD, talks about the psychology behind false confessions and how law enforcement officials and legislators can take steps to prevent them. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Understanding the minds of champions (SOP48)
June 20, 2017 13:00 - 16 minutes - 20.3 MBMental preparation can affect performance, whether you're preparing for a big test at school or competing at the Olympics. In this episode, Steve Portenga, PhD, talks about the psychology behind performing at your best and how to help overachievers handle stress. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Children, loss and stress (SOP47)
May 12, 2017 13:00 - 14 minutes - 10.7 MBProtecting children from sadness, anxiety and stress is a natural instinct for many adults. But, finding ways to help them address these inevitable obstacles to happiness is a challenge parents, teachers and other caregivers have to face head on. In this episode, Bonnie Zucker, PsyD, talks about how to explain death to young children as well as the research into the effectiveness of relaxation and mindfulness techniques for kids. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here ...
Living the better single life (SOP46)
March 31, 2017 16:00 - 17 minutes - 19.6 MBMarried people are often considered to be happier and healthier, while single people are often stereotyped as being isolated, self-centered and unhappy. But what if these are myths? In this episode, psychologist Bella DePaulo, PhD, talks about the benefits of remaining unattached and calls on psychology to pay more attention to why certain single people do, in fact, thrive. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Treating anxiety in children (SOP45)
February 17, 2017 16:00 - 12 minutes - 14 MBFear and anxiety are part of most normal children’s lives. But how do we know when anxiety is a problem in need of professional help? In this episode, Golda Ginsburg, PhD, talks about how to recognize the signs of an anxiety disorder in your child and what are the most effective, evidence-based treatments. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Understanding mass violence (SOP44)
December 16, 2016 16:00 - 15 minutes - 16.9 MBAre terrorists flooding into our country? Are we facing an epidemic of mass shootings and violence? Whatever your thoughts are on gun control or terrorism, psychologists who study human behavior, specifically thrill-seeking and risk taking behaviors, have a lot to contribute to the discussion. In this episode, Frank Farley, PhD, talks about why mental health experts need to be on the front lines of violence prevention efforts. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to ...
How politics became so uncivilized (SOP43)
October 31, 2016 13:00 - 17 minutes - 21.6 MBPolitical elections ought to bring out the good in people – aren’t they a chance to talk about plans and hopes for the future? But lately they have come to resemble brawls on a playground. When did it become OK to wave insulting signs at rallies or call candidates ugly names? Why are so many candidates focusing on the personal instead of policy? In this episode, Jonathan Haidt, PhD, talks about incivility in politics and how psychological research can help us understand each other a little b...
How to talk to teen boys about dating and sex (SOP42)
October 14, 2016 13:00 - 17 minutes - 17.4 MBChances are parents know they need to tell their boys something about sex but aren’t sure where to start. As a result, television, friends and the internet often fill in the gaps, leading to confusion and misconceptions about what it means to be romantic and masculine. In this episode, Andrew Smiler, PhD, talks about his new book, a guide aimed at teen boys, in which he challenges the “myth of manhood,” and gives advice and tips on how to encourage boys to become sexually responsible and mat...
Born bashful? Learning how to manage shyness (SOP41)
September 16, 2016 13:00 - 15 minutes - 16.4 MBHave you ever felt awkward, worried or tense during social encounters, especially with people you don’t know? We’ve probably all felt shy at one time or another, but for some people the shyness is so intense it can keep them from interacting with others even when they want or need to – leading to problems in relationships and even at work. In this episode, Bernardo Carducci, PhD, gives advice and tips to shy people who want to understand and manage their reticence. APA is currently seeking...
Kids and psychologists team up to learn from one another (SOP40)
July 22, 2016 13:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBIn order to understand how children think and behave, psychologists need to study them. Most of the time, these experiments take place in university labs or sometime in schools, but one program is taking psychological science into museums around the country. In this episode, Peter Blake, EdD, talks about the Living Laboratory and how it’s breaking down barriers between scientists and the public. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.ap...
Improving health care with psychology (SOP39)
July 08, 2016 13:00 - 7 minutes - 5.36 MBWhere we live, work or socialize have an impact on our health. Poverty greatly increases the risk of heart disease, depression and stress, as do racism and ethnic discrimination, according to numerous psychological studies. In this episode, Elizabeth Brondolo, PhD, talks about how psychologists are taking the findings from those studies and using them in medical settings in an effort to improve patients’ quality of care. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn ...
How masculinity can hurt mental health (SOP38)
June 10, 2016 13:00 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBThe availability and quality of health care is often substandard when it comes to serving low-income boys and men in ethnic/minority communities. As a result, they have some of the worst health outcomes in the country. In this episode, psychologist Wizdom Powell, PhD, MPH, talks about how racism, discrimination and gender stereotyping can contribute to a decline in men’s health over time. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/p...
Recognizing a narcissist (SOP37)
May 13, 2016 13:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBNarcissism is not just something attributed to people who post selfies and list all their favorite meals on Facebook. It’s a diagnosable personality disorder that causes people to have a delusional sense of self-worth and lack of empathy. In this episode, psychologist Ramani Durvasula, PhD, talks about how people can recognize a narcissist and what to do if you’re in a relationship with one. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.or...
Discrimination and stress (SOP36)
April 08, 2016 13:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBExperiencing discrimination in any form can be profoundly stressful for many people, according to the latest Stress in America™ survey, published by the American Psychological Association. In this episode, psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD, talks about how stress and discrimination are linked and what that can mean for people’s health and well-being over time. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Planning for a successful career (SOP35)
March 11, 2016 13:00 - 11 minutes - 11.2 MBSucceeding in any profession takes careful planning and skills that may not be obvious to people at the start of their careers. In this episode, psychologist Garth Fowler, PhD, talks about the benefits of having an individual development plan and introduces a set of videos that can help psychologists and other professionals take the next step in their careers. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals
Nonverbal communication speaks volumes (SOP34)
February 12, 2016 13:00 - 13 minutes - 10.5 MBIf you think reading people is not a science, think again. Understanding expressions that only appear on someone’s face for tenths of a second can mean a lot to those who know what to look for. In this episode, psychologist and nonverbal communication expert David Matsumoto, PhD, talks about why nonverbal communication is so important in everything from police investigations to intercultural exchanges. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://conven...