I read that in an article today. Genes are not destiny. Funny, that is not the impression I get when data is presented to show how genetics dictate options. Women have their breasts removed voluntarily due to genetics. People avoid ever drinking even a taste because of genetics. This is because we are often told we can’t fight genetics. Choices don’t come into play. So where was this I read “genes are not destiny”? From a psychologist at UCLA, while discussing a gene’s link to self-esteem and optimism. Funny how things just grab your attention sometimes. I feel like “it’s … Continue reading →

During a recent session at the American Psychological Associations’ annual convention a presentation focused on the impact of social networking on kids and had some interesting results. Not long ago I wrote about some research regarding depression and Facebook among teens. This presentation focused on broader psychological issues such as antisocial behaviors and empathy, along with depression and anxiety. The presenter, Dr. Larry Rosen, presented his research findings and gave advice to parents. Some of the concerning data he presented in regards to teens who were regular Facebook users was: that teens who use Facebook often showed more narcissistic tendencies, … Continue reading →

In one of the courses I teach we spend some time going over types of parenting – Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive/Indulgent, and Uninvolved/Neglectful. We discuss how different cultures look at these parenting types. In America, the Authoritative approach tends to be focused on as “optimum”. While I don’t disagree conceptually with the authoritative approach being optimum, one thing that has always stood out to me is that it seems to imply there is a “perfect” parent: always fair, always firm, expectations in line with maturity, etc. I question if a person can always be this type of parent. Have you ever … Continue reading →

When I first started teaching psychology I assumed that students knew the differences between psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists. I was pretty shocked when I discovered how many were getting a degree in psychology but had no idea what each meant. When you start adding in social workers, counselors, addictions specialist, etc one can see how the average consumer would not know where to start. As I was reading a blog today about psychiatrists having to assess patients in 15 minutes it got me thinking about the different roles we all play in the mental health world. I consider myself a … Continue reading →

CNN health recently published a report about the supportive factors needed to help lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB ) people “come out” without a negative impact on their well-being. Historically, research indicated that concealing your sexuality had great consequences, both emotionally and physically. This study had a different view. This information jumped out at me because of the rather recent highly publicized suicides of LGB youth, and the research that indicated these youth are five times more likely to commit suicide. It certainly made be think that if there are supportive factors that can be put in place there may … Continue reading →

I was reading my Working Mother magazine and came across an article about secrets to being happy. I laughed to myself, thinking how simple it would be if there were actual “secrets’ to making life better. With some healthy skepticism I read the article, and was a bit surprised at how much was actually sound advice. The article was focused on being happy at your job, but a lot of what it covered impacts life overall. I am going to give a brief summary of the two things that stood out to me. The first thing that jumped out of … Continue reading →