Many couples choose to stop sharing a bed (i.e., get a sleep divorce) because their partner disturbs their sleep. But humans have a long history of sharing beds, and society can judge couples sleeping apart. Sleep studies show that we all get more rest when we sleep alone. Yet sleep…
In some cases, victims of loss aren’t overwhelmed with difficult emotions but feel emotionally numb instead. This is a normal reaction, which typically occurs when someone loses someone or something suddenly and unexpectedly. Still, it’s important for these individuals to make sure they grieve well, which involves understanding and processing…
The human-animal bond is so deep-rooted and self-evident that most scientists neglected to study it for decades. We now know that the loving relationships between domesticated animals and humans are bidirectional, bestowing health benefits on both man and beast. Though only some pets are officially called emotional support animals (ESAs),…
When you miss someone, your body and brain go through a painful response. The grieving process may affect your appetite, ability to sleep, and even your brain chemistry, too. Whether you’re missing someone because of a divorce, loss of a friendship, or due to active military duty, there are steps…
Nostalgia is a familiar feeling, but there are actually two different types—reflective and restorative nostalgia. Restorative nostalgia involves happy memories and associations with the past. When we feel restoratively nostalgic, we’re likely to feel motivated to seek out new and rewarding experiences. Conversely, reflective nostalgia may often make us feel…
Is a generous act still generous if the giver demands recognition? Is selfless behavior still selfless if it’s caused by a stroke? Generosity means “giving good things to others freely and abundantly”, and it’s basically the defining characteristic of the holiday season. Psychological, social, and situational factors can influence how…
Black Friday and Cyber Monday loom as some of the biggest retail holidays of the year. As with last year, most shoppers will be purchasing items online. For those with online shopping addictions or who struggle to control their spending habits, the holidays can be a difficult time to resist…
It’s possible to gorge yourself at holiday meals without experiencing lingering physical and emotional consequences. You can spare yourself some guilt and stress by sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner with a feasting mentality rather than a bingeing mentality. Though you can’t escape food, you can change your thoughts about food,…
Chronobiologists study how bodies can fall out of sync with the natural world’s circadian rhythms, a phenomenon called chronodisruption. Modern humans experience chronodisruption on a massive scale, thanks to artificial light pollution, social jet lag, late-night electronics, and other factors. This misalignment of natural cues can have adverse consequences for…
Halloween is one of the most popular U.S. holidays—this October, we’re set to spend a whopping $10 billion on treats, Halloween costumes, and decorations. The psychology behind Halloween costumes is intriguing: Studies show that when costumes render us anonymous, we may feel more confident displaying malicious behavior towards others. More…
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is characterized by short, intense outbursts of anger that can leave destruction in their wake. People with IED may have brain abnormalities that foster impulsivity. IED can be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To calm someone during an…
Alcohol plays a social role in many college students’ experiences, as they celebrate the end of final exams or football victories. While there’s nothing wrong with having a drink if you’re of legal drinking age, it’s important to have a game plan first, which is where our safe drinking tips…