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Why More Things Don’t Make Us Happier
The Huffington Post: It's no secret that gratitude makes us happier, while materialism can do the opposite. And now, a new study shows that lower levels of gratitude could be part of the reason for why materialistic people have decreased life satisfaction, and that gratitude could actually mediate the relationship between materialism and life satisfaction. "As we amass more and more possessions, we don't get any happier -- we simply raise our reference point," study researcher James Roberts, Ph.D., of the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University, said in a statement. "That new 2,500-square-foot house becomes the baseline for your desires for an even bigger house.
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Procrastinators, you can blame it on genetics…tomorrow
PBS: Procrastination is in your genes, according to a study from researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder. “Everyone procrastinates at least sometimes,” explains psychological scientist and study author Daniel Gustavson in the journal Psychological Science. “We wanted to explore why some people procrastinate more than others and why procrastinators seem more likely to make rash actions and act without thinking.” Read the whole story: PBS
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The Psychology of Forgiving and Forgetting
The Huffington Post: Nicholas Kristoff's latest New York Times column was sad and moving. It was a tribute to Marina Keegan, an honors student and recent graduate of Yale University who turned her back on a lucrative Wall Street career -- and eloquently urged other college graduates to do the same. In an essay that was viewed a million times online, she bemoaned the squandering of young talent for the mindless accumulation of wealth. Days after her graduation, she died in a car crash. Her boyfriend, the driver, fell asleep at the wheel. Such losses are always tragic, and far too common, but that's not what got my attention.
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Procrastinators are pretty impulsive too!
Zee News: A new study suggests that procrastination and impulsivity are genetically linked, suggesting that the two traits stem from similar evolutionary origins. The research indicates that the traits are related to our ability to successfully pursue and juggle goals. "Everyone procrastinates at least sometimes, but we wanted to explore why some people procrastinate more than others and why procrastinators seem more likely to make rash actions and act without thinking," psychological scientist and study author Daniel Gustavson of the University of Colorado Boulder said. Read the whole story: Zee News
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10 Courses With a Twist
The New York Times: Why are so many nonmajors taking “Introduction to Computer Science” at Harvard or “Introductory Oceanography” at Cornell? Why is Temple Grandin’s livestock course at Colorado State always filled, and not just with students at home on the range? Some professors can make a subject sing, and their courses are not just a credit but an event. “I’ve wanted to take it since freshman year,” Rhyann Dozier, a Virginia Tech senior, said of “World Regions,” taught by John Boyer, whose high-octane style and throwback vibe channels Will Ferrell, turning lectures into performances. ... Prepare to take on your demons in this freshman psychology seminar. Dr.
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The truth about little white lies: Why they’re actually more dangerous than you think
Scientific American: “Could switching to Geico really save you 15 percent or more on car insurance? Was Abe Lincoln honest?” So intones the Geico commercial spokesperson, followed by faux vintage film footage of Mary Lincoln asking her husband, “Does this dress make my backside look big?” Honest Abe squirms and shifts, then hesitates and, while holding his thumb and forefinger an inch apart, finally mutters, “Perhaps a bit,” causing his wife to spin on her heels and exit in a huff. ...
