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Reflections on Rumination: In Memory of Susan Nolen-Hoeksema
Yale psychology department chair Susan Nolen-Hoeksema passed away tragically on January 2, 2013. Through her books, public appearances, and pioneering research, Nolen-Hoeksema worked to improve mental health care and educate the public about gender differences in depression. In a special symposium at the 25th APS Annual Convention in Washington, DC, five of Nolen-Hoeksema’s collaborators and past students will discuss her influence on the study of gender differences in depression, depressive rumination, and emotional regulation. Participants will include Ed Watkins, Katie A. McLaughlin, Lori M. Hilt, Blair E. Wisco, Amelia Aldao, and James J. Gross.
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Food for Thought
What you eat each meal impacts your body — and your brain. March is National Nutrition Month, and psychological science can help us understand the social, mental, and behavioral factors that impact how we choose food on a daily basis. Here are a few psychological scientists at the forefront of food research: Neal D. Barnard is a clinical researcher and an adjunct associate professor at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He has been featured in popular documentaries such as Forks Over Knives and Super Size Me.
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Just Say Neigh: Why Some People Are Disgusted by Horsemeat
The horsemeat scandal sweeping Europe has turned many a stomach over the past few weeks. In several countries, including China, Kazakhstan, and even France, horsemeat consumption is culturally acceptable. But many Westerners find it repulsive. University of Pennsylvania psychology professor Paul Rozin has made a career out of studying such culturally distinctive disgust patterns. And he explains why many of us freely eat beef, pork, and poultry while gagging over the thought of a horseburger.
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Scientists Will Discuss Paul Meehl’s Legacy at the 25th APS Annual Convention
Paul Meehl is known for bringing the power of statistics to bear on the field of clinical psychology. In his 1954 book, Clinical Statistical Prediction: A Theoretical Analysis and Review of Evidence, he showed that statistical formulas were better than, or at least equal to, clinicians at predicting things such as what sort of treatment would best benefit a mentally ill person. A decade after Meehl’s death, the process of ensuring that patients are receiving mental health care that is based on sound science continues — and Meehl’s legacy remains relevant.
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Impact of Fiscal Year 2013 Sequestration Order on National Science Foundation Awards
Since passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, President Obama has been working with Congress to reach agreement on a balanced deficit reduction plan. Since an agreement was not reached by the end of February 2013, the President is required to issue an order on March 1, 2013, that will implement across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration. As a result of this sequestration order, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 appropriations of the National Science Foundation (NSF) will be reduced by 5 percent.
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Congratulations to the 2013 APS Student Grant Competition Winners
Three graduate students have been named winners of the APSSC Student Grant Competition, sponsored by the APS Student Caucus. Each winner will receive $500 to be used for research that is currently in its initial stages of development. The winning research proposals are outlined below. Jason A. Oliver 6th year Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology University of South Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center, FL Contemporary theories of smoking behavior typically emphasize the role of nicotine in enhancing the reward derived from cigarettes, but animal research suggests nicotine withdrawal also suppresses the value of alternative rewards.
