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Constructing Emotion: The Fundamental Components of Fear
During a crisis, our behavior can often be unpredictable. Some people might respond with anger, others with fear and still others may show no reaction at all. The nature of emotion is so basic and
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As Good as it Gets? Illusion vs. Reality: Age-Related Differences in Expectations for Future Happiness
Albert Einstein once quipped, “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” The famous scientist might have added that the illusion of reality shifts over time. According to a new Brandeis University study
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Reflecting on Values Promotes Love, Acceptance
No one enjoys being told that their behavior is harmful to themselves or others. In fact, most people respond defensively when confronted with evidence that their behavior is irrational, irresponsible, or unhealthy. Fortunately, research has
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When the Powerless Rise Up: Power Leads to Positive Action, But Only When Acquired Legitimately
In an effort to reconcile the science stating that power leads to action and lack of power leads to inhibition — despite constant historical reminders of the powerless rising up and taking action — new
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New Study Reports on the State of Human Happiness
Psychologists have been fond of stating in recent years that human happiness, or what psychologists call subjective well-being, is largely independent of our life circumstances. The wealthy aren’t much happier than the middle class, married
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True or False? How Our Brain Processes Negative Statements
Every day we are confronted with positive and negative statements. By combining the new, incoming information with what we already know, we are usually able to figure out if the statement is true or false.
