It has already been found that a cynical outlook is linked to heart disease. Now, research shows that people with high levels of cynicism in later life are also more likely to develop dementia.
Psychology
Feeling the future – Are results of recent experiments evidence of precognition?
A respected psychologist is publishing experimental findings which suggest that we can be subconsciously affected by what happens in the near future.
Pyramid scam? – Evolutionary psychologists take on the Hierarchy of Needs
“raiders of the lost maslow” by Laurence Simon (isfullofcrap) — Flickr.com
Abraham Maslow must be turning in his grave. In a recent paper, a group of evolutionary psychologists has set out to replace his famous humanistic theory of motivation with something a lot less … human.
You have probably heard of the Hierarchy of Needs. It looks like a pyramid, and it’s one of the most popular images to come out of modern psychology.
But recently, a group of evolutionary psychologists has sought to overhaul the model. Or as they put it, to “renovate the pyramid”.
The result is a perfect illustration of the fundamental division within psychology itself.
The Swiss mystic and his big Red Book: the secret world of Carl G Jung
As Carl Jung’s mysterious masterpiece, The Red Book, is finally published, a new biography portrays the psychologist as a modern-day mystic.
For much of his life, pioneering psychologist Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961) presented himself to the world as a rational, no-nonsense scientist. If he appeared to have any interest in mysticism or the occult, it was purely academic: just a way to help him understand the symbolism appearing in his patients’ dreams.
In truth, however, Jung was every inch the modern mystic.
Conference invitation: ‘Evidence-Based Spirituality for the 21st Century’ (Colorado, June 2010)
The International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine (ISSSEEM) is holding their 20th annual ISSSEEM conference, Evidence-based Spirituality for the 21st Century, June 25-29, 2010 at the Westin in Westminster, Colorado.
Being spiritual (but not religious) makes children happier: new research
Newly published research from Canada finds that spirituality is strongly linked to the happiness of children aged 8 to 12, but religiousness is not.
— photo: D Sharon Pruitt —
A new study by the University of British Columbia, Canada, shows that children who feel that their lives have meaning and value and who develop deep relationships — both aspects of spirituality — also feel happier. It would appear, however, that religious practices have little effect on their happiness.
Why people think psychology is just common sense: children’s misperceptions
There is a widespread misconception that psychology is easy and mere common sense. This occasionally frustrates the hell out of psychologists! Now some research from Yale University indicates that this misconception has its roots in childhood.
Are narcissists as attractive as they believe?
Not surprisingly, people who enjoy gazing in the mirror rather too much like to think that they are very good looking. But could they be right? Some new research now suggests that others would probably agree with them — narcissists really do seem more attractive than average.