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A Little Knowledge...

(Mis)representation of psychology and health in science, culture, and the individual mind

Stress
How to Think About Stress, Eating, and Obesity

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on April 30, 2024

Stress and body weight management are familiar to many of us as two major everyday concerns. Knowing all the ways they influence one another can help with both.

Stress and body weight management are familiar to many of us as two major everyday concerns. Knowing all the ways they influence one another can help with both.

Emotions
You Can Get Much More Out of Your Music

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on February 6, 2024

Expanding and varying the role of music in your life can be very rewarding. Sound good? Here are some simple suggestions and the benefits you stand to gain.

Expanding and varying the role of music in your life can be very rewarding. Sound good? Here are some simple suggestions and the benefits you stand to gain.

Anger
The Right Way to Complain

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on December 3, 2023

We can err by complaining, by not complaining, or by complaining in the wrong way. Here's how to up your complaint game.

We can err by complaining, by not complaining, or by complaining in the wrong way. Here's how to up your complaint game.

Stress
Why "Biopsychosocial" Both Begins and Ends With "Bio"

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on November 26, 2023

A purely Biomedical model of health and disease may be inadequate, needing to be replaced by a Biopsychosocial model, but let's keep in mind that "Bio" appears in both.

A purely Biomedical model of health and disease may be inadequate, needing to be replaced by a Biopsychosocial model, but let's keep in mind that "Bio" appears in both.

Health
The Hidden Harms of Health-Related Metaphors

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on November 20, 2023

A metaphor, like a picture, may be worth a thousand words. But when health problems are described using figurative language, we may well ask, "What's wrong with this metaphor?"

A metaphor, like a picture, may be worth a thousand words. But when health problems are described using figurative language, we may well ask, "What's wrong with this metaphor?"

Education
A Primer for Evaluating Scientific Studies

Richard Contrada Ph.D. on September 30, 2022

Don't base your appraisal of new research findings on catchy titles, endorsements of "celebrity experts," or promises of practical applications. Here's a do-it-yourself guide.

Don't base your appraisal of new research findings on catchy titles, endorsements of "celebrity experts," or promises of practical applications. Here's a do-it-yourself guide.