Neuro Behavioral Betterment

Attention

Do We Need More Eye Contact?

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on March 10, 2024

Eye contact occurs only 3% of the time during face-to-face conversations, but it can contribute to communication and public speaking.

Eye contact occurs only 3% of the time during face-to-face conversations, but it can contribute to communication and public speaking.

Adolescence

How High-Pitched Tones Target Teens but Evade Adults

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on October 29, 2023

A device to prevent teenagers from congregating outside British grocers is based on the limits of human hearing.

A device to prevent teenagers from congregating outside British grocers is based on the limits of human hearing.

Neuroscience

Singing in the Brain: Neural Responses to Vocal Music

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on December 28, 2022

Strong responses to singing can affect particular neural regions near the auditory cortex, according to new research from MIT.

Strong responses to singing can affect particular neural regions near the auditory cortex, according to new research from MIT.

Attention

How We Scan the Visual Scene Using Top-Down Brain Control

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on July 25, 2022

How we scan the visual scene is guided and processed by specific brain regions. One central region in the right cerebral hemisphere stands out.

How we scan the visual scene is guided and processed by specific brain regions. One central region in the right cerebral hemisphere stands out.

Anger

The Many Faces of Aggression and Resistance

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on March 9, 2022

The news of violent conflict is hard to square with the positive aspects of human nature. The many people resisting or fleeing from international aggression need support.

The news of violent conflict is hard to square with the positive aspects of human nature. The many people resisting or fleeing from international aggression need support.

Health

Physical and Mental Benefits of Pickleball, With Fun Besides

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on December 7, 2021

The fast-growing sport of pickleball offers physical, mental, and social benefits on a compact court for all age groups. Biological science suggests how this happens.

The fast-growing sport of pickleball offers physical, mental, and social benefits on a compact court for all age groups. Biological science suggests how this happens.

Attention

Communicating More Clearly With a Mask On

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on November 18, 2021

Mask wearing reduces disease spread but affects communication by facial expression and voice quality. Ways to compensate can involve the eyes and the speaking voice.

Mask wearing reduces disease spread but affects communication by facial expression and voice quality. Ways to compensate can involve the eyes and the speaking voice.

Anxiety

7 Ideas for Managing Stress and Anxiety

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on September 9, 2021

Here are a few effective ways to manage your response to these challenging times.

Here are a few effective ways to manage your response to these challenging times.

Health

Is It Really Okay to Not Be Okay?

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on June 2, 2021

Positivity is not the only answer. There is a place and time for accepting imperfect situations and feelings.

Positivity is not the only answer. There is a place and time for accepting imperfect situations and feelings.

Default Mode Network

How Videos Recruit a Brain Network to Share Stories

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on February 16, 2021

Binge-watching TV or reading novels might turn on a brain network that shares stories.

Binge-watching TV or reading novels might turn on a brain network that shares stories.

Oxytocin

Eye Contact With Masks: Biological Effects

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on December 8, 2020

Eye contact can be enhanced by oxytocin and activate regions of the social brain in the viewer.

Eye contact can be enhanced by oxytocin and activate regions of the social brain in the viewer.

Neuroscience

Nervous System Connections with Treatment and Malfunction

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on October 8, 2020

Can connections in the nervous system be altered with dysfunction and with therapy? Studies based on brain imaging suggest so, and psychotherapy implications are being explored.

Can connections in the nervous system be altered with dysfunction and with therapy? Studies based on brain imaging suggest so, and psychotherapy implications are being explored.

Attention

How Users Manage Zoom Fatigue

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on June 20, 2020

There are reasons why video calls via Zoom can be fatiguing. Experienced users suggest tips about how to manage.

There are reasons why video calls via Zoom can be fatiguing. Experienced users suggest tips about how to manage.

Online Therapy

Teletherapy Can Help When Social Distancing Prevails

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on April 10, 2020

During this crisis, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists can help people cope and function better via technology.

During this crisis, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists can help people cope and function better via technology.

Pregnancy

How Targeting a Tiny Brain Center Treats Essential Tremor

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on March 9, 2020

This application of technology to brain disorder has had immediate benefits. It focuses sound waves like a magnifying glass focuses light.

This application of technology to brain disorder has had immediate benefits. It focuses sound waves like a magnifying glass focuses light.

Bipolar Disorder

Seasonal Mood Changes: Longer Days can be Good News

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on December 31, 2019

Now that days are getting longer, many people with mood swings can look forward to better days ahead. Some clinicians see a whole spectrum of seasonal mood problems.

Now that days are getting longer, many people with mood swings can look forward to better days ahead. Some clinicians see a whole spectrum of seasonal mood problems.

Anxiety

Psychological Traits in Shades of Gray

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on September 16, 2019

From milder traits to more pronounced disorders, some degree of anxiety and narcissism may be widespread. A large study of twins examines these and other psychological problems.

From milder traits to more pronounced disorders, some degree of anxiety and narcissism may be widespread. A large study of twins examines these and other psychological problems.

Genetics

Anxiety and Alcohol Use Linked to Genes in Fruit Flies

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on August 13, 2019

Anxiety and alcohol use disorders may partially reflect genetic factors. Fruit flies provide a novel way to study this.

Anxiety and alcohol use disorders may partially reflect genetic factors. Fruit flies provide a novel way to study this.

Stage Fright

Public Speaking Fears Meet Virtual Listeners

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on May 8, 2019

If public speaking fear gets in your way, you're not alone. Virtual reality adds a new tool to treat this common phobia.

If public speaking fear gets in your way, you're not alone. Virtual reality adds a new tool to treat this common phobia.

Parenting

How Parental Pressure Can Rise With Income Inequality

Robert A. Lavine Ph.D. on February 25, 2019

"Helicopter parenting" and over-scheduling of children has been criticized. But it may be a rational response to rising income inequality.

"Helicopter parenting" and over-scheduling of children has been criticized. But it may be a rational response to rising income inequality.