Primal World Beliefs Unpacked

Positive Psychology

When Demographics Aren't Destiny

Jer Clifton Ph.D. on December 15, 2023

A new study finds that most people (wrongly) assume that personal privilege strongly correlates to a positive life outlook.

A new study finds that most people (wrongly) assume that personal privilege strongly correlates to a positive life outlook.

Attention

Pay Attention to What You Pay Attention To

Jer Clifton Ph.D. on September 1, 2023

Humans constantly sift relevant information from irrelevant chatter. But what if we're disregarding good things? Primal world beliefs may help us change what we notice.

Humans constantly sift relevant information from irrelevant chatter. But what if we're disregarding good things? Primal world beliefs may help us change what we notice.

Religion

Does Religion Help You See the World as Good?

Jer Clifton Ph.D. on February 22, 2023

If it doesn't, check if it could. Your well-being is likely at stake.

If it doesn't, check if it could. Your well-being is likely at stake.

Motivation

Having Kids May Increase Social Conservatism

Jer Clifton Ph.D. on October 18, 2022

Have you ever noticed that having kids makes some people more conservative? Data from nearly half a million people suggests it's probably not in your head.

Have you ever noticed that having kids makes some people more conservative? Data from nearly half a million people suggests it's probably not in your head.

Politics

We Thought Conservatives Saw the World as More Dangerous, We Were Wrong

Jer Clifton Ph.D. on October 6, 2022

For decades, research showed that conservatives see the world as a more dangerous place. Our new research shows otherwise.

For decades, research showed that conservatives see the world as a more dangerous place. Our new research shows otherwise.

Personality

What Are Your 3 Deepest Beliefs About the World?

Jer Clifton Ph.D. on March 28, 2022

Scientists mined data—from Twitter to Shakespeare—and found 3 beliefs at the core of worldview.

Scientists mined data—from Twitter to Shakespeare—and found 3 beliefs at the core of worldview.

Depression

Should We Teach Kids That the World Is Dangerous?

Jer Clifton Ph.D. on February 4, 2022

Many parents aim to teach their kids the world is a bad place, but, on average, seeing the world as bad is tied to being less successful, less healthy, and deeply unhappy.

Many parents aim to teach their kids the world is a bad place, but, on average, seeing the world as bad is tied to being less successful, less healthy, and deeply unhappy.