Will Chewing Gum Make You Smarter?
Will chewing gum make you smarter? My friends said it won’t. Please help me decide. – Jennifer, Texas …
Dear APA, We Need to Talk…
This entry is not about global warming. That topic is incidental. It is about respect for diversity of opinion and the American Psychological Association’s hostility toward those with whom they disagree. …
Does DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Cure Borderline Personality Disorder?
Q: While we’re bumping up awareness for borderline personality disorder (BPD), perhaps you could help us understand dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). I’ve heard that it’s the only effective therapy for BPD, but I don’t know much about it. I’m often skeptical of magic bullets, and I’m wondering what your take is on this. Thanks! -Ariel P. …
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Is Borderline Personality Disorder a Real Condition?
Q: What’s your take on Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? I ask because the newly committed H.R. 1005 would create a “BPD Awareness Month” (May, I believe) during which, apparently, the public would be educated about BPD by the federal government in a manner deemed fitting by Congress. As an acute propagandophobic, I’m already starting to break out in hives. Some straight talk from the IS could be just what the doctor ordered. – Fuzzy …
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Do Antidepressants Really Work?
Q: What do you think about antidepressants? Should I take them? – MK …
What is Relational Frame Theory (Part Two)
In Part One, we looked at one of the handy cognitive shortcuts that separates humanity from other non-verbal earthlings: relational framing. We have the ability to derive relationships that aren’t explicitly taught; other animals don’t, for the most part. That means that our knowledge can increase exponentially whenever we learn a single new piece of information. …
Two Weeks in China
Nothing psychology related this week, just some eye candy from China. It took some planning, but I managed to visit during the worst weather in decades. We drove past the infamous Guangzhou train station and, from the highway, saw tens of thousands of people stranded thanks to bad weather in other parts of the country. It didn’t help that Chinese New Year is approaching. This is like traveling the weekend before Thanksgiving, but with 1/5 of the world’s population. …
Guns and Suicide
Friends sometimes disagree with my explanation of suicidal behavior: I see it as an attempt to solve problems that seem overwhelming and interminable. Many people I’ve spoken to view suicide as an act of selfishness. Despite the difference of opinion, both viewpoints see suicide as a choice. I have encountered no one who views suicide as an accident that happens when a person is unwise enough to keep deadly devices on hand. …
Denver’s Diversity Training Video and its Place in the Diversity Industry
When it comes to diversity training, I know whereof I speak. Having been subjected to 40 weeks worth during psychologist school – and that’s just for starters – I should be as “culturally competent” as they come. If aliens ever visit Earth I should be sent to greet them. …
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What is Relational Frame Theory (Part One)
Q: What is ironshrink’s take on relational frame theory? Is it controversial as voodoo? There are no chickens involved, are there? – Sponge …