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Culture is Bound to Shape Motor Development
Teaching: Introduce students to the concept of developmental cascades with this lesson plan about gahvoras, wooden baby cradles used in homes in Tajikistan.
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8 Ways to Respond to an Apology Besides ‘It’s OK’
Not all apologies are created equal. While a good one can’t always fully undo the damage that’s been done, apologies help people on the receiving end feel validated, emotionally heal, and even ease a desire for revenge, says Seiji Takaku, a professor of psychology at Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, Calif., who has researched forgiveness. If you’re on the receiving end of a sorry attempt to make amends, on the other hand, it might feel just as offensive as the original transgression. How someone apologizes will determine how you respond.
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3 Toxic Relationship Habits to Avoid
Conflict is “inevitable and normal in intimate relationships,” said Andrew Christensen, a distinguished research professor at the U.C.L.A. department of psychology. But the way that couples manage it is a key to a healthy bond, he added. ... James A. Coan, a professor of psychology and a neuroscientist at the University of Virginia, recommends taking what negotiators call a “mutual gains approach,” where you focus on finding common interests and brainstorm solutions that benefit you both. “Instead of dividing the pie, you build a larger pie,” he said.
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Exploring Emerging Adulthood Among Ovambo Namibians
A new study looks at how young Namibians reach adulthood, broadening the understanding of this life stage in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Why Catchy Songs Get Stuck in Your Head
Of all the sounds we encounter, music seems to be the stickiest for our brains. While words and sounds can also pop into our head, they are less likely to echo there than songs, which tend to have a repetitive structure and looping motifs. Speech doesn’t inherently have that structure, but poetry might. Simply repeating spoken words can make them sound musical, a phenomenon known as the speech-to-song illusion, which was discovered by psychologist Diana Deutsch.
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The Sleep Trends Experts Think You Should (and Shouldn’t) Try
... These methods haven’t been rigorously studied, but it makes sense — at least in theory — that they may help some people fall asleep, said Allison Harvey, a professor and clinical psychologist at the University of California, Berkeley. Such mental exercises can distract you from any worries or stress-inducing thoughts that may be keeping you up, she said. However, they won’t work for everyone, she added — they should be just one of many sleep-inducing strategies you use. Whether you use a dedicated journal or a blank piece of paper, writing down any anxiety-provoking thoughts before bed — as some tout on social media — can help you fall asleep, Dr. Harvey said.
