Episodios

  • Childhood Trauma: The One Test You Don't Want to ACE

    Childhood Trauma: The One Test You Don't Want to ACE
    Jun 2 2025
    Understanding the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Pathways to HealingIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) test, a 10-question survey that uncovers the hidden impacts of childhood trauma on adult health and well-being. Leslie explains how high ACE scores correlate with numerous physical and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, chronic illnesses, and reduced life expectancy. The episode explores the biological effects of trauma on the brain and body, how trauma manifests in the workplace, relationships, and parenting, and the importance of trauma-informed healthcare. Additionally, Leslie discusses various therapeutic approaches, including somatic therapy and EMDR, that assist in healing from trauma. The episode concludes with actionable advice for those with high ACE scores, emphasizing patience in the healing journey and the potential for post-traumatic growth.00:00 Introduction to ACE Test01:47 Origins and Impact of ACE04:38 Trauma and the Brain07:23 Trauma in Daily Life12:18 Medical Implications of Trauma15:50 Healing and Recovery18:18 Practical Steps for Healing21:29 Conclusion and ResourcesACE Test: https://www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ACE-Questionnaire-for-Adults-Identified-English-rev.7.26.22.pdfReferencesBethell, C. D., Jones, J., Gombojav, N., Linkenbach, J., & Sege, R. (2019). Positive childhood experiences and adult mental and relational health in a statewide sample: Associations across adverse childhood experiences levels. JAMA Pediatrics, 173(11), e193007. Burke, S. A. (2024). Exploring the long-term impact of childhood trauma: Unseen consequences and paths to healing. International Journal of Psychiatry Research, 7(4). Chen, M. A., LeRoy, A. S., Majd, M., Chen, J. Y., Brown, R. L., Christian, L. M., & Fagundes, C. P. (2021). Immune and epigenetic pathways linking childhood adversity and health across the lifespan. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 788351. Copeland, W. E., Shanahan, L., Hinesley, J., Chan, R. F., Aberg, K. A., Fairbank, J. A., van den Oord, E. J. C. G., & Costello, E. J. (2018). Association of childhood trauma exposure with adult psychiatric disorders and functional outcomes. JAMA Network Open, 1(7), e184493.Dell, P. F., & O’Neil, J. A. (Eds.). (2009). Dissociation and the dissociative disorders: DSM-V and beyond. Routledge. Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258. Greenman, P. S., Renzi, A., Monaco, S., Luciani, F., & Di Trani, M. (2024). How does trauma make you sick? The role of attachment in explaining somatic symptoms of survivors of childhood trauma. Healthcare, 12(2), 203. Grummitt, L. R., Kreski, N. T., Kim, S. G., Platt, J., Keyes, K. M., & McLaughlin, K. A. (2021). Association of childhood adversity with morbidity and mortality in US adults. JAMA Pediatrics, 175(12), 1269–1270. Herzog, J. I., & Schmahl, C. (2018). Adverse childhood experiences and the consequences on neurobiological, psychosocial, and somatic conditions across the lifespan. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 420. Klinger-König, J., Erhardt, A., Streit, F., et al. (2024). Childhood trauma and somatic and mental illness in adulthood—Findings of the NAKO health study. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International. Liotti, G. (2004). Trauma, dissociation, and disorganized attachment: Three strands of a single braid. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 41(4), 472–486.Mock, S. E., & Arai, S. M. (2011). Childhood trauma and chronic illness in adulthood: Mental health and socioeconomic status as explanatory factors and buffers. Frontiers in Psychology, 1, 246. Monnat, S. M., & Chandler, R. F. (2015). Long-term physical health consequences of adverse childhood experiences. The Sociological Quarterly, 56(4), 723–752. Nelson, C. A., Bhutta, Z. A., Burke Harris, N., Danese, A., & Samara, M. (2020). Adversity in childhood is linked to mental and physical health throughout life. BMJ, m3048. Sachs‐Ericsson, N. J., Sheffler, J. L., Stanley, I. H., Piazza, J. R., & Preacher, K. J. (2017). When emotional pain becomes physical: Adverse childhood experiences, pain, and the role of mood and anxiety disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(10), 1403–1422.Scott, K. M. (2011). Association of childhood adversities and early-onset mental disorders with adult-onset chronic physical conditions. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(8), 838–844. Shonkoff, J. P., Garner, A. S., Siegel, B. S., Dobbins, M. I., et al. (2012). The lifelong effects of early childhood adversity and toxic stress. Pediatrics, 129(1), e232–e246.Siegel, D. J. (1999). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain ...
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    22 m
  • The Paradox of Progress - Why Success Makes Us Forget

    The Paradox of Progress - Why Success Makes Us Forget
    May 26 2025

    The Paradox of Progress: Why We Forget What Works

    In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the 'Paradox of Progress,' a psychological phenomenon explaining why society and individuals often dismantle the systems that made their successes possible. The episode explores this paradox in various realms including public health, civil rights, economics, and climate policy. The discussion reveals how our brains' tendency to forget problems once they are resolved leads to cyclical issues, like the resurgence of diseases or the rollback of civil protections. It emphasizes the importance of active memory and systemic maintenance to prevent the recurrence of past mistakes and underscores the universal challenge of sustaining progress.

    00:00 Introduction to the Paradox of Progress
    01:18 The Measles Comeback: A Case Study
    03:55 Civil Rights and the Illusion of Finality
    06:41 Economic Amnesia: The 2008 Financial Crisis
    15:43 The Environmental Protection Challenge
    18:37 The Psychology Behind Forgetting Success
    20:28 Personal Reflection and Conclusion

    VOTE FOR PSYBERSPACE THIS MONTH! I'm nominated for a Women in Podcasting award! Voting is open during the month of May - I'd love your support. Note: You don't have to vote for every category, just look for PsyberSpace in Science Podcasts at this link https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting?sc=27127076032d7fd70ddcab921ce8652fb78353d03

    Research

    Andersson, O., Campos-Mercade, P., Meier, A., & Wengström, E. (2020). Anticipation of COVID-19 vaccines reduces willingness to socially distance. Journal of Health Economics, 75, 102406.

    Bonilla-Silva, E. (2017). Racism without racists: Color-blind racism and the persistence of racial inequality in America (5th ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.

    Castel, A. D., & Rhodes, M. G. (2020). The role of memory confidence and overconfidence in cognitive aging. In The Wiley Encyclopedia of Health Psychology (pp. 287-294). Wiley.
    Kruger, D. J., Fernandes, H. B. F., Cupal, S., & Homish, G. G. (2019). Life history variation and the preparedness paradox. Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences.

    Lifchits, G., Saucet, M., & Propose, J. (2021). Success narratives and attribution errors in organizational settings. Applied Psychology Review, 43(2), 156-172.

    Loužek, M. (2021). Negativity bias and its impact on risk perception in modern society. European Journal of Social Psychology, 51(4), 678-691.

    Luz, P. M., Nadanovsky, P., & Leask, J. (2020). Cognitive biases and vaccination decisions: A systematic review. Vaccine, 38(21), 3743-3751.

    Meyer, R., & Kunreuther, H. (2017). The Ostrich Paradox: Why We Underprepare for Disasters. Wharton School Press
    O'Brien, L. T. (2022). Incremental versus categorical change: Public perception and policy implications. Journal of Social Issues, 78(3), 445-462.

    O'Reilly, C. A., & Hall, D. T. (2020). Grandiose narcissism, decision making, and leadership effectiveness. Leadership Quarterly, 31(4), 101-117.

    Weber, E. U. (2006). Experience-based and description-based perceptions of long-term risk: Why global warming does not scare us (yet). Climatic Change, 77(1-2), 103-120.

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    22 m
  • Outsourcing Our Minds: AI, Learning, and the Cognitive Cost

    Outsourcing Our Minds: AI, Learning, and the Cognitive Cost
    May 19 2025
    The Cognitive Cost of AI: A Deep Dive into Learning and DevelopmentIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping cognition, particularly in education. The discussion focuses on the developmental impact of AI on children and the cognitive trade-offs associated with relying on AI tools. The episode delves into the science behind why traditional methods like handwriting are essential for learning, memory, and cognitive development. It also highlights the risks of cognitive offloading and suggests strategies for integrating AI thoughtfully without compromising critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The takeaway: while AI offers many conveniences, it’s crucial to balance its use to foster resilient, capable minds.00:00 Introduction to AI and Cognitive Impact01:01 AI in Education: Potential and Pitfalls01:40 Cognitive Offloading and Dependency04:30 The Importance of Handwriting07:47 Developmental Concerns with Early AI Use09:38 Critical Thinking and AI Reliance11:25 Guardrails and Solutions13:04 The Role of Productive Struggle16:17 AI Hallucinations and Misinformation18:43 Strategies for Thoughtful AI Integration24:19 Conclusion and Call to ActionVOTE FOR PSYBERSPACE THIS MONTH! I'm nominated for a Women in Podcasting award! Voting is open during the month of May - I'd love your support. Note: You don't have to vote for every category, just look for PsyberSpace in Science Podcasts at this link https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting?sc=27127076032d7fd70ddcab921ce8652fb78353d03ResearchArmitage, K. L., Naulls, S., & Gillett, H. R. (2023). Cognitive offloading of memory for visual pattern learning: Benefits for performance but costs for long-term learning. Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 8(1), 60. Berninger, V. W., Abbott, R. D., Augsburger, A., & Garcia, N. (2009). Comparison of pen and keyboard transcription modes in children with and without learning disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly, 32(3), 123-141. Bjork, E. L., & Bjork, R. A. (2011). Making things hard on yourself, but in a good way: Creating desirable difficulties to enhance learning. In M. A. Gernsbacher, R. W. Pew, L. M. Hough, & J. R. Pomerantz (Eds.), Psychology and the real world: Essays illustrating fundamental contributions to society (pp. 56-64). Worth Publishers.Boaler, J. (2016). Mathematical mindsets: Unleashing students' potential through creative math, inspiring messages and innovative teaching. Jossey-Bass.Craik, F. I. M., & Lockhart, R. S. (1972). Levels of processing: A framework for memory research. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 11(6), 671-684. Dunn, T. L., & Risko, E. F. (2016). Toward a metacognitive account of cognitive offloading. Cognitive Science, 40(5), 1080-1127.Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.Eskritt, M., & Ma, S. (2014). Intentional forgetting: Note-taking as a naturalistic example. Memory & Cognition, 42(2), 237-246. Fiorella, L., & Mayer, R. E. (2016). Eight ways to promote generative learning. Educational Psychology Review, 28(4), 717-741.Gerlich, M. (2023). AI tools in society: Impacts on cognitive offloading and the future of critical thinking. Societies, 15(1), 6. Hatano, A., Ogawa, K., Yamashita, M., & Yamamoto, H. (2021). Active memory processing mediated by hippocampal theta oscillations is important for memory stabilization during wake and sleep. Scientific Reports, 11, 12135. Ihara, A. S., Nakajima, K., Kake, A., Ishimaru, K., Osugi, K., & Naruse, Y. (2021). Advantage of handwriting over typing on learning words: Evidence from an N400 event-related potential index. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 15, 679191. Kapur, M. (2016). Examining productive failure, productive success, unproductive failure, and unproductive success in learning. Educational Psychologist, 51(2), 289-299. Kapur, M., & Bielaczyc, K. (2012). Designing for productive failure. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 21(1), 45-83.Kiefer, M., Schuler, S., Mayer, C., Trumpp, N. M., Hille, K., & Sachse, S. (2015). Handwriting or typewriting? The influence of pen- or keyboard-based writing training on reading and writing performance in preschool children. Advances in Cognitive Psychology, 11(4), 136-146. Longcamp, M., Boucard, C., Gilhodes, J. C., Anton, J. L., Roth, M., Nazarian, B., & Velay, J. L. (2008). Learning through hand- or typewriting influences visual recognition of new graphic shapes: Behavioral and functional imaging evidence. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 20(5), 802-815.Mangen, A., Anda, L. G., Oxborough, G. H., & Brønnick, K. (2015). Handwriting versus keyboard writing: Effect on word recall. Journal of Writing Research, 7(2), 227-247.Marsh, E. J., & Rajaram, S. (2019). The digital expansion of the mind: Implications of internet usage for memory and cognition. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 8(1), 1-14. Meyerhoff, H. S., Papenmeier, F., & Jahn, G. (2017). ...
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    25 m
  • The War on Empathy: Why Authoritarians Fear It

    The War on Empathy: Why Authoritarians Fear It
    May 12 2025

    Empathy Under Fire: Understanding Its Crucial Role and Strategic Erosion

    In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychological phenomenon of empathy, distinguishing it from sympathy and underscoring its pivotal role in moral reasoning, cooperation, and human survival. The episode explores the three types of empathy—cognitive, emotional, and compassionate—and how they are neurologically grounded. Leslie discusses the alarming trend of empathy being framed as a weakness or sin by authoritarian figures, media, and extremist ideologies, which aim to dehumanize outgroups for control. The episode emphasizes the importance of empathy in social cohesion and the dangers of its erosion, driven by fear and strategic manipulation. It also highlights effective strategies and programs for cultivating and restoring empathy in individuals and societies, advocating for small actions and systemic changes to foster a culture of care and mutual understanding.

    00:00 Introduction to Empathy
    01:32 The Psychology of Empathy
    03:16 Empathy in Childhood Development
    04:12 Empathy and Society
    04:48 The Assault on Empathy
    05:57 Empathy and Authoritarianism
    08:25 Weaponization of Religion
    11:09 The Rise of Spite
    14:53 Rebuilding Empathy
    18:17 Empathy in Action
    22:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

    I'm nominated for a Women in Podcasting award! Voting is open during the month of May - I'd love your support. Note: You don't have to vote for every category, just look for PsyberSpace in Science Podcasts at this link https://www.womenpodcasters.com/awards-voting?sc=27127076032d7fd70ddcab921ce8652fb78353d03

    References

    Altemeyer, B. (2006). The authoritarians. University of Manitoba Press.

    Cikara, M., Bruneau, E., & Saxe, R. (2017). Us and them: Intergroup failures of empathy. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 26(2), 149-153.

    Decety, J., & Jackson, P. L. (2006). A social-neuroscience perspective on empathy. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15(2), 54-58.

    Haidt, J. (2012). The righteous mind: Why good people are divided by politics and religion. Pantheon Books.

    Iacoboni, M. (2009). Imitation, empathy, and mirror neurons. Annual Review of Psychology, 60, 653-670.

    Marcus-Newhall, A., Miller, N., Holtz, R., & Brewer, M. B. (1993). Cross-cutting category membership with role assignment: A means of reducing intergroup bias. British Journal of Social Psychology, 32(2), 125-146.

    Pettigrew, T. F., & Tropp, L. R. (2008). How does intergroup contact reduce prejudice? Meta-analytic tests of three mediators. European Journal of Social Psychology, 38(6), 922-934.

    Pratto, F., Sidanius, J., Stallworth, L. M., & Malle, B. F. (1994). Social dominance orientation: A personality variable predicting social and political attitudes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(4), 741-763.

    Schumann, K., Zaki, J., & Dweck, C. S. (2014). Addressing the empathy deficit: Beliefs about the malleability of empathy predict effortful responses when empathy is challenging. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 107(3), 475-493.

    Singer, T., Seymour, B., O'Doherty, J., Kaube, H., Dolan, R. J., & Frith, C. D. (2004). Empathy for pain involves the affective but not sensory components of pain. Science, 303(5661), 1157-1162.

    Webster, D. M., & Kruglanski, A. W. (1994). Individual differences in need for cognitive closure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(6), 1049-1062.

    Zaki, J. (2014). Empathy: A motivated account. Psychological Bulletin, 140(6), 1608-1647.

    Zak, P. J. (2015). Why inspiring stories make us react: The neuroscience of narrative. Cerebrum: The Dana Forum on Brain Science, 2015, 2.

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    23 m
  • Words They Don’t Want You to Say: The Psychology of Linguistic Oppression

    Words They Don’t Want You to Say: The Psychology of Linguistic Oppression
    May 5 2025
    The Power of Language: Unveiling the Psychology of Linguistic ControlIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the psychology behind the control and censorship of language, examining how it impacts us psychologically, socially, and politically. The discussion touches on historical and contemporary examples, including the strategic choice of words in South American dictatorships, the erasure of terms like 'diversity' and 'gender' in the U.S., and the euphemistic language used by corporations and governments. Highlighting theoretical and empirical research, Poston explores the profound effects linguistic control can have on thought, resistance, and identity. The episode underscores the importance of maintaining truthful and inclusive language as a means of resistance and psychological healing.00:00 Introduction to the Language of Oppression01:07 The Power of Language in Shaping Reality02:23 Linguistic Deprivation and Cognitive Dissonance03:35 Historical Examples of Language Control11:38 Corporate and Governmental Language Policing20:04 The Psychological Impact of Linguistic Oppression25:24 Reclaiming Language for Resistance and Healing28:05 Conclusion and Call to ActionResearchArendt, H. (1951). The origins of totalitarianism. Harcourt, Brace and Company.Bardon, T., Brown, A. D., & Pezé, S. (2017). Identity regulation, identity work and phronesis. Human Relations, 70(8), 940-965.Boroditsky, L. (2011). How language shapes thought. Scientific American, 304(2), 62-65. Bourne, E. (1970). The state of research on ego identity: A review and appraisal. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 7(3), 223-251.Bryant, J., & Oliver, M. B. (Eds.). (2009). Media effects: Advances in theory and research (3rd ed.). Routledge.Edelman, M. (1985). The symbolic uses of politics (2nd ed.). University of Illinois Press.Entman, R. M. (1993). Framing: Toward clarification of a fractured paradigm. Journal of Communication, 43(4), 51-58. Foucault, M. (1972). The archaeology of knowledge and the discourse on language (A. M. Sheridan Smith, Trans.). Pantheon Books.Fricker, M. (2007). Epistemic injustice: Power and the ethics of knowing. Oxford University Press.Goffman, E. (1974). Frame analysis: An essay on the organization of experience. Harvard University Press.Gonzalez, R. (2018). Lives in limbo: Undocumented and coming of age in America. Current Anthropology, 59(6), 741-762.Jost, J. T., & Hunyady, O. (2003). The psychology of system justification and the palliative function of ideology. European Review of Social Psychology, 13(1), 111-153. Lifton, R. J. (1986). The Nazi doctors: Medical killing and the psychology of genocide. Basic Books.Lukes, S. (2005). Power: A radical view (2nd ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.Martín-Baró, I. (1994). Writings for a liberation psychology (A. Aron & S. Corne, Eds.). Harvard University Press.McCombs, M. E., & Shaw, D. L. (1972). The agenda-setting function of mass media. Public Opinion Quarterly, 36(2), 176-187. Morrison, E. W., & Milliken, F. J. (2000). Organizational silence: A barrier to change and development in a pluralistic world. Academy of Management Review, 25(4), 706-725. Orwell, G. (1949). Nineteen eighty-four. Secker & Warburg.Pennebaker, J. W. (1997). Writing about emotional experiences as a therapeutic process. Psychological Science, 8(3), 162-166. Pinder, C. C., & Harlos, K. P. (2001). Employee silence: Quiescence and acquiescence as responses to perceived injustice. Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management, 20, 331-369. Sapir, E. (1929). The status of linguistics as a science. Language, 5(4), 207-214. Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational culture and leadership (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.Scheper-Hughes, N. (1992). Death without weeping: The violence of everyday life in Brazil. University of California Press.Scott, J. C. (1990). Domination and the arts of resistance: Hidden transcripts. Yale University Press.Seligman, M. E. P. (1975). Helplessness: On depression, development, and death. W. H. Freeman.Trouillot, M. R. (1995). Silencing the past: Power and the production of history. Beacon Press.Um, K. (2015). From the land of shadows: War, revolution, and the making of the Cambodian diaspora. NYU Press.van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.Whorf, B. L. (1956). Language, thought, and reality: Selected writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf (J. B. Carroll, Ed.). MIT Press.Wodak, R., & Meyer, M. (Eds.). (2015). Methods of critical discourse studies (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.Zerubavel, E. (2006). The elephant in the room: Silence and denial in everyday life. Oxford University Press. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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    31 m
  • First, Do Harm: The Dark Side of Psychology's Troubled Legacy

    First, Do Harm: The Dark Side of Psychology's Troubled Legacy
    Apr 28 2025
    Unearthing Psychology's Shadow: A Critical ExaminationIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the dark history of psychology, exploring its entanglements with colonialism, racism, sexism, and eugenics. The episode sheds light on how psychological theories and practices have upheld oppressive systems and sometimes caused harm. Poston emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these historical abuses to build a more ethical, inclusive, and just field. The episode also addresses how contemporary issues in psychology continue to reflect these historical biases, and how current scholars and practitioners are working to transform the discipline.00:00 Introduction to the Shadow Side of Psychology02:12 The Dark Roots of Modern Psychology03:41 Eugenics and Its Devastating Impact05:31 The Legacy of Intelligence Testing09:11 Gender and Sexuality in Early Psychology13:34 Institutional Failures and Ethical Breaches20:01 Psychology in the Service of Profit and Control27:41 Towards a More Ethical and Inclusive Psychology31:15 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResearchAmerican Psychological Association. (2021, October). Apology to people of color for APA's role in promoting, perpetuating, and failing to challenge racism, racial discrimination, and human hierarchy in U.S. American Psychological Association. (2021, October). Historical chronology: Examining psychology's contributions to the belief in racial hierarchy and perpetuation of inequality for people of color in U.S. American Psychological Association. (2021, October). Role of psychology and the American Psychological Association in dismantling systemic racism against people of color in the United States. Bakan, D. (1966). Behaviorism and American urbanization. Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences, 2(1), 5-28. Bank, A. (1996). Of 'native skulls' and 'noble caucasians': Phrenology in colonial South Africa. Journal of Southern African Studies, 22(3), 387-403. Benjamin, L. T., & Baker, D. B. (2009). Recapturing a context for psychology: The role of history. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(1), 97–98. Benschop, R., & Draaisma, D. (2000). In pursuit of precision: The calibration of minds and machines in late nineteenth-century psychology. Annals of Science, 57(1), 1-25.Collins, A. F. (1999). The enduring appeal of physiognomy: Physical appearance as a sign of temperament, character, and intelligence. History of Psychology, 2(4), 251-276. Coon, D. J. (1993). Standardizing the subject: Experimental psychologists, introspection, and the quest for a technoscientific ideal. Technology and Culture, 34(4), 757-783.Crowther-Heyck, H. (1999). George A. Miller, language, and the computer metaphor and mind. History of Psychology, 2(1), 37-64.Danziger, K. (1980). The history of introspection reconsidered. Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences, 16(3), 241-262. Fass, P. (1980). The IQ: A cultural and historical framework. American Journal of Education, 88(4), 431-458. Galton, F. (1904). Eugenics: Its definition, scope, and aims. The American Journal of Sociology, 10(1), 1-24.Gergen, K. J. (2001). Psychological science in a postmodern context. American Psychologist, 56(10), 803-813. Guthrie, R. V. (2004). Even the rat was white: A historical view of psychology (2nd ed.). Pearson Education.Harris, B. (2016). Therapeutic work and mental illness in America, c. 1830–1970. In W. Ernst (Ed.), Work, psychiatry and society, c. 1750–2015 (pp. 55-76). Manchester University Press.Herek, G. M. (2010). Sexual orientation differences as deficits: Science and stigma in the history of American psychology. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 5(6), 693-699. Hornstein, G. A. (1992). The return of the repressed: Psychology's problematic relations with psychoanalysis, 1909–1960. American Psychologist, 47(2), 254-263. Kevles, D. J. (1968). Testing the Army's intelligence: Psychologists and the military in World War I. Journal of American History, 55(3), 565-581. Klopfer, W. G. (1973). The short history of projective techniques. Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences, 9(1), 60-65. Levin, B. E. (2015, September). The 10 most egregious U.S. abuses of psychology and psychiatry. Salon.Miller, G. A. (2003). The cognitive revolution: A historical perspective. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 7(3), 141-144.Pickren, W. E. (2009). Liberating history: The context of the challenge of psychologists of color to American psychology. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 15(4), 425-433. Pickren, W., & Rutherford, A. (2010). A history of modern psychology in context. John Wiley & Sons.Rutherford, A., Vaughn-Blount, K., & Ball, L. C. (2010). Responsible opposition, disruptive voices: Science, social change, and the history of feminist psychology. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 34, 460-473. Shields, S. A. (2007). Passionate men, emotional women: Psychology constructs gender difference in the late 19th century. History of Psychology, 10(2), 92...
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    34 m
  • LOL at Democracy? How Memes Normalize Authoritarianism

    LOL at Democracy? How Memes Normalize Authoritarianism
    Apr 21 2025
    The Dangers of Trivializing Fascism: How Memes Shape Our PoliticsIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston explores the often overlooked impact of political memes on our digital and real-world environments. While memes may seem harmless or even humorous on the surface, they can trivialize serious issues such as authoritarianism and fascism, thereby dulling societal urgency and fracturing crucial coalitions. Leslie digs into the psychology and neuroscience behind these digital behaviors, discussing how repeated exposure to meme content can desensitize us to real threats, influence political engagement, and even rewire our brain's reward systems. The episode emphasizes the significance of understanding algorithmic literacy and the need for more intentional and strategic use of digital platforms for effective resistance. Instead of resorting to memes that mock and ridicule, Leslie encourages the use of online tools to inform, organize, and galvanize people toward meaningful action. The episode concludes with practical tips on how to use social media more responsibly and effectively in the fight against fascism.00:00 Introduction to the Power of Memes in Politics00:53 The Hidden Dangers of Political Memes02:05 Psychological and Neurological Impact of Memes04:54 The Role of Social Media Algorithms07:30 Political Branding and Online Behavior12:35 Effective Digital Activism Strategies19:37 Conclusion: Intentional Digital ResistanceEpisode topic inspired by Imani Barbarin in these two videos: Video 1, Video 2For more of Imani's communications insights, follow her on TikTok or Twitter, sign up for her Patreon, or view her website.ResearchBail, C. A. (2021). Breaking the social media prism: How to make our platforms less polarizing. Princeton University Press.Brady, W. J., Wills, J. A., Jost, J. T., Tucker, J. A., & Van Bavel, J. J. (2017). Emotion shapes the diffusion of moralized content in social networks. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(28), 7313-7318.Chadwick, A. (2017). The hybrid media system: Politics and power (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.Freelon, D., McIlwain, C. D., & Clark, M. D. (2018). Beyond the hashtags: #Ferguson, #Blacklivesmatter, and the online struggle for offline justice. Center for Media & Social Impact.Hagen, S. & de Zeeuw, D. (2023) Based and confused: Tracing the political connotations of a memetic phrase across the web. Big Data & Society, 10(1).Hagen, S., & Venturini, T. (2024). Memecry: tracing the repetition-with-variation of formulas on 4chan/pol. Information, Communication & Society, 27(3), 466-497.Haidt, J., & Rose-Stockwell, T. (2019). The dark psychology of social networks. The Atlantic, 324(5), 56-65.Heiss, R., Schmuck, D., & Matthes, J. (2019). What drives interaction in political actors' Facebook posts? Profile and content predictors of user engagement and political actors' reactions. Information, Communication & Society, 22(10), 1497-1513.Kiela, D., Firooz, H., Mohan, A., Goswami, V., Singh, A., Ringshia, P., & Testuggine, D. (2020). The hateful memes challenge: Detecting hate speech in multimodal memes. Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems, 33, 2611-2624.Kligler-Vilenchik, N., & Thorson, K. (2016). Good citizenship as a frame contest: Kony2012, memes, and critiques of the networked citizen. New Media & Society, 18(9), 1993-2011.Martinez Pandiani, D., Sang, E. T. K., & Ceolin, D. (2024). Toxic Memes: A Survey of Computational Perspectives on the Detection and Explanation of Meme Toxicities. arXiv e-prints, arXiv-2406.Matamoros-Fernández, A. (2020). 'El Negro de WhatsApp' meme, digital blackface, and racism on social media. First Monday, 25(12).Phillips, W., & Milner, R. M. (2020). You are here: A field guide for navigating polarized speech, conspiracy theories, and our polluted media landscape. MIT Press.Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390-395.Reed, L., & Boyd, D. (2016). Who controls the public sphere in an era of algorithms? Questions and assumptions. Data & Society.Sharma, S., Alam, F., Akhtar, M. S., Dimitrov, D., Da San Martino, G., Firooz, H., ... & Chakraborty, T. (2022). Detecting and Understanding Harmful Memes: A Survey. In Proceedings of the Thirty-First International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) 2022, Vienna, Austria, 23-29 July 2022 (pp. 5597-5606).Schumann, S., & Klein, O. (2015). Substitute or stepping stone? Assessing the impact of low-threshold online collective actions on offline participation. European Journal of Social Psychology, 45(3), 308-322.Shifman, L. (2014). Memes in digital culture. MIT Press.Stanley, J. (2018). How fascism works: The politics of us and them. Random House.Vosoughi, S., Roy, D., & Aral, S. (2018). The spread of true and false news online. Science, 359(6380), 1146-1151.Zannettou, S., Caulfield, T., Blackburn...
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  • Uncertain Times: How We Make Decisions When We Don't Know What's Coming

    Uncertain Times: How We Make Decisions When We Don't Know What's Coming
    Apr 14 2025
    Navigating Uncertainty: Understanding Its Impact on Decision MakingIn this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the complexities of uncertainty and its effects on decision-making. Leslie explores the psychological and physiological responses to uncertainty, including the role of the amygdala and the concept of Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU). The discussion encompasses cognitive biases like the availability heuristic and ambiguity aversion, and the differential impact of uncertainty across various demographics, including cultural, genetic, and socioeconomic factors. Strategies for improving decision-making under uncertainty are presented, such as leveraging system one and system two thinking, scenario planning, mental simulation, and decision hygiene. The episode concludes with practical advice on building tolerance for uncertainty and making more informed decisions amidst life's lack of predictability.00:00 Introduction to Uncertainty01:54 The Brain's Response to Uncertainty02:47 Psychological and Physical Manifestations03:38 Information Overload and Decision Making04:51 Cognitive Biases and Heuristics08:11 Neural Mechanisms and Lifespan Changes10:19 Chronic Uncertainty and Societal Impacts17:22 Improving Decision Making Under Uncertainty20:35 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsReferencesBach, D. R., & Dolan, R. J. (2012). Knowing how much you don't know: A neural organization of uncertainty estimates. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(8), 572-586. Ballesteros, L., & Kunreuther, H. (2018). Organizational Decision Making Under Uncertainty Shocks. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper Series, No. 24924. Barberis, N. (2013). The Psychology of Tail Events: Progress and Challenges. SSRN Electronic Journal. Bland, A. R., & Schaefer, A. (2012). Different Varieties of Uncertainty in Human Decision-Making. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 6, 85. Boswell, J. F., Thompson-Hollands, J., Farchione, T. J., & Barlow, D. H. (2013). Intolerance of uncertainty: A common factor in the treatment of emotional disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(6), 630-645. Brown, D. J. (2020). Affective Decision Making Under Uncertainty. Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems. Busemeyer, J. R., & Townsend, J. T. (1993). Decision field theory: a dynamic-cognitive approach to decision making in an uncertain environment. Psychological Review, 100(3), 432-459. Carleton, R. N. (2016). Fear of the unknown: One fear to rule them all? Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 41, 5-21.Colk, H. (1988). Risky behaviour resulting from bounded rationality. Ergonomics, 31(4), 501-516.Conejo, A., Carrión, M., & Morales, J. (2010). Decision making under uncertainty in electricity markets. International Conference on Power System Technology, 1-7. Degoulet, M., Willem, L., Baunez, C., Luchini, S., & Pintus, P. (2021). Decision-Making in Rats is Sensitive to Rare and Extreme Events: the Black Swan Avoidance. Working paper.Edwards, W. (1961). Behavioral decision theory. Annual Review of Psychology, 12, 473-498. Ellsberg, D. (1961). Risk, ambiguity, and the Savage axioms. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 75(4), 643-669.Elston, T., Leuthold, H., Mackenzie, I., & Mittelstädt, V. (2024). Extreme Outcomes Accentuate Overweighting of Low Probabilities and Underweighting of High Probabilities in Experience‐Based Choice. Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, e2380.Epper, T., & Fehr-Duda, H. (2017). A Tale of Two Tails: On the Coexistence of Overweighting and Underweighting of Rare Extreme Events. Working paper.Etner, J., Jeleva, M., & Tallon, J. (2009). Decision theory under uncertainty. Documents de Travail du Centre d'Economie de la Sorbonne.Etner, J., Jeleva, M., & Tallon, J. (2023). Decision theory under uncertainty. Working paper.Fox, C. (2002). The Impact of Extreme Events in Decisions Under Uncertainty: A Cognitive Perspective. Working paper.Frank, C. C., & Seaman, K. (2023). Aging, uncertainty, and decision making—A review. Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, 23, 617-636. Frydman, C., & Camerer, C. (2016). The Psychology and Neuroscience of Financial Decision Making. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 20(9), 661-675. Grether, D. (1978). Recent Psychological Studies of Behavior under Uncertainty. The American Economic Review, 68(2), 70-74.Harrison, F. (1977). Decision-Making in Conditions of Extreme Uncertainty. Journal of Management Studies, 14(2), 169-178. Heal, G., & Millner, A. (2014). Reflections Uncertainty and Decision Making in Climate Change Economics. Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, 8(1), 120-137. Helou, M. A., DiazGranados, D., Ryan, M. S., & Cyrus, J. (2019). Uncertainty in Decision-Making in Medicine: A Scoping Review and Thematic Analysis of Conceptual Models. Academic Medicine, 94(11), 1785-1793. Hertwig, R., Pleskac, T., & Pachur, T. (2019). Taming Uncertainty. MIT Press. Hogg, M. A., & Blaylock, D. (2012). Extremism and the psychology of uncertainty. ...
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