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The Science of Self

Unpacking our inner monologue

Stress
Men and Women Experience Stress Differently

Betsy Holmberg Ph.D. on March 20, 2024

Neurologically, women tend to experience stress differently than men. Having this understanding can improve how each sex supports the other when times get tough.

Neurologically, women tend to experience stress differently than men. Having this understanding can improve how each sex supports the other when times get tough.

Bias
People Don't Judge You as Harshly as You Think

Betsy Holmberg Ph.D. on February 19, 2024

Two foundational biases in social psychology, the actor-observer bias and the fundamental attribution bias, may not be entirely accurate.

Two foundational biases in social psychology, the actor-observer bias and the fundamental attribution bias, may not be entirely accurate.

Sleep
How to Stop Traveler's Insomnia

Betsy Holmberg Ph.D. on December 4, 2023

Staying overnight in a new place can lead to a terrible night's sleep. Research shows that the brain is to blame.

Staying overnight in a new place can lead to a terrible night's sleep. Research shows that the brain is to blame.

Stress
Does Stress Activate or Suppress the Immune System?

Betsy Holmberg Ph.D. on October 26, 2023

Stress activates the inflammatory part of the immune system while suppressing the illness-fighting part, making us more susceptible to getting sick.

Stress activates the inflammatory part of the immune system while suppressing the illness-fighting part, making us more susceptible to getting sick.

Parenting
The Spirituality of Parenting

Betsy Holmberg Ph.D. on September 21, 2023

It’s hard to watch kids grow up because they once connected us with something more. Here's how to reconnect with that even when kids are fully grown.

It’s hard to watch kids grow up because they once connected us with something more. Here's how to reconnect with that even when kids are fully grown.

Introversion
You’re Not Introverted. You’re Vertically Attached.

Betsy Holmberg Ph.D. on August 20, 2023

We live in a peer-oriented world. For individuals who are closer to their families, it can seem like they are introverts. In fact, they just have a different attachment style.

We live in a peer-oriented world. For individuals who are closer to their families, it can seem like they are introverts. In fact, they just have a different attachment style.

Stress
Why Doesn’t My Spouse Listen?

Betsy Holmberg Ph.D. on July 23, 2023

When stressed, people are physically incapable of hearing each other. Here are the cues that your partner isn't attuned, and ways to talk that actually work.

When stressed, people are physically incapable of hearing each other. Here are the cues that your partner isn't attuned, and ways to talk that actually work.

Depression
Feeling Sad? Blame Your Cold

Betsy Holmberg Ph.D. on April 26, 2023

When people are sick, their immune system produces changes in the brain that make them feel self-critical and pessimistic.

When people are sick, their immune system produces changes in the brain that make them feel self-critical and pessimistic.