### [Understanding Shame](/content/understanding-shame/index.html) The last decade has seen an increase in the public discourse around shame. This corresponds with social media becoming ubiquitous… --- ### [Why We Gossip](/content/why-we-gossip/index.html) When we think of gossip we tend to think of its most negative manifestations. It brings to mind workplace backstabbing… --- ### [The Allure of Charisma](/content/the-allure-of-charisma/index.html) Recently, streaming services have been releasing series after series focused on charismatic leaders/grifters and the damage they cause. WeCrashed (on… --- ### [Repetition and Truth: Understanding Illusory Truth Effect](/content/repetition-and-truth-understanding-illusory-truth-effect/index.html) We have touched on many cognitive biases in Optimistic Learner; Implicit Bias, Confirmation Bias, Optimism Bias, and Ingroup Bias. These… --- ### [Changing Audience Expectations: Celebrity, Social Media, and Parasocial Relationships](/content/changing-audience-expectations-celebrity-social-media-and-parasocial-relationships/index.html) The term ‘Parasocial Relationship’ was, until recently, somewhat confined to discourse in Sociology departments. It was coined by Horton and… --- ### [Understanding Maladaptive Daydreaming](/content/understanding-maladaptive-daydreaming/index.html) The scientific definition of imagination is; the ability to produce and simulate novel objects, sensations, and ideas in the mind… --- ### [The Importance of Theory of Mind](/content/the-importance-of-theory-of-mind/index.html) Humans are highly social animals, relying on cooperation and group bonds to thrive. Our thoughts, behavior, and self-esteem are shaped… --- ### [Processing Grief in Isolation, How to Navigate Despair](/content/grief-rituals/index.html) Every year the American Psychological Association (APA) surveys people across the United States about stress. The introduction to the results… --- ### [Forgiveness and Restorative Justice: How Do We Forgive? Should We?](/content/forgiveness-restorative-justice/index.html) When I talk of forgiveness I mean the belief that you can come out the other side a better person.… --- ### [Altruism, Individualism, and the Science and Psychology of Mask Wearing](/content/altruism-individualism-and-the-science-and-psychology-of-mask-wearing/index.html) Recently it was announced that masks will be mandatory on Metro Vancouver’s public transit system. This is one policy, among… ---