Fear-Based News and the Swine Flu

Okay. It's serious. The Swine Flu is creeping about nationally and globally - and we need to be careful. But don't get caught up in overdosing on television and catastrophizing about what could happen.

News is a money making industry. One that doesn't always make it a goal to report the facts accurately. Gone are the days of tuning in to be informed straightforwardly about local and national issues. In truth, watching the news can be a psychologically risky pursuit, which could undermine your mental and physical health.

Fear-based news stories prey on the anxieties we all have and then hold us hostage. Being glued to the television, reading the paper or surfing the Internet increases ratings and market shares - which raises advertising sales and profits therein.

Don't get me wrong. I'm concerned about the possibility of an influenza epidemic. I live close to where many students have come down with the flu. I am following the tips to keep me and my loved ones healthy and will limit lunching or dinnering out. I'll probably spend more time at home instead of traipsing about town.  One thing for sure, though, is that I'll stay away from mainstream news media, getting my information from places like the Center For Disease Control or the World Health Organization.

So, stay informed but don't slide into the fear.

Serani, D. (2008). If It Bleeds, It Leads: The Clinical Implications of Fear-Based Programming in News Media Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, 24 (4), 240-250 DOI: 10.3200/PSYC.24.4.240-250

All The Seniors Are Cane-Fu Fighting

Okay. You walk with a cane to assist you in getting around. 

Well, no longer will you be seen as a frail target for individuals with bad intentions.

Cane Masters has long been teaching seniors and those who rely on canes how to take care of business like a Kung Fu Master. Canes have a rich history of being used a weapons centuries ago. In fact, next to the rock and the stick, it is the oldest weapon around. 

Though these worldwide classes tend to focus on the senior population, all ages are welcome. The great benefit of learning self-defense is that it gives you the ability to live your life with resiliency and confidence. 

A Big Giant "D" for US Mental Health Care

Back in 2006, the National Association of Mental Illness rated the overall mental health care in United States and gave it a big, giant "D". 

It's been three years - and while one would think health care would improve - it sadly hasn't. A new state by state report card from NAMI yielded a disastrous and dreadful "D" again. 

What a terrible state of affairs.

As President Obama and our elected officials address Health Care Reform, the American Psychological Association urges them to include better mental health services.  

Mind and body are interconnected, wouldn't  you agree?

"In Treatment" is Back In-Session at HBO

I am so excited to watch the next installment of In Treatment tonight. I've written about this very special television show before

In Treatment goes deep into the session work of psychotherapy, with each episode focusing on a particular patient. It is a brilliantly layered half-an-hour show, highlighting powerful aspects of psychoanalysis, the healing power of therapy, as well as the character flaws and missteps the talented therapist makes along the way. 

For a New York Times review go here

You Can Look But You Better Not Touch

No, I'm not writing about the 1980 song by Bruce Springsteen - though you can give a listen to a live version of The Boss below. 

I am writing about data from the Journal of Consumer Research that warns that if you want to avoid unnecessary purchases, keep your hands off the goods. 

There's a psychological reason why you are encouraged to "Test Drive", "Taste This", "Try This On" and so on. When touch is involved, the connection of ownership exponentially rises. 

So, unless you have amazing will power, you can look but you better not touch. 

Peck, J., & Shu, S. (2009). The Effect of Mere Touch on Perceived Ownership Journal of Consumer Research DOI: 10.1086/598614