By Dr. Kathleen Bogart, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Oregon State University Facial expressions are important parts of how we communicate and how we develop impressions of the people around us. In “The Expression of Emotion in Man and Animals,” Charles Darwin proposed that facial expressions evolved to quickly communicate emotional states important to social survival.…
Read MoreLiving with Moebius Syndrome
As we enter the New Year, it is time to prepare for Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day on January 24. While often ignored, a better understanding of this rare condition can lead to a better understanding of facial expressions – and the people who cannot show them. Moebius syndrome is characterized by a craniofacial/neurological disorder that…
Read MoreResolving for a New Year
Are you already stressed about your New Year’s resolution? As we prepare for the New Year, it is important to remember that attempts at self-improvement are deeply rooted in psychological principles. It may be hard to stick with our resolutions, but an understanding of how to motivate ourselves can help you make lasting and powerful…
Read MoreStaying Jolly for the Holidays
The Christmas season is certainly a happy time for many people, but it’s often hectic nature can cause a great deal of stress. Thankfully, there are easy ways to manage this stress without distracting from the necessary shopping, cooking, and family time. The psychologist, Dr. Tara Brach, claims that this is a perfect time to…
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