Psychology

From 2014-2016, a severe El Niño event triggered a drought across Central and South America, leading to unprecedented mortality in a population of white-faced capuchin monkeys in northwestern Costa Rica. The Lomas Barbudal Monkey Project, directed by UCLA’s Susan Perry, has studied this population since 1990. While a devastating setback, researchers were able to study the stress physiology of the surviving monkeys. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talks with one of the co-authors of the study, U-M professor of psychology and anthropology, Jacinta Beehner, about while a stronger stress response appears to promote survival in animals, this is not the case for human beings.

As part of its "Exploring the Mind" lecture series, the University of Michigan will host a discussion at the Ann Arbor District Library on how psychology should rethink the way mental illnesses are diagnosed. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.

Clinical psychologists from the University of Michigan are working with local addiction recovery clinics on a form of treatment called "contingency management." The study will determine if positive reinforcement affects recovery outcomes. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.

For thousands of years, people have used the arts for self-expression, healing and communication. It wasn’t until the 1940s, though, that the medical profession began to embrace art therapy. Dr. Mary Spence is a clinical psychologist who uses art and creativity for people of all ages in her practice. We find out why when Mary joins host Deb Polich on the next edition of 89.1 WEMU’s "creative:impact".

A new Eastern Michigan University survey has found Michigan is facing a shortage of qualified professionals that can assist children with autism. We get the details from WEMU’s Taylor Pinson.

The need for mental health care in the Ann Arbor area and across the country continues to increase due to the many challenges in our world today. WEMU's…

Michigan has a number of underserved urban and rural communities with limited access to quality mental health services for children, yet most children in…

As the pandemic appears to be fading, reducing the chances of a threat to our physical health, the emotional toll from the last 15 months may be getting…

Dr. Ethan Kross is a professor of psychology and management/organizations at the University of Michigan and has written a new book called "Chatter." He…

A letter and petition is being presented to Ann Arbor school officials asking for a date for in-person learning to resume in the ongoing pandemic. WEMU's…