Month: December 2013

“Affluenza,” successfully utilized in the defense of a 16-year-old driving under the influence, is not a recognized mental illness; it may explain, but it doesn’t exculpate.  Article written by Christopher J. Ferguson.

http://ideas.time.com/2013/12/14/psychologist-affluenza-is-junk-science/

Practical tips for extending your feelings of holiday joy and peace well into the new year.  Article written by Scott E. Smith, Ph.D.

http://www.capitalgazette.com/lifestyle/columnists/psychology/psychology-avoid-holiday-letdown-and-keep-the-fun-going-all/article_a4ac31c3-362a-5fc0-a33b-2962cf635de8.html

Why fully-functioning adults seem to turn back into adolescents upon returning home for Xmas.  Article written by Oliver Burkeman.

http://www.theguardian.com/news/oliver-burkeman-s-blog/2013/dec/20/psychology-christmas-holiday-family-regression

The Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy finds no direct causal connection between mental health problems and gun violence.  Article written by Timothy Johnson.

http://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/12/11/its-time-to-stop-blaming-mental-health-for-mass/197226

A mindfulness-based plan for reducing holiday season stress.  Article written by Mark Williams, Ph.D., and Danny Penman, Ph.D.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mindfulness-in-frantic-world/201112/christmas-stress-relief-mindful-ten-day-guide