APA Launches Psychotherapy Awareness Initiative

This morning APA launched the Psychotherapy Awareness Initiative to the public and media. A multimedia press release with the embedded video series, Psychotherapy: More Than a Quick Fix, was sent over the news wires across the U.S. Additionally, new resources are available on the Psychology Help Center including Understanding Psychotherapy and How It Works and an updated Talk to a Psychologist brochure. See Quick Links below.

QUICK LINKS
Press release on APA website "Has Psychotherapy Taken a Back Seat to Medication,"http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/09/psychotherapy.aspx
Psychology Help Center landing page: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/. This is sort of a portal to all the psychotherapy materials including the videos.
Psychotherapy Works! page: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/psychotherapy-works.aspx
Understanding psychotherapy and how it works: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-psychotherapy.aspx       
Blog post from Dr. Katherine Nordal, http://www.yourmindyourbody.org/5-reasons-you-should-choose-psychotherapy/
Talk to a Psychologist brochure (online version): http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/talk.aspx

Second-Hand Smoke = Poor Memory

This study reported by the Chicago Tribune, entitled "Second-Hand Smoke Tied to Memory Problems: Study," reveals that individuals who smoke, as well as those who are exposed routinely to others' smoke have significantly more problems with memory than those who have no exposure to cigarette smoke. What are the real-life implications of this research study? What additional research needs to be done?

Loneliness and Older Adulthood

"A Longer Life Lived with Company," published by the NY Times, discusses research that reveals for people over age 60, social isolation is a predictor of functional decline and early death compared to non-isolated individuals. Overall, this seems to also be linked to healthy aging. Social isolation can be helped by linking individuals to volunteer or social opportunities, assisting with changing negative beliefs about social interactions that may be reducing socialization, or just staying in touch with family or friends. When you are 60+, how do you plan on aging healthy? What social engagements are you willing or will be able to do?

Study Shows More Students Cheating

This NY Times article entitled "Studies Show More Students Cheating, With High Achievers No Exception," reveals that cheating is at all-time highs, not just in high school but throughout college. The article discusses reasons for this, ranging from easy access to cut/paste information from the internet, smaller technology, and acceptance of cheating by teachers and other students. Have you ever cheated in a class? What would you do if you saw another student cheating? How best do you think cheating can be curbed in academic settings?