The U.S. has many personal, social, and political problems such as emotional and behavioral disorders, alienation, distorted values, lack of empathy and compassion, focusing on self-interest while ignoring common interest, antisocial behavior, and violence. However, we do not

Progress toward alleviating racism is painfully slow. Perhaps another approach is needed. Let’s start with two questions. What makes some people racist? Can we prevent racist behavior? These questions are vital if we want to

The United States is one of the most violent developed countries in the world. Our homicide rate is seven times that of some European countries and nineteen times that of Japan. There is an average

The current American political climate displays serious challenges. Too often there is a tendency to be drawn to conflict and control rather than cooperation and collaboration. The self-interest of the few frequently outweighs attention to

Overview of Problems Approximately one in five adults in the U.S. experiences some form of mental illness each year according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Nearly half of Americans (46.4%) reported having at

Cross-cultural and animal studies point to the critical importance of the mother-child bond. The first and fundamental intimate relationship is the one between mother and child. Though others may care for the child, the quality of

Testimony on First State Resolution to Encourage Parents to Refrain from the Use of Corporal Punishment Public Hearing at Massachusetts State House, Oct. 20, 2015 Ronald Goldman, PhD, Author of Resolution As a psychological researcher

A typical American birth is transformed from a natural event to a medical event. The mother gives up control of the birth to a doctor. Routine experiences for the baby can include the pain, distress, and

My letter to the editor below was sent to Columbia Magazine, the alumni magazine of my alma mater Columbia University, after it was announced in 2013 that a new brain-science institute was being created at

Cultural Beliefs American child care practices are based on supposedly “rational” factors because Americans, men more than women, tend to value the intellect over the emotions. This preference is consistent with our general difficulty in

Misplaced Focus on the Physical Our materialistic view of the body gives rise to medical materialism and reflects our cultural materialism. Years ago, twin girls were born premature in a Worcester hospital. They were placed in separate incubators

These Principles are not comprehensive. They are intended to challenge us to reach beyond our existing beliefs, practices, and fears of being all we can be. We are urged not to settle and conform, but