Author Archives: Jenika

About Jenika

Jenika received a B.A. in psychology with honors from Yale University, where she conducted research with Marvin Chun. As a third-year graduate student at the University of Illinois, she studies emotion and cognition with Gregory A. Miller and Wendy Heller. Her research focuses on cognition and executive function in emotional contexts.

The Happiness Disease

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Jenika

I bet you’ve had at least one friend or coworker who never stays at home when they’re sick.  The kind who will sit next to you and cough, sneeze, and hack their way through meetings, while you and everyone around … Continue reading →

Posted in Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology | 5 Comments

iPads vs. Adventures: Negative Stereotypes of Materialism

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Jenika

Suppose you’re sitting around one night and log in to Facebook.  You scan through your friends’ status updates, and notice one person excitedly trumpeting the arrival of their new iPad 2, chattering about all the cool features.  Maybe you’re not … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer Psychology, Social Psychology | 4 Comments

Diagnosis: Lazy?

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Jenika

Imagine you break your leg, but no one believes you.  Your boss tells you to just get over it.  Your mother says it’ll be all right in a few days.  Your spouse snaps in frustration, “Stop limping!  You’re scaring the … Continue reading →

Posted in Clinical Psychology, Community Psychology | 2 Comments

Shots, Ski Trips, and the Power of Anticipation

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Jenika

You’re sitting in a doctor’s office.  The nurse comes in to tell you that you have to get three shots, but you’ll need to wait a half an hour before someone can come administer them.  He leaves the room, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Cognitive Psychology | 1 Comment

Are You Normal? It Depends.

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Jenika

We all have personality quirks.  But occasionally, a person may behave so eccentrically and erratically that they cannot function in regular life situations.  It might seem easy to identify a person who behaves oddly.  They might be chronically suspicious of … Continue reading →

Posted in Clinical Psychology, Personality Psychology | 6 Comments

Does Happiness Help Us or Hurt Us?

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Jenika

We’ve all experienced the benefits of happiness.  After hearing that you are getting a raise, you give the best presentation of your life.  After lunch with a witty friend, you quickly solve problems at work that afternoon.  You hear your … Continue reading →

Posted in Cognitive Psychology | 1 Comment

Psychology’s Frenemies

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Jenika

It’s a lot like watching a reality television show, only without Simon Cowell providing amusing commentary.  But the essential ingredients are all there: shifting alliances, suspicions, competition for resources, and perhaps even frenemies.  Yes, watching neuroscience interact with clinical psychology … Continue reading →

Posted in Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience | 3 Comments