Ruth Whippman || America the Anxious - a podcast by Scott Barry Kaufman

from 2017-12-06T13:00

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The process of being happy has become painfully comically neurotic" - Ruth Whippman


This week I am delighted to welcome Ruth Whippman to The Psychology Podcast. Ruth is the author of America the Anxious: How Our Pursuit of Happiness is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks. The book has been covered by New York MagazineThe New York TimesThe New York PostThe Washington Post, and VICE, among others.


Today we bring to you spirited discussion topics such as:



  • The cultural differences between America and Britain regarding attitudes about happiness (Ruth moved from London to California 6 years ago with her husband and 2 young sons).

  • Dosage effects of positive interventions—Is it useful to try to feel good all the time?

  • The standards to which we hold motivational speakers, popular science writers, and scientists themselves—Is it okay for standards to differ?

  • The rampant promotion of  "pseudo-growth" among corporate flourishing initiatives.

  • The parenting "happiness rat race".


Enjoy, and if you have thoughts on the episode be sure to leave a comment below!


Links:


You can find Ruth's book America the Anxious: How Our Pursuit of Happiness is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks on Amazon:


https://www.amazon.com/America-Anxious-Pursuit-Happiness-Creating/dp/1250071526 [Book]


Follow Ruth on Twitter @ruthwhippman


http://twitter.com/ruthwhippman


Bob Emmons on the Power of Gratitude:


https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/video/item/the_power_of_gratitude [Video]


http://scottbarrykaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Emmons-paper-for-Gratitude-Complaint-consultation-September-2017.pdf [Paper]



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