Holly Parker

Boston

Psychologist, author, teacher, eager Spanish student. Aspiring to elevate people's journey along the awe-inspiring footpath of life.

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Articles

Our Imagination Sets Up Our Decisions

1 day ago | psychologytoday.com | Holly Parker |Tyler Woods

Episodic simulation is when a person visualizes an experience that could happen. Researchers tested whether envisioning making a selection could impact a person's choice in reality. The results support the idea that what people conjure up in their mind’s eye affects their decisions. Questions remain about long-term judgments and the exact impact of episodic simulation. Source: Polina Tankilevitch/PexelsSometimes I wish the human brain came with a user’s manual; it would be so handy.
Notice My Breathing? Really?

4 weeks ago | psychologytoday.com | Holly Parker

A team of researchers studied whether a mindfulness app could benefit people on its own. After practicing mindful breathing, people noticed less negative thinking and greater mindfulness. Regardless of whether someone can receive psychological care, a mindfulness app is a useful tool. Picture it: You’re definitely not feeling your best. Maybe you’re fried and irritable, glum or on edge, and the thoughts in your head aren’t doing you any favors either.
Residents of The Radley, a Columbia area student apartment complex, are complaining about saftety

2 months ago | dailygamecock.com | Holly Parker

After rebranding and changing management, The Radley is still dealing with criminal activity, such as shootings and motor vehicle theft, according to residents. The Daily Gamecock interviewed 11 residents at The Radley apartment complex about their experience living there. Overall, residents have said they do not feel safe living in the complex but believe the management change has brought some security to their residency. The Radley rebranded towards the end of 2024 from its former name, Alight.
Emotional Knowing in Relationships

2 months ago | psychologytoday.com | Holly Parker

Has your partner ever done the emotional equivalent of a trust fall with you? Let yourself recall both the upsetting moments and the elevating, joyful moments. Source: Katrin Bolovtsova/PexelsNow envision a time when you not only caught them, but you also gave them just what they needed. What was that like? Maybe you felt a calm warmth washing over you, or you gave yourself an exuberant, mental high-five. Whatever happened, you probably felt great.
How You React to Yourself Parallels How You React to Others

Mar 28, 2025 | psychologytoday.com | Holly Parker

People have different ways of relating to their own happiness. People may pursue happiness or worry about it. Researchers examined whether people’s outlook toward happiness is connected to the way they support others. People who worry about happiness have a hard time accepting others’ feelings. How do you treat your own happiness? Virtually all of us have a way of relating to our contentment, even though it’s a question we may not think about in a deliberate, intentional way.
Carolina Cafe will lose nearby parking meters

Mar 2, 2025 | dailygamecock.com | Holly Parker

The owner of Carolina Cafe, a cafe near USC's Horseshoe, is concerned for her business as theparking spots outside of the store arereplaced with bike lanes. The project, conducted by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, aims to improve pedestrian commutes. But it has been upsetting for Carolina Cafe owner Lauren Schlueter. She said she is concerned about businesses being inaccessible to motor traffic as the plan is underway.
The Guiding Light of Emotions

Oct 27, 2024 | psychologytoday.com | Holly Parker

A new study tested whether there's a link between emotional clarity, decision-making, and reaching for goals. The results revealed that with emotional clarity, there’s less doubtfulness and more movement toward aims. It’s not yet possible to say that emotional clarity leads to more resolve about choices and reaching for aims. Although there's a connection between emotional clarity and wellness, there may be exceptions.
Is Setting Goals Healthier than Enjoying Life?

Sep 27, 2024 | psychologytoday.com | Holly Parker

A sense of purpose refers to aspirations that help people chart a path forward as they engage with their life. It’s been unclear whether a sense of purpose or contentment in life is more strongly linked to our lifespan. A team of researchers compared purpose and contentment in life with data spanning over 20 years. The results revealed that purpose is more reliably connected to how long people live than enjoyment in life.
Connecting With Others: Getting It and Getting It Right

Aug 30, 2024 | psychologytoday.com | Holly Parker

Researchers built on prior work to explore why people may be more likely to discuss their feelings. People are more inclined to talk about how they feel with those who value their well-being. People are more apt to share their emotions with those who can correctly grasp what they're experiencing. People are more likely to open up about their feelings with those who strive to comprehend their experience.
The Two-Edged Sword of Holding Onto Your Outlook in Conflict

Jun 21, 2024 | psychologytoday.com | Holly Parker

Source: PNW Production/PexelsThis post refers only to nonabusive relationships. Envision moments when you reacted to your partner as fruitfully as you aspired to, when you were open, kind, and constructive. Just now, at least one moment probably came to mind; if you give it some time, others will likely arise. Now, let’s remember that you’re human, so you’re just not going to hit that mark every time.