Research has shown that it isn't such a bad thing for children to have imaginary friends or hear voices. While these are indicators of possible dysfunction in adults, it seems perfectly healthy and, indeed, common for children. This begs the question for the evolutionary psychologist of the imaginary friend's function. Perhaps for isolated or shy children it allows them to practice their social skills in the privacy of their own heads where mistakes can be made without damaging consequences.

> Via Psycport

Making Habits, Breaking Habits

In his new book, Jeremy Dean--psychologist and author of PsyBlog--looks at how habits work, why they are so hard to change, and how to break bad old cycles and develop new healthy, creative, happy habits.

→ "Making Habits, Breaking Habits", is available now on Amazon.

Reviews
The Bookseller, “Editor’s Pick,” 10/12/12 “Sensible and very readable…By far the most useful of this month’s New You offerings.”

Kirkus Reviews, 1/1/13 “Making changes does take longer than we may expect—no 30-day, 30-pounds-lighter quick fix—but by following the guidelines laid out by Dean, readers have a decent chance at establishing fulfilling, new patterns.”

Publishers Weekly, 12/10/12 “An accessible and informative guide for readers to take control of their lives.”

→ You can dip into the first chapter, or check it out on Amazon.com.