What do genetics have to do with long-term relationships? What does our immune system have to do with our judgements and biases? Meet Dr. Stacey Makhanova, a researcher from the University of Arkansas. As a social and evolutionary psychologist, Dr. Stacey looks at our behaviors and the potential reasons why. Jenn and Dr. Stacey discuss how our biology and psychology are absolutely intertwined and what this means for our romantic relationships, our friendships and our relationships with ourselves!    

Outline:

• Welcome back
• Meet Dr. Anastasia (Stacey) Makhanova
• Intro today's topic
• What is social psychology? What is evolutionary psychology?
• Dr. Stacey's story 
• Genetics & marital satisfaction
• CD38 gene, people with specific variations are more inclined toward benevolent thoughts toward their partners
• Connection to oxytocin 
• Can we build gratitude, trust & forgiveness?
• When we're in conflict or in times of change & stress
• Testosterone & blaming vs being a team
• Men vs women in studies
• How we translate the studies on romantic relationships to friendships
• Looking at college peer groups
• The same learning in a work context
• Negative feedback & perception
• Our relationships with ourselves - judgement & beating ourselves up
• Understanding bias & the "other"
• Our immune systems can impact our perceptions & biases
• Negative views of the elderly, obese, foreigners & more
• Key takeaways
• Final thoughts

Links:

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Dr. Stacey Makhanova's website

Quotes:

"Everyday human behavior...and why might it be happening." – Dr. Stacey Makhanova

"The CD38 gene is connected to gratitude, forgiveness and trust."  – Dr. Stacey Makhanova

"Genes aren't deterministic"  – Dr. Stacey Makhanova

"A person's own perception triggered a hormone response."  – Dr. Stacey Makhanova

"Women and men engage in blaming behavior at the same frequency but women's testosterone is reacting to something different."– Dr. Stacey Makhanova

"Sometimes our physiological response can undermine a relationship that's otherwise good and close."– Dr. Stacey Makhanova

"Our brain is great at being on autopilot."– Dr. Stacey Makhanova 

"Biology and psychology are so connected that to look at one in isolation is potentially doing a disservice."– Jenn Trepeck