Steven Heine
@stevenheine.bsky.social
Canadian social/cultural psychologist at UBC. Japanophile. Author of "Start making Sense," "DNA is not Destiny" and "Cultural Psychology."
Reposted by Steven Heine
"basic cognitive processes underlying explanatory reasoning give rise to a systematic inherence bias among practicing scientists—a tendency to explain phenomena in terms of their inherent properties rather than external factors"
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
PNAS
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) - an authoritative source of high-impact, original research that broadly spans...
www.pnas.org
September 20, 2025 at 2:36 PM
"basic cognitive processes underlying explanatory reasoning give rise to a systematic inherence bias among practicing scientists—a tendency to explain phenomena in terms of their inherent properties rather than external factors"
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
I reply here to Mickey Inzlicht’s critique of our assessment of the TMT literature -led by former grad students, Lihan Chen and Rachele Benjamin. We consider the question of how can we best evaluate a literature and, judging from his critique, reach a controversial conclusion.
Last week I declared terror management theory dead and accused my friend Steve Heine of motivated reasoning. Steve responded like the mensch he is with a solid rebuttal instead of blocking me. Read his guest post and tell us both who you think is right in the comments!
The Reports of Terror Management Theory’s Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
Last week I declared the social psychology of death officially dead.
open.substack.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:32 PM
I reply here to Mickey Inzlicht’s critique of our assessment of the TMT literature -led by former grad students, Lihan Chen and Rachele Benjamin. We consider the question of how can we best evaluate a literature and, judging from his critique, reach a controversial conclusion.
Reposted by Steven Heine
To be very clear, these kinds of polygenic scores are incredibly shit predictors of individual traits... HT @anjiolina.bsky.social #GATTACA
June 5, 2025 at 10:08 AM
To be very clear, these kinds of polygenic scores are incredibly shit predictors of individual traits... HT @anjiolina.bsky.social #GATTACA
Reposted by Steven Heine
Short piece in The Conversation about our recent PNAS paper on (even atheists') intuitive preferences for religion!
Enjoy & spread as you see fit!
theconversation.com/did-humans-e...
Enjoy & spread as you see fit!
theconversation.com/did-humans-e...
Did humans evolve to prefer religion? Research shows many atheists intuitively favour faith
Research highlights Atheists often believe religious faith is positive, even though they don’t hold it themselves.
theconversation.com
May 22, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Short piece in The Conversation about our recent PNAS paper on (even atheists') intuitive preferences for religion!
Enjoy & spread as you see fit!
theconversation.com/did-humans-e...
Enjoy & spread as you see fit!
theconversation.com/did-humans-e...
Reposted by Steven Heine
Very nice in @pnas.org - people who slept closer to their own culture's norms for sleep duration had better overall health. Sleep duration is more complex than often considered in a strict neuroscientific or biomedical sense. @ChristineOuBC @stevenheine.bsky.social www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Healthy sleep durations appear to vary across cultures | PNAS
Past research finds that sleep duration is reliably linked with health yet sleep durations
differ substantially between countries. We investigated ...
www.pnas.org
May 13, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Very nice in @pnas.org - people who slept closer to their own culture's norms for sleep duration had better overall health. Sleep duration is more complex than often considered in a strict neuroscientific or biomedical sense. @ChristineOuBC @stevenheine.bsky.social www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Reposted by Steven Heine
Think 8 hours of sleep is the magic number? Research from Dr. @stevenheine.bsky.social included the analysis of over 5,000 people in 20 countries, revealing that the hours of sleep required for good health varies significantly across different cultures. psych.ubc.ca/news/sleep-c...
What’s a healthy amount of sleep? It differs from one country to another - UBC Department of Psychology
Your optimal amount of sleep may depend on where you live, new UBC Psychology research has found.
psych.ubc.ca
May 9, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Think 8 hours of sleep is the magic number? Research from Dr. @stevenheine.bsky.social included the analysis of over 5,000 people in 20 countries, revealing that the hours of sleep required for good health varies significantly across different cultures. psych.ubc.ca/news/sleep-c...
Reposted by Steven Heine
What’s a healthy amount of sleep? 😴
A new UBC study analyzed sleep data and health outcomes for nearly 5,000 people in 20 countries, which revealed that the hours of sleep required for good health varies significantly across different cultures.
Read more: bit.ly/4jEq3JG
A new UBC study analyzed sleep data and health outcomes for nearly 5,000 people in 20 countries, which revealed that the hours of sleep required for good health varies significantly across different cultures.
Read more: bit.ly/4jEq3JG
What’s a healthy amount of sleep? It differs from one country to another - UBC News
New research challenges the common belief that everyone needs the same amount of sleep for good health.
bit.ly
May 8, 2025 at 4:06 PM
What’s a healthy amount of sleep? 😴
A new UBC study analyzed sleep data and health outcomes for nearly 5,000 people in 20 countries, which revealed that the hours of sleep required for good health varies significantly across different cultures.
Read more: bit.ly/4jEq3JG
A new UBC study analyzed sleep data and health outcomes for nearly 5,000 people in 20 countries, which revealed that the hours of sleep required for good health varies significantly across different cultures.
Read more: bit.ly/4jEq3JG
Reposted by Steven Heine
"most [psychologists] thought ‘Homo economicus’ (self-interested rationality) poor model human behaviour...split on whether personality largely stable...researchers in evolution/comparative thought theories should focus more on evolution of mental faculties [evo psy]" www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Differences in psychologists’ cognitive traits are associated with scientific divides - Nature Human Behaviour
Scientific disagreements are not just a matter of using different methods or having conflicting data. Sulik et al. surveyed psychological scientists and found that disagreements are also associated wi...
www.nature.com
April 18, 2025 at 1:19 PM
"most [psychologists] thought ‘Homo economicus’ (self-interested rationality) poor model human behaviour...split on whether personality largely stable...researchers in evolution/comparative thought theories should focus more on evolution of mental faculties [evo psy]" www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Steven Heine
Excellent critique of childhood development interventions: "The privileged of Global North & South can find solace in the idea they have little responsibility for inequality. If bad childcare & poor brain development are major contributing factors to poverty, then it's parents’ job to overcome it"
The problem with parenting interventions in the Global South | Aeon Essays
Early childhood development interventions in the Global South is a huge industry built on highly questionable assumptions
aeon.co
March 26, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Excellent critique of childhood development interventions: "The privileged of Global North & South can find solace in the idea they have little responsibility for inequality. If bad childcare & poor brain development are major contributing factors to poverty, then it's parents’ job to overcome it"
I had a great discussion with Kurt and Tim at Behavioral Grooves. The Existential Playbook: How to Make Sense of Your Life behavioralgrooves.com/episode/the-...
Behavioral Grooves | The Existential Playbook
Dr. Steve Heine unpacks the psychology of meaning, connection, and existential anxiety—plus, practical tools for building a more fulfilling life.
behavioralgrooves.com
March 25, 2025 at 6:33 PM
I had a great discussion with Kurt and Tim at Behavioral Grooves. The Existential Playbook: How to Make Sense of Your Life behavioralgrooves.com/episode/the-...
Reposted by Steven Heine
New episode (1072), with Dr. Steven Heine (@stevenheine.bsky.social). We talk about his new book, Start Making Sense: How Existential Psychology Can Help Us Build Meaningful Lives in Absurd Times. #psychology #Science
YouTube: youtu.be/oQj1VpqU1kQ
Podcast: bit.ly/4iWQfOS
YouTube: youtu.be/oQj1VpqU1kQ
Podcast: bit.ly/4iWQfOS
#1072 Steven Heine: How Existential Psychology Can Help Us Build Meaningful Lives in Absurd Times
YouTube video by The Dissenter
youtu.be
March 17, 2025 at 8:05 PM
New episode (1072), with Dr. Steven Heine (@stevenheine.bsky.social). We talk about his new book, Start Making Sense: How Existential Psychology Can Help Us Build Meaningful Lives in Absurd Times. #psychology #Science
YouTube: youtu.be/oQj1VpqU1kQ
Podcast: bit.ly/4iWQfOS
YouTube: youtu.be/oQj1VpqU1kQ
Podcast: bit.ly/4iWQfOS
I had a great discussion with Ricardo about how people maintain meaningful lives.
New episode (1072), with Dr. Steven Heine (@stevenheine.bsky.social). We talk about his new book, Start Making Sense: How Existential Psychology Can Help Us Build Meaningful Lives in Absurd Times. #psychology #Science
YouTube: youtu.be/oQj1VpqU1kQ
Podcast: bit.ly/4iWQfOS
YouTube: youtu.be/oQj1VpqU1kQ
Podcast: bit.ly/4iWQfOS
#1072 Steven Heine: How Existential Psychology Can Help Us Build Meaningful Lives in Absurd Times
YouTube video by The Dissenter
youtu.be
March 18, 2025 at 4:53 PM
I had a great discussion with Ricardo about how people maintain meaningful lives.
Two common findings from sleep research are that 1) short sleep durations predict worse health outcomes, and 2) people from some cultures sleep much less than those from others. Do people from cultures with short sleep durations have worse health outcomes? 🧵
March 14, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Two common findings from sleep research are that 1) short sleep durations predict worse health outcomes, and 2) people from some cultures sleep much less than those from others. Do people from cultures with short sleep durations have worse health outcomes? 🧵
Today "Start Making Sense" was named Book of the Day by the Next Big Idea Club. bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com/p/the-world-...
The World is Chaotic — Here's How to Find Meaning
How existential psychology can keep you steady in absurd times.
bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com
March 13, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Today "Start Making Sense" was named Book of the Day by the Next Big Idea Club. bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com/p/the-world-...
Here's a blogpost I wrote on the ironic challenges that we face from having too many choices in our lives. People tend not to appreciate how much anxiety comes with the responsibility of blazing your own trail.
www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ma...
www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ma...
Embracing Our Freedoms, but at What Cost?
People in individualistic cultures celebrate their many choices. But we often fail to recognize the psychological costs that come with having to figure everything out on our own.
www.psychologytoday.com
March 3, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Here's a blogpost I wrote on the ironic challenges that we face from having too many choices in our lives. People tend not to appreciate how much anxiety comes with the responsibility of blazing your own trail.
www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ma...
www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ma...
Thanks Beth for your thoughtful review!
"Start Making Sense" I'd never heard of existential psychology & love David Lynch so bought the book. It did not disappoint.
"Meaning is ultimately about connections: the meaning in our own lives is determined by how well our lives are connected."
@stevenheine.bsky.social
"Meaning is ultimately about connections: the meaning in our own lives is determined by how well our lives are connected."
@stevenheine.bsky.social
Beth Bonness's review of Start Making Sense
5/5: When I read an article in Nautilus Magazine by Steven J Heine called, "David Lynch Opens a Portal to Our Minds" he reached out to me about his new book. "Start Making Sense: How Existential…
buff.ly
February 21, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Thanks Beth for your thoughtful review!
I wrote a piece for Aeon's Psyche Guides on how to find meaning in your life as a buffer against anxiety – psyche.co/guides/how-t... via @aeon.co
How to make your life feel more meaningful | Psyche Guides
Existential psychology offers specific ways to find meaning, giving you a buffer against despair in these anxious times
psyche.co
February 19, 2025 at 6:41 PM
I wrote a piece for Aeon's Psyche Guides on how to find meaning in your life as a buffer against anxiety – psyche.co/guides/how-t... via @aeon.co
Here's a review of Start Making Sense by the Greater Good.
Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life
A psychologist argues that asking ourselves existential questions and recognizing our values can make life more fulfilling and meaningful.
greatergood.berkeley.edu
February 19, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Here's a review of Start Making Sense by the Greater Good.
Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
Seven Ways to Bring More Meaning to Your Life greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
I had a really fun discussion of my book, Start Making Sense, with Kelly Leonard at Second City. www.secondcity.com/network/cate...
The Second City Training Center has the perfect class for everyone. Check out our overview for more information.
www.secondcity.com
February 11, 2025 at 5:25 PM
I had a really fun discussion of my book, Start Making Sense, with Kelly Leonard at Second City. www.secondcity.com/network/cate...
I'm thrilled that the
@nextbigidea.bsky.social
has selected my new book, Start Making Sense, as a monthly must-read! nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/cul...
@nextbigidea.bsky.social
has selected my new book, Start Making Sense, as a monthly must-read! nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/cul...
How to Cultivate Meaning When Life Feels Absurd
Author Steven Heine shares 5 key insights from his new book, Start Making Sense: How Existential Psychology Can Help Us Build Meaningful Lives in Absurd Times.
nextbigideaclub.com
January 31, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I'm thrilled that the
@nextbigidea.bsky.social
has selected my new book, Start Making Sense, as a monthly must-read! nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/cul...
@nextbigidea.bsky.social
has selected my new book, Start Making Sense, as a monthly must-read! nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/cul...
Nietzsche proclaimed “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.” I write here about how existential psychology has revealed much evidence in support of this.
The Curious Relations Between Suffering and Meaning | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ma...
The Curious Relations Between Suffering and Meaning | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ma...
The Curious Relations Between Suffering and Meaning
These have been trying times. Perhaps they can help us in our efforts to pursue a more meaningful life.
www.psychologytoday.com
January 30, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Nietzsche proclaimed “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.” I write here about how existential psychology has revealed much evidence in support of this.
The Curious Relations Between Suffering and Meaning | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ma...
The Curious Relations Between Suffering and Meaning | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ma...
Here's a tribute that I wrote for David Lynch. We used his films in our research to reveal how people strive to find meaning in what can seem meaningless. I discuss some of this work in my new book: hachettebookgroup.com/titles/steve...
January 29, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Here's a tribute that I wrote for David Lynch. We used his films in our research to reveal how people strive to find meaning in what can seem meaningless. I discuss some of this work in my new book: hachettebookgroup.com/titles/steve...
Reposted by Steven Heine
You can take the DeepSeek out of China but you can’t take the China out of DeepSeek
January 28, 2025 at 2:40 PM
You can take the DeepSeek out of China but you can’t take the China out of DeepSeek
It’s PUBLICATION DAY!! Very happy to announce the release of my new book, Start Making Sense: How Existential Psychology Can Help us Build Meaning Lives in Absurd Times. A 🧵
www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/steve...
www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/steve...
Start Making Sense
A "beautiful, deep, thoughtful" (Angela Duckworth, New York Times-bestselling author of Grit) investigation into the science of why we crave meaning—and ...
www.hachettebookgroup.com
January 28, 2025 at 3:20 PM
It’s PUBLICATION DAY!! Very happy to announce the release of my new book, Start Making Sense: How Existential Psychology Can Help us Build Meaning Lives in Absurd Times. A 🧵
www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/steve...
www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/steve...
Thanks so much to Behavioral Scientist for naming my new book, Start Making Sense, as one of the notable book of the year!
behavioralscientist.org/behavioral-s...
behavioralscientist.org/behavioral-s...
Behavioral Scientist’s Notable Books of 2024 - by Antonia Violante and Evan Nesterak - Behavioral Scientist
Our list of noteworthy behavioral science books published in 2024.
behavioralscientist.org
December 21, 2024 at 12:55 AM
Thanks so much to Behavioral Scientist for naming my new book, Start Making Sense, as one of the notable book of the year!
behavioralscientist.org/behavioral-s...
behavioralscientist.org/behavioral-s...