Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science

Is Autism Really One Spectrum? Scientists May Be Wrong

In this episode of Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Redcay to explore how studying real‑time interaction is reshaping what we know about the social brain and autism.  We dive into second‑person neuroscience, brain‑to‑brain synchrony, and why measuring social cognition in isolation can miss what actually matters in everyday life. The conversation also unpacks emerging research showing that autism is not a single spectrum, but may involve distinct subgroups with different behavioral, neural, and genetic profiles—raising important questions about how we study, diagnose, and support autistic individuals. #Autism. #Social Neuroscience, #Psychology Resources: * Dr. Elizabeth Redcay lab site (Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab): https://dscn.umd.edu/index.html [https://dscn.umd.edu/index.html] * Nature Genetics (2025): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02224-z [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02224-z] (four latent classes; genetics/developmental programs) * Nature Neuroscience (2023): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-023-01259-x [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-023-01259-x] (brain–behavior dimensions; four reproducible subgroups; molecular/network links)

Flipping the script on early childhood education

Relationships are an important part of the human experience, and especially for kids. In this episode, we dive into the role of relationships in early childhood education with Dr. Jude Cassidy. Jude shares insights from her decades of research on parent-child relationships and how her newest research taking place in schools throughout three counties in Maryland aims to create a new approach to early childhood education.

Do Violent Video Games Increase Aggression?

Do violent video games turn people violent? After forty years of research, dozens of meta-analyses, and even a Supreme Court case, the debate still won’t die. In this episode of Cracking the Shell on Psychological Science, Mike and Joey trace the controversy from Mortal Kombat and the birth of the ESRB to today’s competing meta-analyses. They unpack key critiques—how “aggression” is measured, publication bias, and confounds—and explain why many findings are small but consistent. Finally, they ask the real-world question: if effects exist, do they matter for policy? #VideoGames, #psychology, #mMentalHealth, #Aggression * Anderson, C.A., et al. (2010). Violent video game effects on aggression, empathy, and prosocial behavior. Psychological Bulletin, 136(2), 151–173. https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/bul-136-2-151.pdf * Ferguson, C.J. (2015). Do angry birds make for angry children? Perspectives on Psychological Science. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1745691615592234 * Mathur, M.B., & VanderWeele, T.J. (2019). Finding common ground in meta-analysis "wars" on violent video games. Perspectives on Psychological Science. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1745691619850104 * Prescott, A.T., Sargent, J.D., & Hull, J.G. (2018). Meta-analysis of violent video game play and physical aggression over time. PNAS, 115(40). https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1611617114 * Miles-Novelo, A., & Anderson, C.A. (2025). The question of violent video games and aggression. Aggressive Behavior. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ab.70042

Understanding LGBTQ+ Mental Health, Minority Stress, and the Crisis of Suicide

Nearly half of transgender and nonbinary youth seriously considered suicide last year. In this episode, hosts Mike and Joey talk with Dr. Ethan Mereish, licensed psychologist and director of the Lavender Lab at the University of Maryland, about what the data say—and what can help. We explore minority stress, intersectionality, and how discrimination and chronic stigma shape mental health, substance use, and suicide risk. Dr. Mereish also highlights resilience, affirming care, and the protective power of supportive families, schools, and communities. Content note: suicide, self-harm, discrimination. #LGBTQ, #MentalHealth, #MinorityStress, Resources: Mental Health Crisis hotline: call or text 988 Trevor project: 1-866-488-7386. Dr. Mereish's laboratory: www.the-lavender-lab.com/ Trevor project website: www.thetrevorproject.org/ NAMI Helpline: ⁠1-800-950-NAMI (6264)⁠ [tel:+18009506264]

Why Mental Health Is a Maryland Issue—and a Terp Issue

Over 61 million adults in the US live with mental illness — nearly 1 in 4. For young people, the numbers are even starker: in Maryland alone, more than a third of middle schoolers and nearly 40% of high schoolers report persistent sadness or hopelessness. These aren't distant statistics. They're our neighbors, classmates, roommates, and friends. In this special Podcasthon charity episode, we sit down with Michael Gray — a longtime mental health policy advocate and former deputy director of NAMI-Maryland — to explore how NAMI is working to make mental health care more accessible, equitable, and humane across the state. Michael draws on years of front-line experience listening to Maryland families, helping them navigate crises, and pushing for policy changes that actually move the needle. If this conversation moves you, please consider supporting NAMI-Maryland's work at namimd.org/donate [namimd.org/donate]. #NAMI, #NAMIMaryland, #MentalHealth, #Psychology NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) [tel:+18009506264]