Geoffrey W. Sutton PhD, Psychology and Culture

Louise Penny has noted that Quebec, the setting of her novels, operates almost as a character in its own right. This observation is more than literary flair; it reflects a psychological truth. Environments exert influence. They shape perception, emotion, and behavior. In social psychology, we recognize that human functioning is inseparable from context. Our interactions with others affect our mood, cognition, motivation, and even our physiological health. This is why social context is a core dimension of the SCOPES framework. Yet physical environments — even in the absence of people — also exert measurable effects. Consider how interior spaces communicate safety, warmth, or threat. A familiar chair can regulate stress; a poorly designed one can amplify discomfort. Sensory cues such as scent, sound, and texture influence our emotional states in subtle but powerful ways. Outdoor environments operate similarly. Natural settings often promote restoration, while harsh or polluted environmen...

Dr Patient Consult 2025 by Geoffrey Sutton & Artspace  Yesterday, I spoke with my physician about a procedure, which required his referral to a specialist. He mentioned some pros and cons but said he only had about five patients who had undergone the procedure. Then, he asked if I knew anyone who had had it done. I didn't, and he thought that was unfortunate. I left with the impression he wasn't enthusiastic about the referral. I was just seeking the opinion of the expert. However, my doctor did tell me the procedure was costly, which made me think I might not get an objective analysis from the specialist. Why would a doctor ask if I had a friend who had the procedure? Since his sample of five patients did not fare well, he was reluctant to give a blanket referral. I understand that; however, because I am somewhat familiar with research methods and statistics, I prefer information from a large sample with reliable data. What can we learn from research? It turns out, a frien...

  Repeated Stories in Conversatio n   Recently, I looked at some photos of Christmases past as I was moving to a new computer. I smiled a lot and enjoyed the good memories. Like most people my age, a lot of family members are no longer present. Sometimes, repeating an old story at family gatherings can be a pleasant experience. We remember someone we loved and something funny about what they said or did. It’s repetition, but it’s pleasant. Context and frequency make a difference. But you may have had the common experience of annoying repetitions. Someone you know has a habit of repeating old stories, jokes, or awkward one-liners. Sometimes they are out of context or sometimes they fit the context, but they’ve been heard so many times. And sometimes, the stories are obnoxious. Why People Repeat Themselves:  And Some Suggestions Why is this? There may be several reasons for repetition. 1. Reinforcemen t. We tend to repeat behavior that feels good. Smiles, laughter, and posi...