Latest news with #UniversityofBasel
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar National Library explores women's voices in travel literature
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar National Library organised a symposium exploring the often-overlooked contributions of women to the genre of travel literature. Bringing together leading researchers and academics, the event examined how female travellers from the 19th and early 20th centuries used travel—and the literature it inspired—as a means of personal empowerment, self-discovery and the reimagining of prevailing social norms. Titled 'Women's Travel Literature: Journeys Through Female Eyes—Between the Real and the Imagined', the symposium highlighted the distinctive voices of female travellers who documented their encounters with the East during an era when women were often excluded from the traditional literary canon. The event featured presentations by a distinguished group of international scholars, including Dr. Falestin Naili (University of Basel, Switzerland), Dr. Leila Jabri (Institute of Heritage, Tunisia), Dr. Soundouss El-Ketani (Royal Military College of Canada), and Dr. Nadia Riahi (University of Tunis). Each offered valuable insights into the lives and legacies of women like Hilma Granqvist, Princess Therese of Bavaria, Cristina Belgiojoso, and Isabelle Eberhardt—figures who contributed to the understanding of cultural 'otherness' through their travel writings, artistic works and ethnographic observations. Dr. Moez Dridi, senior archives specialist at Qatar National Library, opened the symposium with a general introduction that set the stage for exploring how travel allowed women to question identity, engage with themes of social justice and construct new relationships between gender, space and cultural boundaries. 'The writings of these women offer an overlooked but profoundly enriching perspective on both travel and the shaping of Orientalism,' said Dr. Dridi. 'They invite us to revisit history through a female lens, one that challenges dominant narratives and uncovers new dimensions of intercultural understanding,' he added. The symposium invited attendees to reflect on whether female Orientalism exists—developed in the same historical period as its male counterpart—through the lived experiences and intellectual contributions of women travellers, archaeologists and ethnologists who engaged with distant lands in transformative ways. The event was conducted in both Arabic and English and welcomed researchers, academics and members of the public with an interest in literature, gender studies, history and cross-cultural exploration. To learn more about upcoming events at Qatar National Library, please visit the Library's website at
Telegraph
26-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Placebo pills can improve women's PMS symptoms
Placebo pills can improve women's PMS symptoms, a study has found. The trial involving 150 women found that placebo pills were more effective than standard treatments for the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMS is the umbrella term given to the symptoms women can experience in the weeks before their period, which includes mood swings, depression, tiredness and bloating. Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland split the group of women ages between 18 and 45 with PMS symptoms into three groups. One group was given standard treatment, which can include antidepressants and hormone-based pills such as oral contraceptives. The second group was given a placebo pill without being told, while a third was given the placebo and told it was a placebo – known as an open-label placebo – along with an explanation as to why it may help. Previous studies have shown the potential for open-label placebos – which are typically sugar pills and have no active ingredients – to help with conditions such as IBS, chronic lower back pain, ADHD, depression and menopausal hot flushes. The third group, who were given the open-label placebo and told it had no active medication, had the best response on every metric, the researchers said. Standard treatments were least effective The pills were taken twice a day for six weeks and the women in this group saw an average 79.3 per cent reduction in their symptom intensity and 82.5 per cent fall in interference in their lives. They also had the highest decrease (70.7 per cent) of psychological symptom intensity between menstrual cycles. Meanwhile, women receiving just the placebo without the explanation reported a 50.4 per cent reduction in symptoms, a 50.3 per cent drop in interference in their lives and a 42.6 per cent fall in mental health symptoms. Those who received standard treatments reported the smallest improvements of the three groups. Symptoms within this group were reduced by 33 per cent, interference in daily lives was 45.7 per cent lower, and psychological symptoms decreased by just 29.1 per cent. While the 'placebo effect' is a well-known concept that describes the benefits a patient feels from a treatment that cannot be attributed to the placebo itself, it is even less clear why telling someone they are taking a placebo may help. The researchers suggest the expectation created by an explanation could provide a boost, giving women a 'sense of autonomy and empowerment'. The authors of the study, which is published in the BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine journal, acknowledged that there were limitations in the design of the trial. The trial had been advertised as a study for a side-effect free intervention for PMS, which may have attracted participants who were more open to unconventional treatments or those who were dissatisfied with existing treatments. Results were also reliant on people's accurate reporting of their own symptoms. The researchers concluded that supplying open-label placebos 'with a treatment rationale to women with PMS can decrease symptom intensity and interference considerably in the absence of substantial side-effects and with full transparency'. They said the treatments 'could serve as an acceptable, efficacious and safe intervention for PMS'.
CNN
20-02-2025
- General
- CNN
Social rejection could be making narcissists' behavior worse, new study finds
If you don't personally know a narcissist, you can likely think of a few celebrities or politicians who display entitlement, lack empathy and crave constant admiration. Grandiose narcissists, also known as overt narcissists, are particularly notorious for their inflated sense of self-importance and relentless need for attention — traits that may match the description of someone you just thought of. Unlike covert narcissists, who mask their behavior with self-pity, grandiose narcissists rely on charm and manipulation to thrive. Now, a new study has found grandiose narcissists are not only more likely to feel ostracized but are also genuinely excluded more often than those with less egocentric personalities. The study, published Thursday in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, examined 77,000 participants across multiple studies, controlled experiments and real-world scenarios, to identify why narcissists experience higher levels of exclusion. How narcissism and exclusion fuel one another Narcissists often display disruptive behaviors in social settings, such as aggression or arrogance, that increase the likelihood of others distancing themselves over time. These self-absorbed individuals are also highly sensitive to social status and ambiguous cues, making them more likely to perceive exclusion even when it's not happening, according to the study. 'There's a very thin-skinned quality to narcissistic people, so if they even get a whiff that they are being left out, they're going to be acutely aware of that,' said Los Angeles-based licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula, who treats people with narcissistic personality disorder and has written several books on the topic, including 'It's Not You: Identifying and Healing From Narcissistic People.' 'It's picking up a glance or not liking a social media post.' However, Durvasula, who was not involved in the research, noted these perceived slights are usually unintentional — someone may simply be too busy to engage with a post or look away without realizing it. But when narcissists overreact to perceived acts of ostracism, friends, family members or colleagues may start avoiding them out of concern for their behavior. To navigate relationships with narcissists, Durvasula recommends a strategy known as disengagement — intentionally withdrawing contact or interactions. Narcissists often interpret this behavior as exclusion, but it may be necessary for your mental health. Nevertheless, these actions create a destructive cycle identified in the study that explains how narcissism and ostracism fuel each other. Narcissists tend to view themselves as victims when they feel ostracized. This victim mentality intensifies their antagonistic behaviors, pushing people even further away, said Christiane Büttner, lead study author and social psychologist at Switzerland's University of Basel. 'This suggests that ostracism doesn't just affect narcissists in the moment — it might shape their personality development in ways that perpetuate future exclusion,' Büttner said. While the new study examined individuals who scored high on narcissism tests, it did not specifically focus on those with pathological narcissism, Durvasula noted. She said she believes the effects of narcissism and exclusion would be even more extreme in individuals with clinical narcissistic personality disorder. The study also found that individuals who exhibit narcissistic rivalry, viewing others as competition and acting more aggressively, are more likely to be ostracized than those with high levels of narcissistic admiration, who seek attention and status in socially engaging ways rather than isolating themselves, Büttner said. This pattern is particularly common in workplace dynamics. 'There's actually a natural social perceptiveness narcissistic people have, which is why they can be quite successful in leadership and business,' Durvasula said. However, narcissists typically only use this skill when it benefits them and blame others in most situations. Can narcissists change? Narcissistic behaviors need to be addressed early on. This proactive approach is challenging because schools can attempt to enforce anti-bullying policies to counteract such behavior, but outside of the classroom, social exclusion is harder to control, Durvasula said, pointing to the example of a child not being invited to a birthday party. 'I think that anti-bullying practices should be just as much about anti-ostracism behaviors to look out for the kid who may not be fitting in with peers as well and monitoring the situation,' Durvasula said. If children don't receive therapy for narcissistic traits, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to change as they enter adulthood, and narcissistic tendencies may intensify over time. To improve, narcissists need consistent intervention through therapy. Therapists must also be mindful of developmental traumas, childhood environment, attachment issues and any other psychological factors that may have shaped their narcissistic personality, according to Durvasula. 'Usually the (final straw) that gets a narcissistic person to therapy is either sadness or anxiety, but they will still often pin it to something happening outside of them,' Durvasula said. 'My boss is never fair to me, I can't get promoted, I don't have enough money, my spouse is mean to me.' Social skills training or cognitive behavioral therapy could help narcissists challenge assumptions that people are excluding them, while doing deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation and reframing negative thoughts could help them develop healthier coping mechanisms to prevent future ostracism, Büttner said. Handling a relationship with a narcissist The study primarily examined examples of narcissism in the workplace, but Durvasula said dealing with a narcissist in a family or friend circle is often more challenging due to the deeper emotional history involved. Whether you're navigating a work or personal relationship with a narcissist, Durvasula suggests empathic disengagement or yellow rocking, a strategy of remaining pleasant and polite in their presence without overperforming or sacrificing your mental well-being to satisfy them. Narcissists in work and personal relationships create challenges for others who have to manage their disruptive behaviors and pick up more responsibilities because they can't rely on them. In work settings, this might look like a narcissist colleague not pulling their weight in a team of five. Other team members may hesitate to confront this person for fear of the reaction, ultimately picking up their share of the work instead, Durvasula said. Family members face similar challenges, often creating backup plans to avoid last-minute chaos, as they can't rely on a narcissist to follow through on commitments, such as picking someone up from the airport. As for when to disengage fully, Durvasula said it's a personal decision. Some people may need to cut ties after just a few negative experiences, while family members might tolerate behavior for years or even decades from some narcissists.
CNN
20-02-2025
- General
- CNN
Social rejection could be making narcissists' behavior worse, new study finds
If you don't personally know a narcissist, you can likely think of a few celebrities or politicians who display entitlement, lack empathy and crave constant admiration. Grandiose narcissists, also known as overt narcissists, are particularly notorious for their inflated sense of self-importance and relentless need for attention — traits that may match the description of someone you just thought of. Unlike covert narcissists, who mask their behavior with self-pity, grandiose narcissists rely on charm and manipulation to thrive. Now, a new study has found grandiose narcissists are not only more likely to feel ostracized but are also genuinely excluded more often than those with less egocentric personalities. The study, published Thursday in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, examined 77,000 participants across multiple studies, controlled experiments and real-world scenarios, to identify why narcissists experience higher levels of exclusion. How narcissism and exclusion fuel one another Narcissists often display disruptive behaviors in social settings, such as aggression or arrogance, that increase the likelihood of others distancing themselves over time. These self-absorbed individuals are also highly sensitive to social status and ambiguous cues, making them more likely to perceive exclusion even when it's not happening, according to the study. 'There's a very thin-skinned quality to narcissistic people, so if they even get a whiff that they are being left out, they're going to be acutely aware of that,' said Los Angeles-based licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula, who treats people with narcissistic personality disorder and has written several books on the topic, including 'It's Not You: Identifying and Healing From Narcissistic People.' 'It's picking up a glance or not liking a social media post.' However, Durvasula, who was not involved in the research, noted these perceived slights are usually unintentional — someone may simply be too busy to engage with a post or look away without realizing it. But when narcissists overreact to perceived acts of ostracism, friends, family members or colleagues may start avoiding them out of concern for their behavior. To navigate relationships with narcissists, Durvasula recommends a strategy known as disengagement — intentionally withdrawing contact or interactions. Narcissists often interpret this behavior as exclusion, but it may be necessary for your mental health. Nevertheless, these actions create a destructive cycle identified in the study that explains how narcissism and ostracism fuel each other. Narcissists tend to view themselves as victims when they feel ostracized. This victim mentality intensifies their antagonistic behaviors, pushing people even further away, said Christiane Büttner, lead study author and social psychologist at Switzerland's University of Basel. 'This suggests that ostracism doesn't just affect narcissists in the moment — it might shape their personality development in ways that perpetuate future exclusion,' Büttner said. While the new study examined individuals who scored high on narcissism tests, it did not specifically focus on those with pathological narcissism, Durvasula noted. She said she believes the effects of narcissism and exclusion would be even more extreme in individuals with clinical narcissistic personality disorder. The study also found that individuals who exhibit narcissistic rivalry, viewing others as competition and acting more aggressively, are more likely to be ostracized than those with high levels of narcissistic admiration, who seek attention and status in socially engaging ways rather than isolating themselves, Büttner said. This pattern is particularly common in workplace dynamics. 'There's actually a natural social perceptiveness narcissistic people have, which is why they can be quite successful in leadership and business,' Durvasula said. However, narcissists typically only use this skill when it benefits them and blame others in most situations. Can narcissists change? Narcissistic behaviors need to be addressed early on. This proactive approach is challenging because schools can attempt to enforce anti-bullying policies to counteract such behavior, but outside of the classroom, social exclusion is harder to control, Durvasula said, pointing to the example of a child not being invited to a birthday party. 'I think that anti-bullying practices should be just as much about anti-ostracism behaviors to look out for the kid who may not be fitting in with peers as well and monitoring the situation,' Durvasula said. If children don't receive therapy for narcissistic traits, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to change as they enter adulthood, and narcissistic tendencies may intensify over time. To improve, narcissists need consistent intervention through therapy. Therapists must also be mindful of developmental traumas, childhood environment, attachment issues and any other psychological factors that may have shaped their narcissistic personality, according to Durvasula. 'Usually the (final straw) that gets a narcissistic person to therapy is either sadness or anxiety, but they will still often pin it to something happening outside of them,' Durvasula said. 'My boss is never fair to me, I can't get promoted, I don't have enough money, my spouse is mean to me.' Social skills training or cognitive behavioral therapy could help narcissists challenge assumptions that people are excluding them, while doing deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation and reframing negative thoughts could help them develop healthier coping mechanisms to prevent future ostracism, Büttner said. Handling a relationship with a narcissist The study primarily examined examples of narcissism in the workplace, but Durvasula said dealing with a narcissist in a family or friend circle is often more challenging due to the deeper emotional history involved. Whether you're navigating a work or personal relationship with a narcissist, Durvasula suggests empathic disengagement or yellow rocking, a strategy of remaining pleasant and polite in their presence without overperforming or sacrificing your mental well-being to satisfy them. Narcissists in work and personal relationships create challenges for others who have to manage their disruptive behaviors and pick up more responsibilities because they can't rely on them. In work settings, this might look like a narcissist colleague not pulling their weight in a team of five. Other team members may hesitate to confront this person for fear of the reaction, ultimately picking up their share of the work instead, Durvasula said. Family members face similar challenges, often creating backup plans to avoid last-minute chaos, as they can't rely on a narcissist to follow through on commitments, such as picking someone up from the airport. As for when to disengage fully, Durvasula said it's a personal decision. Some people may need to cut ties after just a few negative experiences, while family members might tolerate behavior for years or even decades from some narcissists.
CNN
20-02-2025
- General
- CNN
Social rejection could be making narcissists' behavior worse, new study finds
If you don't personally know a narcissist, you can likely think of a few celebrities or politicians who display entitlement, lack empathy and crave constant admiration. Grandiose narcissists, also known as overt narcissists, are particularly notorious for their inflated sense of self-importance and relentless need for attention — traits that may match the description of someone you just thought of. Unlike covert narcissists, who mask their behavior with self-pity, grandiose narcissists rely on charm and manipulation to thrive. Now, a new study has found grandiose narcissists are not only more likely to feel ostracized but are also genuinely excluded more often than those with less egocentric personalities. The study, published Thursday in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, examined 77,000 participants across multiple studies, controlled experiments and real-world scenarios, to identify why narcissists experience higher levels of exclusion. How narcissism and exclusion fuel one another Narcissists often display disruptive behaviors in social settings, such as aggression or arrogance, that increase the likelihood of others distancing themselves over time. These self-absorbed individuals are also highly sensitive to social status and ambiguous cues, making them more likely to perceive exclusion even when it's not happening, according to the study. 'There's a very thin-skinned quality to narcissistic people, so if they even get a whiff that they are being left out, they're going to be acutely aware of that,' said Los Angeles-based licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula, who treats people with narcissistic personality disorder and has written several books on the topic, including 'It's Not You: Identifying and Healing From Narcissistic People.' 'It's picking up a glance or not liking a social media post.' However, Durvasula, who was not involved in the research, noted these perceived slights are usually unintentional — someone may simply be too busy to engage with a post or look away without realizing it. But when narcissists overreact to perceived acts of ostracism, friends, family members or colleagues may start avoiding them out of concern for their behavior. To navigate relationships with narcissists, Durvasula recommends a strategy known as disengagement — intentionally withdrawing contact or interactions. Narcissists often interpret this behavior as exclusion, but it may be necessary for your mental health. Nevertheless, these actions create a destructive cycle identified in the study that explains how narcissism and ostracism fuel each other. Narcissists tend to view themselves as victims when they feel ostracized. This victim mentality intensifies their antagonistic behaviors, pushing people even further away, said Christiane Büttner, lead study author and social psychologist at Switzerland's University of Basel. 'This suggests that ostracism doesn't just affect narcissists in the moment — it might shape their personality development in ways that perpetuate future exclusion,' Büttner said. While the new study examined individuals who scored high on narcissism tests, it did not specifically focus on those with pathological narcissism, Durvasula noted. She said she believes the effects of narcissism and exclusion would be even more extreme in individuals with clinical narcissistic personality disorder. The study also found that individuals who exhibit narcissistic rivalry, viewing others as competition and acting more aggressively, are more likely to be ostracized than those with high levels of narcissistic admiration, who seek attention and status in socially engaging ways rather than isolating themselves, Büttner said. This pattern is particularly common in workplace dynamics. 'There's actually a natural social perceptiveness narcissistic people have, which is why they can be quite successful in leadership and business,' Durvasula said. However, narcissists typically only use this skill when it benefits them and blame others in most situations. Can narcissists change? Narcissistic behaviors need to be addressed early on. This proactive approach is challenging because schools can attempt to enforce anti-bullying policies to counteract such behavior, but outside of the classroom, social exclusion is harder to control, Durvasula said, pointing to the example of a child not being invited to a birthday party. 'I think that anti-bullying practices should be just as much about anti-ostracism behaviors to look out for the kid who may not be fitting in with peers as well and monitoring the situation,' Durvasula said. If children don't receive therapy for narcissistic traits, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to change as they enter adulthood, and narcissistic tendencies may intensify over time. To improve, narcissists need consistent intervention through therapy. Therapists must also be mindful of developmental traumas, childhood environment, attachment issues and any other psychological factors that may have shaped their narcissistic personality, according to Durvasula. 'Usually the (final straw) that gets a narcissistic person to therapy is either sadness or anxiety, but they will still often pin it to something happening outside of them,' Durvasula said. 'My boss is never fair to me, I can't get promoted, I don't have enough money, my spouse is mean to me.' Social skills training or cognitive behavioral therapy could help narcissists challenge assumptions that people are excluding them, while doing deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation and reframing negative thoughts could help them develop healthier coping mechanisms to prevent future ostracism, Büttner said. Handling a relationship with a narcissist The study primarily examined examples of narcissism in the workplace, but Durvasula said dealing with a narcissist in a family or friend circle is often more challenging due to the deeper emotional history involved. Whether you're navigating a work or personal relationship with a narcissist, Durvasula suggests empathic disengagement or yellow rocking, a strategy of remaining pleasant and polite in their presence without overperforming or sacrificing your mental well-being to satisfy them. Narcissists in work and personal relationships create challenges for others who have to manage their disruptive behaviors and pick up more responsibilities because they can't rely on them. In work settings, this might look like a narcissist colleague not pulling their weight in a team of five. Other team members may hesitate to confront this person for fear of the reaction, ultimately picking up their share of the work instead, Durvasula said. Family members face similar challenges, often creating backup plans to avoid last-minute chaos, as they can't rely on a narcissist to follow through on commitments, such as picking someone up from the airport. As for when to disengage fully, Durvasula said it's a personal decision. Some people may need to cut ties after just a few negative experiences, while family members might tolerate behavior for years or even decades from some narcissists.
