Ph.D. Psychologist
Newton, MA
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on News Articles
In This Section
- Following Your Values
- Hidden Culprits of Failed Progress
- Rebellion & Defiance
- The Cost of Self-Betrayal
- The Problem With Appeasement
- Unintended Effects of Popular Advice
- What Your Words (& Actions) Reveal
The characters from the vignettes in Dr. Margolies’ articles are fictitious and designed to be relatable to many people and common themes. They are not based on any patient’s individual situation or disclosure but were derived from a composite of people and events for the purpose of representing real-life situations and psychological dilemmas. Terms of Use.
Amazing Doesn’t Have to Mean Superhuman & Perfectionistic
Dr. Margolies’ Letter to the editor with a response from the publication.
Being An Actual Imposter is Now More Popular Than Imposter Syndrome
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on A New York Times Column: It’s the Era of Swagger Without the Sweat (Savannah Sobrevilla, March 29, 2026)
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on Why Rebellion Is Subordination in Disguise
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on A New York Times Column: How college-educated Republicans learned to love Trump again (Michael Bender, January 14)
Fantasy, Secrecy, & Compartmentalization Act as Psychological Accomplices to Affairs
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on A New York Times Column: Coldplay And the Dignity Of Shame (July 23, 2025)
Jordan Neely Was Hungry. Did No One Offer Him Something to Eat?
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on a Boston Globe Column: A Black man desperate for help instead finds death on the N.Y. subway (Renée Graham, May 5)
“Pleasing” Is Not the Proper Word
Describing yourself (or someone else) as a “people pleaser” confuses subordinating yourself with altruism, and encourages this unhealthy behavior. Read Dr. Margolies commentary in the New York Times to understand the psychology behind the term “people pleaser” and why the language you use matters.
The Paths to Progress for Our Graduates
Perfectionism in teens is rising with pressure to succeed. Learn how parental expectations impact mental health and shape success beyond high school.
The Teen Temperament
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on a New York Times Column: Younger Teenagers Make Their Case to Vote (Sunday Styles, Aug. 10)
Unintended Effects of Popular Advice
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on A New York Times Column: Sorry, You Don’t Get an A for Effort (December 29th 2025)
We Can Have an Impact
Dr. Margolies’ commentary on a New York Times article with a headline that used a poor choice of words.
When Does Repentance Fail to Lead to Improved Behavior?
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on A New York Times Column: The Raw Power of Repentance (French, July 28th 2025)
Why Appeasing or Being Silent Attracts Aggression in Bullies
Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on A New York Times Column: Trump Is Playing Rope-a-Dope With Elite Law Firms (Jeffrey Toobin, March 5)
