James G Murphy

Growing up Different(ly than Last Time We Asked): Social Status and Changing Reports of Childhood Income Rank - Social Indicators Research How we remember our past can be shaped by the realities of our present. This study examines how changes to present circumstances influence retrospective reports of family income rank at age 16. While retrospective survey data can be used to assess the long-term effects of childhood conditions, present-day circumstances may “anchor” memories, causing shifts in how individuals recall and report past experiences. Using panel data from the 2006–2014 General Social Surveys (8,602 observations from 2,883 individuals in the United States), we analyze how changes in objective and subjective indicators of current social status—income, financial satisfaction, and perceived income relative to others—are associated with changes in reports of childhood income rank, and how this varies by sex and race/ethnicity. Fixed-effects models reveal no significant association between changes in income and in childhood income rank. However, changes in subjective measures of social status show contrasting effects, as increases in current financial satisfaction are associated with decreases in childhood income rank, but increases in current perceived relative income are associated with increases in childhood income rank. We argue these opposing effects follow from theories of anchoring in recall bias. We further find these effects are stronger among males but are consistent across racial/ethnic groups. This demographic heterogeneity suggests that recall bias is not evenly distributed across the population and has important implications for how different groups perceive their own pasts. Our findings further highlight the malleability of retrospective perceptions and their sensitivity to current social conditions, offering methodological insights into survey reliability and recall bias.

The GSS asked the same people about their childhood income rank three different times. 56% changed their answer, even though what was trying to be measured couldn’t change! We dig into this in a new article at @socialindicators.bsky.social. 



doi.org/10.1007/s112...

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Health Addiction and Behavioral Interventions Team (HABIT)

I'm reviewing applications for the University of Memphis Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program. We conduct federally-funded addiction research, w/a focus on treatment, brief intervention, emerging adults, quant. and qual approaches, and behavioral economic models. www.memphis.edu/psychology/r...

I don't know that it works perfectly, but I have to say that the Asta search tool from @ai2.bsky.social is exactly what I want from an AI-powered research search tool for scientists: Describe a style of experiment or work and see if there are papers that have done that.
asta.allen.ai/chat

I'm reviewing applications for the University of Washington's PhD program this fall.

Applicants interested in the Clinical Psychology, Social-Personality (emphasis on personality), or Quantitative programs are welcome to apply.

More information here: sites.google.com/uw.edu/radla...

I think people are bothered by this statement only when it is made by people in power who could also take action but (repeatedly) choose not to. If it was action + prayers that would be fine, or only prayers from those w/ no legitimate ability to influence the outcome (e.g., a pastor or friend).

The call for submissions to the 2026 World Congress of the World Confederation of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies is out. This meeting only happens every 3 years. This one is the US and I will be serving the Substance Use Track Leader. Consider submitting something.
wccbt2026.org/wp-content/u...

Last month, I enjoyed attending the annual Research Society on Alcohol conference. Tremendously grateful for the support offered by my team and mentor Dr. @james-g-murphy.bsky.social .

First ever University of Memphis HABIT Lab paper in a day effort! @jaketempchin.bsky.social @eboniewhite.bsky.social @aglaiamargaris.bsky.social

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor Ebonie! First of many for you!

This month I attended the 13th Annual CPA Conference. Grateful to learn from colleagues doing such impactful work! Our team was honored to receive the CPA Inclusive Poster Award. Huge thank you to the HABIT Lab, our collaborators, and my incredible mentor Dr. Jim Murphy! @james-g-murphy.bsky.social

The Paper-in-a-Day Approach Guest post by Jennifer L. Tackett Northwestern University; Personality Across Development Lab The PiaD approach was borne of a d...

I'm writing a paper in a day with @james-g-murphy.bsky.social and the HABIT Lab in a few weeks. It's our first time doing this! I found a good blog tutorial by @jnfrltackett.bsky.social. Does anyone have other resources or advice?

deevybee.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-...

So happy for you Neo!!! Congratulations!

Are you doing a study exploring longitudinal relationships between substance use and mental health problems among youth? Unsure what covariates to include and how to report on them?

Check-out our new meta-epidemiological review!

doi.org/10.1016/j.dr...

Addiction Science Defense Network | npsc The ASDN is an information exchange and action network for individuals and organizations devoted to studying, treating and preventing problems caused by psychoactive substance use, including alcohol, ...

🚨 I have been working with several addiction scientists and clinicians through the Addiction Science Defense Network (www.npscoalition.org/projects/add...) to craft a statement of concern about recent executive orders and actions that can be shared with members of congress.

you will be more than fine given your record!

Diagnostic validity of drinking behaviour for identifying alcohol use disorder: Findings from a representative sample of community adults and an inpatient clinical sample buff.ly/wzEDZA5 Molly Garber, James MacKillop and colleagues @mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social

RSA Members, I am running for VP of @rsaofficial.bsky.social. Check your email from RSA and exercise your right to VOTE! We need everyone engaged to preserve our science and the next generation of diverse outstanding addiction scholars. I would be honored to represent our members in this work.

COPE is a 6-year R61/R33 funded by NIDA's HEAL Initiative. This study uses a ground-up approach & EMA + MRT designs to rigorously develop, evaluate, & optimize a mobile app with both on-demand and automated features to reduce opioid use harm among adults with PTSD exiting residential OUD treatment.

Hey folks! I'll be teaching two workshops in May on Structural Equation Modeling!

One course is introductory (May 7-9): smart-workshops.com/intro-sem-info

The other is on longitudinal models (May 14-16): smart-workshops.com/long-sem-info

🙏Please RT and share! 🙏

Let met tell you more...

@ambercopeland.bsky.social thanks for your support. Hannah is an outstanding researcher and her project is so important. Thankfully we will provide her with the support she needs to complete all of the planned work and training.

Congratulations Jack!!!

So wonderful to spend this week with you @ambercopeland.bsky.social and to learn more about your impressive research! Excited to continue our collaborations!

Wonderful visit with @ambercopeland.bsky.social & @samuelacuff.bsky.social enjoying downtown Memphis with our University of Memphis HABIT Lab @eboniewhite.bsky.social

PUBLICATIONS Books Sage Handbook of Addiction Psychology Dynamic Pathways to Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder Mindfulness Harm Reduction, 2nd Edition Therapists Guide to Evidence-Based Relapse Prevention Neur…

I just updated my website with the papers. They are all still the journal pdfs on pubmed (for now). I'm going to work on saving the rest to an OSF page. More soon! abqresearch.org/publications/

It often takes multiple attempts to successfully quit a substance. Our researchers found that getting to recovery varies based on the substance used and other factors. 📊➡️ news.vt.edu/articles/202...

Testing addiction theories at home

People with alcohol use disorder, but with no desire to stop drinking, report changes in subjective experience during drinking that refute the hedonic allostasis theory of addiction.

psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/...

Very sad to hear the news that Nick Heather passed away earlier this week. He made such a massive contribution to the addictions field, and my own thinking was greatly improved after discussions with him. This article remains a brilliant and persuasive read www.bps.org.uk/psychologist...

sorry to hear this Matt, Nick was a giant in the field and always kind in my interactions with all.

Very important research, covered @thementalelf.bsky.social. Original study: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
6% individuals with a lifetime suicide attempt did not meet criteria for a lifetime psychiatric diagnosis.
20% did not meet criteria before 1st suicide attempt.