Mind the Science
| File:Mind the Science by Jonathan N. Stea - book cover.jpg Cover of the first edition | |
| Author | Jonathan N. Stea PhD |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Pseudoscience, Wellness, Alternative medicine |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
Publication date | September 3, 2024 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover, audiobook and Kindle) |
| Pages | 264 |
| ISBN | 978-0197748817 Search this book on  . |
| Preceded by | Investigating Clinical Psychology: Pseudoscience, Fringe Science, and Controversies (Investigating Psychology Pseudoscience) |
Mind the Science: Saving Your Mental Health from the Wellness Industry is a 2024 book by psychologist and adjunct assistant professor at the University of Calgary, Jonathan N. Stea. This book examines the Wellness industry, the harm medical pseudoscience can have on individuals in the hope that people will be able to make more informed decisions about their health care. The book is written for the lay audience and also includes many appendices that define terms that act as a reference guide. This book was published by Oxford University Press.
Synopsis
The journal Psychiatric Times notes that the book is divided into three main sections:
- how to see red flags in wellness information,
- identifying propaganda and misinformation, and
- solutions "grounded in mainstream science and medicine".
Stea uses many examples to explain to the layperson how seductive alternative medicine can be when science-based medicine does not offer immediate results. Using the personal story of his mother, Stea explains various pseudoscience practices such as acupuncture, reflexology, chiropractic, Reiki and more.[1]
Multiple examples used show how difficult it is to navigate through mental illness, addiction and obsessive compulsive disorder often wasting time, money and causing "great harm".[2][3]
Reception
Psychologist Cassandra L. Boness writing for Skeptical Inquirer states that Mind the Science "is a critically important contribution to the literature on pseudoscience" and "artfully achieves the aim of his book: to 'educate and embolden' people to make informed decisions about their mental health by providing the tools needed to avoid harmful misinformation." Boness writes that Stea focuses on the harm created by the wellness industry and that she appeached that he used many examples, some personal experiences to educate readers.[3]
Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University, Awais Aftab reviewing Mind the Science for Psychiatric Times writes that, "Stea's writing style is engaging, marked by empathy and humor, and he makes complex concepts digestible. The book provides practical, relatable scenarios that illustrate the dangers of pseudoscience."[1]
The Science Writers and Communicators of Canada designated this work for their 2024 Book Award in the General category.[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Aftab, Awais (August 20, 2024). "Mind the Science: Saving Your Mental Health from the Wellness Industry". psychiatrictimes.com. Psychiatric Times. Archived from the original on 28 January 2025. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ↑ Julian (November 2, 2024). "'Mind the Science' takes on the wellness industry". Aiptcomics.com. AIPT. Archived from the original on December 19, 2024. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Boness, Cassandra L. (2025). "Mental Health and Wellness: Clarifying Fuzzy Boundaries". Skeptical Inquirer. Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. 49 (1): 70.
- ↑ "2023 Book Awards". sciencewriters.ca. Retrieved 2025-09-16.
External links
- Interview by Leighann Lord for Skeptical Inquirer Presents (video)
- Interview by Dr Mike with Dr Jonathan Stea titled "What Alternative Medicine Does Well & When It Lies" (video)
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