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In 'An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness,' Kay Redfield Jamison takes readers on a journey through her life as a clinical psychologist living with manic-depressive illness. From her early experiences to her eventual acceptance of her condition, Jamison's memoir is a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of mental illness. Through love, academia, and introspection, she comes to understand herself better, and her story is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of mental health. Recommended for psychology students, mental health advocates, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of mental illness, "An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness" offers a powerful firsthand account of living with manic-depressive illness. Kay Redfield Jamison's memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and shows how love, academia, and introspection can help individuals better understand themselves and their conditions. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in mental health and the human experience.
Students whose brainwaves sync with their peers and teacher learn better. A new study shows how brain-to-brain synchrony predicts retention of information in real-world learning. Researchers used EEG to monitor brainwaves of small groups of students and an instructor. Findings offer new insights into how social learning is reflected in brain activity. Discover how connections among students and to their instructor can enhance the learning process.
Do you see social connections where others don't? A Dartmouth study shows our brains respond more strongly to information interpreted as social versus random. Previous studies relied on labels assigned by researchers, but this study uses a subjective approach based on participants' own perceptions. The results demonstrate a bias towards perceiving information as social, with participants more likely to declare random animations as social than vice versa. The findings could help us better understand autism spectrum disorder and gain a more nuanced understanding of social perception.
Brain science supports the idea that universal human rights, such as agency, and freedom from want and fear, are crucial for a healthy society. Brown University scholars introduce "dignity neuroscience" to explain why these concepts have remained largely unchanged throughout history. They argue that societies that fail to offer their citizens such rights can cause lasting neurological and psychological consequences. This paper offers scientific evidence to demonstrate why universal human rights need to be defended and respected across the world.
Have you ever wondered why music has such a powerful effect on our emotions? This Is Your Brain on Music explores the fascinating relationship between music and the human brain, revealing the secrets behind everything from our musical preferences to the way we experience pleasure. Using cutting-edge research in neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, this book offers a unique perspective on the role of music in our lives. Discover the science behind our love of music and the ways in which it shapes our understanding of human nature. Recommended for music lovers, psychology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of science and culture. This Is Your Brain on Music offers a fascinating look at the ways in which our brains respond to music, exploring everything from the origins of our musical preferences to the neurological basis of musical pleasure. With insights from neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology, this book is relevant to a wide range of fields and interests. Whether you're a musician, a music lover, or simply curious about the human mind, This Is Your Brain on Music is a must-read.
Did you know that getting a good night's sleep can help you learn better and remember more? It's true! Sleep plays a vital role in the consolidation of memories, allowing us to retain new information and skills for the long term. In this write-up, we'll explore the relationship between sleep and memory, the science behind it, and why it matters for students. When we sleep, our brain goes through a complex process of memory consolidation. During deep, slow-wave sleep, the brain replays memories from the day, strengthening the connections between neurons and storing them in long-term storage. During REM sleep, our brains are actively processing and integrating new information, including memories and skills we've learned recently. Studies have shown that sleep plays a crucial role in a variety of cognitive processes, including attention, decision-making, and creativity. In fact, getting a good night's sleep has been linked to better academic performance, higher test scores, and improved problem-solving skills. One of the leading experts in the field of sleep and memory is Dr. Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Walker has conducted extensive research on the relationship between sleep and memory, and has found that sleep plays a crucial role in learning, memory consolidation, and creative problem-solving. Another leading academic in the field is Dr. Robert Stickgold, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Stickgold's research focuses on the role of REM sleep in memory consolidation, and has found that this stage of sleep is particularly important for learning new information and integrating it with existing knowledge. Many successful people have attributed their success to getting enough sleep. For example, tennis superstar Serena Williams has said that getting enough rest is crucial for her performance on the court. And former President Barack Obama has said that he makes sure to get at least six hours of sleep each night, in order to stay focused and productive during the day. On the other hand, sleep deprivation has been shown to have a negative impact on learning and memory. In a study of college students, those who were sleep-deprived performed worse on a memory task than those who had gotten a full night's sleep. Getting enough sleep is not only important for our physical health, but for our mental and cognitive health as well. By prioritizing good sleep hygiene and paying attention to our sleep needs, we can improve our memory, learning, and academic performance. So, let's all "dream big" and make sure we're getting enough rest to achieve our goals!
Have you ever wondered why you have certain musical preferences? A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that personality traits are linked to musical styles, with extraversion positively correlated with contemporary music and openness associated with mellow, contemporary, intense and sophisticated music. Dr. Greenberg, a musician, neuroscientist, and psychologist, says that music could be a powerful bridge between cultures.
As we go through life, time seems to speed up, and we wonder where the time has gone. But did you know that our perception of time is a psychological construct? Our brain edits the signals it receives from our senses before serving up a final story to our conscious perception. This means that we're all living a little bit in the past, and what we think is happening right now has already transpired some time ago, probably in the ballpark of about half a second ago. Seeking novelty is the key to slowing down time, and it can be as simple as putting your wristwatch on your other hand. By engaging your brain in new ways, you have more footage to draw upon, and it feels like your life is lasting longer. Learning more about how our brain perceives time can help us appreciate the present moment and make the most of our time.
Have you ever stopped to consider the impact of sound on our everyday lives? From the music we hear every day, to the sound of our own voices, sound plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and emotions. This is where psycho-acoustics comes in, a field that explores the relationship between sound and the human mind. Psycho-acoustics is the study of the psychological and physiological factors that influence our perception of sound. By understanding how sound affects us, researchers in this field have made significant contributions to fields like music, medicine, and even marketing. One fascinating example of psycho-acoustics in action is the use of binaural beats. Binaural beats are created by playing two slightly different frequencies in each ear, which creates an auditory illusion of a third tone. This third tone has been shown to have a variety of effects on the brain, including reducing anxiety and improving focus. It's even been suggested that binaural beats could help with conditions like ADHD and depression. Another area where psycho-acoustics has made significant contributions is in the field of audiology. Researchers have used psycho-acoustic testing to understand how people perceive sound and develop treatments for hearing impairments. For example, by understanding how people perceive speech in noisy environments, researchers have developed hearing aids that can amplify speech while suppressing background noise. One leading researcher in the field of psycho-acoustics is Diana Deutsch. Deutsch is known for her research on the perception of musical tones and how people process different musical intervals. Her work has contributed to our understanding of how music can affect our emotions and has even led to the development of new musical instruments. By exploring these topics and more, you can gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating and complex relationship between sound and the human mind.
The rise of selfie culture and the link to narcissism is a fascinating topic that has captured the attention of psychologists. While some self-love is natural, excessive self-love can be a psychological disorder. As Freud popularised ideas like the ego, the unconscious and talking to a therapist, he also explored the concept of narcissism. Psychologists have developed tests to measure personality traits like narcissism, and the results show that narcissists tend to be more active on social media, with men posting more selfies than women. While selfies may seem harmless, they can contribute to feelings of envy, inadequacy, isolation, and insecurity. Understanding the impact of social media on our mental health is essential, and exploring these ideas can help us become more self-aware, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent individuals.
Are you interested in helping students achieve their full potential? Do you have a passion for psychology and education? Then a career as a School Psychologist might be the perfect fit for you! As a School Psychologist, you will work with students, parents, and teachers to promote academic success, positive behavior, and mental health. You'll use your knowledge of psychology to understand and address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students. One of the most appealing aspects of this field is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Whether you're helping a student overcome a learning disability, counseling a student struggling with anxiety, or collaborating with teachers to create a positive classroom environment, you'll play a critical role in shaping the future of our society. Typical duties of a School Psychologist include conducting assessments and evaluations, developing individualized education plans, providing counseling and support services, and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. There are also many potential areas of specialization within this field, including working with students with disabilities, addressing behavioral issues, and promoting mental health and wellness. To become a School Psychologist, you'll typically need a master's degree in School Psychology or a related field. Popular undergraduate majors include Psychology, Education, and Child Development. In addition to formal education, it's helpful to possess strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively with others. The job prospects for School Psychologists are strong, with a projected growth rate of 14% over the next decade. There are many notable and attractive potential employers in both the public and private sectors, including school districts, universities, and healthcare organizations. Some specific examples include the New York City Department of Education, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the Mayo Clinic. So if you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of young people, consider becoming a School Psychologist.
Are you interested in understanding how historical trauma and stress can affect your mental health and physical well-being? Look no further than UC Berkeley's recently hired assistant professor of biological anthropology, Andrew Kim. In a study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Kim and colleagues found that prenatal exposure to discrimination and violence during South Africa's apartheid regime predicted mental health problems among children born to younger mothers and youngsters whose households were particularly stressful. Kim's work is part of a fast-growing research field, intergenerational trauma, that is uncovering how large-scale trauma from atrocities has a ripple effect in families decades later. Don't miss out on this fascinating and important research!
Learn how to protect yourself from misinformation! A study by the University of Cambridge and Bristol showed that short animations familiarizing people with tactics behind misinformation can increase their ability to spot it and resist it.
Have you ever wondered why people behave the way they do? Are you interested in understanding the inner workings of the human mind? If so, then the study of Psychology may be just what you're looking for! Psychology is a fascinating field that explores the complexities of human behavior and mental processes. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from the biological and physiological aspects of behavior to the social and cultural influences that shape our thoughts and actions. One of the most exciting aspects of Psychology is the opportunity to conduct research and make groundbreaking discoveries that can have a real impact on people's lives. For example, researchers have discovered new treatments for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, and have shed light on the causes and effects of addiction. Some of the most well-known figures in Psychology include Sigmund Freud, B.F. Skinner, and Carl Jung, each of whom made significant contributions to the field. Freud, for example, developed the theory of psychoanalysis, which explores the role of the unconscious mind in shaping behavior. Skinner, on the other hand, was a behaviorist who believed that all behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments. At the undergraduate level, students typically study a range of topics such as social psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology. They may also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as forensic psychology or sports psychology. Real-life examples of these specializations include working with law enforcement to profile criminals or helping athletes to improve their mental game. There are many potential career paths for those who study Psychology. Some graduates may go on to become clinical psychologists, working with patients to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Others may work in research, developing new treatments and therapies. Still others may work in fields such as education, human resources, or marketing, using their knowledge of human behavior to improve outcomes in these areas. To succeed in Psychology, it's important to have strong analytical skills, as well as an interest in human behavior and mental processes. Good communication skills are also essential, as psychologists often work with patients or research participants. Some other helpful attributes include empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge assumptions and explore new ideas. So if you're interested in exploring the fascinating world of human behavior and mental processes, consider studying Psychology. With so many exciting career paths and opportunities for discovery, it's a field that is sure to keep you engaged and inspired for years to come!
Pain is a universal experience, yet it remains a mystery. Measuring pain accurately is a challenge, and it can be influenced by biases, prejudices, and false beliefs. Pain analysis currently relies on patients self-reporting, but there are problems with this method. New technologies are being developed to provide an objective "readout" of the extent of someone's pain, relying on biomarkers for pain. Discover how pain can be measured and treated accurately.
As high school students, we often believe that our intelligence and education will protect us from making errors. However, research shows that this is not always the case. In fact, greater intelligence and expertise can sometimes amplify our mistakes. This phenomenon is known as cognitive miserliness, where we rely too much on our gut feelings and are swayed by irrelevant information and our own emotions. This can lead to poor financial decisions, falling for fake news, and even polarized political views. However, there are techniques we can use to avoid these thinking traps, such as arguing against ourselves, self-distancing, mental time travel, and fine-tuning our emotional awareness. By learning about these concepts and implementing them in our lives, we can become more effective critical thinkers and decision-makers, both in our personal and academic lives.
Talking therapies are a powerful and exciting field of academic study that has the potential to change lives in profound ways. Whether you're interested in becoming a therapist yourself, or simply exploring the many ways that people can use the power of talk to improve their mental health and well-being, there's no denying that this is an area of academic study that is both fascinating and deeply rewarding. At the heart of talking therapies is the belief that people have the ability to heal themselves through conversation and reflection. Leading academics in the field, such as Carl Rogers and Sigmund Freud, have contributed a great deal to our understanding of how talking therapies work, and how they can be used to help people overcome a wide range of mental health issues, from depression and anxiety to trauma and phobias. One of the most exciting things about talking therapies is the many different approaches and techniques that are used, each of which has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly structured and evidence-based approach that is often used to help people overcome anxiety and depression, while psychodynamic therapy is a more open-ended and exploratory approach that is designed to help people uncover unconscious patterns of behavior and thought. Despite their differences, all talking therapies share one key goal: to help people understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to make positive changes in their lives. Whether you're dealing with a specific mental health issue, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, talking therapies have the power to transform your life in profound and meaningful ways. The world of talking therapies is rich, complex, and endlessly fascinating. Whether you're just starting to explore this academic topic, or you're already a seasoned expert, there's always something new to discover and learn about this powerful field. So why not dive in and start exploring today?
Are you struggling with anxiety-related issues? Look no further than "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook"! With over a million readers helped, this workbook is packed with effective skills for assessing and treating anxiety. You'll learn a range of proven methods for overcoming anxiety, challenging negative self-talk, and making lifestyle changes to prevent panic attacks. This new edition has been updated with the latest research and therapeutic techniques, making it a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to quiet worried thoughts and regain control of their life. Recommended for anyone looking to manage anxiety and anxiety-related conditions, "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" has something to offer a wide range of readers. Students studying psychology or counseling may find this workbook to be a valuable supplement to their coursework, while healthcare professionals can use it to expand their knowledge of effective therapeutic techniques. Those struggling with anxiety themselves can use this workbook as a practical guide to develop a full arsenal of skills for managing their symptoms. Additionally, anyone interested in self-improvement and personal growth may find this workbook to be a valuable resource for cultivating a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
Are you someone who loves to listen and help people? Do you enjoy finding solutions to complex problems? If so, a career in Counseling Psychology may be perfect for you! Counseling Psychology is a field that focuses on helping individuals and groups improve their mental health and well-being. As a Counseling Psychologist, you will work with clients to identify and address their emotional, social, and behavioral issues. You will help them develop coping skills, improve their relationships, and achieve their personal goals. One of the most appealing aspects of this field is the opportunity to truly make a positive impact on people's lives. Imagine helping a teenager overcome their anxiety and depression to become a confident and successful adult. Or helping a family navigate a difficult divorce and emerge with a stronger bond. These are just a few examples of the meaningful and rewarding work that Counseling Psychologists do every day. In terms of typical duties, Counseling Psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, schools, and community centers. They may specialize in areas such as marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, or career counseling. Other related fields include social work, psychiatry, and school counseling. To become a Counseling Psychologist, you will typically need to earn a doctoral degree in Psychology, with a focus on Counseling Psychology. Popular undergraduate majors for this field include Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work. Helpful personal attributes include strong communication skills, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude. Job prospects for Counseling Psychologists are generally positive, with a projected growth rate of 14% over the next decade. Notable potential employers include government agencies, hospitals, and non-profit organizations. Some specific examples include the National Institutes of Health, the Mayo Clinic, and the United Nations. In summary, a career in Counseling Psychology offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives, while also enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career. If you have a passion for helping others and a desire to improve mental health and well-being, this may be the perfect field for you!
Play is often seen as a frivolous pastime, but in reality, it is crucial for healthy development and has long-term benefits that extend far beyond childhood. The power of play is a subject that has been extensively studied by researchers and scholars, revealing fascinating insights into how play impacts children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Early childhood is a critical time for play, as it provides an opportunity for children to explore the world around them and develop essential life skills. Through play, children learn to communicate, problem-solve, and regulate their emotions, all of which are crucial for future success. Research has shown that children who engage in more play during their early years have better academic outcomes, higher social competence, and a greater ability to regulate their behavior. Leading academics in the field, such as Stuart Brown and Alison Gopnik, have studied the power of play extensively, demonstrating how it contributes to brain development and influences the development of executive functions like decision-making, self-control, and working memory. Studies have also shown that play is essential for the development of creativity, imagination, and curiosity, which are all important traits for success in many fields. Moreover, play is an effective way to reduce stress and promote well-being. Researchers have found that play can help children cope with difficult situations, develop resilience, and build stronger connections with their peers and families. Play-based interventions have also been used to treat a range of psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In conclusion, the power of play cannot be overstated. It is a critical component of healthy development and has far-reaching benefits that last a lifetime. By understanding the importance of play during early childhood, we can create a more supportive and nurturing environment for children to thrive.