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World of Psychology


Celebrities

Can a Single TV Show Influence a Presidential Election?

Most people don't give much weight to the influence that television shows have on politics. After all, there's dozens of channels, outlets, and shows available no matter what your political leaning may be. People tune into the political shows that generally align with their political views.

It may then come as a shock that a single television show can actually have a much bigger impact than anyone realized. So big an impact, in fact, that a set of researchers have concluded that it was one of the deciding factors in the 2016 United States presidential election.

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Happiness

12 Tips for a Happier Home, Adapted from Nursery School


One of my resolutions is to Treat myself like a toddler. I’ve found that much of the advice aimed at children is just as helpful for me.

For instance, I’m reading Nicole Malenfant’s Routines and Transitions: A Guide for Early Childhood Professionals (non sequitur:  a surprising name for a childhood expert). She lays out several strategies for teachers to use in establishing routines and transitions for children. I’m going...
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Best of Our Blogs

Best of Our Blogs: May 24, 2019

On a summit recently, I learned our brains are always trying to understand things. This thought was mind-blowing for me.

Think of it. Your mind is like a scientist trying its best to understand the world. But that doesn't mean it always gets things right. Sometimes fear draws a curtain over the truth. Sometimes we get a small picture and create an entire story around it. Sometimes what you are feeling in your body isn't some disease waiting to reveal itself. Sometimes it's stress, sadness or anxiety.

Your brain is doing its best to understand what you're going through. But it's not always getting the whole picture.

This week as you read about narcissists, abuse, and trauma, reflect on this. Through therapy and asking yourself the questions in one of our posts, you'll get closer to understanding the truth of your experience.
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General

Podcast: Mental Health Info – Telling Fact from Fiction



Being hospitalized for any reason is never a fun time, but there are some instances where it can be a harrowing experience. This is especially true for psychiatric patients, who are already in a crisis even before being plunged into the hospital atmosphere, which can overwhelm them. This disconnect between patients and hospital staff has long been an issue. Today’s guest shares some insights on her work to improve this relationship.
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Inspiration & Hope

What I Learned About Loving Again After an Abusive Relationship

Once you’re out of an abusive relationship you want nothing more than to enjoy being free. You want to leave your ex in the dust and live again. Breathe again, adventure again, go to the damn grocery store without being accused of cheating again. And most people savor this time. That was me. I left my four year-long, tire fire of a life choice and enjoyed being single and free. I enjoyed being me again. I did see a therapist for a while at first. Which helped. He was kind and listened but, to be honest, I didn’t want to talk or think about my ex anymore -- he had stolen enough of my life. I didn’t want to heal by talking; I wanted to heal by doing.

And it worked! I chased my passions again and rebuilt myself back into a person I was proud of. If I am being totally transparent, I didn’t ever want to be in another relationship again. So, obviously, after a few years of the single and free life, one fell into my lap. Not just any relationship, an AMAZING relationship.

But here is the thing that no one talks about, dating again after an abusive relationship is traumatic.
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Brain and Behavior

Environmental Effects on the Mind and Body: Depression Relief

Nature is an important aspect of our daily lives that is too often taken for granted. Now, in our technologically-driven society, we are often shut away from nature, and the times that we are out in nature, we are unable to appreciate it in its entire splendor. It is hard to truly separate yourself from the rest of the world, considering we are always “on”, but the effects of doing so prove beneficial to your general well-being and emotional clarity.

"[We] are all a part of nature. We are born in nature; our bodies are formed of nature; we live by the rules of nature,” writes Wesley P. Schultz, PhD, professor of psychology at California State University San Marcos. Why then, are we so avoidant of nature? Schultz explains that historically, it was necessary for us to be in nature -- we hunted, lived, socialized and traveled in nature. As we progressed and became more technologically advanced we became more shut in -- living, socializing, and traveling predominantly in man-made environments (Schultz, 2002).
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