Psychology Archives

Competitive Relationships: Why Do We Have Them?

Why do we enter competitive relationships? Or, why do some of our relationships become competitive? According to author Luke Burgis, most of our desires aren’t actually our own. In his book Wanting, he uses the theory of “mimetic desire” to explain how we mimic what others want or have, which can unknowingly lead us into competitive relationships. Read on to learn the psychological reasons why we enter competitive relationships, according to Burgis.

Chatter by Ethan Kross: Book Overview

What is Ethan Kross’s Chatter about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book Chatter, neuroscientist and experimental psychologist Ethan Kross explores the private conversations we have with ourselves and how they impact our well-being and life outcomes. Further, he lays out practical strategies to help you silence your inner critic and rewire your mind for more positivity. Keep reading for a brief overview of Ethan Kross’s book The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It.

Traits of Anti-Seducers: Don’t Be a Turn-Off

What does Robert Greene mean by anti-seduction? What qualities does Greene describe as anti-seductive? As the name suggests, anti-seduction is the opposite of seduction—it’s behavior that people find repellent or off-putting. In other words, anti-seduction is being what people call a “turn-off.” Keep reading to learn about the major qualities of anti-seducers, according to Robert Greene.

Open Awareness: Letting Your Attention Run Free

What’s open awareness? What is it good for? Does it have a downside? When your brain isn’t using selective attention—choosing where you direct your attention—it’s using open awareness. This is a passive, rather than deliberate, state of attention. Continue reading to learn more about open awareness, including its benefits and drawbacks.

Informed Decision-Making in Healthcare: How to Assess Outcomes

When you’re making medical decisions, what do you consider? How do you evaluate your options? Medical decisions are some of the most important decisions you make. Neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin argues that you shouldn’t try to intuit such decisions because your brain just isn’t good at it. He recommends using a fourfold table to analyze the information you’re working with. Continue reading to learn how to use this process for informed decision-making in healthcare.

Challenging Negative Self-Talk: Strategies and Tips

Is your mind overwhelmed by negativity? How can you stop negative self-talk and train yourself to think more positively? According to neuroscientist and psychologist Ethan Kross, we can’t stop negative self-talk completely, but we can quiet it and therefore reduce its power over us. In his book Chatter, he shares five research-based strategies for challenging negative self-talk. Here’s how we can prevent our negative self-talk from interfering with our success, happiness, and health.

4 Myths About Abuse: Debunking the Lies

What are some myths about abuse? Is domestic abuse intentional or are abusers victims as well? Domestic abuse is a serious issue that many people don’t know they’re a victim of. In Why Does He Do That?, Lundy Bancroft dispels common misconceptions about abuse that people should be aware of. Continue reading to learn the myths people believe about domestic abuse and why they’re not real.

The Human Connection: What We All Have in Common

What is the center point of the human connection? What do all humans have in common? In Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff says that engaging in self-compassion means being aware that the pain you feel is the same pain others feel during hard times. Recognizing suffering as a connection point bonds you to all human beings. Keep reading to learn what connects human beings on a grounded level.

Stuck in the Past? Here’s How to Turn the Page

Do you often find yourself lost in thought, falling down the rabbit hole of past memories? Are you stuck in the past? The more you’re stuck in the past, the more you carry pain from your past moments into your present. Too much focus on the past creates guilt, regret, resentment, sadness, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Here’s how to free yourself from the burden of the past so you can turn the page and move forward with your life.

The 2 Problems With a Culture of Fear in the Workplace

What is a culture of fear like at work? What are the problems with leading with fear? In The Fearless Organization, Amy C. Edmondson says that, despite the clear benefits of psychologically safe workplaces, many companies don’t install them. Instead, they continue to take a fear-based tactic that comes with two key problems. Continue reading to learn the problems with a culture of fear in the workplace.