Psychology Archives

How to Read a Person: Seeing People as They Are

Do you know what your boss is thinking and feeling? Do your teammates really trust each other? Never underestimate the impact other people have on your life in general and your career in particular. You must have social know-how to get ahead in your field. This requires seeing people as they truly are, which can be difficult when people try to hide their true selves. You need to learn how to read a person—a skill that’s helpful in professional and personal life. Here’s why reading people is important and how to do it better.

Robert Sapolsky: Evolution and Behavior

What is the connection between evolution and behavior? What are some examples of human behaviors that have survival value? Our brains work the way they do because of evolution: Ancestors who behaved in certain ways were more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on the genes that caused them to behave in those ways. So now, many generations later, those genes still survive in us and influence our behavior. Let’s examine the key categories of human behavior that are the product of evolution.

The Connection of Mind and Body in Medicine

Why is the connection of mind and body important in the medical field? Why does modern medicine separate mind from body? The Western medicine treats the mind and the body as separate domains (mind-body dualism). According to Dr. Gabor Maté, the author of When the Body Says No, this mindset is holding modern medicine back because the mind can cause disease to the body. Here’s why the mind-body connection shouldn’t be overlooked when diagnosing and treating illness.

Kin Selection Theory: Why Family Comes First

What is the kin selection theory? Why do we feel compelled to protect our family members at all costs? Kin selection is a term in evolutionary biology that means potentially sacrificing your own welfare or reproductive success in favor of your relatives’. For example, risking your life by fighting off a home intruder to protect your family. It evolved because, by definition, your relatives share many of your genes, so keeping them alive helps pass those genes on. Keep reading to learn about the psychology behind kin selection.

The Causes of Chronic Stress: It Starts in Childhood

What are the main causes of chronic stress? How can childhood stress lead to diseases later in life? Does personality play a role in development of physical disease? In his book When the Body Says No, Dr. Gabor Maté says that there is a link between chronic stress and physical illness. According to Maté, chronic stress often stems from childhood, meaning that one’s parental nurturing, childhood development, and even personality may contribute to development of certain illnesses later in life. Learn about the ultimate cause of chronic stress, according to Dr. Gabor Maté.

Are Humans Inherently Good or Evil?

Are humans inherently good or evil? Does our environment shape who we are? In The Lucifer Effect, psychologist Philip Zimbardo argues that humans aren’t born good or bad. Instead, he theorizes that certain circumstances can cause any good person to become evil. Learn more about why Zimbardo believes humans aren’t inherently good or evil.

Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Adaptation Mechanism

What is neuroplasticity? Can neuroplasticity rewire personality? Neuroplasticity is the brain’s adaptation mechanism: The brain literally changes its structure to adapt to stresses and learning. According to Robert Sapolsky, the author of Behave, neuroplasticity even makes it possible to rewire your personality to an extent: you can weaken or strengthen certain traits through behavioral reinforcement. Keep reading to learn about neuroplasticity and how it influences behavior.

Why You Need to Embrace Risk in Trading

Why Socioeconomic Status and Depression Are Linked

Are you an overly careful trader? Why is it important to embrace risk in trading? To achieve consistent profits in trading, it’s essential to embrace risk. According to Mark Douglas, the author of Trading in the Zone, you must be comfortable with risk to ward off irrational fears that corrode your trading mindset and your potential to profit. Let’s look at the factors that cause us to avoid risk and develop an unhealthy relationship with the market.

The 3 Long-Lasting Effects of Childhood Trauma

How can childhood trauma affect a person later in life? What mental health problems can arise? For children who suffer abuse, trauma’s impact on the developing brain tends to create long-term issues. In their book What Happened to You?, Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey mention three broad ways that childhood trauma can impact people in the long-term: 1) mental and physical health issues, 2) flashbacks and triggers, and 3) unrecognized behavioral patterns. Keep reading to learn more about the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma.

Stress-Related Illnesses: How the Mind Affects the Body

What is a stress-related illness? Can stress really make a person physically sick? Although science treats the mind and the body as separate entities, there’s a strong connection between stress and illness. Dr. Gabor Maté discusses this connection in his book When the Body Says No, explaining the links between peoples’ life histories, psychological profiles, and specific diseases. Here’s a look at some of the stress-related illnesses.