Psychology Archives

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.

The Lucifer Effect: Book Overview and Takeaways

What is The Lucifer Effect about? What are the main takeaways from Philip Zimbardo’s book? The Lucifer Effect was written by Philip Zimbardo, the psychologist famous for running the notorious 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment. In it, Zimbardo argues that most of us drastically misunderstand evil’s potential. Here’s a brief overview of Philip Zimbardo’s book The Lucifer Effect.

Robert Sapolsky: What Is Reciprocal Altruism?

What is reciprocal altruism? Why do people feel compelled to reciprocate virtuous behavior? Humans are innately reciprocal creatures because reciprocity has survival value. Even hunter-gatherer humans helped each other to contribute to the survival of the group. According to Robert Sapolsky, the author of Behave, altruism is encoded in our genes. Keep reading to learn about reciprocal altruism and how this behavior evolved.

How to Become a Successful Trader: The 3 Ingredients

Do you want to know how to become a successful trader? What do all profitable traders have in common? Trading is extremely hard, which is why only a few traders become profitable. According to Mark Douglas, the author of Trading in the Zone, you need three ingredients to become a successful trader: 1) a clear goal, focused exclusively on winning consistently, 2) a system of rules and boundaries for making trades, and 3) disciplined follow-through. Let’s explore each ingredient in detail.

2 Effects of Childhood Trauma in the Short-Term

What are the major short-term effects of childhood trauma? How can trauma affect other areas of a child’s life? According to Oprah Winfrey and psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry in their book What Happened to You?, two of the most common short-term effects of childhood trauma are 1) an inability to love and be loved, and 2) an overactive stress response, which can lead to increased anxiety and difficulty concentrating. We’ll explore both in detail below.