Psychology Archives

How to Be More Interesting: Talk Less and Listen More

What makes a person interesting? What are some things you can do to gain the interest of those around you? When people try to seem interesting, they tend to talk a lot. They assume that by talking about all the interesting things they do, they’ll inspire curiosity in others. But psychiatrist Mark Goulston says that to win someone’s interest, you should focus on learning about them instead of talking about yourself. Continue reading to learn how to be more interesting, according to Goulston.

Why Does He Do That?: Book Overview & Takeaways

What is the book Why Does He Do That? about? What are the main takeaways of the book? In Why Does He Do That?, Lundy Bancroft breaks down the motivations and logic behind abusive behavior so victims know how to defend themselves. Ultimately, Bancroft hopes that readers will use his book to better assert their own humanity and independence. Read below for a brief overview of the Why Does He Do That? book.

The Art of Seduction: The 6 Rules of the Game

What are Robert Greene’s rules of seduction? What are some principles you should keep in mind when attempting to seduce someone? In his book The Art of Seduction, Robert Greene lays out his ground rules of seduction. Before embarking on your game, you must first internalize these rules because they are the foundation of successful seduction. Here’s an overview of The Art of Seduction rules you should keep in mind.

Bottom-up Processing and Top-Down Processing Explained

What’s the difference between bottom-up processing and top-down processing? How do we use these processes? In Focus, Daniel Goleman explores how you can understand, harness, and improve your attention to have a more productive life and become a more engaged member of society. In his discussion of how to understand attention, he explains bottom-up and top-down processing. Continue reading to learn about these two processes.

What Is Considered Domestic Abuse? Meaning & Examples

What is considered domestic abuse? Is abuse deliberate? Lundy Bancroft’s book Why Does He Do That? explains why some men abuse their partners and defines domestic abuse. According to his definition, domestic abuse is more complex than many people think. Keep reading to learn what domestic abuse actually means.

The Problem With the Localization of Brain Function Theory

What is the localization of brain function theory? What is the problem with the localizationism paradigm? As the name suggests, localization of brain function means that different functions or capabilities of the brain are “located” in certain brain regions. The idea of localization of function is attractive because it’s simple and elegant, but it’s not quite how the brain works. Keep reading to learn about the problem with the localizationism paradigm.

Kristin Neff’s 3 Self-Compassion Exercises to Practice Daily

What are Kristin Neff’s recommended self-compassion exercises? How should can you love yourself? Kristin Neff’s book Self-Compassion explains what self-compassion is and why it’s important in life. She also looks at three practices that comprise it. Learn Kristin Neff’s self-compassion exercises to practice every day.

How to Empty Your Mind & Quiet Your Inner Dialogue

Are your thoughts always racing out of control? Do you find it difficult to empty your mind so you can relax and be at peace? Many people struggle with incessant mental chatter, which drives anxiety and wastes a lot of cognitive energy. As a result, they can never find peace because their minds are always thinking—ruminating about the past or time-traveling into the future. Here are a few strategies for emptying your mind of unnecessary mental noise so you can focus and think straight.

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.