The World's Best Book Summaries
Does birth order affect the psychological make-up of a child? What are some ways firstborn children differ from lastborn? Birth order has a very strong effect on a child’s psychology. Firstborns tend to be more dominant and conscientious, while lastborns— more unconventional and rebellious. Keep reading to learn about birth order psychology.
Is avoidant attachment in adults a bad thing? Why do avoidant attachers act the way they do? Is it possible to change your attachment style? About 25% of the population are avoidant attachers. These people often have trouble maintaining a long-term, stable relationship because they push their partners away, idealize self-reliance, romanticize past relationships, and fall into the “one-and-only” trap. Keep reading to learn more about avoidant attachment in adults and how they can work to improve their relationships.
What are the origins of attachment psychology? Why do many Westerners believe that being emotionally self-sufficient is so important? How can this outdated ideology be harmful? Back in the 1920s, parenting books warned parents not to coddle their children too much or they would grow up to be reliant on others. This is where attachment psychology began and it only got worse from there. Continue reading to learn about the origins of attachment psychology and how early beliefs about attachment are harmful.
How does Mattie find Nell in Fever 1793? Why does Mattie end up caring for her rather than putting her in an orphanage? In the book Fever 1793, Mattie is wandering the streets when she runs into a child whose mother died of yellow fever. Mattie feels responsible for helping the girl but never planned on becoming her mother. Keep reading to learn how 14-year-old Mattie becomes an adoptive mother in Fever 1793.
Why will changing how you see yourself improve your life? Why is “finding yourself” actually restrictive rather than freeing? When you challenge your identity, you allow yourself to grow as a person. We need to stop putting limiting labels on ourselves and allow ourselves to continue to grow and change. Continue reading to learn how you can change how you see yourself.
Why do so many of us have a fear of being average? How do some people become exceptional? The truth is that you’re probably average, and that’s okay. Very few people are actually extraordinary and the ones who are had to spend a lot of time improving themselves. For the bulk of people, accepting that you’re not special will make you mentally healthier. Keep reading to find out why being average is okay and being exceptional comes with its own set of problems.
What is Antifragile about? What’s its meaning and why is it so important? Antifragile is the title of a book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. It discusses the idea of antifragility, a concept that’s sort of a combination of durability and resilience. It says that stress and turmoil can and should make us stronger. Read about Antifragile, its meaning, and more.
Is there a correlation between spirituality and happiness? Is it true that people who practice spirituality tend to enjoy greater life satisfaction? Research shows a strong positive correlation between spirituality and happiness in that spiritual people—that is, people who spend time considering various spiritual states—are happier with their lives overall. In turn, this elevated happiness grants them better mental and physical health, greater longevity, and an increased ability to deal with stressors. Keep reading to learn about the relationship between spirituality and happiness.
Ever wondered, “what is my partner’s attachment style?” How can knowing your partner’s romantic attachment style improve your relationship? Understanding your partner’s attachment style can save you a lot of emotional struggle. Whether you are in a new relationship or a long-term marriage, understanding how your partner feels and thinks can help you solve problems (or help you decide whether they’re worth solving). Continue on to take the “What is my partner’s attachment style?” quiz.
What is a “secure base” in regards to attachment theory? Why do both children and adults need a secure base in order to thrive? Psychologist Mary Ainsworth found that if a child had a “secure base,” (such as having a parent in the room with them) they felt more confident to explore. More recently, researchers found that adults also crave a secure base, such as a partner or friend, to thrive. Keep reading to learn more about the psychology of having a secure base.