What happens when you get scared? Maybe you scream. Maybe you jump. Maybe your heart starts to beat fast, and your palms get sweaty. You might not be able to think straight. You may not be thinking at all. Here’s another question. Which of these reactions happens first? Evaluating your bodily functions or thoughts when experiencing extreme emotions is difficult. If you’re scared that you will get hurt, you’re probably not thinking, “Hmm…is my heart beating faster than normal?...

The Cambridge Dictionary provides two definitions for the word “violence:” You may think you already know what violence is. Punching a guy on the street is violence, sure. But physical violence against someone that made you upset in a bar is far from the only type of violence that is being committed every day. There are many motivations fueling violence, and many forms in which it takes. So take some time to learn the different types of violence....

Social psychology revolves around a handful of great debates, including free will vs. determinism and reductionism vs. holism. One of these debates is nature vs. nurture. One of the main ideas of the nurture side of this debate is “tabula rasa.” Empiricists, or those who believe that nurture influences our thoughts and behaviors, believe that we are born with a tabula rasa. Let’s examine what that means, the psychologists who shaped this idea, and how it applies to current practices and debates in psychology....

We subconsciously project our personality onto the paper each time we draw something. Without us realizing it, even the simplest drawing can shed light on our emotions, intelligence, self-esteem, and fears. A drawing assessment known as the house-tree-person test is a common technique psychologists use to learn more about personality traits. What is the House-Tree-Person Test?The House-Tree-Person Test MethodologyThe House-Tree-Person Test InterpretationThe House-Tree-Person Test Scoring What is the House-Tree-Person Test?...

In the late 20th century, a psychologist named Howard Gardner believed that the way people thought about intelligence was too narrow and that was more helpful to recognize other mental strengths individuals may have. What he proposed has made him one of the most well-known psychologists living today. Who Was Howard Gardner?Howard Gardner’s BirthHoward Gardner’s Family LifeHoward Gardner’s ChildhoodEducational BackgroundHow Did Howard Gardner Develop His Theory of Multiple Intelligences?What Makes This a Theory?...

Looking for information on John B. Watson and his contribution to psychology? You’re in the right place. We have created biographies for all of the most prominent psychologists in modern history! John B Watson Who Was John B. Watson?John B. Watson’s Early LifeEducational BackgroundWatson’s Theory of BehaviorismWatson’s View of EmotionsThe Little Albert ExperimentWatson’s Thoughts on Child-RearingCriticisms of Watson’s TheoryJohn B. Watson’s Books, Awards, and AccomplishmentsPersonal LifeWhen Did John B. Watson Die?...

Phobias are what makes your hair stand on end, they may be what keep you up at night. Phobias can range from mild stressor to debilitating fear. Some just try to avoid their stressors and can handle it if they run into it. However, there are those that are so severe that they cannot leave their homes or do certain things because of their fear that they will come into contact with their phobia....

A student named Frances is about to give a presentation in front of a large audience. As she is getting ready to speak, she is aware of people looking at her and scrutinizing her every move. Although she is well prepared, Frances finds it hard to concentrate. Her mind is flooded with negative thoughts. She blushes, starts shaking, and feels the urgent need to get out of the room. She is convinced that people are observing her and judging her awkwardness while in reality, nobody notices....

Have you ever watched a video or seen a GIF that was just…oddly satisfying? Or maybe you can relate to the episode of The Office when they wait patiently for the DVD graphic to fit perfectly in the bottom corner of the screen. Why does it feel so soothing when things fall into place or fit just right? The answer has to do with the way our minds work - or at least this is what Gestalt psychology says....

Let’s discuss the Unconscious Mind. What’s in there? Does it influence our behavior and actions? And why could it tell you things you don’t want to hear? Many psychologists have attempted to answer these questions, butSigmund Freudis the most famous. Let’s dive into his definition of the unconscious, how it plays out in behavior, and what psychologists after Freud have to say. What Is In the Unconscious Mind?Freud’s Map of the MindRole of the Unconscious Mind in Freudian SlipsStoring and Maintaining the Unconscious MindFreud’s Theories and Psychodynamic ApproachDual Processing Theory...

Every day, we perform simple tasks without even blinking an eye. We can tell someone to preheat the oven. We can give directions based on a map. If someone needs us to, we read aloud. But every time we need to complete one of these tasks, our brain is hard at work. The ability to read, comprehend, and produce language is required for all of the tasks I just mentioned. Have you ever wondered how the brain does all of this, within seconds?...

Find an Online Psychology Program for YouFeatured Online Psychology & Counseling ProgramsLike a lot of other work that used to be conducted primarily in person, counseling and therapy services have been abruptly shifting to an online-only format – all while trying to figure out where we fall on the essential services totem and interpret the mixed bag of stay-at-home orders handed down from state and local leaders. It’s been a bumpy ride for many, particularly the technologically challenged, but on the other hand, the services we provide as counselors and therapists have become more critical than ever: the stress and anxiety that come along with a global pandemic demand professional attention, to say nothing of the stress that comes with isolation and social distancing....

Have you ever found yourself laughing in an inappropriate situation? I’m not talking about a tasteless joke. I mean a really inappropriate situation. Maybe you have a phone interview with a big corporate company and you just can’t stop laughing, even if no one has said anything funny. Maybe you hear some bad news and you can’t help to crack a smile. You might even start nervously laughing at a funeral or a moment of silence....