Changing Perspectives: 9 Tips for a Fresh Outlook on Life
Looking at things from a different point of view can give you a fresh perspective on life. Here’s how to do it.
8 Fascinating Fields of Psychology You Should Know
Psychology is a wide and diverse subject, which is why many different fields of psychology have emerged to help address different aspects of the mind and behavior. Some of the main fields of psychology include cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, and social psychology. You can think of these fields as a bit like puzzle pieces. They…
Reserved Personality Meaning: What It Means to Be a Reserved Person
Reserved people tend to me more private, introverted, and cautious. Learn more about what it means you have this type of personality.
100+ Positive Qualities in a Person
Positive qualities can help make people more successful in life and relationships. Here’s some create character strengths you might possess.
85 Unique Talents and Skills You Can Develop
Want to develop some unique talents that can help set you apart? Check out our list to find some you might want to try.
Examples of Conditioned Reinforcers
A conditioned reinforcer, also known as a secondary reinforcer, is a stimulus that becomes reinforcing after it is associated with primary reinforcers or other conditioned reinforcers. Unlike primary reinforcers, which are inherently rewarding (such as food, water, or shelter), conditioned reinforcers only acquire their reinforcing power through repeated pairing with primary reinforcers or other conditioned…
40+ Affirmations for Gratitude and How to Use Them
It’s easy to overlook the small blessings around us, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Yet, nurturing gratitude is essential for our mental well-being. Affirmations for gratitude, simple statements repeated to ourselves, play a vital role in this journey. They help us shift focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering appreciation and contentment….
7 Main Schools of Thought in Psychology
Schools of thought in psychology represent distinct frameworks or perspectives through which psychologists understand human behavior and mental processes. These schools, such as behaviorism, psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology, and humanistic psychology, offer unique theories, methods, and principles to interpret and address psychological phenomena. Learning more about psychology’s different schools of thought can help you better understand…
Ecological Theory: Bronfenbrenner’s Five Systems
Learn how Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory explains the impact of different environments on human development.
50 Affirmations for Self-Esteem
Affirmations for self-esteem can be a helpful way to focus on your strengths and improve how you feel about yourself. Such affirmations are positive statements that serve as a source of support and encouragement. Affirmations for self-esteem serve as powerful tools for cultivating a positive self-image and mindset. By repeating positive statements about oneself, individuals…
Benefits of Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements or phrases used to challenge and overcome negative thoughts. They are often employed in self-improvement practices and psychological interventions to reinforce a desired mindset or belief. Affirmations serve to reframe one’s perspective, focusing on constructive and empowering messages that align with personal goals and aspirations. By repeating affirmations regularly, individuals aim…
Negative Reinforcement vs. Punishment
Negative reinforcement and punishment are both important concepts in B.F. Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning. Negative reinforcement removes something bad to encourage good behavior, while punishment adds something bad to discourage bad behavior. Understanding the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment is really important. They both try to change behavior, but they work in different…
Reinforcement vs. Punishment: What Are the Differences?
Reinforcement in psychology involves increasing the likelihood of a behavior by introducing a stimulus, whereas punishment decreases the likelihood of a behavior by introducing a consequence. Reinforcement strengthens a behavior, while punishment weakens it. Reinforcement and punishment are both important concepts in operant conditioning, a behavioral theory of learning introduced by psychologist B.F. Skinner. Operant…
Insight Learning Theory: Definition, Stages, and Examples
Insight learning theory is all about those “lightbulb moments” we experience when we suddenly understand something. Instead of slowly figuring things out through trial and error, insight theory says we can suddenly see the solution to a problem in our minds. This theory is super important because it helps us understand how our brains work…
Motivation Cycle: Definition, Stages, and Effects
The motivational cycle refers to the process where a need motivates a person to take action. This chronological cycle has four stages: need, drive, incentive, and reward. The motivational cycle is a framework that helps us understand how people become motivated and maintain that motivation to achieve their goals. Motivation drives our actions and decisions,…
Self-Concept vs. Self-Esteem: What Are the Differences?
Self-concept and self-esteem share some similarities, but there are important differences.
Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory
Vygotsky’s social development theory highlights the critical role of social interactions and cultural tools in shaping children’s cognitive abilities, emphasizing learning through collaboration and guidance. Key Takeaways What is Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory? Vygotsky’s social development theory suggests that children’s cognitive growth is deeply influenced by social interactions and cultural tools, with learning best facilitated…
List of Positive Attitudes: Definition and Examples
Positive attitudes are about looking at life with optimism. People who have positive attitudes are compelling. Others enjoy being around them because they feel inspired and uplifted by their infectious approach to life. Researchers have found that having a positive outlook on life can have a wide range of benefits, from boosting your well-being to…
Lack of Communication: Signs, Examples, and What to Do
Lack of communication is when people fail to interact and express themselves in ways that foster healthy connections and relationships. This can take a toll on trust and intimacy in close relationships. Poor or insufficient communication in relationships can create problems, including insecurity and conflict. Here’s what you should do if you struggle to get…
What It Means to Be Highly Emotional
Everyone feels sensitive at certain times or about certain topics, but excessive or inappropriate displays of emotion are sometimes described as highly emotional or overly emotional. If it feels like you are always fighting to hold back your feelings, understanding what might be making you feel highly emotional is a good place to start. Characteristics…