Stress is an inevitable part of everyday life. It often feels like something we can’t avoid–and sometimes it might feel like something we are powerless to do anything about. We know we are going to experience stress, and the truth is that there are times when we can do little to avoid it. What we…
Transformational leadership is a leadership style where leaders inspire and motivate their followers to exceed their own self-interests for the good of the organization or a greater cause. This approach involves creating a vision, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration, and encouraging personal and professional growth. Key transformational leadership characteristics that help these leaders…
We’ve all encountered narcissistic behavior at some point in our lives. Whether it’s that friend who can’t stop talking about themselves or the co-worker who believes they’re the office MVP, narcissism can be a real challenge to deal with. But what exactly is narcissistic behavior, how can you recognize it, and, most importantly, how should…
Unconditional positive regard is showing acceptance and care for someone without judgment. It is a core component of Carl Rogers’ humanistic approach to therapy and can play an important role in nurturing healthier relationships, boosting self-esteem, and fostering personal growth. This article explores what unconditional positive regard is, why it is so important, and how…
When you are trying to solve a problem or make a decision, you don’t always have time to examine every possible answer or possibility. Sometimes, you have to rely on the information you already have to make the best guess or estimate in a limited amount of time. This is an example of using heuristics,…
Assimilation and accommodation are key processes in cognitive development. Understanding these concepts reveals how we incorporate new experiences and adapt our mental frameworks to make sense of the world. Key Takeaways What Is Psychological Assimilation and How Does it Differ From Accommodation? Psychological assimilation is the process of fitting new information into pre-existing mental frameworks…
A psychological stressor refers to any event, situation, or condition that triggers a stress response in an individual. These stressors can be external (such as work pressure, financial difficulties, or relationship problems) or internal (such as self-doubt, perfectionism, or negative self-talk). They can also be acute, like a sudden traumatic event, or chronic, like ongoing…
Anxious preoccupied attachment is a specific attachment style that develops in childhood and continues into adulthood. It is characterized by a strong need for reassurance and validation from others, particularly in close relationships. Individuals with this attachment style often worry about abandonment or rejection and may become overly dependent on their partners or friends. People…
A case study is a research method used in psychology to investigate a particular individual, group, or situation in depth. It involves a detailed analysis of the subject, gathering information from various sources such as interviews, observations, and documents. In a case study, researchers aim to understand the complexities and nuances of the subject under…
As human beings, we rely on communication to express our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Verbal communication, in particular, involves using words to convey a message to another person. It is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and is crucial in our daily lives and relationships. In this article, we will explore the importance of verbal…
Attachment theory outlines different attachment styles formed during childhood and can profoundly impact adult relationships. One of the most complex and challenging to navigate is anxious-avoidant attachment, also known as fearful-avoidant attachment. This attachment style can leave individuals feeling disconnected, fearful, and unable to form secure relationships. Researchers suggest that people who are high in anxious-avoidant…
The cohort effect refers to the influence of a person’s generation or birth cohort on their attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and life experiences. Cohorts are groups of individuals who share a common historical or social context, such as those born in the same time period, raised in the same cultural environment, or experienced a similar event…
In psychology, reinforcement refers to a process where behavior is strengthened or increased by the presentation or removal of a stimulus. Types of reinforcement include positive and negative reinforcement. Reinforcement is a key concept in behaviorism, a school of psychology that emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping behavior. According to behaviorists, behavior is…
Educational psychology is a branch of psychology that involves the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes related to teaching and learning. It focuses on understanding how people learn, develop, and acquire knowledge and skills and the factors that influence learning outcomes. Educational psychologists use research and theories from psychology and education to inform…
Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation differ in that extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards, while intrinsic motivation is driven by internal satisfaction. Motivation is crucial in how we behave, perform, and feel. Extrinsic motivation draws upon external factors such as rewards or punishment to drive action, while intrinsic motivation comes from within and involves the internal…
Correlational research is a type of scientific investigation in which a researcher looks at the relationships between variables but does not vary, manipulate, or control them. It can be a useful research method for evaluating the direction and strength of the relationship between two or more different variables. When examining how variables are related to…
Naturalistic observation is a psychological research method that involves observing and recording behavior in the natural environment. Unlike experiments, researchers do not manipulate variables. This research method is frequently used in psychology to help researchers investigate human behavior. This article explores how naturalistic observation is used in psychology. It offers examples and the potential advantages…
In classic Freudian psychoanalytic theory, the pleasure principle is the libidinal force behind the id that seeks the immediate gratification of basic urges and needs. If such demands are not met, people may find themselves in a state of anxiety, tension, or discomfort. According to Freud, this is the part of personality that seeks pleasure…
Scaffolding refers to the temporary support that adults or other competent peers offer when a person is learning a new skill or trying to accomplish a task. The concept was first introduced by the Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky, who was best known for his theories that emphasized the importance of social interaction in the learning…
