What Is Psychological Freedom (Autonomy)?
Psychological freedom, or autonomy, is that sense that you have control over your life and the things that happen to you. Here’s why it matters.
What Is Self-Serving Bias? Examples and Definition
The self-serving bias involves taking credit for our success but blaming others for our failures. It’s why we might boast about our talents and hard work when things go our way but focus on external, situational factors when we don’t live up to expectations. For example, it’s why you might attribute your good score on…
What Is the Ingroup Bias? Definition and Examples
The ingroup bias, also known as in-group favoritism, is the tendency of people to favor their own group above that of others. It causes people to give preferences and privileges to members of their own group while often excluding those from other groups. This bias can have a powerful influence on both individual and group…
What Is Latent Learning? Definition and Examples
Latent learning refers to learning that is not immediately displayed. Essentially, it learning that happens as you live your life. You might not consciously try to notice and remember it, but your brain picks it up anyway. While you might not demonstrate such learning right away, it’s something that might come in handy later when…
Incentive Theory of Motivation: Definition and Uses
Incentive theory of motivation suggests that people are motivated by a need to obtain rewards or reinforcements. Rooted in behaviorism, this theory suggests that motivation arises from the desire to obtain rewards and avoid punishments. Incentive theory is just one of many theories psychologists have proposed to explain human motivation. Understanding this theory can give…
How to Be More Confident
Confidence is your belief in yourself and your ability to succeed. It’s not about having a particular set of skills or knowledge—it’s a state of mind that gives you the inner fortitude to take on life’s challenges. Of course, it can sometimes vary from one situation to the next. We don’t always feel as confident…
Stress Management: Strategies from Psychology for Better Well-Being
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…
4 Key Transformational Leadership Characteristics
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…
Narcissistic Behavior: Spot the Signs
Narcissistic behavior can turn relationships into a battlefield of manipulation and unmet needs, leaving partners questioning their reality and self-worth.
What Is Unconditional Positive Regard?
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…
Types of Heuristics in Psychology
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 in Psychology: Definition and Examples
Assimilation in psychology explains how we integrate new experiences into existing frameworks, shaping how we learn, adapt, and view the world around us.
What Is a Psychological Stressor?
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: Understanding and Overcoming It
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…
What Is a Case Study in Psychology?
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…
Verbal Communication: Understanding the Power of Words
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…
Anxious-Avoidant Attachment Style: Understanding and Overcoming It
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…
Cohort Effect in Psychology: Definition and Examples
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…
Types of Reinforcement in Psychology: Definition and Examples
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…
What Do Educational Psychologists Do?
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…