Dr. Ermshar & Associates, Specialized Psychological Services

07/17/2025

The Psychology of Decision-Making: How We Make Choices and Deal with Regret

The psychology of decision-making is a fascinating area of study that explores how individuals make choices and deal with the consequences of those choices, including feelings of . Let's dive into some key aspects of decision-making and regret:

First, the psychological study of decision-making has main classifications. Decision-making can be classified into two main types: and . Rational decisions are based on logic, analysis, and objective information, while emotional decisions are influenced by feelings, desires, and intuitions. In reality, most decisions are a blend of both rational and emotional elements. By understanding this key information, the study of decision-making becomes easier to follow.

Decision-making is influenced by cognitive biases, which are systematic errors in thinking that can lead to irrational judgments. Common biases include confirmation (favoring information that confirms preexisting beliefs), availability bias (relying on readily available information), and anchoring bias (being influenced by the first piece of information encountered). These biases can impact our choices without us even realizing it. Researchers have proposed various decision-making models to explain the process. One well-known model is the rational decision-making model, which involves identifying the problem, generating alternative solutions, evaluating the alternatives, making a choice, and implementing it. However, in real-life situations, people may not always follow such a structured process.

Regret is an emotion that arises when an individual believes they could have achieved a better outcome if they had made a different decision. thinking plays a role in regret, as it involves mentally simulating alternative scenarios to the actual outcome. "If only I had chosen differently" or "What if I had done this instead" are common forms of counterfactual thoughts. There are a couple of different types of regret that can manifest as a result of decision-making. Anticipatory regret is the fear of making the wrong decision before actually making it. This fear can lead to decision paralysis, otherwise known as the avoidance of making choices altogether. Another type of regret is post-decision regret, which manifests after making a decision if one perceives negative consequences or outcomes that were not expected or desirable. The intensity of post-decision regret may vary depending on the perceived impact of the decision and the importance of the situation.

Dealing with regret involves various mechanisms. Some people may engage in problem-solving to rectify their decision, while others may engage in self-reflection and learning to avoid similar mistakes in the future. Social support and seeking advice from others can also be helpful in coping with regret. Decision-making and the experience of regret can have implications for an individual's well-being. People who consistently make decisions that align with their values and goals tend to experience less regret, leading to greater life satisfaction and well-being. Understanding the psychology of decision-making can be valuable for individuals seeking to make better choices and cope with regret. It can also provide insights for professionals, such as psychologists and counselors, in helping their clients navigate decision-making processes and manage the emotions associated with regret.

https://www.drannetteermshar.com/the-psychology-of-decision-making-how-we-make-choices-and-deal-with-regret/

The Psychology of Decision-Making: How We Make Choices and Deal with Regret - Psychologist Pasadena, CA

07/11/2025

Celebrating all the strong women out there.
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07/03/2025

Happy 4th!

07/03/2025

What is the Pratfall Effect and How Does it Impact our Psychology and Social Lives?

The Effect is a psychological phenomenon that suggests that making a minor mistake or displaying a small imperfection can enhance a person's attractiveness or likability, particularly in situations where they are perceived as competent. In other words, showing a slight vulnerability or humanizing trait can make a person seem more relatable, approachable, and authentic, ultimately leading to increased social appeal.

The effect was first studied by psychologist Elliot Aronson in 1966. In one of his experiments, participants were asked to listen to recordings of a person answering a quiz. In one version, the person answered all the questions correctly. In another version, the person answered most questions correctly but also spilled a cup of coffee at some point. Interestingly, participants consistently rated the person who spilled the coffee as and attractive, even though they had exhibited a minor fault.

The Pratfall Effect impacts our psychology and social lives in several ways. First, displaying can make individuals appear more authentic and relatable. When we see someone make a small mistake, we often feel that they are being genuine and not trying to portray an overly perfect image. Perfection can be intimidating and create a barrier between people. When someone we perceive as highly competent makes a small , it can help level the playing field and make them seem more approachable.

Additionally, the Pratfall Effect can foster a sense of and empathy between individuals. When we witness others' mistakes, we may recall similar situations in our own lives, creating a shared sense of experience. Small errors can make people more forgiving and understanding toward others. Witnessing someone else's mistakes might remind us of our fallibility and encourage us to be more forgiving of imperfections in others.

Finally, the effect can lead to an increase in likability and social . People are drawn to those who seem approachable and relatable, and minor flaws can make someone seem less distant and more relatable. Strategic use of the Pratfall Effect can be employed to create a specific impression. For example, in certain situations, deliberately admitting to a minor mistake can be a way to humanize oneself and establish rapport. However, the effect doesn't work in all situations. It's more likely to be effective when the person is already perceived as competent and their mistake is relatively minor and unrelated to their main skills or abilities.

Overall, the Pratfall Effect highlights the complexity of human social interactions and the importance of and . It serves as a reminder that perfection is not always the most effective way to connect with others, and embracing our human fallibility can enhance our relationships and social interactions.

https://www.drannetteermshar.com/what-is-the-pratfall-effect-and-how-does-it-impact-our-psychology-and-social-lives/

What is the Pratfall Effect and How Does it Impact our Psychology and Social Lives? - Psychologist Pasadena, CA

06/21/2025

Employee appreciation lunch with my clinical team and summer interns.

06/19/2025

The Role of Empathy in Building Stronger Relationships

Empathy has become an increasingly crucial factor in improving your with your peers, promoting understanding of each other, emotional connection, and mutual support between individuals. Unlike sympathy, which is recognizing how somebody feels, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, putting yourself in someone else's shoes and looking at the world from their perspective. Here are some of the ways that practicing empathy can strengthen your relationships:

Empathy in relationships assists in building trust with others. When we empathize, we acknowledge and respect the other person's feelings, showing them that their experiences are important and valued. This understanding builds and strengthens the bonds in your relationships.

Empathy also enables us to provide emotional support to others. When we empathize, we acknowledge and validate the emotions of the other person, creating a safe space for them to express themselves. This support can help individuals feel understood, accepted, and cared for, strengthening the emotional bond in the relationship and building trust. By making someone feel heard and understood, a sense of safety and openness is created. This trust and connection lay the foundation for deeper and more relationships.

Empathy in relationships also improves our active listening. When we empathize, we are not only aware of the words being said but we also improve our ability to recognize the underlying emotions and non-verbal cues. This enables us to respond in a sensitive and supportive manner, leading to better communication and resolving conflicts effectively.

Further, having for others can also strengthen our conflict-resolution skills. Empathy in relationships aides in de-escalating conflicts by promoting compassion, compromise, and understanding. By considering and empathizing with the perspectives and emotions of others involved in the conflict, it becomes easier to find common ground and work towards a mutually agreeable solution.

Overall, empathy is one of the most powerful tools for building stronger relationships, enabling individuals to connect on a deeper emotional level, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, provide , and build trust. By practicing empathy, you can create meaningful and fulfilling relationships that promote personal growth, understanding, and mutual well-being.

https://www.drannetteermshar.com/the-role-of-empathy-in-building-stronger-relationships/

The Role of Empathy in Building Stronger Relationships - Psychologist Pasadena, CA

06/05/2025

Exploring the Psychology of Success: What Factors Contribute to Achieving Goals?

Many people believe that success is solely in the hands of luck. However, success is actually a complex process influenced by various psychological factors. Although individual experiences and circumstances can vary, there are several key elements that commonly contribute to success. Here are some of the important factors that play a role in succeeding and your goals.

Motivation is a significant contributing psychological factor for success. is the internal drive that propels individuals toward their goals. Motivation can come from a variety of sources such as intrinsic motivation, which is personal interest or enjoyment. Another source could be extrinsic motivation, which is recognition or external rewards. Thus, cultivating and sustaining motivation is crucial for staying focused and overcoming obstacles.

A useful tool in ensuring success is creating what is known as goals, which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. By defining your goals and what you want to accomplish, it becomes easier to develop a plan and take the necessary steps to achieve your goal. Creating a well-structured plan, breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and establishing a timeline can provide a roadmap for success. Likewise, organizational skills help you prioritize, manage time efficiently, and allocate resources effectively.

A is another contributing psychological factor that is crucial for success, which entails cultivating an optimistic and constructive attitude toward your goals. Motivation to succeed can be enhanced by believing in your abilities, having confidence, and visualizing success, thereby increasing your resilience. Significant contributions to achieving goals can be attained by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, reframing setbacks as learning experiences, and maintaining a sense of optimism.

Another psychological factor that is essential to success is ongoing learning, growth, and . An open mindset to seeking new knowledge and skills, and the willingness to adjust your approach based on feedback and changing circumstances can improve your chances of achieving your goals. This means your internal locus of control comes into play, which is your level of belief that you have control over the outcome of your life, as opposed to the idea that external forces control your circumstances.

Overall, success can be attributed to a couple of different psychological processes. Many successful people have a strong sense of ongoing learning, motivation, a positive mindset, and utilize and organization in order to have more successful pursuits in business and life in general. Understanding these psychological elements can provide a foundation for personal growth and success.

https://www.drannetteermshar.com/exploring-the-psychology-of-success-what-factors-contribute-to-achieving-goals/

Exploring the Psychology of Success: What Factors Contribute to Achieving Goals? - Psychologist Pasadena, CA

06/02/2025

A stunning Opening night at at the . This was an unbelievably fantastic production from top to bottom and is a must see. Congrats to the

05/31/2025

Welcome back Emmie Waite. Emmie is returning to Dr. Ermshar & Associates for a summer internship. We love having her in the office. This fall will mark her last year at . Go Emmie!!!

05/26/2025

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