The Psych Show 1.0

25/09/2023

"The Irresistible Allure of Cuteness: A Dive into Cute Aggression"

Ever wondered why a fluffy puppy or a giggling baby makes you want to squeeze them tightly? It's called Cute Aggression, and it's more than just a quirky response.
From the adorable laugh of a baby to the clumsy dance of a puppy, cute aggression triggers an overflow of emotion in our brains. It's not about harm but an intricate way our mind handles overwhelming joy or affection.
In my latest video, we explore this fascinating phenomenon. We'll dive into daily triggers, from memes to ducklings, and unravel why our brains react in such an exciting way.
Discover the science behind that irresistible urge to pinch chubby cheeks and learn how our brain maintains emotional balance, all backed by neuroscience and psychology.
Watch now and let's embark on this intriguing journey together. Stay curious, stay connected!



References:
Stavropoulos, K. K. M., & Carver, L. J. (2018). "I want to squeeze you!": Exploring neural correlates of cute aggression. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 12, 300.

Nittono, H., Fukushima, M., Yano, A., & Moriya, H. (2012). The power of kawaii: Viewing cute images promotes a careful behavior and narrows attentional focus. PLoS ONE, 7(9), e46362.

08/09/2023

"The Shoemaker's Lesson: Ultracrepidarianism in a Digital Age"

Ever heard of the word 'ultracrepidarian'? It originates from an ancient tale of a shoemaker who, while adept at his craft, felt emboldened to critique beyond his realm, leading a painter to remark, "Ne sutor ultra crepidam" or "Cobbler, no further than the sandal".
Today, in our digitally connected world, the phenomenon is rife. We scroll past countless 'experts', opinions hurled without restraint. But why this need to chime in on everything? Deep-rooted in our psyche is a desire for validation, a digital nod or applause. Yet, there's profound power in humility, in admitting the limits of our sandals.
Before you opine, reflect. Are you speaking from knowledge, or merely echoing the cacophony? Remember, true wisdom is not just in speaking, but in recognizing when to step back.



References:

Harari, Y. N. (2015). Sapiens: A brief history of humankind. Random House.
Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Macmillan.
Tetlock, P. E. (2005). Expert political judgment: How good is it? How can we know? Princeton University Press.

01/09/2023

“Cognitive Choreography: Dance of the Biases”

Have you ever wondered why we make the choices we do? Why certain things catch our attention while others fly under the radar? 🤔

In our latest video, we dive deep into the world of cognitive biases - those unseen forces that choreograph our thoughts and decisions. From the car you bought recently popping up everywhere, to sticking to beliefs even in the face of opposing evidence, these biases shape our realities.

But what if you could be the choreographer of your own dance? With insights from neuroscience and psychology, we explore ways to recognize and navigate these biases, leading to more informed and open-minded decisions.




References:

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Macmillan.

Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1974). Judgment under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases. Science, 185(4157), 1124-1131.

Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175-220.

30/08/2023

30/08/2023

Ruminative brooding, Why worry?

“Unraveling the Maze of Ruminative Brooding: A Journey from Doubt to Strength”

Have you ever left a party or a business meeting filled with joy and confidence, only to find yourself doubting your actions the very next day? Welcome to the complex maze of ruminative brooding, a psychological pattern that's as pervasive in social gatherings as it is in corporate environments.
In our latest video series, we delve into this mental loop that doesn't discriminate between fun and work. From laughter at a party to powerful handshakes in a boardroom, ruminative brooding can turn joy into anxiety, confidence into self-doubt.
But it doesn't have to be this way!
🔍 Recognize: Understanding this pattern is the first step. Awareness brings control.
💪 Navigate: Turn doubt into strength, anxiety into assurance. It's a journey we all can make.
🌱 Grow: In the corporate world, this insight can lead to breaking barriers, fostering relationships, and driving innovation.
Ready to explore your mind's hidden pathways? Join us now, and let's journey together!

—doubt -thoughts

References:

Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2000). The role of rumination in depressive disorders and mixed anxiety/depressive symptoms. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 109(3), 504-511.

Watkins, E. R. (2008). Constructive and unconstructive repetitive thought. Psychological Bulletin, 134(2), 163-206.

Treynor, W., Gonzalez, R., & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2003). Rumination reconsidered: A psychometric analysis. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 27(3), 247-259

28/08/2023

26/08/2023

"Pareidolia: When Your Brain Connects the Dots"

Welcome to the fascinating intersection of imagination and perception. Today, we explore the intriguing phenomenon known as 'pareidolia'. Ever seen a face in a tree's bark or a cloud shaped like an animal? Heard a phantom ringtone or thought you heard your name in a noisy crowd? That's pareidolia - your brain's way of recognizing familiar patterns in unfamiliar terrains.
From our ancestors discerning hidden predators or prey, to modern humans finding connections in brand logos, pareidolia is a testament to our brain's pattern-detection prowess. It's why we see celebrities in toast or hear voices in white noise.
So, the next time you spot something familiar in randomness, remember, it's just your brain navigating uncertainty, connecting the dots, and making sense of the world around us.



References:
Liu, J., Li, J., Feng, L., Li, L., Tian, J., & Lee, K. "Seeing Jesus in toast: Neural and behavioral correlates of face pareidolia." Cortex, 2014.

Hadjikhani, N., Kveraga, K., Naik, P., & Ahlfors, S.P. "Early (N170) activation of face-specific cortex by face-like objects." Neuroreport, 2009.

Fong, A. H. C., Yau, S. S., & Ng, S. S. "Pareidolia in Parkinson's Disease: A Case-Control Study and a Neuroimaging Perspective." Behavioral Neurology, 2018.

07/08/2023

“A Day in the Life of Neurotransmitters: How Your Daily Diet Impacts Your Mind”

Have you ever considered the fascinating journey that starts with your fork and ends in your brain? Join us on a captivating exploration of how the foods we consume impact our neurotransmitters and hormones, and consequently, our mood, emotions, and actions throughout the day.

The day commences with a refreshing jog and an invigorating release of endorphins. Your reward for breakfast is a serotonin boost from a scrumptious banana smoothie, lifting your spirits and making the day seem brighter.

As the morning progresses, a cup of green tea filled with L-theanine increases your dopamine levels, sharpening your attention and motivation for work. Anxiety over a presentation? Dark chocolate comes to the rescue by triggering an adrenaline rush, boosting your focus and energy levels.

An afternoon slump can be quickly combated by blueberries. Packed with flavonoids, they stimulate the production of norepinephrine, lifting fatigue and enhancing concentration.

Dinner brings warmth and bonding, thanks to grilled salmon, a powerhouse of Omega-3, which increases oxytocin levels and deepens our feelings of empathy and trust.

Finally, a glass of warm milk aids in releasing melatonin, guiding us gently into the embrace of restful sleep.

From dawn to dusk, every food decision we make shapes not only our health but also our emotions, actions, and relationships. Be mindful of your food choices, and you'll be navigating the vast neural network of your brain, one bite at a time.



References:
Jongkees, B.J., Hommel, B., Kühn, S. et al. "Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands—A review." J Psychiatr Res. 2015.

Bryan, Janet. "Psychological effects of dietary components of tea: caffeine and L-theanine." Nutrition Reviews, Volume 66, Issue 2, February 2008.

Smit, Hendrik J., et al. "Methylxanthines are the psycho-pharmacologically active constituents of chocolate." Psychopharmacology, vol. 176, no. 3-4, 2004.

Watson, A. W., Haskell-Ramsay, C. F., Kennedy, D. O., Cooney, J. M., Trower, T., & Scheepens, A. "Acute supplementation with blackcurrant extracts modulates cognitive functioning and inhibits monoamine oxidase-B in healthy young adults." Journal of Functional Foods, vol. 19, 2015.

Parletta, N., et al. "A Mediterranean-style dietary intervention supplemented with fish oil improves diet quality and mental health in people with depression: A randomized controlled trial (HELFIMED)." Nutritional Neuroscience, 2019.

07/08/2023

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Universe 25: When Paradise Becomes a Prison

Step into an intriguing story with me... 🌐 Imagine a paradise crafted specifically for rats, aptly named Universe 25. The brainchild of visionary scientist John B. Calhoun, it was an environment overflowing with limitless food, water, and comfort. 🐀🍎💧

In the beginning, this rat utopia thrived, buzzing with life and activity. But then, against all expectations, the population began to decline... 😮

Even with all the abundance, their society crumbled. Non-dominant males, their bodies free from the scars of battles, withdrew into solitude, earning the label 'the beautiful ones'. 🐭💔

Universe 25 taught us a profound lesson. Material abundance alone can't sustain a society. Our bonds, our respect for each other, our meaningful interactions, these are the elements that truly fuel a thriving community. 🤝🌍💕

In our lives, we must guard against becoming 'the beautiful ones' - lost in our own empty utopias. Let's learn from the past and strive for meaningful connections and engagements in our communities. 🕊️

References:
Calhoun, J. B. (1973). Death Squared: The Explosive Growth and Demise of a Mouse Population. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine.

Ramsden, E. (2017). The urban animal: population density and social pathology in rodents and humans. Bulletin of the World Health Organization.

03/08/2023

“Demystifying Sleep Paralysis: Understanding and Overcoming Nightly Terrors”

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night, unable to move or speak, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread? This isn't a scene from a horror movie. It's a common occurrence known as sleep paralysis, experienced by approximately 7.6% of the world's population. 🌍💤

Sleep paralysis occurs when there's a disconnect between the mind and body during the transition into or out of REM sleep. It is often misinterpreted due to myths and misunderstandings that stem from historical and cultural tales.👻🛸

But here's the reality: Sleep paralysis isn't a result of supernatural forces or alien abductions. It's a natural, albeit unsettling, sleep phenomenon, primarily linked to stress, irregular sleep schedules, sleep deprivation, certain medications, and substance misuse.🧠⛓️

The good news? It's manageable. By maintaining regular sleep patterns, managing stress, and practicing good sleep hygiene, you can reduce the frequency of sleep paralysis.💡🛌

Let's debunk the myths surrounding sleep paralysis and replace fear with understanding and informed action. Remember, you're not alone, and this phenomenon is transient and manageable.👥👍



References:
Sharpless, B. A. (2016). A clinician's guide to recurrent isolated sleep paralysis. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 12, 1761–1767. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S103271

Jalal, B., & Hinton, D. E. (2013). Rates and characteristics of sleep paralysis in the general population of Denmark and Egypt. Culture, medicine and psychiatry, 37(3), 534–548. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11013-013-9327-x

03/08/2023

"Mastering the Silent Language of Colors: Unveiling the Power of Color Psychology in Our Daily Lives"

Ever wondered why sunsets soothe us, or why we feel calm in a blue room, or a red sports car gets our hearts racing? Welcome to the fascinating world of color psychology!

Colors have the power to affect our emotions and decisions subtly, every single day, often without us realizing it. Remember choosing a bright red dress for a party to feel confident? Or a black car for its sophistication? This is color psychology at work.👗🚗

Color associations extend far beyond our personal choices. They play a crucial role in business, marketing, and branding. Ever noticed health food stores often use green, symbolizing health and vitality? Or that social media giants like Facebook and LinkedIn favor blue, a color that conveys trust and security? 💼🌿

Billion-dollar companies use color psychology to influence consumer decisions subtly. Bright yellow 'SALE' signs in stores are no coincidence; they're designed to grab our attention! Likewise, the green logos of financial institutions aim to earn our trust. 💰💳

Colors are a powerful, silent language that can persuade and influence our responses. But fear not, understanding this silent language gives us power. The power to control our responses, emotions, and make more conscious decisions. 🎨💡

Unveil this understanding and decode the language of colors. Master your color world, and let your decisions be conscious and deliberate.

Embark on your color journey today. With color psychology, navigate your world with an entirely new depth of understanding. Because color psychology isn't just science, it's an art of understanding your world like never before.🌍🔑



References:
Adams, F. M., & Osgood, C. E. (1973). A Cross-Cultural Study of the Affective Meanings of Color. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 4(2), 135–156.

Elliot, A. J., & Maier, M. A. (2007). Color and psychological functioning. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(5), 250–254.

Labrecque, L. I., & Milne, G. R. (2012). Exciting red and competent blue: The importance of color in marketing. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 40(5), 711–727.

Singh, S. (2006). Impact of color on marketing. Management Decision, 44(6), 783–789.

Madden, T. J., Hewett, K., & Roth, M. S. (2000). Managing Images in Different Cultures: A Cross-National Study of Color Meanings and Preferences. Journal of International Marketing, 8(4), 90–107.

03/08/2023

Breaking Free from Decision Paralysis: The Art of Satisficing

In today's fast-paced world, the abundance of choices can often lead to what psychologists term 'Decision Paralysis'. Rather than liberating us, a myriad of options can become a stumbling block, making it harder to make decisions effectively.

Enter the 'Satisficing' strategy, a powerful tool to navigate this sea of possibilities. Coined by the notable economist and Nobel laureate Herbert Simon in 1956, Satisficing is a decision-making method where one chooses an option that is "good enough" rather than the absolute best.

Simon argued that in a world of uncertainty and limited time, it's practically impossible, and often unnecessary, to evaluate all available options to find the 'optimum'. Instead, using a Satisficing approach can save time, reduce stress, and still lead to satisfactory results.

Satisficing doesn't mean settling for less; rather, it means recognizing the reality of our cognitive limitations and making effective decisions within those boundaries. So the next time you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by too many choices, remember Herbert Simon's wise words and try the Satisficing method. It might just be the key to unlock your decision paralysis.

Here are some key takeaways:
1️⃣ Satisficing is not about settling for less; it's about optimizing time and effort in decision-making.
2️⃣ Set clear criteria and stick to them to avoid being swayed by unnecessary options.
3️⃣ Embrace the learning opportunities that come with your decisions rather than regretting potential missed opportunities.
4️⃣ Practice makes perfect! The more you incorporate satisficing into your life, the easier and more natural it becomes.




Remember, perfection can sometimes be the enemy of good. Take the first step and make progress today! Let's break free from decision paralysis together!

03/08/2023

Harnessing Parkinson's Law: Your Key to Maximized Productivity

At its core, Parkinson's Law states, "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." Understanding this law can be a powerful tool to supercharge your productivity.

By setting deliberate boundaries on our time, we can accomplish more in less duration. Here are a few strategies to effectively harness Parkinson's Law for increased productivity:


1- Set Strict Deadlines: Providing a firm, realistic deadline for tasks compels us to work more efficiently. It's about creating a healthy sense of urgency.

2- Break Tasks Down: Large projects can overwhelm us and lead to procrastination. Breaking them into manageable tasks, each with its own deadline, can help maintain steady progress.

3- Use Time-Blocking: Dedicate specific time slots to individual tasks. This single-task focus avoids the pitfalls of multitasking and increases the quality of output.

4- Conduct Regular Reviews: Regular reviews ensure you are on track with your deadlines, allowing you to adjust your schedule when necessary.

5- Avoid Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can lead to unnecessary delays. Good is often good enough, and it's crucial to understand when to let go and move on.

The goal is not to induce stress, but to create an environment that encourages action and progress. By effectively harnessing Parkinson's Law, we can achieve more in less time, freeing up opportunities for growth and learning.

03/08/2023

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Upward Counterfactual Thinking: Turning 'What ifs' into Catalysts for Success

Upward counterfactual thinking is the process of imagining better outcomes from past events, often leading to feelings of regret. However, when harnessed effectively, it can serve as a powerful catalyst for growth and motivation. By reframing 'What if I had...' to 'What if I will...', we can utilize these thoughts to positively impact work performance, improve team dynamics, and achieve overall business success.

03/08/2023

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'Embracing the Madness: Why We Sometimes Cheer for the Joker in Batman Movies'

In the quest to understand human behavior, theories such as "Identification with the Aggressor", Moral Disengagement, and Catharsis offer invaluable insights.

"Identification with the Aggressor" is a psychological defense mechanism, first proposed by psychoanalyst Anna Freud, where an individual adopts the characteristics of a perceived threat to lessen the fear associated with it. In many scenarios, this can lead to victims embracing and perpetuating the harmful behaviors inflicted upon them.

Next comes the concept of Moral Disengagement, proposed by Albert Bandura. It explains how individuals rationalize harmful actions by disconnecting from the moral standards that would otherwise prevent such behavior. This happens through mechanisms like moral justification, euphemistic labeling, and diffusion of responsibility, to name a few.

Finally, the theory of Catharsis, originating from Aristotle's concept of emotional purging, posits that expressing aggressive behavior can lead to a reduction of aggressive feelings. However, modern psychological research has found that instead of reducing aggression, catharsis may, in fact, increase it.

Understanding these concepts is key to comprehend the complexity of human behavior, particularly in situations of conflict, aggression, and harm. While each offers distinct insights, they are interlinked - someone identifying with an aggressor might morally disengage to justify harmful actions, hoping for catharsis. Therefore, it's crucial to examine these theories in tandem to design effective interventions that can prevent harm and promote healthier behaviors.