Blog of a Psychology Student

When we sleep, our brains keep working, attempting to store important (salient) information, and forget things that are not. According to the iOtA framework, information is compared during NREM, and similar features are potentiated (strengthened). The hippocampus controls the overlapping replay of information in the neocortex, allowing for the comparison of information. This process of…

In the simplest sense, mindfulness meditation is paying attention to present moment experiences without judgement. Meditation can be conceptualized as practice for your brain. A kind of practice that has long term benefits. Usually, mindfulness meditation will involve paying attention to any sensory experiences that come your way, Focusing on the present moment, and non-judgmental…

There is an extensive amount of literature on how to learn efficiently. I have spent a lot of time studying the subject. It has paid many dividends, shortening my time studying considerably, and improving my grades. What is written below is a brief sample of what I’ve learned. Hopefully it will act as a starting…

At the root of PTSD is the trauma imprint. This trauma imprint leaves an impact on our intuitive and reasoned map of the world. This altered intuitive map can cause people to see neutral stimuli as threatening. The individual may disconnect themselves from those close to them, their emotions, and even their sensations in order…

The prefrontal cortex does not fully develop until well into adulthood. The limbic system typically develops at the time of adolescence. The purpose of developing a prefrontal cortex is to have the ability to generate behavioral strategies. This region of the brain develops well into adulthood. This lines up roughly to when parents and family…

Fulfillment is a intrinsic reward. It is a reward that further develops intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation often grows from autonomous actions for others that give us a sense of competence. [1] Children can check all of these boxes when they surprise us with beautiful insight, good behavior or other actions that make us feel as…

In the book, The New Science of Narcissism [1], the authors state that evidence suggests that awe can shrink the ego, and thereby encourage prosocial behaviors in narcissists. Unfortunately, strong feelings of awe are the only kinds that have long lasting prosocial effects. Awe is characterized by feeling small and connected. Awe may reduce grandiose…

There are two modes of processing information. Analytical and Intuitive. [1] Intuition aids in analytical thinking by offering us starting point, it tells us to “dig here.” It gives us this starting point by drawing upon patterns picked up and refined by a wealth of past experience. [2] Science is a structure built from analysis.…

According to Cognitive Evaluation Theory, people can have their intrinsic motivations grow when their action is rewarded with a sense of competence, feel that their action was the result of autonomous decision making, and by how much their actions fostered a feeling of social connection. Intrinsic Motivation – selfdeterminationtheory.org Being properly praised for achieving a…

Childhood sexual abuse can sometimes reach into adulthood and result in a mother that is emotionally withdrawn, dependent on her children for emotional support, and unable to take on the role of an adult. [1] Children are hardwired to try and please their parents, as this allows the parent to nurture and guide their children.…