One of the most incredible things about exploring research evidence is being able to share that information with others. And while some facts may appear trivial, there is a selection of fascinating evidence that is just so captivating you can’t hold asking everyone you meet, “Did you know this?!” From why a penny lost is valued more highly than a penny received to how we inherit implicit attitudes, these are the facts that will engross you. And for more science-based mental health facts that might intrigue you, check out my articles.
Addicted or Dependent?
Is it important to differentiate between addiction and dependence? Neither dependence nor addiction is mentioned in the diagnostic criteria of a substance use disorder (SUD) in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Researchers, however, distinguish between addiction and dependence as follows: Addiction is a condition characterised by craving…
Keep reading
Formation of secure attachment in adulthood as a mental health intervention
Formation or regeneration of a sense of security in adults who experienced insecure attachment in childhood enhances resilience and improves psychological wellbeing. An instinctive drive for attachment is our fundamental survival mechanism in early childhood.[1] Attachment behaviour is any action intended for getting a response from a preferred person, someone who is usually wiser or…
Keep reading
Emotion regulation: which strategies to employ?
Emotion regulation is a set of processes that control manifestation, expression, strength and duration of emotions, which critically influence our daily life and mental health. Adaptive strategies of emotion regulation tend to produce constructive outcomes such as reduced negative reactions to stress, while maladaptive strategies can substantially contribute to mental disorders. Attention control, acceptance, reappraisal,…
Keep reading
The multifaceted nature of depression
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2020), depression is a highly prevalent disorder with more than 300 million people affected globally. Unlike mood changes that people experience from time to time, depression may develop into a debilitating, potentially fatal illness. Causes of depression are complex, not entirely identified, and influenced by multiple sources including…
Keep reading
Can we outsmart our own cognitive biases?
We are all vulnerable to cognitive biases, which cause us to overfocus on some kinds of information while disregarding other kinds. These flaws in our thinking can trick us into making wrong conclusions and decisions. Moreover, cognitive biases are highly implicated in the development of mental disorders. For example, attentional bias—hyperattention to a certain category…
Keep reading
How to Switch Perfectionism from Bad to Good?
There is a way of making perfectionism work for—not against—us. Negative consequences of perfectionism Some experts would argue that perfectionism (striving unrelentingly for high standards of performance and combining that with extremely critical self-analysis) is linked to many areas of distress and emotional hardships, such as depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorders, suicidal tendencies, and…
Keep reading
Did you know that a penny lost is valued more highly than a penny received?
A penny lost is valued more highly than a penny received. Here is why: Research shows that a punisher and a reinforcer do not have equally opposing effects on behaviour. This is known as an asymmetry of reinforcement and punishment or an asymmetry in the law of effect. When people are offered a choice between punishment…
Keep readingGet new articles delivered directly to your inbox.
