THE EDGELL
Findoutallabout
Left-handedness
FunctionalNeurologicalDisorders
Psychadelicsandpsychosis
Addictions
Dreams
Phobias
Thepsychologyofshopping
Whatmakesaserialkiller
Consciousness
Falsememories
Thebody’sreactiontostressandtrauma
Meet the Team!
Hi everyone! My name is Aggy and I study Psychology, Biology, and Maths A-levels
In this year’s Edgell publication, I have written an article on how left-handed people neurologically and behaviourally differ from right handers as well as podcast r My favourite e impacts of o do with
y and English Language A level, and I year. In this Year’s Edgell publication, I opping addictions So far I’ve enjoyed e most as I hav r A levels.
Psychology, and English Language Next year, I m hoping to pursue Sociology and Criminology at university. As an editor of this magazine I wrote an article on phobias, and how our bodies respond to them. I have so far enjoyed studying Dixon et al. and the role of accents and context in perceptions of guilt, as it furthered my interest in criminology!
Hey, my name is Freya. I take psychology, biology and math study Psychology at university As an editor of the magazine on the human body’s response to stress and put together so really enjoyed learning about social and developmental psy gy y favourite study being the Milgram experiment and I would love to explore it further at university
My name is Ishikaa and I study Psychology, Maths and Chemistry at A Level! I am super excited to study Psychology at University (fingers crossed ��). As an editor of the magazine I wrote an article about cross cultural research and the importance of inclusivity Learning Psychology has been a joyful experience and I am really looking forward to exploring it further at university.
Meet the teachers
Ms MacEwen
When did you first discover you were interested in Psychology?
Informally when I was dealing with some students who had got involved with crime.
What and where did you study at University?
I initially studied Fine Art and History of Art at Oxford university and then went into teaching but later I did a conversion Postgraduate diploma to get me the equivalent of a Bsc as a mature student at Uel - University of East London - since money and time by that time was a criteria as I was a mother of a young child I had by then to pay my own way It was also convenient, being direct on the central line.
If you could meet any famous Psychologist I would like to meet Eleonor Maguire. I find h work on brain damage fascinating and think should be up for the Nobel Prize!
If you could research any topic or theory within Psychology, what would it be?
The changes that occur between 16 and 21 years old, both neurologically and behaviou
What do you love most about Psychology?
The interaction between the environment an the brain.
What is your favourite book on Psychology
The Plastic Mind by Sharon Begley- it looks how the brain changes as a result of mindfulness- it also looks at the impact of creativity
What advice would you give to someone studying Psychology in sixth form?
Keep up to date with it as this is a broad cou
Mr Hegarty
When did you first discover you were interested in Psychology?
It’s a long, long time ago (so my memory is rather hazy) but I think it was reading Oliver Sacks’s book ‘The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat’ that really got me interested
What and where did you study at University?
Psychology at Bristol
If you could meet any famous Psychologist who would it be? Why?
Robert Winston - his work is great and he is an amazing communicator
If you could research any topic or theory within Psychology, what would it be?
At this point in my life probably something to do with how we can use evidence based Psychology in the classroom. When I grow up I would like to think about the Psychology of Music or Food.
What do you love most about Psychology?
It is so broad and covers so many aspects of our existence - there is something for everyone.
What is your favourite book on Psychology?
Desperate Remedies by Andrew Scull (not the one by Thomas Hardy although I am sure that is jolly good too). According to one reviewer it is - ‘A sweeping history of American psychiatry, from the mental hospital to the brain lab that reveals the devastating treatments doctors have inflicted on their patients (especially women) in the name of science and questions our massive reliance on meds’
Opening Skinner's Box by Laren Slater - According to another review ‘The author sets out to investigate the twentieth century through a series of ten fascinating, witty and sometimes shocking accounts of its key psychological experiments. Starting with the founder of modern scientific experimentation, B.F. Skinner’.
What advice would you give to someone studying Psychology in sixth form?
Read, read, read and then do a bit more reading
Despite its rarity, left-handedness has long been associated with negative connotations. Historically, left-handed individuals were often viewed with suspicion and accused of being witches or even 'friends of the devil.' This bias is reflected in the English word 'sinister', which means both 'left' and 'giving the impression that something harmful or evil will happen ' Though left-handedness might seem like a minor trait, it has carried significant cultural baggage and even today, subtle forms of discrimination persist. However, is there any real basis for these beliefs, or is it merely a myth perpetuated by historical prejudice?
Before we answer this question, it’s important to understand what causes people to be left-handed The factors that determine handedness are complex and multifaceted Although many assume a single gene controls whether a person is left or right-handed, this has not been proven. Research suggests that up to 40 genes may contribute to the trait, and two right-handed parents can still have a left-handed child. Foetal development plays a significant role, as early preferences for arm movements are observed in the womb By the 15th week of pregnancy, only about 10% of foetuses
prefer left-handed thumb-sucking. Gender is another factor, with studies showing that males are more likely to be left-handed than females due to the influence of testosterone Additionally, some children born left-handed may switch to using their right hand due to social pressures or copying their parents. Injuries or forced changes, such as being taught to favour the right hand, can also influence which hand becomes dominant.
All scientists are aware that the brain of a left-handed person is anatomically different from the brain of a right-handed person. For example, when left-handers imagine performing actions like throwing or writing, the right side of their brain is activated, whereas the left side is activated in right-handers This suggests that left-handed people have different patterns of brain lateralization, meaning the two hemispheres of their brain are less specialised compared to right-handers This difference in lateralization has been linked to cognitive processes For instance, left-handed people tend to use both hemispheres when recognizing faces, a task typically managed by the right hemisphere in right-handers MRI imaging has also revealed structural differences in the motor cortex, striatum, and white matter of the cerebellum, although these differences are more pronounced in left-handed men than women
There are also many misconceptions of left-handed people which have been investigated further Left-handed people are often stereotyped as having learning difficulties, being more prone to violence, or excelling in creative fields These assumptions, however, are largely unfounded or exaggerated. Studies have produced conflicting results about
left-handedness and intelligence. While some research, such as a study by Williams in 1987, found that left-handers performed worse academically, others have suggested that they are more intelligent, especially in areas like spatial perception, creativity, and language learning
There is some evidence supporting the idea that left-handers are better at multitasking and performing in fast-paced environments like sports and video games Left-handed people make up a disproportionately large percentage of individuals in combat sports, like boxing, due to the physical advantages that come with being left-handed.
Being left-handed presents a unique set of
challenges. Many everyday objects, from scissors to computer touchpads, are designed with right-handed users in mind, which can be frustrating for left-handers On a more serious note, left-handed people are at a slightly higher risk of certain health conditions For example, a 2007 study suggested that left-handed individuals might be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Historical societal pressure has also been seen to take a toll on left-handed individuals' mental health. Many left-handers experience feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth, or social isolation as a result of being marginalised. Research has even suggested that left-handers may be more prone to mental health issues such as PTSD, possibly due to the way their brains process fear and anger A 2007 study in Scotland found that left-handed individuals were more likely to experience negative emotions after watching scary movies, indicating a heightened sensitivity to fear.
Overall, left-handedness remains a topic of curiosity and misunderstanding. Although left-handed people face challenges in a world built for right-handers, they also possess unique neurological and cognitive traits that set them apart While subtle discrimination still exists, it is important to recognize the individuality and strengths of left-handers, rather than perpetuating outdated stigmas.
Functional neurological disorders (FND) blur the lines between neurology and psychology
Presenting symptoms similar to neurological conditions like epilepsy but lacking physical brain abnormalities, FND poses a crucial question: should these conditions fall under the purview of neurologists, or are they better suited for psychological treatment?
Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole is a book that delves into numerous cases encountered by neurologists and provides one particularly illustrative example One of these contained the case of a nineteen-year-old girl complaining of having multiple seizures a day and increasingly worsening. Assumptions were made that these had to be epileptic seizures but when a neurologist was able to witness one first-hand, they had to rule out epilepsy This is because the neurologist could see through the physical symptoms of her seizures that she was not having an epileptic seizure and instead had a pseudoseizure. The key indicators of a pseudoseizure in this patient included fluttering eyes (instead of rolling back) and excessive movements, such as arching her back and neck, movements typically absent in epileptic seizures
Epilepsy was completely ruled out when she had a brain scan which showed no physical abnormalities or damage in her brain. This patient was eventually diagnosed with FND, functional neurological disorder, and FNS which specifically referred to her psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) FND occurs when the brain and nervous system fail to properly send or receive signals, which then causes a disconnect between the function in the lobes of the brain and emotional processing which can manifest itself in physical symptoms like the pseudoseizures this patient had been experiencing FND can be complex, but it's often explained with the metaphor of a computer with functioning hardware, yet a malfunctioning software program FND causes vary by case, with trauma or emotional stress often from childhood abuse frequently acting as triggers. In the case of this nineteen-year-old patient, she had recently started medical school which is particularly relentless and also had an unhealthy childhood due to issues within her family The recent strain of medical school coupled with her carrying the trauma from her childhood and current family relationship caused this patient to develop FND.
Functional Neurological disorders and other hysterical disorders have a controversial past in the medical field, it is one of those conditions that directly links to the question posed at the start of the article, should it be treated neurologically or psychologically? Neurologists dealing with FND tend to feel that it is exacerbated by overly ‘dramatic’ patients to either get attention or attempt to get prescribed drugs Within neurology conditions like FND are viewed with scepticism and many doctors believe that it is not in their field as
there is nothing physically wrong with the brain and therefore no neurologists can ‘solve’ it even in modern medicine it remains labelled as ‘hysteria’. It is important to note that this is one perspective of medical professionals and while scepticism persists many professionals may not recognise the validity of conditions like FND The perspective of psychiatrists can be seen through Sigmund Freud, Freud believes that FND is a conversion disorder. A conversion disorder means that psychological distress has ‘converted’ itself into neurological symptoms and therefore it is necessary to have both psychological help and neurological help
Key to understanding the medical perspective on ‘hysterical’ disorders is looking at the history behind them. Hysteria is a term coined by Hippocrates in 5th century Ancient Greece, directly translated means uterus From its beginnings, hysteria was viewed as a gendered condition, with Ancient Egyptians in 1900 BC and societies during the 13th to 15th centuries often attributing the condition to women, sometimes even linking it to witchcraft Throughout these historical periods, the belief was that hysteria was a female illness believed to be associated with the uterus and later with the rise of Christianity, ascribed to devil possession The historical association of 'hysteria' with women may help explain why conditions like FND were historically overlooked Although modern medicine recognizes FND as a legitimate disorder, women continue to be underrepresented in medical research, especially in reproductive and mental health, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
strategies. Although historically these conditions were met with scepticism, modern medicine increasingly acknowledges the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach to provide more effective care
The term psychedelic was coined in the 1950s by psychiatrist Humphry Osmond MD and it translates to ‘mind-manifesting’. Psychedelics are hallucinogens which produce changes in perception, thought and mood with minimal disorientation or confusion Psychedelic drugs were outlawed as dangerous decades ago Still, more recently researchers are using them to treat disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and addiction, but scientists claim it is still a mystery as to how they work.
A recent article titled: Psychedelics sync neurons; a glimpse into consciousness and psychosis dives into the link between psychedelics and psychosis
In conclusion, treating conditions like FND requires a blend of neurological and psychological
Researchers at Lund University developed a method that uses electrodes to simultaneously measure electrical signals from 128 different areas of the brain in conscious rats. The oscillations are caused by the cumulative activity in thousands of
neurons but the researchers also succeeded in isolating those signals in individual neurons. They used this information to measure what happens to the brain’s neural oscillations when rats have psychedelic drugs, namely LSD and Ketamine This is highly significant as it was the first time anyone has successfully shown how individual neurons are affected by LSD in awake animals. LSD and Ketamine have different modes of entering the nervous system due to them affecting different receptors in the brain. Despite this, they resulted in the same wave patterns even if the signals from individual cells differed When the rats were given LSD, their neurons were shown to be inhibitedsignalling less - in all parts of the brain Ketamine seemed to have a similar effect on the pyramidal cells - the large neurons - also inhibited, while interneurons increased their signalling. Researcher Par Halje made the link that the wave phenomenon is connected to the psychedelic experience Activity in the individual neurons caused by ketamine and LSD looked quite different and, therefore, could not be directly linked to the psychedelic experience Instead, the distinctive wave phenomenon involving how the neurons behaved collectively is most strongly linked to the psychedelic experience.
Researcher Par Halje argued that although activity in individual cells may be interesting, the overall pattern is far more noteworthy The oscillations behaved strangely, one would think a strong wave starts somewhere and spreads to other parts of the brain; similar to throwing a rock in water and seeing a ripple effect. However, contrary to this assumption, the neurons’ activity synchronised in a particular way, where the waves go up and down simultaneously in all parts of the brain that they
were able to measure. This suggests that there are ways in which the brain waves communicate, other than through chemical synapses which are relatively slow The researchers stated that it is difficult to know whether the waves cause hallucinations or are just an indication of them, but it is argued that this could be used as a model for psychosis, where no sufficient model currently exists. Psychosis manifests itself so drastically that Halje figured there ought to be a common pattern they could measure. As of yet, there has been no common pattern found but, they now are able to see an extremely specific oscillation pattern that they were able to measure
To conclude, while we currently can not identify a direct link between brain cells after the consumption of psychedelics, the recently discovered wave pattern presents an exciting new opportunity for a more sophisticated model for psychosis
Addictions have been a key area of interest in psychology over the last century This article will explore the psychology of addiction, focusing on three key aspects: the roots of addiction, the
challenge of sobriety and notable studies that have shaped our understanding of addiction.
Roots of Addictions:
The question of ‘Is there an addictive personality?’ is one of great controversy, however, there is no distinct "addictive personality" The term often is victim to a negative stereotype, suggesting that if you have an ‘addictive personality’, you are destined for a life of instability. Research does show that certain personality traits, like impulsivity, risk-taking, and high levels of anxiety or sadness, do increase the likelihood of addiction People with ADHD are also at a higher risk of addiction, due to difficulties in regulating emotions and managing impulses. Therefore, addiction is not tied to a specific personality but instead is tied to particular emotional and behavioural traits.
Another key question revolves around the influence of genetics in comparison to environmental factors on addiction. Statistics have shown that children of addicts are eight times more likely to develop addictions, however, the reasons for this are not purely genetic Genes have a role to play concerning metabolism and brain signalling, although environmental factors such as growing up in a home where substance use is normalised also play a crucial role. Addiction is therefore a complex mix of nature and nurture.
In terms of the biological roots of addiction, different substances may affect the brain in unique ways, but all of these share a common feature: they produce a surge of dopamine in the basal ganglia, which is the brain's reward system. This dopamine release creates intense feelings of pleasure or happiness, and therefore it tends to be particularly appealing to individuals with histories of trauma or stress So, over time, the brain's pleasure circuits can become overwhelmed, leading to a persistent craving for the substance to restore that initial dopamine high
Sobriety:
Often, addiction is considered a "brain disease" due to the fact that repeated substance use alters the brain’s function. With repeated substance use, the brain begins to adapt to frequent surges of dopamine and the cells in the reward system become less responsive, leading to a need for higher doses of drugs to achieve the same high This vicious cycle often makes sobriety incredibly challenging. Therefore, relapse is highly common, with statistics indicating that 85% of addicts relapse
within a year, and two-thirds return to drug use within two weeks of beginning treatment.
Whilst it is clear that achieving sobriety is difficult, there are several resources available to help those who are battling addiction. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous provide peer support, and rehab centres offer structured environments for recovery However, the high cost of treatment and the inaccessibility of these resources can make it difficult for some people to seek help Without adequate support, the temptation to relapse remains high, especially as withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and mood swings begin to set in.
Withdrawal symptoms occur because of the brain's need for time, to relearn how to produce dopamine naturally. Abrupt reduction of substance use can cause intense discomfort, making gradual reduction a more sustainable path to sobriety This is why medical professionals often recommend a gradual weaning process However, the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal can still be severe, which discourages many individuals from maintaining sobriety.
Studies on Addiction:
One of the most famous addiction studies is the Rat Park experiment, which was conducted by Canadian psychologist Bruce Alexander in the late 1970s. The Rat Park study was a series of studies into drug addiction which aimed to see if drugs themselves cause addiction or if the environmental factors involved are more important The Rats that were placed in a stimulating social environment (the Rat
Park) showed less interest in consuming morphine in comparison to the rats isolated in solitary cages. This experiment highlighted the significance of social and environmental factors in addiction, reinforcing the idea that exposure to drugs is not solely the reason for addiction, but is also influenced by the context in which individuals live
In conclusion, addiction is a complex issue that cannot be pinned down to a single cause There is a mixture of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, personality traits and neurological changes that all can explain why addictions are likely.
Similarly, there are many different challenges when it comes to overcoming addiction. However, understanding the roots and providing significant support systems can improve the chances of recovery.
Dreams are a universal human experience described as a state of consciousness during sleep They tend to happen during the rapid eye
movement (REM) phase of sleep which accounts for about 20-25% of total sleep time. Dreams also tend to relate fairly closely to waking life.
The Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud initially believed that dreams had no significance. However, he later wrote a book on dreams called ‘The Interpretation of Dreams’ which discusses how he feels that dreams link to anxieties and desires, as well as childhood experiences Freud looks at dreams from a psychoanalytical approach but this is just one of many views on dreams: the humanistic approach believes that dreams help to regain balance in the mind while the behaviourist approach thinks that dreams are a result of environmental stimuli experienced by the dreamer, and the cognitive approach states that dreams are simply a way to process information received throughout the day
It is thought that we have between three and six dreams a night, even if we don’t remember them, and each of these dreams lasts roughly five to twenty minutes, although this may vary from person to person Around 95% of dreams are forgotten by the time a person gets out of bed Despite this, dreaming can help you to learn, and develop long-term memories.
There are many theories as to why we dream, some examples include: representing unconscious desires and wishes; interpreting random signals from the brain and body during sleep; consolidating and processing information which was gathered during the day, or even, working as a form of psychotherapy (therapy which can help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviours) However, we do not know the true cause of dreams, and actually, not much is known about them.
Although not much is known about dreams, some research on brain activity concerning dreams has been conducted, and this has found that the distribution of brain activity might be linked to specific dream features. Some features of dreams seem to correlate with symptoms of neurological disorders that occur after brain damage Additionally, sometimes in dreams, some faces and places may be misidentified
Lucid dreaming is a type of dreaming where the person knows that they are dreaming, and they may have some control over their dream These lucid dreams often occur during a regular dream where the person realises that they are dreaming. The amount of control the person has over their dream
will vary. Some may simply be aware that they are dreaming while others may have full control of what happens in the dream. It is also known that some people naturally experience lucid dreams while others have reported being able to increase their ability to lucid dream
Interestingly, younger people are more likely to dream in colour In a study, 80% of participants aged 30 or younger dreamed in colour while just 20% of the 60-year-olds in this study dreamed in colour However, some psychologists believe that television may be the reason for the very high proportion of participants 30 or younger dreaming in colour.
In terms of the free will vs. determinism debate, ordinary dreaming may lead us to the conclusion that dreaming is determinist as we cannot control our dreams. However, lucid dreams completely counter this as the dreamer does have the ability to control their dream Therefore, dreaming may mean that we have free will Ultimately, dreams seem to have both free will and deterministic features, depending on the type of dream along with the dreamer.
Phobias are a common mental health condition characterised as an uncontrollable, irrational, and
often long-lasting fear of a certain object, situation, or activity. While many people experience fear at various points in their lives, phobias differ in that the fear response is extreme and persistent to the actual threat These intense feelings of fear provoke both psychological and physical responses
When someone with a phobia encounters the object or situation that triggers their fear, the body’s response is almost immediate The amygdala, a small organ in the middle of the brain, plays a central role in processing emotions, particularly fear
Once activated, the amygdala alerts the nervous system. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat production. This is known as the "fight-or-flight" response While this reaction is useful in genuine life-threatening situations, in the case of phobias, the response is disproportionate and triggered by objects or situations that may pose no real harm.
Phobias can be categorised into three main types: specific phobias, agoraphobia, and social phobia Specific phobias are a significant and persistent fear when in the presence of, or anticipating the presence of the object of fear, which may be an object, place, or situation. There are certain criteria for it which include: strong, out-of-proportion fear in the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation, exposure provokes an immediate anxiety response, which may be a panic attack, the person recognises that the fear is out of proportion, the phobic situation is avoided if possible, the phobia interferes with normal life. Secondly, agoraphobia is an abnormal fear of being helpless in an embarrassing or inescapable situation that is characterised by the avoidance of open or public
places. This condition can lead to avoidance behaviours, with some individuals refusing to leave their homes out of fear that they might face a situation that they cannot easily escape Lastly, social phobia is marked by persistent fear of social or performance situations in which embarrassment may occur This can manifest as a fear of public speaking, interacting with strangers, or even simply being stared at.
Throughout history, various theories have been proposed to explain the development and purpose of fear. In the 1870s, Charles Darwin suggested that emotions evolved from adaptive values. For example, fear evolved because it helped people to act in ways that enhanced their chances of survival. Darwin believed that facial expressions allowed people to quickly judge someone's hostility or friendliness, which helped us to communicate intentions to others
In the 1880s, two theorists, psychologist Willam James, and physiologist Carl Lange, individually proposed an idea that challenged the norm of beliefs about emotion. They suggested that people only experience emotions because they see their bodies' physical responses to external events. For example, if you were to see a spider, you may cry
because you feel scared. However, James and Lange suggested the opposite and that you would feel scared because you have started crying. Likewise, you feel happy because you smile, not that you smile because you're happy
Furthermore, Physiologist Walter Cannon disagreed with this stating that the experience of emotion happens at the same time that physiological reactions happen and they don’t cause one another The brain gets a message that causes the experience of emotion at the same time that the nervous system gets a message that causes a physiological reaction. Therefore, the emotional and physiological reactions clash together and create a certain feeling.
On the website of Mental Health America, they have some potential treatments to possibly overcome a phobia. Although we may not see them as very serious, the website refers to it as an “illness that's taken very seriously” They suggest a medical and psychiatric evaluation be conducted to obtain an accurate diagnosis and ensure that the phobia is not related to an alternative condition They say behavioural therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy which include different techniques. For example, diaphragmatic breathing is a form of deep breathing, however, I am unsure why that needs to be done by a licensed physician or psychologist, as advised by the website There is another technique called exposure therapy where one is gradually exposed to the phobia to help with coping skills. Cognitive- behavioural therapy teaches the person to form new skills to react differently to situations that trigger the anxiety or panic attacks that may come with the phobia
The most common phobias:
● Social Phobia: Fear of social interactions
● Trypophobia: Fear or circle clusters
● Atychiphobia Fear of failure
● Thanatophobia: Fear of death
● Nosophobia: Fear of developing a disease
● Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders
● Vehophobia: Fear of driving
● Claustrophobia: Fear of enclosed spaces
● Acrophobia: Fear of heights
● Aerophobia: Fear of flying
With the rise of fast-paced social media platforms and the increasing pressure to consume, compulsive buying disorders (CBD) have become increasingly prevalent This article explores the psychological factors that contribute to shopping addictions, how compulsive buying behaviours are formed, who is most vulnerable to them, and how social media and marketing play a role in fueling this issue
How are shopping addictions formed?
The process of compulsive buying is deeply tied to the brain’s reward system Throughout the process of making a purchase, the brain releases hormones (serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, adrenaline) creating a euphoric and rewarding sensation.
Serotonin, commonly referred to as the "happy hormone," regulates mood, so on days when serotonin levels are low, the brain is more likely to find risky behaviours more appealing Impulse buying becomes more appealing under these circumstances, as the promise of a reward provides an emotional lift Once the purchase is made, dopamine and endorphins reinforce the behaviour, and create a reward-seeking loop; this loop is critical in forming bad habits and addictions as the brain craves the rush of hormones provided by buying Finally, adrenaline which is typically associated with high thrill activities, plays a role in the formation of CBDs Additionally, finding a good deal or making an impulsive luxury purchase can trigger adrenaline, enhancing the excitement of the shopping experience. Surprisingly, the unpredictability of rewards for purchases such as lottery tickets can heighten dopamine levels
Who is most likely to develop a CBD?
Biological factors play a significant role in determining who is most vulnerable to developing a shopping addiction A review by Robert Leeman and Marc Potenza emphasises the relationship between addictive behaviours, such as compulsive shopping, and dysfunctions in brain regions such as the frontal cortex and striatum Additionally, these behaviours are influenced by the brain’s dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, which are responsible for regulating reward and mood This combination of biological factors is significantly influential in predisposing individuals to developing shopping addictions.
Additionally, research has shown that family history and genetics influence behavioural addictions, suggesting compulsive buying disorders are
inheritable. For example, it was found that people with behavioural addictions are more likely to have a close family member with some form of pathology. Not only do these findings have implications in offering suggestions for future research and treatments, but they also have a place in more philosophical debates such as nature vs nurture and determinism vs free will.
Demographic factors have also been shown to play a role Meta-analysis by Aniko Maraz found that young women are most likely to experience compulsive buying behaviour, however, they noted that geographical location was not significantly influential.
How do companies use psychology to manipulate consumer behaviour?
The growth of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram has had a profound impact on how companies market their products Many companies psychologically trigger compulsive buying behaviour by creating a false sense of normality around excessive consumerism. For example, influencers are paid to show massive “hauls” of products, creating the illusion that constant consumption is desirable, often leading to feelings of inadequacy or FOMO among viewers, who then make impulsive purchases to feel they are keeping up. Additionally, by using their products to represent a lifestyle, companies target consumer insecurities and vulnerabilities. By creating a subconscious association between a product and an aspect of a person’s identity that they feel insecure about, the impulse to buy is heightened as it convinces the consumer that the item will improve their quality of life or bring them closer to their ideal self.
To conclude, CBDs are complex addictions, influenced by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. Understanding the psychology of compulsive shopping, and applying this to everyday life can be extremely helpful in making informed decisions when shopping; for example, being critical of marketing tactics or practising self awareness in considering why you might feel driven to make a purchase.
Serial killers and their minds remain one of the most interesting strands of psychology, however, there are still many unanswered questions as to how some minds have the capacity to commit such heinous acts towards others. There are however some interesting explanations that help to explain why previous killers did what they did
DID, or (dissociative identity disorder), is one of the main reasons psychologists believe some serial killers are capable of doing what they do. DID is where a singular person can appear to have completely contrasting personalities and it is when two minds are coexisting within each other The reasoning as to why a person could suffer from dissociative identity disorder is due to a trauma
leading the person to establish at least two different identities. There is one identity that is the ‘neutral’ personality; the personality that allows for everyday interactions, communicating with friends and family for example However, if there has been a significant trauma that the person has experienced, it is common for these feelings to be repressed which is where the other identity or identities can stem from. Much of this is to do with compartmentalisation, in an attempt to block out their other identity and to prevent thoughts such as violence from penetrating their real life To combat this however, fantasies may be used to escape from the mundane reality of life, but also as a way to truly express the feelings of anger and the need for power and control that this person may experience. They may become so obsessed with this fantasy that when they return from this dissociative state, they have a need for it to be materialised Carlisle, a psychologist who researched the minds of serial killers in the late 90s, goes on to say however, that not all people who suffer from dissociative identity disorder are in turn psychotic or to further this, capable of acts of murder. Moreover, it is not always the case that these two identities are even aware of the other's existence, which furthers the suggestion that compartmentalisation is where this disorder may stem from Similarly, research has been done, suggesting that DID is much more common in the brains of victims who have suffered abuse rather than perpetrators. Much of this is a coping method, being able to adopt multiple personalities to help cope with the past trauma inflicted upon them. Therefore, despite there being examples of serial killers suffering from what psychologists believe may be DID such as Ted Bundy, it is not to say that this is what makes a serial killer a serial killer
Empathy, or rather lack of empathy is a strong reason as to why psychologists believe people are capable of murder. It is common thinking that serial killers often act the way they do because they are psychopaths and lack the emotional response which allows people to identify human suffering and empathise with the suffering A possible explanation for this deficit was identified in a recent brain imaging study. This showed that criminal psychopaths had decreased connectivity between the amygdala a brain region that processes negative stimuli and those that give rise to fearful reactions and the prefrontal cortex, which interprets responses from the amygdala When connectivity between these two regions is low, the processing of negative stimuli in the amygdala does not translate into any strongly felt negative emotions. This may explain why criminal psychopaths do not feel guilty about their actions, or sad when their victims suffer
Overall, there has not been any conclusive reasoning as to why serial killers do what they do, and naturally with everyone, each mind is individual, and there are infinite different wirings for each different brain. However, there is lots of interesting research into the minds of serial killers, which can help to understand why past serial killers committed the acts that they did
Consciousness is something that we all have and experience, but never really consider what it is or what life would be like without it For many centuries, these questions have fascinated both psychologists and philosophers alike; however, although neither have any concrete answers for these questions, there are some things that despite their differences, they both agree on. This is that consciousness is a subjective experience that is always changing and that it originates in the brain. Over the years, multiple theories have been developed to try to answer these questions, and like most research, these have run into more problems than solutions, some of which are discussed below.
One theory of how consciousness arises is the integrated information theory This was proposed in 2008 by Giulio Tononi and states that in order for something to be conscious, lots of information must be integrated/connected in the system, resulting in consciousness The higher the connectivity of the neurons (brain cells), the higher the integration of information, resulting in higher levels of consciousness. This integration allows us to have a
heightened sense of our surroundings, resulting in mental pictures and a sense of inner voice.
Another contrasting theory of how consciousness arises is the theory of panpsychism This theory was proposed in 1714 by G W Leibniz and states that consciousness is a fundamental feature of physical matter and therefore, although there are different degrees of consciousness, everything is conscious. comes about o the existence monads These ads contain the cious energy as every object different amounts of monads, different objects have different levels of consciousness
Roy Baumeister developed a theory of why we have consciousness and he believes that it is for social purposes. His social theory states that consciousness is needed for social interaction, as talking is a conscious activity. As human beings are naturally extremely social creatures, shown as we have developed our own languages to convey thoughts and experiences to each other, this is what sets us apart from other animals It has not been proven whether other animals are conscious or not, and Baumeister believes that our increased social ability proves this.
One problem that was conveyed as a response to these theories of consciousness is the Hard Problem, which was proposed by David Chalmers in 17
1995. This states that as consciousness is fundamentally subjective, it cannot be looked at through an objective lens and challenges these theories by asking how brain processes can give rise to subjective experiences The theory of Panpsychism is seen as a solution to the problem as it states that consciousness is a fundamental feature of physical matter, so it is already present in the brain.
Another problem that arose from consciousness studies is the Binding Problem, which was proposed by Francis Crick This states that neurons work together to identify different aspects of an experience such as shapes, colours, objects, etc But how do they put them together in a single experience without mixing anything up? What makes sure that the circle is seen as red and the triangle is seen as blue?
One problem that specifically opposes the theory of Panpsychism is the Combination Problem. This asks how fundamental conscious minds (a single monad) are able to come together to form more complex conscious minds like that in humans, in order to build up the way that we perceive consciousness as a whole
the idea that our behaviour is governed by our own will, whereas determinism is the idea that our behaviour is governed/determined by other forces. Dennet’s argument is that if consciousness is ultimately due to some mechanism in the brain, and that what we see and think is just what the brain and our perception says we are seeing, this is deterministic and we do not have free will. This is an example of biological determinism, where our behaviour is governed by our biology. This idea may have some harrowing implications, especially with ideas surrounding criminality and whether or not a person can be convicted of a crime - if our actions are governed by our perceptions of reality, then are we truly responsible for our actions?
To conclude, although many problems have arisen from studies into human consciousness, we should not be deterred from more research to find these answers, due to the sheer number of practical applications that come from answering these questions For example, if we understand where in the brain consciousness arises from, we can see if people who look unconscious are actually conscious to inform people’s decisions around turning off life support. Furthermore, answers could revolutionise computer science and how we use AIcould we make machines conscious? Also, if we find out that animals are conscious, this will have profound effects on animal rights laws
One final problem that was proposed by Daniel Dennet is the implications that the research has on the debate of free will vs determinism. Free will is
Consciousness has even been linked to quantum physics through wave functions and superpositions. These practical applications of this research could change the way that we live and think about our lives and experiences forever, and neuroscientists believe that at some point in the future, we will have answers to these questions
Psychology Cup 2024
Aggy, Carys and Sophia
The Psychology Cup is a research-based competition run by the GDST, allowing any Year 12 Psychology students in our trust to compete Our team of three created a research aim, conducted an experiment, and presented the research and findings at the GDST Trust office infront of all competing teams. This year, the competition was judged by a Psychology student from King's College London and an alumni with a degree in Psychology
a scale of 1 to 5) depending upon the colour of the food’. We conducted two experiments to ensure reliability in our findings. Our first experiment involved a Google form sent to a randomly selected sample of 30 year 12 students The form involved participants deciding what coloured food they found the most appetising Our second experiment involved feeding 5 participants different coloured food of the same kind blindfolded and without a blindfold. The participants were asked to rate each food on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being disgusting and 5 being delicious) We were able to come to the conclusion that people favour food the same colour as their favourite colour and sweet foods can be perceived to taste better when red or blue Additionally blue foods were always rated lower than other colours for taste. Our findings could be applied to many types of real-life settings, for example, marketing in food industries to increase sales
For our project, we d to tigate whether olour of food mpact how we ive it to taste. ypothesis was e will be a cant ence in participants' perception of how tasty a food is (as measured with
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and, despite it being challenging at times, loved creating our own study from scratch. As a team, we had a fun day out in London to visit the GDST headquarters and were able to win the prize for ‘Most Original and Innovative Research Idea’ It was a great learning opportunity and we would definitely recommend it to any current Year 12 psychology students who are interested
A false memory is a fabricated or distorted recollection of an event They usually occur in people who have a history of trauma, depression, or stress. These memories can be entirely false or may contain elements of fact that have been distorted by interfering information or other memory distortions. False memories commonly activate the anterior prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus These regions are assumed to work together during false memories, which would predict a positive correlation between the magnitudes of activity in these regions across participants. However, the anterior prefrontal cortex may also inhibit the hippocampus, which would predict a negative correlation between the magnitudes of activity in these regions
The two main factors that influence false memories are misinformation and misattribution of a source of information. Misattribution is the misidentification of the origin of a memory by a person making the memory recall, and misinformation is when the information learned after an event interferes with the original memory of the event A study done by Frenda et al in 2014 found that when participants
were sleep-deprived before encoding information there was an increase in the amount of false memories they experienced. She found that when participants were deprived of sleep for one night, it elevated their false memory formation
Elizabeth Loftus, an American cognitive psychologist who studies memory, also conducted a study to explore how false memories are created. In one of her studies, she showed a simulated car accident scene to two groups of people. Loftus asked the first group how fast the cars were going when they “hit” each other, and the second group how fast the cars were going when they “smashed” each other On average, the second group indicated higher numbers. Additionally, when asked if a window was broken in the accident, 32% of the “smash” group of people said yes, and only 14% from the “hit” group Since no glass had been broken, the “smash” group was simply making up the memory of the broken glass based on assumptions Elizabeth Loftus further discusses studies in which the researchers were able to “implant” false memories in their participants. In one case, the researchers tried to convince subjects they got lost in a mall when they were little and had to eventually be rescued by a parent, and about 25% of the participants believed the story She concluded that our memories may not be as reliable as we think Once we experience an event, most of us likely assume that those memories stay intact forever, but there is the potential for memories to be altered or for completely false memories to be planted.
One example of false memories is the Mandela Effect The Mandela effect is a phenomenon where
a large group of people remembers an event or detail one way, but it occurred differently. It got its name from the instance where many people falsely remembered that Nelson Mandela died in prison in the 1980s, while he passed away in 2013 This collective misremembering is an example of false memory, highlighting how memory isn’t perfect and can be influenced by societal factors, misinformation, or misconceptions. One of the main examples of the Mandela Effect is that many people distinctly remember Britney wearing a microphone headset in her music video ‘Oops I did it again’, however, after rewatching it, it's clear she was never wearing them This false memory occurs because Britney is famous for performing live with a microphone headset, so the two sources of information are merging in our heads to create the false memory. Another common example of the Mandela Effect is the logo of the brand Fruit of the Loom Their logo has always contained an apple, green grapes, purple grapes, and leaves, however many people remember the logo with a cornucopia Many have researched and looked at archived newspaper advertisements from every decade from the 1910s to the 2020s but could not locate a single one with a cornucopia.
False Memory OCD is a subtype of OCD and is when you believe you’ve done something but you don't remember doing it, or you’ve done something that you know you did but the details are blurry and your OCD decides to fill in the details to create the worst case scenario. One example of this occurred in America when a woman called the police because of a hit-and-run accident She hadn’t driven that day, there was no damage done to her car, and her car didn't even meet the description, but she
called the police to say it might have been her because she was doubting her memories and her OCD was filling in gaps to make her think that maybe she had driven that day or maybe they did describe her car and she heard wrong One treatment for false memory OCD is ERP As part of EPR therapy, you track your obsessions and compulsions related to your false memories and make a list of how distressing each thought is.
When in a physically or psychologically stressful or dangerous situation, there are multiple ways in which the body can respond, often based on its perception of the event When a stimulus is detected, the amygdala transmits signals to the hypothalamus, releasing hormones that trigger the ‘stress response’ The body's reaction to these threatening situations is a survival mechanism to prepare for a physical response to danger. Research into the stress responses reveals that there are 4 main stress responses: fight, flight, freeze or Fawn
The Fight or flight responses were the first of the four responses to be defined in 1915 These two reactions are automatic, physiological reactions to an event that your body has perceived as a threat, usually leading to the feeling of fear or stress This perception activates the sympathetic nervous system and triggers an acute stress response that prepares the body to either fight or flee.
The response exhibited is natural and often dependent on the situation The fight response is usually experienced in situations where your body believes you could overpower the threat whereas the flight response is more likely to be actioned when your body feels the danger could be diffused by leaving the situation, when a flight response is triggered, your brain responds by releasing hormones like adrenaline which will improve your chances of escaping the threat Alternatively, when a fight response is triggered your brain signals to the rest of your body to prepare for the physical demands of facing the threat
Freeze
The freeze response was the 3rd of the stress responses to be recognised It is another way in which your body can respond to danger, and like fight or flight, can be dependent on the situation; however, unlike fight or flight, it does not involve any decisive actions.
The freeze response causes a person to become physically stuck and unable to move when faced with a threat While the person is still highly aware of the perceived danger, they are not able to move, and their heart rate will decrease rather than increase, like in a fight or flight
The freeze response is usually experienced when fleeing or aggressive responses are likely to be ineffective and, while it may seem counterintuitive, freezing may allow time for the brain to decide how to respond or increase visual perception
While the situation can be an important factor towards whether a person demonstrates a or freeze response, it can also be on their past experiences. If a person utinely unsafe or unprotected by their guardian as a child, they may exhibit this haviour, especially towards adults This is s children, we are not easily able to selves and therefore rely on those who s. If we are not protected or are harmed nts, children may feel helpless and their bodies aren't able to trigger a fight or flight response The freeze response can also be related to dissociation, where the effects of a traumatic event may be lessened as a result of disconnecting
and this may explain why the freeze response is more common in people with previous traumatic experiences.
Fawn
The final stress response to be recognised is fawn
The fawn response is when a person may act in a way to try and please or appeal to the threat to minimise the risk of danger and prevent a worse situation. The fawn response is often used when a fight, flight or freeze response is unsuccessful and occurs primarily in people who have grown up in abusive families or have been exposed to prolonged trauma during childhood This is observed as children often resort to appealing to the abuser rather than escaping or attacking them as they learn that this is not possible or worsens the abuse
Both the fawn and freeze response have correlations with childhood trauma as these responses are usually learnt during childhood as a result of abuse or mistreatment, however, it is important to understand that children are also extremely impressionable and these behaviours can be learnt from those around them While these stress responses are usually triggered when a threatening situation occurs, they can also be triggered in less dangerous times For those with PTSD or anxiety disorders, it is possible that their body can perceive a typically harmless situation as potentially harmful, and as a result, a stress response can be triggered.
Self-concept is the way individuals perceive and define themselves Ultimately, it is the total of our attributes, including physical, emotional, and social traits. Cultural differences play a vital role in shaping self-concept; this is particularly evident in the distinction between individualistic and collectivist ideologies.
Individualism is the principle that values independence and personal achievement. People in individualistic cultures tend to view themselves as self-sufficient, focusing more on self-esteem and self-actualisation Western societies such as the USA, UK, and Canada are typically associated with this ideology.
An example of this is in professional environments where individualistic cultures encourage employees to showcase their talents and skills. Success is measured by personal achievements, such as project completions Employees who are top performers are usually praised more with bonuses and recognition
There are both negative and positive psychological impacts of this theory on people First, it can cause a reduced sense of support as the environment becomes very competitive, making people less likely to help. This can lead to feelings of isolation
due to the lack of cooperation. However, on the flip side, individualism can increase self-confidence and enhance creativity.
Collectivism is the principle that emphasises social relationships and focuses on harmony within a community. People are more open to accepting and prioritising the group's needs over an individual’s. Eastern societies such as East Asia, Latin America, and Africa adopt this ideology more commonly Rather than being viewed as separate individuals, people consider themselves to be part of a larger community.
Self-worth is specifically tied to group success An example of this in a real-life setting is family reputation and a deep respect for elders. Family is recognised as a collective unit, and the actions of one family member can impact the entire family’s reputation Having a good reputation ensures social acceptance and cohesion Adhering to cultural
norms, traditions, and values means that people behave in a certain way to uphold the honour of the family.
Having a community can provide a sense of security and safety. This has a positive outcome, as younger members of a family have a strong support system and a feeling of belonging However, individuals can carry many burdens and pressures to conform to cultural norms Many times, this leads to the suppression of personal desires, which can cause feelings of isolation and depression. A common example of this is the pressure to pursue “respectable” career paths that might not align with the child’s true dreams or passions
There are clear differences between collectivism and individualism, the main one being that collectivism emphasises the group’s needs and goals over individual desires, while individualism prioritises personal freedom and self-expression
These two ideologies can have a major impact on communication styles In individualistic cultures, communication is more direct, as straightforwardness is appreciated. This allows for feelings and thoughts to be expressed with clarity. Although this style promotes transparency, it can be perceived as blunt
In collectivist cultures, conversation is typically indirect People may prioritise saving face over being direct An example of this is the avoidance of saying the word “No!” Instead, people might provide an alternative idea or vague response to prevent conflict. Although this style of conversing can foster group cohesion, it can lead to misunderstandings.
Increased interaction between cultures is leading to a blending of individualistic and collectivist societies. In a work environment, diverse cultures may work together on a project, each bringing in different management and planning styles Over time, a blended work culture may emerge as both teams adapt and collaborate to produce the final product. Exposure to other cultures is vital in shaping one’s self-concept as it allows people to experience other communities beyond their own. This can have enriching benefits, reducing bias or judgment that may arise from cultural norms
In conclusion, culture plays a vital role in the way we perceive ourselves as individuals Understanding these values and beliefs can have major impacts globally in fields like education, international business, and mental health
figures, influencers, or even ordinary people for actions seen as offensive, harmful, or unethical. What used to be a personal opinion shared with friends has become a global discussion in a matter of seconds But behind the hashtags and viral posts lies a complex psychology: Why do people join in to cancel others, and what are the mental health effects on those involved?
Why We Cancel: The Psychology of Public Shaming
People have always held others accountable for crossing social or moral boundaries Public shaming is not a new phenomenon; it has appeared in various forms throughout history, from medieval stocks to spreading gossip. But social media has amplified this practice to a massive scale, allowing anyone with a phone to share their outrage with millions
Cancel Culture: The Psychology Behind Public Shaming and Accountability Online - Ishikaa G
In today’s digital world, the phrase “cancel culture” has become as common as “like” or “share” It describes the collective action of calling out public
Moral Outrage: People have a natural drive to react emotionally to behaviour that seems wrong, especially when they believe a line has been crossed Moral outrage, a powerful emotion, pushes people to speak out, convinced that they are defending important values In cancel culture, this impulse often translates to tweets, comments, and hashtags demanding accountability.
Group Dynamics: Social media encourages group behaviour through algorithms that show us content our friends or followers support. When a hashtag trends or a post goes viral, people often feel the urge to join in, especially when it aligns with their values This “bandwagon effect” can make cancelling someone feel like a collective movement toward justice.
Social Punishment and Belonging: Publicly condemning a person’s actions can create a sense of unity within a community, bonding people over shared values and beliefs It also acts as a form of social punishment, signalling to others that certain behaviours won’t be tolerated
Accountability vs. Public Shaming
Cancel culture lies somewh accountability and public shaming, hard to know where to draw the line cancel culture has helped bring change Companies and public fig conscious of their behaviour, know media scrutiny is swift and power problematic behaviour has become light on issues, from discriminato unethical business decisions.
But cancel culture has a downside little room for people to apologise, le When someone is cancelled, they’re to one mistake, regardless of their g to make amends since then This ca justice, where thousands of stra without knowing the whole story
Social media often encourages on because algorithms show us content our views. When people see only issue, they’re more likely to jump to c join in on cancelling someone who m it, potentially leading to unnecessary
and young adults, who are particularly vulnerable to public criticism, often face intense emotional consequences.
Mental Health Strain: Public shaming can lead to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and even depression. The flood of negative comments makes it easy to question one’s self-worth, especially for those
The Psychological Impact of Being Cancelled
For those who find themselves at the centre of cancel culture, the effects can be harsh. Teenagers
Approach
So, how can we participate in cancel culture more thoughtfully? Here are some tips for practising
“conscious cancelling,” an approach that emphasises empathy and balanced judgement.
Seek Context: Before joining in on cancelling someone, try to understand the full story. Was there an apology or explanation? Is this behaviour part of a larger pattern or a single incident?
Focus on Actions, Not Identity: Instead of labelling someone as “bad” or “toxic,” focus on the specific behaviour that caused harm People are often more than one mistake, and cancelling someone completely may ignore their potential to learn and grow.
others a chance to explain or apologise fosters a more compassionate online culture.
The Positive Side of Cancel Culture
When used thoughtfully, cancel culture can spark meaningful conversations and bring about real-world change Some companies have improved practices, and public figures have become more mindful of their words and actions. Cancel culture, at its best, can make space for people to grow and learn, encouraging a culture of awareness and respect
But cancel culture should be a tool for positive not punishment alone The next time you ncelling hashtag trending, take a moment critically Can you help build a culture that oth accountability and the potential for Small acts of mindfulness and empathy an create a big impact, helping shape a world that values learning and nding
Think Before You Post: Social media posts can have real consequences Before hitting “send,” consider whether shaming someone publicly is truly necessary, or if there’s a more constructive way to encourage change.
Embrace Empathy and Forgiveness: While accountability is essential, practising empathy allows us to see that people can change. Offering
Mental Health Awareness: Tips
Improving your mental health with sleep:
Sleep: Sleep plays an important role in ensuring our brains and bodies can function normally and having the right amount of sleep can improve your mood, performance and health Research has shown that a teenager needs 8-10 hours of sleep per night and while there are many reasons as to why people may struggle to reach this amount, there are ways you can improve your sleep:
● Health - Mental health problems like anxiety and depression can affect sleep, regular exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress levels and may make it easier to fall asleep however exercise in the evening should be avoided as exercise increases the body’s adrenaline production and can make it harder to fall asleep. In some cases where mental health may be impacting your sleep it may be helpful to speak to your GP or a therapist for advice.
● Environment - noise and light can affect circadian rhythms so exposure to artificial light at night can suppress the release of melatonin (a hormone that encourages your body to sleep). Try to remove the use of technology soon before you sleep and aim to sleep in a quiet and dark environment. Removing distractions from your bedroom, such as phones may also help you to relax
● Lifestyle - factors of your lifestyle like eating late at night and caffeine assumption can negatively impact your sleep. Studies have shown that even having caffeine 6 hours before going to sleep can reduce the amount of sleep you get by more than 1 hour, to reduce this try and eliminate your caffeine intake 8 hours before going to bed
How can you look after your mental health?
Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a technique you can learn which involves noticing what's happening in the present moment, without judgement. Mindfulness can be used in your everyday life and doesn’t require much effort or time.
Look after your physical health: looking after your physical health like getting the right amount of sleep and regular exercise can improve your mood and reduce stress Exercise can not only improve your physical health but also improve your self esteem and way of life, helping you set goals and achieving them Try to relax and reduce stress: Too much stress can negatively impact your mental health and being able to reduce stress can be helpful Finding things you enjoy doing and using this as a way to relax can let your body unwind and relax and may help you feel less overwhelmed Making sure to take breaks if you are feeling overwhelmed can help you calm down and shift the state of your brain and give you time to rethink our approach to something differently. If you are under a lot of pressure finding a way to organise your time may make things feel more manageable and easier to approach, you can do this by identifying the best ways and time you work or making a list of what you have to do.
Reach out for help: If you are struggling with your mental health it can be helpful to talk to someone about it, this may be a parent or guardian, a friend or it can be a professional like a GP or a therapist. Opening up to someone you trust can help you
Sites available if you are struggling with your mental health:
Shout - Confidential 24/7 text service offering support if you're in crisis and need immediate help.
Text - 85258 (text SHOUT)
Email - giveusashout org
Samaritans - Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk
Call - 116 123 (freephone)
Email - jo@samaritans org
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK - Helpline offering a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. Call - 0800 689 5652
CAMHS - If you’re feeling anxious, call the Speak helpline for support and advice
Number - 0800 328 4444 - choose option 2 for CAMHS
Games
Everyone loves a crossword puzzle
Podcasts
- The Psychology Podcast-
This podcast talks with scientists and other individuals to give you a deeper knowledge of yourself and the world you live in This podcast will be especially interesting to those curious about mental illness and more niche topics within Psychology.
The Upside of OCD- with Michael Alcee| The Science of Morbid Curiosity - with Dr Coltan Skrivner The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Hait
- Pop Psych 101 -
This interesting podcast uses popular movies, TV shows and books to discuss mental illness through the lens of pop culture The podcast creates a balance of both serious and funny topics to educate and normalise discussions on mental health.
Existential Crises and the Female Experience in Barbie: with Ryan Engelstad and Hayley Roberts | The Progression of Alzheimer’s in Still Alice: with Ryan Engelstad and Hayley Roberts | Change and Parenting in Ted Lasso: Season 3
- Speaking of Psychology -
This fascinating and factual podcast discusses some of the latest, most important and relevant psychological research being conducted today, it often takes the perspective of different guests each specialised in a specific area of psychology: Why we procrastinate and what to do about it, with Fuschia Sirois, PhD | How to overcome feeling an imposter, with Lisa Orbé-Austin, PhD, and Kevin Cokley, PhD | Can a pathological liar be cured? With Drew Curtis, PhD and Christi
- All in the Mind -
In this podcast, Claudia Hammond Vedantam discusses mental health, psychology and neuroscience to explore how and why we think and behave.
Surfing and mental health, grief for dead celebrities, and being unique | Smartphones and children, mental health labels and climate anxiety | Languishing and the search for meaning in the modern world
