Meet the Team! i everyone! My name is Cici and I study Psychology, Art, and Chinese A-levels. I H was responsible for many design aspects of this year’s Edgell publication as I am very interested in art and design. I hope to study at an art foundation course next year and then go on to do something within fashion design. My favourite topic we’ve covered in psychology is selective attention as we got to watch videos that let us experience how selective our own attention was.
Hi guys, my name is Sasha! I do Biology, Psychology and English Literature A level, and I hope to continue studying Psychology at university level next year. In this Year’s Edgell publication, I wrote an article about cults and the psychoanalysis of different movie characters. So far, I’ve enjoyed the Biological and Individual Differences areas the most as I have found they tie in very well with my other A levels.
i everyone, my name is Bronwen. My A Levels are: Biology, Psychology and H English language. I am excited to study Psychology with a placement year in industry at university. As an editor of this magazine I wrote an article on revealing the secrets of dreaming which dives into my interest in the cognitive explanation for what is going on in our brain during sleep. I also created a section on Mental Health Awareness which takes a few examples of people who have excelled despite their mental health issues. I hope this spreads awareness about what it's like to live with a mental health problem, but also just how much you can achieve despite it!
i everyone, my name is Daisy. My A Levels are: Spanish, Psychology and History. I am H looking forward to reading Spanish and Business at University. As an editor I wrote an article on how responsible criminals are for their crimes (this is something I'm interested in), I also compiled some of my favourite podcasts at the end of the magazine . Psychology is an amazing subject and I would recommend it all!
y name is Ellie and I study Psychology, Biology and Geography at A Level! I am M super excited to study Psychology at University (fingers crossed 😃). Within this magazine, I wrote a section on fun articles on exciting debates within the field of psychology, with one being on why we care about who Taylor Swift dates. This was so interesting to seethe psychology behind TaylorSwift’s followers because I am a loyal one:). Psychology is my favourite A Level subject because of its importance in helping to understand society especially, so I loved the idea of helping younger students start thinking about psychology! 1
Meet the teachers Ms MacEwen o, by way of introduction as I am new to NHEHS… let’s say that life has manyunexpected S twists and turns! I have always been an acute observer of people but as a student I never really considered studying Psychology. It was when I was at Oxford University that I first came across people interestedinpsychoanalysisandwhatmightnowbecalledPositivePsychology-mindfulness andallthat.Butitwasnotaformalinterest-IwasverycreativeasachildandsostudyingFine Art had seemed the right thing to do at the time. In fact I still paint now and love Surrealism. ythetimeIhadleftOxford,goneabroadtoItalyforawhileandthenstartedteaching-after B having our daughter who is now pioneering the Circular Economy in New Zealand-Ifound outsoonenoughthatexclusivelyteachingArtwasn’tmything.Infact,Ireallywantedtoknow why the young people I was then teaching were gravitating to crime! o, after reskilling myselfthroughthe S Open University and a postgrad at UEL, I endedupteachingPsychology at Watford Grammar School for Girls and loved it… It is an endlessly fascinating discipline that just keeps changing and evolving. hat’s the challenge I think we all T have,regardlessofwhetherwestudy Psychology or not. After a bad time recently, with my partner being very ill, I was just tutoring and being an examiner for A level Psychology, so I am really looking forward to joining NHEHS.Ialwaysendeavourtoputthe studentfirstsoastobuildconfidence. I guess I would say Psychology has focused a lot upon mental illness but now there is a big shift towards developing a growth mindset - it’s about having the courage to try stuff thatgetsusthroughallthedifficulties life throws at us. So resilience is SO important. nyway…enough of all this… I look A forward to meeting you all! 2
Mr Hegarty his is me when I was young and T grumpy (as opposed to old and carefree). The last year has been really enjoyable, getting to know the school and some of you.Ihavebeen hugely impressed by the hard work and dedication of all the Psychology students at NHEHS. I look forward to helpingyouwithyourstudiesoverthe coming years - and having a bit of a laugh along the way. One resource youmaywanttolookatonYouTubeis SciShowPsychwhichhassomereally interesting videos thatarerelevantto thecourse(andsomethatarenotbut are still really interesting).
anyofyoumayalreadybefamiliarwithourdogOtto,whomakesregularappearancesin M various parts of some lessons (although sadly not yet in person). I just thought I would sharethe‘beforeandafter’haircutphotosofOttofromsummerbecause(asresearchersat Leeds university showed in 2020) just looking at pictures of animals can improve our mood. (It really is the same dog).
OTTO
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iagnosed with DID may feel uncertain abouttheir d identity and who they are. They may feel the presence of other identities, each with their own names, voices, personal histories and mannerisms, in a way that those who dissociate do not. ID had a history of being associated with D possession. The first documented case of dissociative identity disorder was in 1584. Though not labelled as DID at the time, Jeanne Fery recorded her exorcism in detail, (with additional details provided in the records of her exorcists), preservingdocumentationofsymptomsthatexactly match those that are found in individuals with DID today. She had many altars, each with their own identity, and features and had altars that would today be described as an ISH (Inner Self Helper), persecutory protectors, and child altars. The altars resulted fromchildhood physicalabuse.
scapism is a mental diversion from unpleasant or E boring aspects of daily life, typically through activities involving imagination or entertainment. Escapismalsomaybeusedtooccupyoneselfaway from persistent feelings of depression or general sadness. Escapism is an umbrella term forarange of differentthingsandonthemoreextremeside,it can be a trauma response. ebMD states that “During and after traumatic W experiences,manyindividualsnaturally'escape'the situation mentally in order to avoid further distress and psychological harm”. These forms ofescapism involve dissociation, depersonalisation (separating from body) or derealisation (separating from environment).
epersonalisation and derealisation are also D disorders associated with escapism. Depersonalisation is where youhavethefeelingof being outside yourself and observing youractions, feelings or thoughts from a distance. Derealisation iswhereyoufeeltheworldaroundisunreal.People and things around you may seem "lifeless" or "foggy".
any will experiencedissociationthroughouttheir M lives. If you dissociate, you may feel disconnected from yourself and the world around you. For example, you mayfeelasthoughtheworldaround you is unreal or that you are detached from your own body. Frequent dissociation is often a trauma response.
here are debates as to whether romanticising T one'slifecanbeconsideredaformofescapism.To romanticise is to deal with or describe in an idealised or unrealistic fashion; make (something) seem better or more appealing than it really is, accordingtotheOxforddictionary.Inthelastcouple ofyearswehaveseenthebirthofthesocialmedia trend of ‘romanticising your life andbecomingthe ‘main character’ .
riggers of dissociation are sensory stimuli T connected withaperson'strauma,anddissociation is an overload response. Even years after the traumatic event, certain sights, sounds, smells, touches, and even tastes can set off, or trigger, a cascade of unwanted memories and feelings. hefeelingofdisassociationbeginswithnervecells T in the brain's posteromedial cortex firing at the same time at a specific rate. Dissociation can be both troubling and disruptive, and it can become chronic. issociativeidentitydisorderisentirelydifferent,yet D is often mistaken as the same thing. Someone 4
“ It's being positive about the things that lifehasto offer, regardless of whether the circumstance is what you imagined or wanted,” said Ashley Ward, 26, whose 2020 TikTok video about romanticising has been viewed more than three million times. Othersdisagreewithherpositivestancestatingthat it's an unhealthy habit that is unrealistic and sets youngpeopleupfordisappointmentandperceiving yourself as the ‘main character’ leads to selfishness. ver romanticising stems from lowself-worth.We O selectivelyseewhatwewishtosee.Forexample, as soon as we come across someone who understands our unique sense of humour or shares an uncommon interest, we instantly perceivethemas“theone”.Thistypeofeagerness comes from a lack of self-worth.
o what exactly are implicitbiases?Alsoknownas S unconscious biases, these are attitudes and stereotypes that occur beyond our conscious awareness, affecting our thoughts, decisions, and actions. They can manifest in the criminal justice system, the workplace, and even schools. Without even knowing it, we all possess our own implicit biases, with many contradicting our conscious beliefs.Nowimplicitbiasescanbecomeexplicit;we become consciously aware of unconscious beliefs and prejudices we possess. It is here that an individualmustdecidewhethertofaceit,andactfor or against it, or enter a state ofdenial,wherethey attempt to suppress it, and push it back into their unconscious mind.
ut isitescapism?Somewouldargueyesandthat B it is just ignoring reality as a response to seeing countless social media posts where influencers present their lives as ‘perfect’. Romanticising is an attempttomirrorthisandescapewhatweperceive as a ‘boring’ life . Others would say romanticising your life is harmless and is not escapism but just highlighting the positive things within life.
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Implicitbiasesdevelopthroughcontinuedexposure to stereotypes and other forms of misinformation overtime.Thiscanbethroughourimmediatesocial interactions with family and friends, or through socialmediaplatforms.Thislong-termexposurecan lead to even the most well-informed,politepeople committing microaggressions (subtle, automatic, and often nonverbal behaviour that convey prejudicial insults towards a group). Examples include the general association of nurses with females,andnotmen,orcommentssuchas,“You’re really pretty for a dark-skinned girl”.
o overall, although the concept of implicit biases S canbedaunting,andseemoutofourcontrol,witha little bit of mindfulness and placing of ourselvesin the shoes of others, we can learn to make conscientious, well thought-out decisions in the future, that aren’t affected by any unconscious biases we hold.
more significant example is that of unconscious A racial stereotypes. For instance, individuals may hold an implicit bias that associates black people withviolence.Asaresult,theymaycrossthestreet atnightwhentheyseeablackmanwalkingintheir direction, without even realising why they’re crossing the road. This is an example of a microaggression, where crossing the street communicates implicit prejudice. This is especially dangerous in broader implications in the judicial system and law enforcement. The shooter bias is one such example (especially in the USA), which signifies the increased tendency for police officers to shoot Black civilians, even when unarmed.
ttachment theory is the idea that children are A instinctively born withaneedtobondandbecome deeply emotionally attached to their primary caregivers for survival. The way that a child is parented is theorised to be able to shape their personalities and emotional states and can affect their relationships all the way into adulthood. Attachment theory describes four different phases of attachment, each of thesechangingasthechild develops.
ithin healthcare settings, it has been found that W individuals from ethnic minoritiesaremorelikelyto receive not only less accurate diagnoses, but also lesspainmanagement.Furthermore,Blackchildren are often not provided with the same levelofcare or compassion as is given to White children.
In the 0 - 3 month window, (this is called pre attachment) the baby feels no preference towards eithercaregiverandwillallowitselftobepickedup by strangers without fuss. This stagehelpstoform thestartofthematernalbondsbetweenmotherand child through actions such as smiling or crying to get positive responses from the mother. The attachment in the making period (3 - 6 months)is when the infant begins to learn that their primary caregiversareabletoattendtotheirneedsandwill show preferencetowardsthemoverstrangers.The 6monthstothreeyearperiod(clearcutattachment) is when a clear bond between mother andchildis established .
an we reduce these biases we don't know we C have? Training. Training is incorporated in different educational and law enforcement settings, designed to target and overcome these biases. While thiscanhelpraiseawareness,onepitfallisa potential rebound effect, where actively trying to inhibit stereotyping results in the bias increasing more so than if it had not been suppressed in the first place. Easier techniques include meditation (wherewereduceourstressandmentalload,which could have led to us relying on such biases), and perspective-taking,wherewelookbeyondourown points of view, and consider the feelings of the people being stereotyped.
he infant has a clear preference towardsasingle T caregiver and will protest via crying and moving when they are separated from them. The last developmental period is from the three year mark 6
ntil the end ofchildhoodandmarkstheformation u of reciprocal relationships (where they can give somethingtotherelationshipinreturn).Thisperiod is where the child can now form secondary attachments to other parental figures around them suchasthefather,otherrelativesorbabysittersand begin to develop an understanding of the world around them as well as forming an ability to communicate needs more effectively.
t heyshowedsignsofdistresswhenseparatedfrom their primary caregiver but upon the caregiver’s returnwerefoundtohaveinitiatedeyecontactand cuddle-seeking. 55% of the population display a secure attachment pattern. % of the population show an ambivalent 8 attachment pattern. Children with resistant/ambivalent attachments appear to be frightened when separated from their primary attachment figure and even when the caregiver returns, stay frightened. This is because theyhave experiencedemotionalneglectandhavelearntthat any display of emotions will be met with anger or frustration.
J ohn Bowlby was the first psychologist to explore ideas of the connection/ attachment formed between mother and child and the response patterns shownbydifferentchildrenwhentheyare separated. He created lots of theoretical and observational work about how attachmentpatterns weretransferredfromgenerationtogeneration.He worked with Mary Ainsworth who was the first person to suggestthattherewereseveraldifferent typesofattachmentpatterns.Acasestudythatshe did aimed to see the distinct categoriesthatthese children fell into. She ran a study where a mother and child were placed into a room alone and the baby was allowed to explore the room under supervision.Astrangerenterstheroom,talkstothe parent, and approaches the child whilst theparent quietly leavestheroom.Anybehaviourisrecorded for a shortperiodoftimebeforetheparentreturns andcomfortsthechild.Shetheorisedthatwhenthis parent leaves, the baby’s actions and emotional statewillfallintooneoffourcategorieswhichform the basis of attachment theory : ● Secure attachment ● Insecure / avoidant attachment ● Resistant/ambivalent attachment ● Disorganised attachment
3% of the population display an avoidant 2 attachment pattern, children who have an inconsistentandunreliableparentwhenitcomesto their emotional needs will remain relatively calm when separated from attachment figures andwere foundtonotpaymuchattentionorcarewhentheir parents returned to the room. hose with a disorganised attachment varied in T their behaviour towards a caregiver,butcommonly theresultswerenegativesuchasthechildhittingor turning away from the caregiver upon being reunited . This stems from the caregiver being the causeofthechild'sdistressandthusnotbeingable to respond to them emotionally. 15% of the whole population show a disorganised attachment pattern. o conclude, attachment patterns areapplicableto T many circumstances in everyday life, especially relationships: secure attachments have trusting, lastingrelationshipsandgoodselfesteem.Avoidant patterns may have intimacy problems and invest lessintorelationships.Indisorganisedattachments, theymaytakeonparentalrolesoractascaregivers withinrelationships,andinambivalentattachments, many are reluctant tobecomeclosertoothersand can become extremely distraught when a relationshipends.AsJeremyHolmeswrites,Bowlby and Ainsworth's research “provides fascinating insights into the history of the psychoanalytic movement and … helps in the understanding of society and its problems”.
hose with a secure attachment believe thattheir T emotionalneedswillalwaysbefulfilled.Thismeans
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Psychoanalysing Movie Characters - Rue Bennet - he portrayals of mental illness in Rue’s character breaks the stereotypes T around conditions such as depression. It also speaks to Gen Z at a time of increased social media and drug addiction. Bipolar disorder: Brain disorder that causes changes in a person's mood, energy,andabilitytofunction.Peoplewithbipolardisorderexperienceintense emotional states, e.g. mania/hypomania or depression.
- Mitch and Cam - eeler vs Dealer personality types: Mitch’s rational and logical F mindset allows him to appear in control while he still seeks the approvalofothersinordertocompensateforthelackofattention hereceivedasachildfromhislargeandconservativefamily.Cam does not suppress his emotions and instead allows them to be seeninhisbehaviourandpersonality,causinghimtofeelhelpless and vulnerable.
- Eve Polastri and Villanelle - illanelle’s psychopathy has a clear influence on Eve’s V psyche and mental health. Both characters have signs of neurodivergence, especially seen in Eve’s fascination and possibly specialinterestinfemaleassassins,whichgrowsto the pointthatitcausesadeclineinherrelationshipwithher husband. Villanelle provides an escape for Eve’s unconscious desires and motives, incorporating a Freudian element to the show.
- Beth Harmon - he audience is taken through Beth’s childhood, T showing us thedevelopmentalexplanationsbehindher behaviour. Herearlyintroductiontosleepingpillspaves the way for a life of alcoholism and drug addiction, affecting herabilitytomaintainstablerelationshipswith others.Hertraumaticchildhoodlosscreatesanunstable sense of self and a fear of abandonment in Beth’s character, which develops intoheravoidantattachment style.
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hy Do We Care W Who Taylor Swift Dates?
aylorSwift'sfans(knownasSwifties)havepowerful T emotions that transcend her music. Swifties are attached to Taylor Swift, the person. While Swift clearly loves her fans collectively, the passion amongtheSwiftiesforTaylorherselfisexperienced individually and is best described as a parasocial relationship.
Ellie L.
Parasocial
relationships
arasocial relationships areone-sidedconnections. P Fans feel strong emotional attachments, or what psychologists Horton and Wohl (1956) argued was the "illusion of intimacy" created through media. Social media amplifies the sense of intimacy by seeming like authentic interpersonal connections.
can
increase meaning and enjoyment. aylor Swift attended several recentChiefsgames, T amidst rumours that she’s dating NFL star and ChiefstightendTravisKelce.Ifyoudidn’tknowthis, you probably haven’t been paying attention,either to the news or to social media; theinternethasall but exploded with images of Swift cheering in a private box next to Kelce’s mom. Because Taylor Swifthasoneofthemostdevotedfanbasesonthe planet - and because Swifties are also not particularlyshyaboutsharingtheiropinionsonline- images, speculation, and memes are everywhere.
wifties celebrate Taylor’s triumphs and empathise S with her setbacks. This intense devotion is enhanced by a collective identity and sense of belonging.Peoplewanttofeelpartofacommunity, and fandoms offer exactly that. Taylor Swift: A Parasocial Object of Affection wift has done a masterful job of using all S media—not just her music— to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, enhancing the tendency of her fans to feel they know her personally, even though it is inherently one-sided. Swift’s music reflects her life experiences, and she owns her emotions, increasing her relatability. She can describe past relationships with passion but in the context of her feelings, not as an exercise in blaming.
hy Do We Keep Looking? Anyeventthatattracts W that much attention will get more. Our brains are wiredtopayattentiontowhatpeopledoaroundus. If that many people are excited about something, we feel that we have to look. It’s instinct. wift, in particular, is riding a surge of popularity S rightnow,followingherErastourandinanticipation of the upcoming Eras documentary. She has been enormously successful—way out on thelongtailof stardom by any measure, not just as a songwriter, musician, performer, or even a woman.
wift uses social media to extend her relationship S with fans, making them feelprivytoher“off-stage” self. Her ability to achieve authenticity and emotional connection combined with frequent communication further amplifies opportunities for parasocial connection. Swift frequently acknowledges her fans, further enhancing their sense of knowing and intensity ofattachment.
hat level of achievement is compelling—it’s hard T not to be interested. Extreme feats of excellence, like summiting Everest, trigger our curiosity. The needtounderstand"outliers"isdrivenbyourinnate StoneAgesurvivalinstinctswhenunusualcouldbe dangerous.Swiftgotourattentionagainbyvirtueof her achievement, not just notoriety, and now our curiosity can be satisfied by some media consumption, leaving us inspired, entertained, joyful, or even a little jealous.
hroughoutitall,Swifthasalsomanagedtoportray T independence, strength, and integrity through a commitment to self. Unlike most people who have achievedhighlevelsofsuccess,Swifthasmanaged to maintain theappearanceofbeingfundamentally kind, hardworking, and relatively wholesome. As a role model, we could all do a lot worse.
he Psychological Power of Fandom. Yet modern T fans’ behaviours seem to be well past those initial evolutionaryresponses.Theyhavetherealemotion that comes from human connection at stake.
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s You Age, Exercise Prevents A Cognitive Decline New research shows how physical activity bolsters brain function. If you aren’t already convinced that exerciseisthe best way to improve health outcomes as you age, there is now even more evidence to bolster that case.
s wimming, dancing, participating in sports, and lifting weights. Researchers found participantswho exercised regularly had a 17 percent lower risk of developingdementiacomparedwiththosewhodid not, even when controlling for age, education,and gender. The authors stressed that it didn’t matter whattypeofactivityparticipantsdid,aslongasthey remained physically active.
hinese researchers published a sweeping new C article this week that offers more data about the benefits of physical activity for older adults – this time in preserving and improving cognitive function. esearcherscombinedtheresultsof21randomised R controlled trials of older adults and exercise; the studies each included a treatment group that participated in physical activity at least four times per week and a controlgroupthatdidnot.Studies lasted anywhere from eight weeks up to oneyear. Researchers measured the cognitive abilities of participants at the beginning and end of each study. heir findings confirmed what health officials have T been touting for years: physical activity helps to improve cognitive function later in life. his study is notable because the authors found T cognitive function improved for participants regardlessoftheirmentalstatesatthebeginningof the study. That is, it didn’t matter whether participants were already experiencing cognitive decline or not—their brain function improved after regular exercise.
In addition to improving cognitive function and preventing dementia, research demonstrates that regular exercise will help to lengthen your life. In this 2018 study, researchers from Cleveland Clinic analyseddatafrommorethan122,000patientswho underwent exercise stress tests, which involve walking or running on a treadmill at increasingly quicker speeds while doctors monitor your heart activity.
hat’s more, cognitive function improved forolder W adults who participated in both cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, as well as resistance exercises, such as lifting weights or doing callisthenics.
articipantswhoperformedbetteronthestresstest P were significantly more likely to live longer. And there wasnoupperlimit:Thosewhodemonstrated extremelyhighaerobicfitnesssurvivedsignificantly longer than other participants, even if they were older or experienced high blood pressure.
his new analysis builds on previous studies that T link exercise and brain health. systematic review published last year found A engaging in leisure activities reduced the participants’riskofdevelopingdementialaterinlife. In this analysis, the physical activities included a broad range of pastimes such as walking,running,
hetake-homemessageissimple:Exerciseisgood T for you! In fact, it’s one of the best steps you can taketoimprovethelengthandqualityofyourlifeas you age.
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cientists at the UCL Institute S for Neurology have developed new tools, based on AI language models, that can characterise subtle signatures in the speech of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
he researchers think that this difference might T have to do with the way the brain learns relationships between memories and ideas, and stores thisinformationinso-called'cognitivemaps'. Theyfindsupportforthistheoryinasecondpartof the same study where the authors used brain scanning to measure brain activity in parts of the brain involved in learning and storing these 'cognitive maps'. ead author, Dr MatthewNour(UCLQueenSquare L Institute of Neurology and University of Oxford), said: "Until very recently, the automatic analysis of language has been out of reach of doctors and scientists. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence(AI)languagemodelssuchasChatGPT, this situation is changing. "This work shows the potential of applying AI language models to psychiatry -- a medical field intimately related to language and meaning."
he research, published in PNAS, aims to T understand how the automated analysis of language could help doctors and scientists diagnose and assess psychiatric conditions. Currently, psychiatric diagnosis is based almost entirely on talking with patients andthosecloseto them, with only a minimal role for tests such as blood tests and brain scans.
chizophrenia is a debilitating and common S psychiatric disorder that affects around 24 million people worldwide and over 685,000peopleinthe UK. According to the NHS, symptoms of the condition may include hallucinations, delusions, confused thoughts and changes in behaviour.
owever, this lack of precision prevents a richer H understanding of the causes of mental illness, and the monitoring of treatment. he researchers asked 26 participants with T schizophrenia and 26 control participants to completetwoverbalfluencytasks,wheretheywere asked tonameasmanywordsastheycouldeither belonging tothecategory"animals"orstartingwith the letter "p," in five minutes.
heteamfromUCLandOxfordnowplantousethis T technology in a larger sample of patients, across more diverse speech settings, to test whether it might prove useful in the clinic.
o analyse the answers given by participants, the T team used an AI language model that had been trainedonvastamountsofinternettexttorepresent the meaning of words in a similar way to humans. They tested whether the words people spontaneouslyrecalledcouldbepredictedbytheAI model, and whetherthispredictabilitywasreduced in patients with schizophrenia.
r Nour said: "Weareenteringaveryexcitingtime D in neuroscience and mental health research. By combining state-of-the-art AI language modelsand brain scanning technology, we are beginning to uncover how meaning is constructed in the brain, andhowthismightgoawryinpsychiatricdisorders. There is enormous interest in using AI language models in medicine. If these tools prove safe and robust, I expect they will begin to be deployed in the clinic within the next decade.
hey found that the answers given by control T participantswereindeedmorepredictablebytheAI model than those generated by people with schizophrenia, and that this difference was largest in patients with more severe symptoms.
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arrow the possibilities, theylookedatdatalinking n these proteins to maze performance in related strains of mice that had not experienced sleep deprivation. his approach led the researchers to pleiotrophin T (PTN), which declined in the sleep-deprived mice. ThroughananalysisofRNA,theteamidentifiedthe molecular pathway by which a loss of PTN causes cells in the hippocampustodie.Whentheylooked atgeneticstudiesinhumans,theyfoundthatPTNis implicated in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. This research has uncovered a new mechanism by which sleep
Studies indicate that lack of sleep leads to neurological damage inthehippocampus,apartof thebraininvolvedinlearningandmemory.Tobetter understand the changes responsibleforthiseffect, scientists have begun examining shifts in the abundance of proteins and RNA, which contains geneticallyencodedinstructionsderivedfromDNA. In this way, previous studies have identified some factors linking sleep loss to damage; however, researchershaven'tgenerallyconfirmedtheyplaya
rotects brain function, according to the p researchers, who also note that PTN levels could serve as an indicator of cognitive impairment resulting from insomnia.
role in cognitive function within larger animal populations.So,FuyiXu,JiaMiandtheircolleagues set out to further explore how sleeplossdamages the brain and to corroborate their findings. o start off, the researchers evaluated how well T mice navigated a simple maze and learned to recognize new objects after having been sleep deprived for two days. They then extracted the proteins in the animals' hippocampi and identified those whose abundance changed. Then, tofurther
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Psychology Cup 2023 Bronwen, Cici, Naya, Samantha, and Sasha ThePsychologyCupisanannualresearch-basedcompetitionputonbytheGDST andisopentoanyYear12psychologystudentsintheTrust.Ourteamoffivecame up with a research idea, conductedasmall-scaleexperiment,andpresentedthe research and findings at an in-person competition held at the GDST Trustoffice accompanied byMsMcHenry(wemissyou!)andjudgedbyapanelofexpertsin the field. For our project, we wantedtolookintodifferent vs.similarpersonalitytypesandwhetheritaffects how well they work with one another. Our research aim was ‘How do similar and different personality types interact with each other?’. We conductedourexperimentsinschoolwithasampleofYear7-12studentsput intopairsofdifferentandsimilarpersonalitytypesbasedontheirMyers-Briggs Type Indicator results. We gave them two different tasks (tactile vs communication) and to complete as pairs and made observations during the tasksusingbehaviouralcategoriesandeventsampling.Wewereabletocome to the conclusion that similar personalities worked better together tactile problem solving tasksastheybothequallyparticipatedinallaspects of the task, however, in the communication task, the different personalitytypesweremoresuccessfulastheintrovertedpersonality type being instructed by the extroverted personality type who was more comfortable in the leadership role of giving instructions whilst theintrovertwasmorecomfortablecarryingoutinstructionsandbeing led. Our findings could be applied to many typesofreal-lifesettings and situations such as in workplaces, in relationships, in friendships, and in education. Overall, this experience was very enjoyable and challenging forusallto design and carry out our own research from scratch. We had averyfun day out in central London on the day of thecompetitionanditwasvery interesting to see all of the other teams’ presentations. Althoughwedid notwinthecompetition,ourgroupendedupreceivingtheawardfor‘Best slides’ for our presentation. It was a great learning opportunity and we woulddefinitelyrecommendittoanycurrentYear12psychologystudents who are interested 13
roblemsandlongtermmooddisorderslikeanxiety p and depression. However,ontheflipside,cortisollevelsareattheir lowest when we are sleeping meaning that if we practise good sleeping habits, this will ensure we have reduced levels of cortisol which will help support our bodies to deal with crisis, whilst also letting it rest and process information we have received from our surroundings during the day.So there is truth in the saying “sleep on it” because getting good sleep really can help us deal with things causing us stress and anxiety.
rain activity constantly fluctuates during sleep, B especially REM sleep (rapid eye movement), increasing and decreasing through different sleep stages which make up our sleepcycle.Manyofus are aware of the idea that we ‘feel better after a good night’s sleep’ and more bad - tempered and run down when sleep deprived. However, there is nowrobustevidencetosuggestthatsleepisinfact criticalbothforourphysicalandmentalhealth.Poor and insufficient sleephasbeenproventocorrelate with increased negative emotional responses to stressors and to decrease positive emotions.
ircadian Rhythms C Circadian rhythms are biological patterns that shift across each 24-hour period, and are part of the body’s internal clock, runninginthebackgroundto carryoutessentialfunctionsandprocesses.Oneof the most prominent circadian rhythms is the sleep-wake cycle. When properly aligned, a circadian rhythm can promote consistent and restorative sleep. But whenthiscircadianrhythmis altered, it can createsignificantsleepingproblems, including insomnia. Research is also revealing that circadian rhythms play an integral role in diverse aspects of physical and mental health. The body’s internal clock is located in the brain, in the part called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
oor mental health can affect us in many different P ways, for example, poor concentration; low mood; lack of motivation; becoming more susceptible to colds and other illnesses; difficulty regulating our emotions; irritability; anxiety etc.. This is why it is importantforustogetasmuchsleepaspossibleas it is important to a number of brain and body functions engaged in processing daily events and regulating our emotions and behaviours. Sleep allows us to maintain cognitive skills, such as attention,learningandmemorytotheextentwhere poor sleep can make it much more stressful and difficulttocopewithevenrelativelyminorstressors and can even impact our ability to perceive the worldaccurately.Thereasongoodsleepcanboost our mental wellbeing is because our body blocks releasesofhormoneswhichaffectoursleep,oneof thesebeingcortisol,otherwiseknownasthestress hormone, and this release of cortisol helps us to dealwithpressureandcope.Forexamplewhenwe have not had enough sleep, our body releases more cortisoltohelpkeepusgoing,howeverifwe continuetohaveachronicreleaseofcortisolitcan impact on our sleep, which can lead to sleep
he SCN is located close to the eyes and is T sensitivetolightfromtheenvironment.Ourinternal clock synchronises circadian rhythms throughout the body in an attempt to respond to the light of daytime and the darkness ofnight.Duringtheday, the SCN reacts to light by keeping a person alert and at night the reverse happens. When the environmental lightdims,theSCNsignalsthebrain to produce melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy. If your sleep-wake cycle is not in alignment with our bodies natural light and darkness cues, youmaynoticearangeofchanges to your sleep health, and consequently, your physical and mental health.
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he Effects of Sleep on Different Mental T Conditions Depression: It is estimated that over 300 million peopleworldwidehavedepression,atypeofmood disorder marked by feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Around 75% of people with depression show symptoms of insomnia andmany people with depression also suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness and hypersomnia, which is sleeping too much.
s yndrome (RLS) alsoappeartobehigherinpeople withADHD.SleepdifficultiesassociatedwithADHD have been studied primarily in children but has been found to affect adults as well.
hile this can create a negative feedback loop — W poor sleep worsens depression that then further interrupts sleep — italsoopensapotentialavenue for new types of treatment for depression. For example, for at least some people, a focus on improving sleep may have a corollary benefit of reducing the symptoms of depression.
esearch has shown that the majority of criminals R that make up our prisons are different from us, whether it is their young exposure to violence or abnormalities within their biological makeup. With 79,514peopleinUKprisonsin2020,thispushesus to truly evaluate howmuchfreewillserialkillersor thieveshaveovertheiractions.Withinthescopeof responsibilitytherearetwomainpathstobetaken, first the biological differences between us and criminals, the obvious differences that can be viewed under microscopes. Secondly the environmental factors, specifically childhoods and theinfluenceofaperson'sparents,neighbourhood, education and friends. Overall these extraneous variables make it possible to question whether these criminals are responsible for their crimes or whethertheiractionswereshapedandmanipulated by circumstances beyond their control.
nxiety: Every year, anxiety disorders in America A affect an estimated 20% of adults and 25% of teenagers. These disorders create excess fear or worry that can affect everyday lifeandcreaterisks for health problems including heart disease and diabetes. nxiety disorders have a strong association with A sleeping problems. Worry and fear contribute to a state of hyperarousal in which the mind is racing, and hyperarousal is considered to be a central contributor to insomnia. Sleep problems may become an added source of worry, creating an anticipation of anxiety at bedtime that makes it harder to fall asleep. esearchhasfoundanespeciallystrongconnection R between PTSD and sleep. People with PTSD frequently replay negative events in their mind, suffer from nightmares, and experience a state of beingonalert,allofwhichcaninterferewithsleep. PTSD affects many veterans, and at least 90% of U.S.veteranswithcombat-relatedPTSDfromrecent wars have insomnia symptoms.
“ Most violent behaviour is learned behaviour”. Researchsuggeststhatexposuretoviolenceduring childhood increases the risk of violent behaviour during adolescence by as much as 40 percent.In addition the lack of social bonds and controls, together with the failure to teach conventional norms and values, puts children at risk of later violence. It is key how early experiences develop our behaviour, thoughts and actions later in life. Many of us reap the benefits of healthy relationships with our parents and positive role models but it is imperative that we assess the impact of trauma on moraldevelopment.Themost
DHD: Sleeping problems are common in people A with ADHD. They mayhavedifficultyfallingasleep, frequent awakenings, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Rates of othersleepingproblems,such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg 15
r enowned serial Killers like Ted Bundy who had a strained relationship with his father or Charles
anson's mother was imprisoned for armed M robbery. To what extent did these early memories impact their antisocial behaviour? It is clear that not really understand myself these days. I am supposed to be an average, reasonable and intelligent young man. However, lately (I cannot recall whenitstarted)Ihavebeenavictimofmany unusual and irrational thoughts." and "After my deathIwishthatanautopsywouldbeperformedon me to see if there is any visible physical disorder." The autopsy showed that Whitman was found to have a glioblastoma, a type of brain tumour, pressing against regionsofthebrainthoughttobe responsible for the regulation of strong emotions. This highlights the significant importance of our brain in determining our behaviour. Despite these findings It is important to emphasise that these biological differences shouldnotbeusedasasole determinantorjustificationforcriminalbehaviour,as social, psychological, and environmental factors also significantly influence human actions.
nvironmental factors play a significant role in e shaping the behaviour and choices of individuals involved in criminal activities. One crucial environmental factor is socioeconomic status, as individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds often face limited opportunities, higher levels of poverty, andreducedaccesstoeducationandemployment. This can drive some individuals toward criminal behaviour as a means of survival or advancement. Additionally,neighbourhoodcharacteristics,suchas high crime rates, lack of social cohesion, and inadequate infrastructure, can contribute to an environment conducive to criminal activities. Exposure to violence, substance abuse, and peer pressure within these communities can further influence individuals to engage in criminal acts. iological studies have found that there are clear B biological differences between a criminal and us. For example, researchers have found that the prefrontal cortex which intelligently regulates our thoughts, actions and emotions through extensive connections with other brain regions, when damaged, causes psychopathic-like behaviour and reduced decision making. In the case Charles WhitmanwhoonAugust11966killedhisMother,his wifeandfourteencollegestudents. Inthedaysand weeks leading up to the killings Whitman complained of headaches and an altered mental state. Within his suicide note he relayed that "I do
In conclusion, the question of how responsible criminals are for their crimes involves a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors. While biological differences, such as genetic predispositions, neurological abnormalities, and imbalances in brain chemistry, may contribute to certain behaviours associated with criminality, it is important to rememberthatcriminalactionscannot be solely attributed tothesefactors.Environmental factors, such as socioeconomic status, neighbourhood characteristics, exposure to violence, and peer pressure, also playasignificant role in shaping criminal behaviour. It isessentialto consider the broader context in which individuals make choices and engage in criminalacts.Society must recognize that individuals may face circumstances beyondtheircontrol,suchaslimited opportunities, poverty, and lack of social support, which can increase the likelihood of criminal behaviour. Rather than assigning absolute responsibility, a comprehensive approach is necessary. By understanding andaddressingthese multifaceted influences, society can strive to prevent crime, rehabilitate offenders, and create a more just and equitable environment for all individuals.
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merica, coming to light in 2017. QAnon’s core A theory is that Donald Trumpwasconspiredagainst by a group of Satanic, cannibalisticchildmolesters during his presidency. They are also great supportersof‘Pizzagate’,atheorythatdevelopedin the 2016 presidential campaign that claimed that theDemocraticpartywereleadingapedophiliaring through a pizzeria in Washington D.C.. Despitethe allegations being proved incorrect multiple times, thePublicReligionResearchInstitutestatedthatas of October 2022, 17% of Americans still believe in the claims. QAnon has been linked to the idea of brainwashingandhasbeendescribedasacultdue to the vast number of followers who believe in a theory that has absolutely no factual evidence.
any of us have an idea of what brainwashing is M through what we’ve seen through the media, for example, the terrifying plot of the 2017 movie Get Out,butwhatactuallyisitandhowisitusedinreal life?Brainwashingcanbedefinedastheprocessof pressuringsomeoneintoadoptingradicallydifferent beliefs by using systematic and often forcible means, and it is a term originating from a national re-education programme run by the Chinese communist government, the name of which translates to ‘thought reform’ or ‘wash brain’.
In 2014, a study on social exclusion and sacred values was done to investigate brainwashing. Psychologist Nafees Hamid travelled to Syria to speaktosomeofthe40,000fightersradicalisedby ISIS. He gathered a sample of 38 people of Moroccan descent, at the early stages of radicalisation and scanned their brains using an f MRIscanner.Insidethescanner,therewasascreen inwhichparticipantswereshownaseriesofMuslim values and asked howwillingtheywouldbetodie for them,onascalefrom1-10.Valuesthataperson believes in so strongly that theyarewillingtofight or die for them are called ‘sacred values’. An example of a sacred value for us may be the love for our family, as many people would be willing to die for them. After answering these questions, the participants played a digitalgameofpassingaball with3other‘players’whoappearedtobewhiteand Spanish. For some participants, the digital players equallytossedtheballamongthe4ofthem,butfor others,thethreewhiteplayerskepttossingtheball onlytoeachother,excludingtheparticipantplaying the game. Afterwards, the participants were asked toagainratehowlikelytheywouldbetofightordie for a series of Muslim values. Researchers found that 100% of the participants that had been excluded by the white players in the gameranked their willingness to give their lifeforMuslimvalues higheronthe1-10scale.Theseresultssuggesthow peoplewhofeelexcludedorneglectedfromsociety are more prone to become radicalised, offeringan explanation as to how movements such as QAnon and the Manson Family cult gain so many followers.
erhaps mostfamously,theMansonFamilycultled P by Charles Manson in the late 1960s to early 70s can be described as brainwashing. The cult involvedaround100followers,mainlybeingyoung, middle class women, who committed a number of assaults,theftsandmurders.Undoubtedly,themost shocking and publicised event tied to the Manson Family cult was the murder of famous actress Sharon Tate in August 1969. Members of the cult broke into Tate’s Los Angeles home and stabbed her and four others before makinganescape.She was 26 years old and 8 months pregnant. Charles Manson was convicted of first-degree murder for directing the deaths of the five victims, and was sentenced to death in 1971, but received life in prison instead after the death sentence was invalidated by California’s Supreme Court. Manson convinced his followers that he was the Messiah and that itwasnecessarytokillcelebritiesinorder to attract attention to their cult and gain more followers. His manipulative techniques have been described as brainwashing, as the behaviour of supposedly normal people was so extreme. morerecentexampleofbrainwashingisQAnon,a A far-right political conspiracy theory movement in 17
t hose who did not form a strong bond with their primary caregiver in childhood often turn towards parasocial relationships as adults. It serves as a substitute for a lack of real-life relationships that especially appeals to teenagers who are at the point in their life where they are looking to form bonds with other people but do not have the chance to do so in real life. he Absorption Addiction model created by Giles T andMaltby(2006)demonstratesthethreedifferent levels of parasocial relationships, entertainment-social, intense-personal, and borderline-pathological. Stage one is the entertainment-social stage. Giles and Maltby suggest that most people have had a parasocial relationship at this stage and canbecharacterised as celebrities being seen as a source of entertainmentandasatopicforlightheartedgossip with friends. Stage two is the intense-personal stage. This deeper and more intense level of parasocial relationship is when a person sees a celebrityasasoulmateandtakesintenseinterestin their personal life. Stage three is the borderline-pathological stage, the most intense level. This is when a person takes celebrity/idol worship to an extreme. They may have obsessive fantasies about the celebrity, spend large sums of moneytoobtainthingsrelatedtothecelebrity,and may even engage in illegal activities such as stalking.Peopleatthisstagemayalsobelievethatif they were ever to meet thecelebrity,theirfeelings would be reciprocated.
oumayhaveheardofaphrasesurfacingonlinein Y the Tiktok community; “delusionship”. This word may refer to creating a romantic relationship with someone who does not even know you exist, in your head. A psychological term for this is a parasocial relationship. Parasocial relationships are one-sidedrelationships,whereonepersonextends emotional energy, interest and time, and the other party, the persona, is completely unaware of the other’s existence and are most common with celebrities, organisations, or television stars. While parasocial relationships remain one-sided, they have transformed into more interactive environments online, increasing the intimacy and strength of the parasocial relationship. With the increased popularity of the use of social media, people are able to see and even “communicate” with celebrities 24/7. o why do people like to engage in parasocial S relationships when the other party does not even know they exist? This is because of its many benefits. Although parasocial relationships may seem like there is only one person putting in time andeffortintoarelationship,itisactuallyappealing duetothefactthatthereisalsononeedtocaterto the needs and wants of the other person, the relationship is always at one’s disposal. It is much more convenient thanreal-liferelationshipsasthey can be ended whenever you want. Parasocial relationships allow people to expand their social network in a way where there is no chance of rejection,allowingpeopletochoosetointeractand identify with any celebrity they want. Furthermore, parasocial relationships allow relief from strained relationships in real-life. Researchers found that
arasocial relationships are widely known about P andutilisedinthemarketingindustry.Industriesand companies will create personalised and intimate interactions and advertisements to drawinspecific audiencesthatwanttofeelincludedinacommunity that is connected to the persona. One example of this is meet-and-greets. Marketers often try to create opportunities for fans of face-to-face communicationandonewayisthroughonlinevideo calls or in-person chats. When this is not possible, marketerscanalsocreatetheillusionofface-to-face interactions through speaking directly to the audience, using words such as ‘you’ or ‘us’. Celebritiescanalsouserealstoriesthatoccurredto them to relate themselves to their audience. This 18
‘relatability’ phenomenon was particularly common during 2017-2018, when celebrities such as Billie Eilish and Zendaya had gained attention for their relatable and funny personalities. It has recently again made its way through TikTok as content creators that make this type of content gain popularity.Finally,specifictypesofmerchandisecan beusedasawaytocreateparasocialrelationships. OneexampleofthisisBT21,orBTSdolls,whichare stuffed animals created to representeachmember of the group. These marketing techniques haveall proven useful as teenagers and young adults continue to engage in intense parasocial relationships today.
t he frontal lobe which is responsible for planning and logic which is why we don’t understand the strangeness of our dream until we wake up. Why can’t we remember dreams? id you know that95%ofdreamsareforgottenby D the timeapersongetsoutofbed?Thisisbecause the melanin-concentrating hormones regulate sleep, but they also inhibit messages to the hippocampus, meaning we cannotrememberthem when we are awake. A study done in 2018 attemptedtoestablishifaperson’sbrainstructures influence how well they recall their dreams. The study involved looking at the association between dream recall frequency and the density of white/grey matter in the brain regions associated with dreaming. The results from the study showed that participants who reported high dream recall had higher white matter density in the medial prefrontal cortex than low dream recallers. an dreams predict the future? C Precognitive dreaming is that ability of a dream to predictone'sfuture.Precognitivedreamscanoccur because of a number of factors. For example, selective recall, if your dreams predict the future then you are more likely to remember them than dreamsthatdidnot.Aswellasthis,whenwedream we are processing memories and emotions meaningeventsyouhaveexperiencedinyourpast may stick in your subconscious e.g. if you have been thinking about redecorating your house and youdreamaboutbuyingfurnitureandthenthenext dayyouseeanadvertisementofapieceoffurniture that you saw in your dream this might not be precognitive dreaming but simply a reflection of something that had already come up in your life.
hat, why and how do we dream? W Dreams are stories and images that our minds create while we sleep. We dream on average around3-6timesanightandtheycanlastbetween 5-20 minutes. Dreams begin when you enter REM sleepandbrainactivityincreaseswhichcausesyou to start to dream. During this process, major muscles in the legs and arms become temporarily paralyzed.Wedreaminordertoprocessmemories and to consolidate learning. Dreaming is a psychological space whereoverwhelmingthoughts andfeelingsarebroughttogetherbythe‘dreaming ego’whichmayotherwisebetoounsettlingtothink about when you areawake.Dreaminginvolvesthe limbicsystemwhichmainlydealswiththeemotions when dreaming. Specifically,theamygdalacontrols the feelings of fear, anger and anxiety that are especially active when dreaming. Meanwhile, the hippocampus enables the brain to take memories and insert them into dreams. Fun fact: half of all dreams contain at least one element originating from a specific experience when the person is awake. On the other hand, there is less activity in
hy do we have nightmares? There is no W consensus as to what directly causes nightmares.
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owever, there are many factors that canincrease H yourchancesofhavinganightmare.Forexample,if somethinghasfrightenedyouwhenyouareawake, then it can make the chances of you having a nightmare higher. This is also why people with mental health disorders are more likely to have nightmares, especially disorders like: PTSD, depression, general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Additionally, sleep deprivation and a period of insufficient sleep can trigger vivid nightmares. Though not fully understood, a genetic predisposition for frequent nightmarescanruninafamily,althoughthisismost likely because of genetic risk factors for mental health conditions which are tied in with nightmares.
s ystem 2 thinking, salience and priming, person perception, and social categorization. ocial Schemas S Social schemas are mental frameworks that organise our knowledge about social concepts or categories, such as stereotypes.Theyenableusto quickly process and interpret complex social information by providing us with a set of expectations and assumptions about particular groups or individuals. Social schemas can be both helpful and problematic, as they allow for efficient cognitive processing but can also lead to biassed judgments and discriminatory behaviours. By understanding and acknowledging our own schemas, we can work towards reducing stereotyping and promoting a more inclusive society.
hat is lucid dreaming? W Lucid dreaming occurs when a person is conscious and in control during their dream. It tends to occur inthemiddleofanormaldream,butsometimesitis random, whilst others have reported being able to increasetheircapacitytocontroltheirdreams.Lucid dreaming can actually have a lot of benefits. For example,itcanhelpovercomenightmaresbecause it gives the dreamer control over their dreams. It also helps to reduce anxiety by enabling a person to face situations that would normally cause them anxiety and also be abletocontroltheoutcomeof it.
ystem 1 and System 2 Thinking S System 1 and System 2 thinking, as proposed by psychologistDanielKahneman,refertotwodistinct cognitive processes that influence our decision-making. System 1 thinking isfast,intuitive, andautomatic,relyingonheuristicsandshortcuts.It operates effortlessly and is prone to biases and errors. In contrast, System 2 thinking is slow, deliberate,andanalytical,involvingconsciouseffort and rational reasoning. While System 1 thinking helpsusnavigatedailysocialinteractionsefficiently, System 2 thinking allows for criticalevaluationand overrides automatic responses. By understanding the interplay between these two systems, we can become more aware of our cognitive biases and make more informed judgments. alience and Priming S Salience refers to the degree to which aparticular stimulusstandsoutandcapturesourattention.Our cognitive systems are more likely to process information that is salient, leading to its increased influence on our perceptions and decisions. Priming, on the other hand, involves the activation of certain concepts or associations in our minds, often through exposure to related stimuli. Priming can significantly impactsubsequentjudgmentsand behaviours, even when we are unaware of its influence.Understandingthepowerofsalienceand priming can help us recognize and critically
Introduction Social cognition refers to the process by which individuals understand and interpret social information. It encompasses a range of cognitive processes that help us make sense of the social world, including social schemas, system 1 and
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valuate the factors that shape our thoughts and e actions in various social contexts. erson Perception P Person perceptionreferstotheprocessesinvolved informingimpressionsofothers.Werelyonvarious cues, such as physical appearance, facial expressions, and verbal behaviour, to form initial judgments about individuals. However, these impressions are subject to biases and errors, such as the halo effect or confirmation bias. The halo effect occurs when our overall impression of a person influences our judgments about their specifictraits.Confirmationbias,ontheotherhand, leads us to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs or stereotypes. By being aware of these biases, we can strive for more accurate and fair person perceptions.
I’m going to be talkingaboutwhattypesofpeople join cultsandwhy,themindsetofCultleaders,and famous examples of cults. An important factor of cult psychology is cognitive dissonance, which is when people are confronted withfactsthatcontradicttheirbeliefs,causingthem to feel psychological discomfort and a need to resolve that uneasiness. The cognitive dissonance keepspeopletrappedaseachcontradictionmakes it more difficult to admit they have been deceived.
ocial Categorization S Social categorization involves the classification of individuals into groups based on shared characteristics.Itisafundamentalcognitiveprocess thatallowsustosimplifycomplexsocialinformation and make sense of our social environment. However, social categorization can also lead to stereotyping and prejudice. By understanding the mechanisms of social categorization, we can actively challenge stereotypes, promote intergroup empathy, and foster a more inclusive society.
Who joins cults? eoplewhojoincultstypicallyhaveahigherlevelof P education,astheyhaveahigherlikelihoodofbeing open-mindedwhenpresentedwithnewinformation, making them more vulnerable for manipulation. hey are usually wealthy, as wealthy people feel T moresecureintheeverydayworriesoflife,sothey have more freedom to pursue outside interests such as spiritual pursuits.
ocial cognition encompasses arangeofcognitive S processes that shape our understanding of the social world and influence our behaviour. By examiningtheconceptsofsocialschemas,system1 andsystem2thinking,salienceandpriming,person perception, and social categorization, we gain insights into the complex interplay between cognitive processes and social interactions. Awareness of these cognitive mechanisms allows us to critically evaluate our judgements, challenge biases, and foster amoreinclusiveandempathetic society. Ultimately, by understanding social cognition, we can strive for more informed and compassionate social interactions.
hey usually have no religious background or T upbringing. This is to do with how certain people takeininformationandwhetherornottheirviewon a certain topic is deeply rooted or not. s well as this, they are usually young. This is A because young people are searchingfortheirown identity and are in a transitional period between independenceandstrugglingbeingawayfromtheir home, increasing their need for affection and belongingness, which cults deceivingly seem to supply. Older adults usually have a more full life, preoccupied with family or work, so they may not have the time to dedicate to a cult that young people would. 21
eople who join cults are also likely to have P prominent self-esteem issues, increasing their desire for acceptance, which makes them more vulnerable to manipulation.
he hard and fast narcissist feels entitled to lie to T people to get what they want, usually power and control, for example Keith Raniere, who created a self-help company but was arrested for human trafficking. A specific example is Jim Jones, who created the ‘People’s Temple’ in the 1960s. His church was known for being racially integrated, whichwasprogressiveatthetime.Heopenedmore and more of these churches around the States, claimingthathehadpsychicpowers,suchasbeing able to predict the future and heal people miraculously. Temple members were regularly humiliated, beaten, and blackmailed, and many were coerced into signing over their possessions—including theirhomes—tothechurch. He convinced minoritiesthatiftheyleftthechurch, they would be taken to government run concentrationcamps.Heeventuallyorderedamass suicide, whereover900peopledied.Itwaswidely acceptedthatJimJoneshadnarcissisticpersonality disorder.
ccordingtoanInsiderarticle,cultleaderstypically A tend to fall into three categories: the delusional martyr, the preacher turned egomaniac, and the hard and fast narcissist. elusional martyrs, such as Marshall Applewhite, D usetheirunwaveringbeliefstoconvinceothersand form a group delusion. Marshall Applewhite convinced 39 members to commit mass suicide in 1997. he preacher turned egomaniac realises their T charismatic potential, boosting their ego when peoplefindcomfortintheirspeech.Thiscancause thingstogotoofar.AnexampleofthisisJimJones, who orchestrated the Jonestown Massacre in 1978.
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Mental Health Awareness: Role Models Jessica-Jane Applegate - ASD
id you know that when you look up ‘Top 10 most famouspeople D with autism’ theresultsshow9/10ofthenameslistedaremen,like AlbertEinsteinandStevenSpileberg.Butwhataboutalltheamazing women out there? J essica-Jane Applegate is one of few famous women who have spoken out about their autism. She is a paralympian who haswon seven medals at various Paralympic events including gold at the London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics. As a child she was diagnosed with learning difficulties, but not autism until shewasin SecondarySchool.Themisdiagnosisofwomenwithautismisamajorissueandhappensbecausewomenare taught to be more socially sensitive and so are better at masking typical autistic traits than men. heexplainsinaninterviewthatgrowingupshefounditdifficultcommunicatingwithothersandbeinginbusy S places, so swimming acted as an alternative world that she could escape to and be herself in. It gavehera sense of security and a routine that she could stick to. However, she came across a number of drawbacks throughout her swimming career due to her autism, for example: she struggles understanding training sets, reading a pace clock and remembering technique. erautismwasnotheronlystruggle,shewasbornwithseveralunderdevelopments:atubeinherlarynxwhich H caused breathing problems andshehasfemoralretroversionwhichmakesitdifficultforhertodobreastroke. Despiteallthesesetbacks,thepeopleclosesttoherhavesupportedherthroughoutherswimmingcareer.Her motherespecially,whospent10yearswakingupatoddhoursanddrivinghertoswimpracticeandhercoach Alex Pinniger she explained is “like a father” to her. lthoughherautismhasnotheldherback,herobsessivetendencieshasdrivenhertopractiseandpractiseher A swimminguntilshegetsitright,whichhasenabledhertosucceed.Jessica-Janewasappointed‘Memberofthe MostExcellentOrderoftheBritishEmpire’inthe2013NewYear’sHonourslistandformorethanadecadehas been raising awareness for intellectual impairment. Jessica-Jane’s story is so inspiring to all the women out therealsolivingwithautism.AsJessica-Janesays“Ignorewhatanyonehastosay.Ifyoubelieveyoucan,you can do it”. Daniel Radcliffe - OCD and alcoholism
In an interview, Daniel Radcliffe opened up about his struggle withobsessive compulsivedisorder(OCD)whichhedevelopedwhenhewasfiveyearsold.He explains how one of his compulsions involved repeating everything he said backtohimselfandhediditunderhisbreathtokeepitasecret.Healsosaidit tookhim5minutestoturnoffthelight.At11yearsoldhesoughthelpthrougha therapisthewasabletogetthehelpheneededtocopewiththecompulsions. Radcliffealsostruggledwithalcoholismandaddictionwhichinpartwascaused by low self-esteem and a waytodealwiththefameandpressureofbeingan actor. He started drinking heavily when he was 18 years old, but in 2010 he decided toquitdrinkingandhasbeensobereversince.Heexplainedhowhe found other ways to cope with stress and boredom, such as: reading, writing, exercising andmeditating.His storyshowsthatitispossibletoovercomechallengesandliveahappyandfulfillinglife.Hisabilitytobeopen and honest and his mental health struggles is an inspiration for others out there who are also struggling. 23
Mental Health Awareness: Tips How to sleep better ● Health- Mental health problems likeanxietyanddepression can affect sleep, in these cases, speaking to your GP or therapist for advice is useful. ● Environment- Try to remove distractions from yourbedroom, such as phones. This will help you to relax with no distractions in your bedroom. ● Attitude- Instead of staying in bed and getting morefrustrated, you could get up and make yourself a warm drink and return to bed when you feel sleepier. ● Lifestyle- Exercising earlier in the day is better,as exercise increases the body’s adrenaline production, making it more difficult to sleep if done just before bedtime
How to look after your mental health with mindfulness indfulness can be used in your everyday life and doesn’t require much effort or time. You can M practise mindfulness in just one minute! reathing -Takeaminutetoobserveyourbreathing.Breathein B and out as you normally would: notice the time between each inhalation and exhalation; notice your lungs expanding. When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath. odyScan-Closeyoureyesandbeginscanningyourbody.Start B withyourfeet,andthenslowlybringyourawarenessupwardsin your body until you reach your hands. What sensations do you feel?
Sites available if you are struggling with your mental health Shout -Confidential 24/7 text service offering supportif you're in crisis and need immediate help. ext- 85258 (text SHOUT) T Email-giveusashout.org amaritans -Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone whoneeds to talk. S Number- 116 123 (freephone) Email- jo@samaritans.org ational Suicide Prevention Helpline UK - Helpline offering a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of N suicide. umber- 0800 689 5652 N Site-www.spbristol.org/NSPHUK AMHS -If you’re feeling anxious, call the Speakhelpline for support and advice. C Number- 0800 328 4444
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Games
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Everyone loves a crossword puzzle
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Podcasts -Shrink the box- his is oneofmyFavouritepodcastsforalightheartedandhilarious T listen. Where actor comedianBenBaileyandpsychotherapistSasha Bates put theirfavouritefictionalcharactersonthecouchtoanalyse why their behaviour causes them so much drama: Fleabag- Fleabag |Breaking Bad- Walter White Queen's Gambit- Beth Harmon
-Popcorn Psychology- his interesting podcast,analysespopularmoviesandcharactersfrom T the perspectives of an individual, child and a marriage and family therapist. You should listen if you want to learn more about your favourite films. Fantastic Mr. Fox:Narcissistic Personality Disorder& its impact on Family Dynamics | 500 Days of Summer:Situationships, Adjustment, andDepression |Gone Girl: Betrayal, identity Development, & The Cool Girl
-Speaking of Psychology- his fascinating and factual podcast discusses some of the latest, T 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, withFuschia Sirois, PhD |How to overcome feeling an imposter, with Lisa Orbé-Austin,PhD, and Kevin Cokley, PhD |Can a pathological liar be cured?WithDrew Curtis, PhD and Christian L.Hart, PhD
-Hidden Brain- his is a podcast where Shankar Vedantam uses T science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patternsthatdrivehumanbehaviour,shapeourchoices and direct our relationships: Being Kind to Yourself|You 2.0: Slow Down!|You2.0: How to Break Out of a Rut
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