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While your psychology classes already have required reading lists, there are a number of great psychology books that can supplement your studies. From guides to help you succeed in school to reviews of the ​history of psychology, the following books are some of the best choices for psychology students interested in boosting their grades and deepening their knowledge of psychology. Even if you are just a casual student of the subject, these psychology books can offer insights into the field and its history....

Relationships require knowledge of oneself in addition to knowledge of other people. With enough reflection, introspection, and focus on your own emotions, you can begin to strengthen romantic relationships, family relationships, friendships, and even work relationships. “A healthy relationship allows the ability to balance being a strong individual with deep intimacy,” says psychotherapist and relationship expert Dr. Jamie Brodarick. Here are the best relationship books on the market, according to a licensed mental health counselor....

Because psychology is such a diverse field, students may occasionally feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information on the subject. Students of psychology soon realize that the subject covers a huge range of material. An introductory course alone encompasses discussions of psychology’s philosophical background, social statistics, biological influences, experimental methods, and much more. The diverse topics students might study in the field of psychology include social behavior, personality, research methods, therapeutic techniques, and much more....

This article discusses the meaning of the color white and some of the positive and negative associations of this color. The Color Psychology Characteristics of White According to color psychology, these are the characteristics of white: White represents purity or innocence. While a bride wearing white was often thought to convey the bride’s virginity, blue was once a traditional color worn by brides to symbolize purity.White is bright and can create a sense of space or add highlights....

This article explores some of the reasons why PTSD is more common among those in military service. It also covers some of the factors that increase the risk of developing PTSD after trauma related to military service. History of PTSD Among Soldiers War and conflict have existed for millennia. So has the trauma that these experiences inflict on the people who live through them. However, post-traumatic stress disorder is a relatively young diagnosis....

Unfortunately, however, many people don’t get enough laughter in their lives. Other studies find us laughing a little more than that, but if you ask me, virtually all of us could use a little more laughter in our lives, considering how beneficial a good laugh can actually be for our stress levels and overall wellness. Stress Management Benefits of Laughter Here are some of the many ways laughter reduces stress....

One study found that people who smoke have four or five times higher cadmium concentrations in their blood than people who don’t smoke. If you smoke cigarettes, it’s important to become aware of the potential side effects of cadmium. The best way to prevent health risks from cigarettes is to quit smoking. Cadmium in Cigarettes Cadmium is released into the environment through industrial processes like mining. It is transmitted into the soil and water....

What Is Duty to Warn? The American Psychological Association’s “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” specify how and when confidential information can be disclosed. These ethical guidelines suggest that private information can only be disclosed with the permission of the individual or as permitted by the law. Legal instances where such information can be revealed include when it is necessary to provide professional services, when obtaining consultations from other professionals, to obtain payment for services, and to protect the client and other parties from potential harm....

Having a routine can be helpful at any time, particularly if you are trying to establish healthy habits, but these routines can be particularly important when aspects of your life feel uncertain. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts A Sudden Lack of Structure Many people are either working from home or faced with the prospect of an unknown period of unemployment. Those working at home may quickly discover that the constant isolation and lack of a normal schedule can be mentally taxing....

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that there are certainly many people who experience abuse without developing an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder. The spectrum of traumatic experiences extends beyond sexual abuse and includes other forms of victimization, trauma, and neglect. Research indicates that certain forms of childhood sexual abuse are particularly detrimental to mental health, specifically attempted or completed intercourse, the use of threats or force, abuse by a relative, and a negative response by someone who is informed about the abuse....

While pornography and depression may not seem related, research suggests the two subjects may share more in common than you think. In fact, a recent study indicates a significant relationship between mental health and pornography use, which included behaviors reflecting behavioral addictions, highlighting the potential contribution of internet pornography to negative mental health amongst several university students. What Causes the Connection? “Individuals do not turn to porn because they are depressed,” says Eddie Capparucci, PhD, LPC, CSAS of Abundant Life Counseling....

Impact on Mental and Physical Health Like many marginalized groups, many Hispanics and Latin Americans deal with racism from childhood well into adulthood. If this issue goes completely unaddressed, these experiences can have lasting effects on an individual’s psyche and self-confidence. Poor Self-Esteem According to James Rodriguez, PhD, LCSW, a psychologist and director of trauma-informed services at the NYU McSilver Institute, although they [experiences with racism] are not always obvious and overt instances, patterns of microaggressions can deeply impact the self-esteem and mental health of Latinx individuals....

This article will explore why people are living in small spaces, the adverse effects it has on your health, the impact of crowded homes on children, and the positive mental health effects of living in small quarters. Also, learn how to optimize small spaces for mental health. Why People Live in a Small Space Your environment affects your mental health. Factors that might make you love or hate your home include its aesthetics, the space, privacy, perception of density, the people you live with, culture, and finances....

Many of these thinkers agreed with Freud’s concept of the unconscious mind and the importance of early childhood. There were, however, a number of points that other scholars disagreed with or directly rejected. Because of this, these individuals went on to propose their own unique theories of personality and cognition. Neo-Freudian Disagreements There are a few different reasons why these neo-Freudian thinkers disagreed with Freud. For example, Erik Erikson believed that Freud was incorrect to think that personality was shaped almost entirely by childhood events....

Caffeine in Your Diet and Panic Attacks Many people enjoy their morning cup of coffee or a midday soft drink. Caffeine is effective when you need a boost because it is a central nervous system stimulant. But if you have panic disorder, this stimulant effect may be contributing to your symptoms. Studies have shown that administering equal amounts of caffeine to individuals with panic disorder and to those without caused increased panic and anxiety in the former while producing no symptoms in the latter....

Overview For people with social anxiety, the spotlight effect can be much worse, to the point that it has an effect on your ability to work or feel comfortable around other people. It is not uncommon to find yourself feeling embarrassed. However, for people with social anxiety, this feeling can be overemphasized. For example, if you wake up late and go to work with disheveled hair, you may be convinced that everyone is noticing and secretly thinking badly of you....

What Is Transference-Focused Therapy? Transference is the theoretical process by which emotions are transferred from one person to another. Transference is a key concept in psychodynamic psychotherapies. In these types of therapies, it is presumed that your feelings about important people in your life, such as your parents or siblings, are transferred to the therapist. You then come to feel about and react to the therapist as you would to these important figures in their lives....

The Link Between Anemophobia and Weather Phobias Anemophobia is often, though not always, related to other weather-based phobias. Lilapsophobia is the fear of severe storms, while astraphobia is the fear of more run of the mill weather events such as thunder and lightning. Many people with anemophobia based on another weather phobia may not be afraid of the wind itself but of the possibility that it signifies an upcoming storm. The ​​fear of tornadoes is common among people who suffer from both anemophobia and another weather-related phobia....

Even though Black women experience domestic violence at significantly higher rates than White women, they tend to remain silent out of fear of the police force and a sense of duty to their race and culture. Consequently, their first response is not to report. Instead, they opt to protect the men involved and their community. According to some advocates, Black women feel like they need to be strong. For many Black women, asking for help would be a sign of weakness....

If you have been prescribed an SSRI, you may wonder about the purpose, safety and possible side effects of your medication. It is important to discuss any specific concerns with your doctor. How SSRIs Work Serotonin is a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that is involved in a variety of functions, including regulation of mood and anxiety. SSRIs have been shown to have a positive effect on anxiety disorders, including phobias....