Psychology
With over 24 million views on Youtube, the 2013 viral short video ‘It’s not about the nail‘ caught the public imagination with its witty take on communication, gender roles and above all, the importance of listening to each other with empathy and understanding. Despite being less that 2 minutes long, the video, using metaphor, black humor … Read more
Thumbsucking is a common, perfectly normal behaviour in babies and infants which most of us grow out of. But what does it mean when thumbsucking continues into adulthood? We take a dive into the psychology of adult thumbsucking and the causes, consequences and side effects. First off, let’s take a trip back to the womb…. … Read more
From gaslighting partners to abusive mothers, here are some of the best portrayals of narcissists in the movies: Movie classics about narcissists 1) Citizen Kane (1941) A landmark of movie history, Oscar Welles wrote, directed and stars in the lead role of narcissistic newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane. Kane embodies every symptom of what modern … Read more
Dr. Philip Zimbardo is one of the most notorious names in psychology. He is best known for his 2-week experiment in 1971 on prison life: an experiment that had to be cut short when normal, everyday college students acting as guards meted out inhuman treatment to other college students acting as prisoners. Although Dr. Zimbardo spent most of his … Read more
Retailers love our impulsive shopping habits, but these types of purchases are often a result of our psychological weakness. Impulse shopping, we all do it. For some, our weakness strikes at the end of a crazy day. For others it’s the strategically placed treats straddling the checkout counters. Impulse buying happens when we want to pamper ourselves, or discover a great deal, discount or buying … Read more
The Impostor Syndrome convinces us that we’re not worthy of our own successes. Find out how to defeat your inner impostor. Do you worry that people will find out that you aren’t nearly as competent as they think you are? Do you attribute your success to luck and timing; but your failure to your inherent inability / incompetence? … Read more
Understanding why we fall prey to FOMO can help turn you fear and anxiety into a positive force for good Why it’s so hard to put the phone down Think of the last time you were having dinner with friends or family. It’s likely that sometime during the evening, one or more people at the table picked up their phones and … Read more
What makes couples overshare on Facebook and social media? Is it a sign of insecurity, or true love? Couples who gush about their relationship over social media are often treated with a certain amount of envy-tainted-scorn. Others simultaneously want to live such lives; and want the public displays of affection to stop. The good news is, they really are likely … Read more
Does music really boost your productivity at work or is it actually a distraction? Managers are often divided about whether employees should be allowed to listen to music as they work. While some offices allow (and some even promote) using music to focus on one’s tasks; others frown upon the activity as a time-waster. Is there a … Read more
What can modern scientific research tell us about the mysterious power of the gaze? The eyes are called the windows to the soul. They have fascinated thinkers and creators throughout human history. The human eye has been a symbol for gods, for truth and wisdom, and even for power. Poets have waxed eloquent about the effects of looking into a lover’s … Read more
Clowns are supposed to be funny, entertaining, and lovable. Unfortunately, adults and children alike seem to frequently dislike, if not fear clowns. The phenomenon is so widespread it even has a name. Around 12% of Americans suffer from coulrophobia – a debilitating phobia that makes it impossible for the sufferer to interact with clowns or to control their … Read more
Accepting a free sample triggers deep psychological responses that make us more susceptible to spending money Think back to your last visit to a supermarket or a mall. Most likely, you passed a stall offering freebies of some product. Free samples are everywhere, and they can add a little excitement to your day. Smaller stores … Read more