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Positive psychology is one of the newest branches of psychology to emerge. This particular area of psychology focuses on how to help human beings prosper and lead healthy, happy lives. While many other branches of psychology tend to focus on dysfunction and abnormal behavior, positive psychology is centered on helping people become happier. Positive psychology is designed to … Read more
Human factors psychology focuses on the interaction between people and machines. Its findings are used to create and improve products, equipment, and environments in a way that complements human capabilities while maximizing performance and safety.1 Here we take a closer look at this subfield of psychology to understand better what it is. If it sounds … Read more
Clinical psychology specialty integrates the science of psychology with treating complex human problems. In addition to directing treating people for mental health concerns, the field of clinical psychology also supports communities, conducts research, and offers training to promote mental health for people of all ages and backgrounds.1 This article discusses what clinical psychologists do, the … Read more
Comparative psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the study of animal behavior. Modern research on animal behavior began with the work of Charles Darwin and Georges Romanes, and the field has grown into a multidisciplinary subject. Today, biologists, psychologists, anthropologists, ecologists, geneticists, and many others contribute to the study of animal behavior. Comparative psychology often utilizes … Read more
At a Glance George Gerbner’s cultivation theory explains how people are influenced by mass media. For example, Gerbner thought that society’s views on issues like crime and violence could be linked to the messages people get from watching TV. Cultivation theory was developed by communication scholar George Gerbner in 1969 to explain how mass media … Read more
The HEXACO Personality Inventory measures six facets of personality: Honesty-Humility Emotionality Extraversion Agreeableness (vs. Anger) Conscientiousness Openness to Experience Those who complete the personality test answer statements such as, “I often go for walks” or “I like to watch television.” A computer then analyzes the results and provides scores on each of the 6 domains, … Read more
Existentialism is a philosophy of human nature that identifies people as having free will to determine the course of their lives. It emphasizes individual responsibility to create meaning rather than relying on a higher power or religion to determine what is important, valuable, or morally right.1nm Existentialists believe that the nature of existence varies and is … Read more
Dependent personality disorder is a Cluster C personality disorder.1 It is a mental health condition that can cause a person to be overly dependent on other people for their physical and emotional needs.2 People with dependent personality disorder often have trouble making decisions for themselves and feel helpless when they’re alone because they feel incapable of taking … Read more
What Is Reaction Formation? In psychology, reaction formation is a defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously replaces an unwanted or anxiety-provoking impulse with its opposite, often expressed in an exaggerated or showy way. A classic example is a young boy who bullies a young girl because, on a subconscious level, he’s attracted to her. Consciously, he … Read more
During childhood, some people have distant relationships with their fathers or no relationship at all. Others might be so close that the relationship becomes unhealthy. Both situations can contribute to developing what people call ‘daddy issues.’1 While people use this term often, ‘daddy issues’ are not an official mental health diagnosis. This article discusses the psychology … Read more