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
Objective morality is the idea that right and wrong exist factually, without any importance of opinion. It’s the concept that some actions and beliefs are imperatively good or inherently bad, and that the goodness or badness of those things holds true no matter who you are or what else you believe in.1 Shermer M. Morality is … Read more
We often use the term temperament to describe a person’s personality. You might go, “they have a lovely temperament,” or “he has an unpleasant temperament.” However, your temperament only forms part of your personality. The Oxford dictionary defines temperament as a person’s nature shown in how they behave or react to people or situations. While this is … Read more
Information processing theory is a cognitive psychology theory that studies mental processes involved in acquiring, storing, and using knowledge. It focuses on the flow of information as it is passed from one stage to another within a person’s mind. By examining different types of information processing as well as real-world examples of them in action, we can … Read more
Cultural relativism suggests that ethics, morals, values, norms, beliefs, and behaviors must be understood within the context of the culture from which they arise. It means that all cultures have their own beliefs and that there is no universal or absolute standard to judge those cultural norms. “Cultural relativism leads us to accept that cultures are foundationally … Read more
Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own ethnic, racial, or social group is either superior or the norm against which all other groups should be compared. While it can sometimes be a conscious belief, such as believing foods or customs of cultures aside from your own are strange or inferior, it’s more often an unconscious … Read more
Autonomy involves making independent decisions that align with personal values and goals instead of being coerced by external forces. In psychology, autonomy is viewed as a fundamental human need. It is essential to individual well-being, motivation, and psychological health.1 Autonomous behavior is often studied in the context of self-determination theory. According to this theory, people have … Read more
The Madonna-Whore Complex (also known as the Madonna-Mistress Complex) is a construct of male psychology that constrains female sexuality by categorizing a woman as either pure and good or promiscuous and bad, which negatively impacts the mental well-being, sexual function, and relational health and intimacy of all genders. Breaking Down the Term Madonna refers to a pure and … Read more
The biopsychosocial model is an approach to understanding mental and physical health through a multi-systems lens, understanding the influence of biology, psychology, and social environment. Dr. George Engel and Dr. John Romano developed this model in the 1970s,1 but the concept of this has existed in medicine for centuries. A biopsychosocial approach to healthcare understands that … Read more