This thread is not about medical advice
Talk about experiments, mental diseases, medications, researches, and other interesting things about human minds and behaviors.
I think I've seen at least few tropers who had something to do with psychology so I figured this would be useful to some degree.
Currently I am freshman who is majoring in Psychology (and English), and so far I like what I am learning (Psy 101).
One of the things about psychology that surprised and disappointed me the most is that it isn't more about couch and talk but more of a lot of research. Well, I certainly hope that I don't have to do a whole lot of math. I'd probably have to do some statistics, though. Hurrr....
Edited by lu127 on Dec 23rd 2024 at 2:18:05 PM
I'm not very comic-savvy, so I didn't know that either. XP
Kinda relevant to this thread.
So, can kids get traumatized from pranks?
Continuously reading, studying, and (hopefully) growing.Ah, yes, the Little Albert experiment. IIRC, he was a toddler. Also, no record of Watson ever undoing the effects of the conditioning experiment, so potentially, Little Albert remained afraid of fluffy white objects for the rest of his life.
The irony is that, in context of the times, Watson's approach to psychology was actually progressive. He was trying to undermine the "Social Darwinist" ideology that was being used to justify discrimination against immigrants and minorities (by proving that everyone is born exactly the same, and all personality differences are the result of conditioning).
I'm done trying to sound smart. "Clear" is the new smart.![]()
Yes-no. They can come away looking like things are fine. For the emotional bomb to hit 15-20 years down the line — or not. <_< It's very hard to tell if anything has become a mine just waiting to cause havoc. That's the basic problem with not being to enunciate what is going on with you overly well... or being able to compare your experiences with a wider pool.
In short: that can be a very dangerous mindset when it comes to kids, mate. -_-
edited 12th Dec '14 9:55:53 PM by Euodiachloris
I've got harmless tales of childhood horror, too, with my brother. But, I've also read case studies where harm occurred due to misunderstandings that, on the face of it weren't abusive... but still damaged with time and accumulation.
Abuse is in the eye of the abused. Even if it takes time for them to realise the damage that was done. -_-
I think the individual person is more important, like what Euo says. I am not sure if there is a "resilience" gene but I do htink that it varies from person to person, like umbral of pain and such.
It has always been the prerogative of children and half-wits to point out that the emperor has no clothes
Coddling or smothering is both abusive and traumatic. It's just chronically so, instead of episodically. In it's way, it's as bad as abusive neglect and its chain of events that accumulate over time. <_<
In a way, it's a bit worse. Proving neglect is easier. -_-
edited 15th Dec '14 11:23:39 AM by Euodiachloris
On Death Battle's famous Goku vs Superman episode, it was stated that Superman practices a mental discipline that allows him to enter the "theta state" for vastly increased mental focus, which is according to the on-show analysis a real-life phenomenon. Does anyone here know anything about this?
Fiat iustitia, et pereat mundus.Yup: "the zone" can be measured by ECG. And theta wave patterns are very clear in telling you when it's been hit.
The thing is... it's a very energy-intensive state for the brain to generate. Which is one reason why it cannot be sustained for long periods.
Trained sportsmen and women can maintain cycles that are theta-intense for as many as six hours... But, they will cycle into and out of the zone while doing that. And, will need to crash. Heavy delta will be needed to recuperate.
edited 20th Dec '14 5:29:31 AM by Euodiachloris
OK, besides improved mental focus, what other effects on one's mental state does this "theta zone" have? I'm trying to think of potential drawbacks for an Artificial Human being able to sustain a theta-state more or less indefinitely without any extra recuperation requirements. If there are no drawbacks, I suppose I could just say that the process used to achieve this superhuman ability involved messing with some stuff that led to unintended drawbacks.
edited 20th Dec '14 8:36:38 AM by MarqFJA
Fiat iustitia, et pereat mundus.
Let me correct you: flow aka "being in the zone"
has particular patterns of intense theta brainwave activity attached to it. But, just being awake involves theta patterns, too. Less interesting ones (thanks to being defaults), but, still...
Intense concentration involves chemicals in the body and brain, not just "a mindset" you can spot on graph paper. And, chemicals have effects other than the primary one you're looking at. Endorphins are involved. Which is why, however enjoyable the hyperfocus you get is, you'll also be racking up both physical as well as mental fatigue. Go for too long, and you'll show signs of stress or even physical shock.
Fight or flight
can be exhilarating if you can find a way to enjoy it, but it comes with a price tag. After all, the chemicals involved with giving that natural high are also there to let you ignore actual damage until you are safe to deal with the fallout.
edited 20th Dec '14 5:42:27 PM by Euodiachloris
... And here I was hoping to have my constantly hyperfocused Artificial Human have the problem of being practically incapable of emotional expression (or comprehending their own emotions, for that matter) as a drawback.
edited 20th Dec '14 7:46:51 PM by MarqFJA
Fiat iustitia, et pereat mundus.Well, I'll just have to resort to my aforementioned Hand Wave alternative.
Another question, but this time less fiction-related: What is the psychological definition of "insanity"? Normally, I associate the term with "so batshit crazy that they are a 24/7 potential danger to the well-being of others and/or their own well-being".
edited 21st Dec '14 2:00:43 AM by MarqFJA
Fiat iustitia, et pereat mundus.

I teach psychology. That made me laugh.
I'm done trying to sound smart. "Clear" is the new smart.