# Psychologus ## Posts - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Specific Phobia](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-specific-phobia/): Specific phobia is an anxiety condition in which a person is overly afraid of a certain thing, situation, or action for no good reason. Anxiety is more than just being scared, it makes people avoid things. The level of fear is often too high compared to the real threat that the phobic trigger poses. For example, acrophobia is the fear of heights, arachnophobia is the fear of spiders, aviophobia is the fear of flying, and trypanophobia is the fear of needles. People with certain fears may have severe anxiety or panic attacks when they are around the thing or setting […] - [Maladaptive Daydreaming](https://psychologus.net/maladaptive-daydreaming/): Have you seen people lost in themselves for hours and hours, unbothered by what is happening in the environment? Do you wonder why they act like they are living a life in a world of their own and are completely dissociated from the present world most of the time? Do you wish to know what is happening in their minds? Well, they are victims of maladaptive daydreaming. Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a syndrome in which people think about imaginary things, stories, and feelings for hours on end, and they often use stereotypical moves and music to help them stay in […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Separation Anxiety Disorder](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-separation-anxiety-disorder/): One very common anxiety condition in kids is separation anxiety disorder (SAD). A person with SAD feels too much worry, concern, or even dread about being separated from an attachment figure, even if they are just going to be separated for a short time. It is normal for people to experience separation anxiety at certain stages of growth, but sometimes it shows up in the wrong way or at the wrong time. Separation anxiety that is normal for a child’s age shows up between 6 and 12 months. The normal or natural separation anxiety stays the same until the child […] - [Etiology, Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Panic Disorder](https://psychologus.net/etiology-prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-panic-disorder/): A lot of people in the general community have panic disorder. It is one form of anxiety disorder that is characterized by recurrent, sudden panic attacks. Many ideas and models try to explain how panic disorder might start. Most of them point to a biological imbalance as a major cause, such as problems with gamma-aminobutyric acid, cortisol, and serotonin. Genetic and external factors are thought to play a part in how panic disorder can happen. Studies have found that bad experiences in childhood may cause panic disorder as an adult. Newer study suggests that neural circuits may play a bigger […] - [Social Anxiety Disorder Story: Sonata’s Troubles at Work](https://psychologus.net/sonatas-troubles-at-work/): Sonata, a middle-aged woman, had major issues whenever it was her time to present at work. However, this presentation was important as this time it was to be given specifically to a team hired by a potential investor to get the know-how of Sonata’s firm. Sonata was a hardworking woman. She was always a little wary of social gatherings, avoiding them as much as possible. However, for much of her life she had still tried to do her best to manage this condition. Often when presenting or even standing in large groups of friends or family, Sonata had a feeling […] - [Social Anxiety Disorder - Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria and Diagnostic Features](https://psychologus.net/social-anxiety-disorder-prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-diagnostic-features/): Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also referred to as social phobia, is a very upsetting long-term mental illness that causes people to be afraid of going to social events because they think other people will judge them badly. People with this crippling illness are often not properly evaluated because some of the signs of SAD look like those of shyness. Normal shyness is not the same as social anxiety. Normal shyness is a normal state, but social anxiety can have detrimental consequences. This happens a lot to young people, and it can greatly affect their social development. According to sources, people who […] - [How to Get Over the Loss of a Loved One](https://psychologus.net/how-to-get-over-the-loss-of-a-loved-one/): There is often no psychological state that is more painful than experiencing the death of a loved one.  It could be a parent, who nourished you throughout your life. It could be a family member, a sibling, a cousin, a grandparent who you had great memories with. But they are no longer in this world. Their death makes you realize that you cannot talk to them. One realizes that they can no longer confide in that person, or comfort that person, or be comforted by that person. If it was a friend, the loss of meet-ups and hangouts that you […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Diagnostic Features of Generalized Anxiety Disorder](https://psychologus.net/generalized-anxiety-disorder/): Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that causes people to feel afraid, worried, and stressed all the time. It is marked by worrying too much, too often, and about things that do not matter. This worry could be about many things, such as money, family, health, or the future. Too much of it is hard to handle, and it is often followed by a lot of vague mental and physical symptoms. The main sign of generalized anxiety disorder is worrying too much. A study shows that approximately 4.05% of the world’s population, or 301 million people, have an anxiety […] - [An Introduction to Narcissism](https://psychologus.net/an-introduction-to-narcissism/): Imagine a world in which you are the main character. Now imagine a desire of others being responsible for fulfilling your wishes. You understand that you have to work towards them. However, your desire to be ‘great’ is as pervasive as your desire to be told that you are great. Narcissism is a controversial personality construct which has received much scientific and popular attention. You could look at Patrick Bateman (from the 2000 movie American Psycho) as having significant narcissistic features. Narcissism is also a part of the Dark Tetrad of Personality, which feature other dark traits of psychopathy, Machiavellianism […] - [Narcissistic Personality Disorder Story: Narcissus's Problems at Work](https://psychologus.net/narcissus-problems-at-work/): Narcissus was a young, 24 year old man. He had just begun work at an online start up as a marketing specialist after he passed the interview with flying colors. He considered himself to be the best financial adviser and had hopes of achieving a lot in his career. At work, his performance was generally good and he was meeting a significant portion of the goals that were set out for him. One very odd thing about his conduct at job was that he excessively talked about the great things that he is doing and things he will do in […] - [Major Types of Self-Harm](https://psychologus.net/major-types-of-self-harm/): Self-harm refers to hurting oneself purposely but without wishing to die. There could be multiple reasons why individuals indulge in self-harm. According to the empirical evidence, self-harm is a complicated issue for many teens and young adults, but they see it as a required pain. Such individuals are found to engage in self-harm because, for them, this makes their life easier to handle since it gives them peace, protection, and a way to control their strong emotions. They hurt themselves because they were hooked to self-harm and felt shame, guilt, and need to punish themselves. People around them make them […] - [An Introduction to Psychopathy](https://psychologus.net/an-introduction-to-psychopathy/): Psychopathy is a fascinating personality characteristic. It has interested both popular and scientific inquiry. It has also inspired fictional characterizations as in Hannibal Lecter and Dexter. On the other hand, psychopathy has been a well-researched area of psychology and psychiatry. Recently, psychopathy has received significant attention as a personality trait of the Dark Tetrad. The Dark Tetrad features other controversial traits such as narcissism, machiavellianism and sadism. In this article, I will attempt to introduce you to the concept of psychopathy alone. Let’s begin by first defining what psychopathy is. Defining Psychopathy In 1941, Cleckley wrote about 15 men and […] - [An Introduction to Gender as a Psychological Construct](https://psychologus.net/an-introduction-to-gender-as-a-psychological-construct/): Written by Najwa Bashir Multiple times in our lives, we have come across situations where we are asked about our gender. Whether it is when filling out any form for applying for a job post, applying to create an account in a bank, or taking admission to a university or elsewhere, there is always a question asking about our gender. In fact, many quantitative study results and demographics reports in the social sciences are also linked to the gender of the people who took part. To show gender, people usually use a dichotomous variable, which has two possible answers: woman […] - [Basic Psychological Techniques to Control Social Anxiety](https://psychologus.net/basic-psychological-techniques-to-control-social-anxiety/): Social events are supposed to be fun. Going out with your friends, going on a date with your partner or even going to weddings can be exciting. Research has also shown that people who are high in sociability tend to have better health outcomes. However, not all people find social interactions to be fulfilling. While introverts are generally healthy, a subset of people experience anxiety in social situations. Often this anxiety is an indication of a deeper psychological issue. People with social anxiety disorder (SAD), which is also called social phobia, are constantly afraid of and avoid social situations because […] - [Major Depressive Disorder - Diagnostic Criteria, Features, and Prevalence](https://psychologus.net/major-depressive-disorder-diagnostic-criteria-features-and-prevalence/): Written by Najwa Bashir Major depression disorder (MDD) is a complicated and common mental illness. According to the sources, in 2008, the WHO ranked MDD as the third most common cause of disease in the world, and they predict that it will be the most common cause of disease by 2030. Mood problems that don’t go away, losing interest in enjoyable activities, feelings of shame or inadequacy, fatigue, trouble focusing, fluctuations in hunger, psychomotor retardation or unrest, sleep problems, or suicidal thoughts are all signs of this disorder. Empirical evidence reveals that every year, more and more people encounter depression. […] - [What is the Patriarchy? A Psychological Analysis of Gender Norms](https://psychologus.net/what-is-the-patriarchy-a-psychological-analysis-of-gender-norms/): It is no secret that women’s representation in many fields has increased since the early-to-middle 20th century. Moreover, female-oriented laws to protect women’s rights have also increased. However, it seems as if the patriarchal attitudes of society still persist. Women are still underrepresented in the STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) fields. Moreover, many developed countries also continue to have fewer females in key areas of employment and education. More recently, the Covid-19 pandemic also seems to have affected women more in functional areas. Given the persistent attempts at helping women gain equality, why are we still lagging behind? […] - [10 Movies and Series on Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder You Should Watch](https://psychologus.net/10-movies-and-series-on-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-you-should-watch/): Written by Najwa Bashir Are you looking for movies or series on attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to enhance your learning about the disorder or any other purpose? Well, if that is the case, look no more! This blog mentions the best movies and series on ADHD. Read through it and make notes! Finding Nemo Who hasn’t watched Finding Nemo? But, did you know there is a character with ADHD in this movie? It is no other than Dory, an enjoyable fish with anterograde amnesia who goes on a brave adventure with her friends Nemo and Marlin. Her friends have to […] - [9 Movies on Dyslexia You Should Add to Your Watch-List](https://psychologus.net/9-movies-on-dyslexia-you-should-add-in-your-watch-list/): Dyslexia is a form of learning disorder that is characterized by experiencing difficulty in reading and spelling fluently and accurately. It can be difficult to understand its symptoms and the lived experiences of individuals with dyslexia by just reading about it but not anymore! Many movies and documentaries addressing psychiatric disorders have been made to raise awareness among people, thanks to the film industry and modern day technology for this! This blog mentions 9 best movies on dyslexia that you should add in your watch-list to study in detail the manifestation of dyslexia, the struggles of individuals with dyslexia and […] - [The Big Five Personality Traits: A Complete Overview of the OCEAN Model](https://psychologus.net/the-big-5-personality-traits-in-psychology/): The Big Five Personality Traits model is one of the most widely used frameworks in modern personality psychology for understanding human behavior. You may have come across terms like the Big Five Personality Test or OCEAN model, but these are all based on the same underlying scientific framework. The model describes personality across five broad dimensions – openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism – that together help explain consistent patterns in how people think, feel, and behave. In this article, we’ll break down what the Big Five model is, how these traits are structured, and why this framework has become […] - [Psychoanalysis: Understanding Doomscrolling Through Trait Theory](https://psychologus.net/psychoanalysis-understanding-doomscrolling-through-trait-theory/): The internet and our digital devices continue to expand their functions. One product of this expansion is the concept of ‘doomscrolling.’ In early 2020, the word “doomscrolling” was used to describe a trend on digital media that became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and social withdrawal (Barabak, 2020). According to Slaughter (2020), doomscrolling is a maladaptive way of using media. It involves people constantly scrolling through their social media newsfeeds. Simultaneously, they look at upsetting, sad, or otherwise negative content. This piece will try to look at doomscrolling from a psychological point of view. In particular, doomscrolling will be […] - [Diagnostic Features of Dyscalculia](https://psychologus.net/diagnostic-features-of-dyscalculia/): Written by Najwa Bashir Dyscalculia Two of the most common learning disorders are dyslexia and dysgraphia. One is dyscalculia, characterized by having trouble with math (Ahuja et al., 2021). Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that makes it hard to understand and use numbers. This can affect students’ mathematics education and well-being (Asalisa & Meiliasari, 2023). According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), dyscalculia is a unique developmental disease that causes problems with speech, motor skills, and the ability to see and understand where things are in space (Aquil, 2020). Although dyscalculia is as prevalent as dyslexia and dysgraphia, it […] - [An Introduction to Machiavellianism](https://psychologus.net/an-introduction-to-machiavellianism/): Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) was a diplomat from Florence. He traveled to the courts of Europe and saw directly how the leaders he supported arose and then met their demise. He wrote The Prince in an effort to get along with the new king (Machiavelli, 1966). To put it briefly, The Prince is a book with tips on how to get and keep power. Apparently, there are no standard ideals like faith, respect, or humanity in it. In other words, one does what is convenient for him. I, however, disagree. Machiavelli wasn’t really a Machiavellian. In fact, he loved his state […] - [Diagnostic Features of Dyslexia](https://psychologus.net/diagnostic-features-of-dyslexia/): Written by Najwa Bashir Dyslexia Individuals with dyslexia face trouble learning to read out loud and spell. According to the DSM5, dyslexia is a type of neurological disease. Neurodevelopmental diseases are genetic conditions that last a lifetime and show symptoms early in life. Research on dyslexia was based for a long time on the idea that it was a specific learning disability. By this, we meant that the disability could not be explained by clear causes like sensory issues or general learning challenges (low IQ). Then, because it wasn’t possible to tell the difference between how well kids with dyslexia […] - [10 Movies & Shows on Autism You Should Watch](https://psychologus.net/10-movies-shows-on-autism-you-should-watch/): Written By Najwa Bashir Whether you are a psychology student looking for movies and shows to understand the diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or someone just interested in enhancing your knowledge about this psychiatric disorder, add the following 10 movies and shows on autism to your watch list! Each of these movies and shows showcases autism in its unique way and will surely serve the purpose you are planning to watch them for! Hollywood Movies Rain Man (1988) Rain Man, with Tom Cruise as the autistic child, is an original and famous movie that changed the way movies […] - [What is the Main Character Syndrome?](https://psychologus.net/psychoanalysis-what-is-the-main-character-syndrome/): Have you ever felt that you are the hero/heroine of your story? Do you feel as if everything in your world has an effect on your ‘story’? Or, let me put it this way: have you ever felt that you are completely different from everyone around you? If you have felt this, then chances are that you have ‘main character syndrome’. The main character syndrome is an unofficial term used for the belief that one is the main character of life. Right there, as a clinical psychologist I am reminded about the concept of fantastical thinking. However, rather than approach […] - [Tax Kum Karo: Analyzing the Relationship Between Income, Taxes and Mental Health in Pakistan](https://psychologus.net/tax-kum-karo-analyzing-the-relationship-between-income-taxes-and-mental-health-in-pakistan/): “If money is the bond binding me to human life, binding society to me, connecting me with nature and man, is not money the bond of all bonds? Can it not dissolve and bind all ties? Is it not, therefore, also the universal agent of separation?” Karl Marx Pakistan has entered its 5th unofficial year of economic turmoil. While the steep decline seems to have become lesser so, the decline still continues. An Introduction to Pakistan’s Economic Woes The National Accounts Committee (NAC) said that the average income per person went up a little from $1,551 in fiscal year 2023 to $1,680 in 2024. For reference, it was […] - [Is Riley’s Anxiety Justified? - Analysis of the Movie “Inside Out 2”](https://psychologus.net/is-rileys-anxiety-justified-analysis-of-the-movieinside-out-2/): Written by Najwa Bashir Recently an animated movie named “Inside Out 2” came out and it is all over the internet. From Instagram posts and reels to google YouTube and Google, people are talking about it everywhere. The kids laughed at the intense scenes of the movie But the adults are seen to be crying at the same scenes! This is the case especially in the scene where Anxiety seems to have lost control over the situation and Riley gets a panic attack. Many adults have shared how they could relate to Riley in different situations. However, many scenes in […] - [What Is the Cognitive Triad? (Beck’s Theory Explained Simply)](https://psychologus.net/what-is-the-cognitive-triad/): Aaron Beck was one of the first people to say that the way people think about things can cause symptoms of mental illness. In fact, the way people think about and process personal information can maintain this depressive state. In particular, Beck’s (1979) cognitive theory says that the cognitive triad is a key process that makes depressive symptoms worse. Often, depression seems like it will never end because of these patterns of thinking. Making the cognitive triad healthier is one of the main focuses of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Defining the Cognitive Triad Beck’s cognitive triad explains depression through three […] - [History of Psychology in Pakistan](https://psychologus.net/history-of-psychology-in-pakistan/): Written by Najwa Bashir The formal history of psychology in Pakistan dates back to the 1960’s. In Pakistan, psychology was recognized as a distinct academic discipline over 59 years ago (Zadeh, 2017). According to Michal J. Stevens, Wedding Danny, Dr. Nosheen Khan Rehman, and Taylor and Francis (2004), Pakistan had two universities in 1947. The psychology department was first set up in 1887 at the University of Punjab in Lahore (West Pakistan) and again in 1921 at Dhaka (East Pakistan; now Bangladesh). The University of Karachi, Sindh was founded in 1946, and the psychology school has been running since 1951. […] - [An Introduction to Sadism](https://psychologus.net/an-introduction-to-sadism/): Sadism is a psychological construct which has a relatively sparse amount of scientific literature. This is odd as sadism as a literary construct has been under study for centuries. According to Meloy (1997), sadism is basically getting pleasure from someone else’s physical or mental pain or from controlling and dominating them. Sadists are also known as violent narcissists or malignant narcissists because they get pleasure from hurting other people and don’t seem to care that they’re hurting others (Meloy, 1997). Currently, sadism is also considered to be part of the Dark Tetrad personality traits. These traits also include Machiavellianism, narcissism, […] - [Analysis: “95 percent of Women in Pakistan are ignorant”](https://psychologus.net/analysis-95-percent-of-women-in-pakistan-are-ignorant/): Written by Abdullah Qureshi In the last days of June, 2024, an episode of Mukalma with Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar aired on Samaa TV. This show caused ripples of conversation all over the Pakistani internet. Mukalma with Khalil-ur-Rehman is a show which features discussions on various topics. These conversations are usually between the titular writer, Khalil-ur-Rehman, and one or more guests. In this particular episode, the guest was Sahil Adeem. Sahil Adeem is known as a religious scholar and a psychologist. Over the years, he has publicly appeared in multiple forums. His debate tactics are quite provocative. They often employ derogatory commentary […] - [Diagnostic Features of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder](https://psychologus.net/diagnostic-features-of-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/): Written by Najwa Bashir ADHD is a brain condition characterized by problems with not paying attention, getting things done, or being too active and impulsive. People with inattention and disorganization can’t stay on task, don’t seem to listen and lose things they need for jobs at levels that aren’t appropriate for their age or level of development. Overactivity, pacing, not being able to stay sat, interrupting other people’s activities, and not being able to wait are all signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity that are too much for the person’s age or level of development. During youth, ADHD often happens at the same time […] - [Diagnostic Features of Autism Spectrum Disorder](https://psychologus.net/diagnostic-features-of-autism-spectrum-disorder/): Written by Najwa Bashir Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by problems communicating with others, limited hobbies, and doing the same things over and over again (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a group of brain disorders. Patterns of behavior, hobbies, activities, and social problems that happen over and over again are what define this range. Some kids with ASD have behavior and mental health issues. This is because ASD is a difficult neurodevelopmental disease. Unfortunately, these kids get upset when things change around them because they aren’t very good at adapting. The […] - [Diagnostic Features of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder](https://psychologus.net/diagnostic-features-of-social-pragmatic-communication-disorder/): Written by Najwa Bashir In the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a new condition called Social (Pragmatic) Communication condition (SPCD) was added. Individuals with this disorder have problems with their pragmatic communication skills (Amoretti et al., 2021). Individuals with this condition, which is a type of Communication Disorder (CD), have a major issue with their functional skills in a broad sense. Sometimes people with SPCD have trouble communicating with others, can’t change what they say depending on the situation, and have trouble following the rules of speech (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. […] - [Diagnostic Features of Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder (Stuttering)](https://psychologus.net/diagnostic-features-of-childhood-onset-fluency-disorder-stuttering/): Written by Najwa Bashir Stuttering Sometimes called stammering and more generally disfluent speech, stuttering is a speech condition marked by repeating sounds, syllables, or words; sound delay; and speech breaks called blocks (NIDCD, 2017). The childhood-onset fluency disorder is a chronic change in the normal flow and timing of speech that is not proper for the person’s age (American Psychiatric Association, 2013 as cited in SheikhBahaei et al., 2022). Individuals who stutter know exactly what they want to say but struggle to organize it smoothly. People with trouble speaking may also show signs of stress, like blinking their eyes quickly or trembling […] - [How Trauma Affects the Brain: Key Aspects and Their Roles](https://psychologus.net/how-trauma-affects-the-brain-key-aspects-and-their-roles/): Animals and people are more likely to have cognitive-behavioral, mental, and physical problems later on if they have traumatic events early in life. In people, stressful events are strong indicators of poor mental health. More and more studies have focused on changes in the structure and function of the brain that show how genetic changes happen after stress (Thomason et al., 2017). How Stress Hormones Affect Brain Function After Trauma Research on animals show that too much corticosterone (stress hormone can hurt brain cells in parts of the brain that have a lot of glucocorticoid receptors, such as the hippocampus […] - [Diagnostic Features of Narcissistic Personality Disorder](https://psychologus.net/diagnostic-features-of-narcissistic-personality-disorder/): Written by Najwa Bashir Narcissism Book III of Ovid’s Metamorphoses is where the word “narcissism” was first used. There is a story that Narcissus falls in love with his own image because of a curse. Narcissism, on the other hand, wasn’t used in psychology until the late 1800s (Mitra et al., 2024). Northcote (1929) says that psychologist Havelock Ellis first used the word “narcissism” in 1898 to describe a patient whose behavior was similar to Narcissus’s. Freud wrote about “narcissistic libido” soon after in his book Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality (Van Haute &Westerink, 2016).Ernest Jones, a psychologist, […] - [The Establishment: A Pakistani Archetype](https://psychologus.net/the-establishment-a-pakistani-archetype/): Written by Abdullah Qureshi “The power of a popular delusion lies in its ability to tap into the deepest fears, desires, and insecurities of a society, offering a false sense of security or hope in the face of uncertainty.” Charles Mackay (1832) Over the course of Pakistan’s history, many institutions have been critiqued. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto laid much of the blame on bureaucratic corruption. As soon as Bhutto took power, he fired 1,300 civil servants without a hearing. This is testament to his disdain for the CSP cadre (Ansari & Bajwa, 2019). Then, the Shareef brothers have at multiple times […] - [Diagnostic Features of Language Disorder](https://psychologus.net/diagnostic-features-of-language-disorder/): Characteristics of Language Disorder Language disorder is characterized by problems with vocabulary understanding and sentence structure, which lead to deficits in language learning and use. These problems can be noticed when sending and receiving information in spoken, written, and sign language. Symptoms may include having a smaller or more limited vocabulary than would be expected for their age or not being able to put words together in a way that follows appropriate language rules. The individual’s speaking skills are drastically below what is normally expected for their age and level of growth, which causes a lot of problems in areas […] - [What Is IQ? A Complete Guide to Intelligence Quotient](https://psychologus.net/what-is-iq-a-complete-guide-to-intelligence-quotient/): Being intelligent is defined as having the ability to think rationally, learn well, understand complex ideas, and adapt to one’s surroundings. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider intelligence to be a general ability that influences performance on a range of cognitive tasks. The intelligence quotient, or IQ, is a measure of a person’s intelligence in proportion to peers of a similar age. IQ is one of the most heritable psychological traits, and the results of a modern IQ test can be used to predict a variety of life outcomes, such as longevity, good health, and even happiness, as well as […] - [Psychosocial Analysis of Mob-Lynching in Pakistan](https://psychologus.net/psychosocial-analysis-of-mob-lynching-in-pakistan/): By Abdullah Qureshi Recently, a 40 year old male tourist was lynched by a mob after allegations of blasphemy. According to reports, the hotel management had discovered a few burnt pages of the Quran from the victim’s room. Following this, the subject was detained by the police for investigation. During the ordeal, announcers of some mosques disclosed the information of where the subject was held. A mob gathered and demanded the police entry into the police station. When it was refused, the mob broke in, found the subject in the servants’ quarters and subsequently killed him. Lynchings are regrettably becoming […] - [Intellectual Disability - Definition, Symptoms](https://psychologus.net/diagnostic-features-of-intellectual-disability/): What is Intellectual Disability? Intellectual Disability, also referred to as Intellectual Developmental Disorder, is defined as having an IQ of less than 70 and deficits in adaptive behavior or everyday living abilities (such as eating, dressing, communicating, and participating in activities with others). Individuals with intellectual disabilities struggle with complex concepts and learn slowly. Reduced cognitive capacity, or intellectual disability, results in a variation in the rate and efficiency with which an individual learns, retains, and applies new information in comparison to the general population (Shree & Shukla, 2016). According to DSM-5, Intellectual Disability is a class of developmental disorders […] - [Why Terrorists Target Journalists](https://psychologus.net/why-terrorists-target-journalists/): By Abdullah Qureshi Recently, it was reported in Khyber District, KPK, that a notable journalist, Mr. Khalil Jibran, was gunned down by armed men. This is not the first time that a journalist was attacked by extremists. In fact, journalists are routinely attacked across the world by various institutions. These institutions are not just unofficial terrorist organizations. Many of them are actual official, governmental bodies. However, to stay relevant to the incident at hand, terrorists targeting journalists is fairly common but paradoxical Symbiosis One common thing that both terrorism and journalism usually aim for is publicity for their cause. Journalism […] - [Greetings Readers!](https://psychologus.net/hello-world/): Welcome to Psychologus. The only rule here is to have an open mind. We are humans, after all. So far. - [How Light Yagami Manipulates People: His Tactics Explained](https://psychologus.net/how-light-yagami-manipulates-people-his-tactics-explained/): Few fictional characters are as widely regarded for their manipulative abilities as Light Yagami. Throughout Death Note, he deceives seasoned detectives, evades international law enforcement, recruits devoted followers, and orchestrates elaborate plans that unfold over months or even years. Yet describing Light as simply “manipulative” does little to explain how he achieves these outcomes. His success is not the result of a single personality trait, nor does he rely solely on intimidation, impulsive deception, or emotional coercion. While he does partially rely on charisma, Light rarely attempts to overwhelm people emotionally. Instead, his manipulation is remarkably He prefers to reshape […] - [What is Obsession About? A Psychological Interpretation of Nikki, Bear, and Attachment](https://psychologus.net/what-is-obsession-about-a-psychological-interpretation-of-nikki-bear-and-attachment/): Most interpretations of Obsession focus on the supernatural elements of the story. However, I believe the film’s true horror lies elsewhere. Obsession targets the age-old longing of magical cures to set our insecurities right. The film asks whether one can actually handle the responsibility of a magical cure (the wish) to insecurities surrounding relationships, without understanding the consequences of intense emotions, love, and the reality of actually pursuing those feelings. This is shown clearly in the beginning. Bear is not ready to disclose his feelings due to insecurity and fear of rejection. Instead of embracing vulnerability, he wishes for an […] - [How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Works; Definition, Techniques, Benefits, and Examples](https://psychologus.net/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-definition-techniques-benefits-and-examples/): Have you ever noticed how a single thought can completely change your mood? Imagine making a mistake at work and immediately thinking, “I’m terrible at my job.” Within moments, you may feel anxious, discouraged, or even hopeless. You might avoid taking on new responsibilities. Or you could perhaps withdraw from colleagues. Some individuals could also spend hours dwelling on what went wrong. In many cases, it is not the situation itself that causes the greatest distress – it is how we interpret it. In some cases, these thoughts become recurring patterns across our beliefs about ourselves, the future and the […] - [How Trauma Transformed Light Yagami](https://psychologus.net/light-yagami-psychological-trauma-philosophy-the-making-of-a-villain/): Most discussions of Light Yagami focus on his intelligence, narcissism, or eventual god complex (read the main character analysis here). These explanations capture important aspects of his personality, but they often overlook a deeper psychological question: What experiences transformed an exceptionally capable young man into Kira? Contrary to popular belief, Light’s psychological journey is not marked by a single turning point. Rather, it is shaped by a series of traumatic encounters that gradually alter his relationship with morality, power, and identity. The first occurs shortly after he discovers the Death Note. Faced with the reality that he has taken human […] - [What Makes Hannibal Lecter an ENTJ?](https://psychologus.net/what-makes-hannibal-lecter-an-entj/): Hannibal Lecter’s behavior consistently reflects a preference for external control, structured execution, and the deliberate shaping of outcomes. Rather than remaining a passive observer, Hannibal actively constructs situations that influence others, using his environment very adaptively as a medium through which he imposes order and realizes his intentions. There are two sections of Lecter’s MBTI typing. While identifying Hannibal Lecter’s MBTI dichotomies provides a broad picture of his personality, cognitive functions offer a deeper explanation for how his mind operates beneath observable behavior. Rather than focusing on traits alone, cognitive functions examine the mental processes that shape perception, judgment, and […] - [Agreeableness Personality Trait](https://psychologus.net/agreeableness/): Agreeableness is a personality trait which is associated with being honest, kind, polite, empathatic and coporative and considerate. It is also one of the Big Five personality traits. comprehensively you can define agreebelness as: Agreeableness is the tendency of someone to be pro-person, compassionate, trusting, forgiving, coporative, considerateand soft-hearted. A person who scores high on agreeableness would show compassion to others, trust people easily, forgive other people for their mistakes more often and are soft-hearted. If someone scores low on areeableness they will be very antagonistic, cynical, manipulative, vengeful, and ruthless to others. The Six Facets of Agreeableness Just like […] - [Eros and Thanatos: Freud’s Theory of the Life and Death Instincts](https://psychologus.net/eros-and-thanatos-freuds-theory-of-the-life-and-death-instincts/): Why do people repeat what hurts them, even when they know better? Why does love feel both deeply life-giving and strangely destabilizing? And why do creativity, passion, and self-destruction so often appear side by side in the same person? Sigmund Freud tried to answer these questions through one of his most powerful and controversial ideas: the conflict between Eros and Thanatos. This article breaks down the meaning of Eros and Thanatos, how Freud developed the theory, how it applies to modern psychological life, and why this conflict between life and death instincts still feels so relevant today. What Does Eros […] - [What Education Is Required for EMDR Training](https://psychologus.net/what-education-is-required-for-emdr-training/): EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a demanding form of psychotherapy that helps individuals process negative emotions and memories associated with anxiety, depression and PTSD. EMDR sounds like an excellent solution for many of today’s mental health problems. But unlike other therapies, it requires more comprehensive training. It’s not the type of therapy that one can just take a course for. So, what education is required for EMDR training then? Here’s how therapists can prepare. The Educational Aspect EMDR training resources are extremely varied and can push applicants and trainees in multiple directions. However, prior education is required […] - [Patrick Bateman Character Analysis: Psychology, Personality, Motives, and the Paradox Behind His Identity](https://psychologus.net/patrick-bateman-character-analysis-psychology-personality-motives-and-the-paradox-behind-his-identity/): Patrick Bateman is a complicated character. On surface, he is an accomplished 27-year-old man working on Wallstreet. He is engaged and has friends at work. But he also kills people. Even the reasons behind his killings are complex. There are conflicts within that drive instability. Within his emotional and behavioral states there is an oscillation between control and collapse, identity and emptiness, recognition and concealment. Bateman is the anti-hero of the novel and film American Psycho. However, for this character analysis I would be using his portrayal in the film. So, let’s dive right into the warped mindset of Patrick […] - [What Makes Johan Liebert an INTJ?](https://psychologus.net/johan-lieberts-mbti-type-and-cognitive-functions/): Within the MBTI typological framework, Johan Liebert most closely aligns with an INTJ-A (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging – Assertive) profile. He plays the role of the Architect. This explains his actions leading to literally setting up the plan for not only self-annihilation but also the annihilation of the people who he considers made him into who he was. I have covered Johan’s motivations in great detail in my original character analysis of him. Before we go further, it is important to clarify that MBTI is not a clinical or developmental model and does not account for trauma, attachment pathology, or moral functioning. […] - [Hannibal Lecter Character Analysis: Psychology and Personality Explained](https://psychologus.net/hannibal-lecter-character-analysis-psychology-and-personality-explained/): Hannibal Lecter is one of the most famous depictions of a serial killer in popular culture. Born from Thomas Harris’s 1981 novel, The Red Dragon, Hannibal is an intelligent individual who engages in serial murders and cannibalism. However, instead of being uncouth or savage, he is a polite, well-mannered and esteemed psychiatrist renowned in higher academic and medical circles.  Despite his own criminal acts, Hannibal also helps in FBI investigations of other serial killers. While there are more than a few depictions of Hannibal, we will be focusing primarily on the portrayal of the TV series Hannibal that ran from […] - [4 techniques to stop suffering from emotional pain](https://psychologus.net/4-techniques-to-stop-suffering-from-emotional-pain/): Emotional pain or psychache does not have visible marks but it’s suffering is even intense than physical pain. It does seem hard to manage it but it is possible. All of us feel painful emotions some time in our life and they differ in severity, intensity and the duration of the feeling. Depression or grieving a loss can bring out these negative and painful emotions. Some of most common painful emotions that we feel are: Whenever you feel these emotions in an intense way, it seems impossible to get away from this pain. The reason is that you do not […] - [Burnt by the Past: The Psychological Anatomy of Portgas D. Ace](https://psychologus.net/burnt-by-the-past-the-psychological-anatomy-of-portgas-d-ace/): Portgas D. Ace is one of the characters in the world of One Piece which truly embodies the struggle of existential validation. On the surface it seems like Ace has the persona of a powerful and confident pirate, but a deep psychological analysis reveals a man who is consistently haunted by the original sin of his bloodline. Let’s dive into a psychological breakdown of a character who questioned whether he deserved to live! Who is Portgas D. Ace? When Ace is introduced into the show he is introduced as an accomplished pirate already as the 2nd division commander of whitebeard […] - [Freud’s Psychosexual Stages Explained: Criticisms & Modern Views](https://psychologus.net/freuds-stages-of-psychosexual-development-reinterpretation-and-criticism/): Sigmund Freud believed that the adult personality is, in many ways, a reflection of our earliest experiences of pleasure, frustration, and control. It’s a striking idea – one that continues to shape how people think about childhood, even today. The notion that early life leaves a lasting psychological imprint is now accepted across modern psychology. But Sigmund Freud took this much further. He argued that development is driven by an internal energy – libido – that shifts an individual’s focus across different parts of the body as they grow. This creates a sequence of stages that shape personality. At first […] - [Cognitive Distortions: The Thinking Errors That Shape Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Judgment.](https://psychologus.net/cognitive-distortions-the-thinking-errors-that-shape-anxiety-depression-and-self-judgment/): Sometimes, our mind might lie to us about what is actually happening. Cognitive distortions are habitual thinking errors that lead us to interpret situations in overly negative, exaggerated, or unrealistic ways. The concept was popularized by the psychiatrist and cognitive psychologist, Aaron T. Beck, whose work laid the foundation for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (check out his conception of the cognitive triad here). Beck observed that many people experiencing anxiety or depression consistently interpreted events through biased mental filters, leading them to see themselves, others, and the future in unnecessarily negative ways. First, let’s look at the concept through some examples. […] - [The 2026 Guide to State & Local Mental Health Helplines in Texas](https://psychologus.net/state-local-mental-health-helplines-in-texas/): “Unlike many states, Texas relies on community-based Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) to provide crisis intervention rather than a single statewide hotline. If you need mental health support in Texas, you can dial 211 (Option 8) from anywhere in the state to be routed to your local county’s mental health team, or reach out directly to your city’s specific crisis line below.” Statewide Texas Helplines These resources are exclusive to Texas residents and operate across all counties. Service Name Phone / Text Best For… Availability Texas 211 Dial 211 (Select Option 8) Automatic routing to your nearest Texas mental health […] - [Grandiose Narcissism vs Vulnerable Narcissism: What’s the Real Difference?](https://psychologus.net/grandiose-narcissism-vs-vulnerable-narcissism-whats-the-real-difference/): When most people hear the word narcissist, they picture someone loud, arrogant, and obsessed with admiration. The confident boss who can’t take criticism. The partner who always needs to win. The friend who somehow turns every conversation back to themselves. Recent depictions of narcissism often circle around serial killers like Joe Goldberg or Patrick Bateman (often incorrectly too). These lean more towards the clinical condition of narcissistic personality disorder or psychopathy. But there’s another quieter version that doesn’t fit that stereotype. This person is sensitive. Easily hurt. Quietly resentful. They feel misunderstood, overlooked, chronically underappreciated. They may not look arrogant […] - [Eren Yeager: The Psychology Behind His Transformation (Character Analysis)](https://psychologus.net/inside-eren-yeagers-philosophy-a-psychological-character-analysis/): Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin), written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama, is one of the most psychologically ambitious manga series of the 21st century. Serialized from 2009 to 2021, it began as a post-apocalyptic survival story: humanity confined within massive walls, besieged by grotesque humanoid Titans. Yet as the narrative expanded, the series transformed into a meditation on war, nationalism, inherited memory, moral relativism, and the fragility of identity. At the center of this transformation stands Eren Yeager. Eren does not remain the archetypal shōnen protagonist. He does not simply mature; he reorganizes. The impulsive child who swore to […] - [What are Freudian Defense Mechanisms? 10 Defense Mechanisms the Mind Uses to Counter Anxiety, Guilt, and Conflict](https://psychologus.net/10-defense-mechanisms-the-mind-uses-to-cope-with-anxiety-guilt-and-fear/): What Are Defense Mechanisms in Psychology? Defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological processes that protect the individual from overwhelming emotions such as anxiety, shame, guilt, and fear. They operate automatically, shaping how reality, internal impulses, or emotions are experienced. Rather than eliminating conflict, defense mechanisms manage it internally. Hence, they hold a high importance in psychodynamic theory. The concept originates in classical psychoanalysis, particularly in the structural theory of the mind presented by Sigmund Freud – one of the most influential psychologists of all time. To put it in a nutshell, the theory states that the id generates instinctual drives, the […] - [Neuroticism: definiton, traits, causes and assessment](https://psychologus.net/neuroticism-definiton-traits-causes-and-assessment/): Neuroticism is one of the most important personality traits for understanding how people respond to stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges. Let’s first look at a comprehensive definition of neuroticism. Neuroticism represents the tendency of someone to experience negative emotions such as  depression, anxiety, hostility, shame, stress, anger, irritability, and self-doubt more than others. It is also one of the main traits in the Big Five Personality. People who are high on neuroticism are more likely to lash out at others, find it difficult to cope with stressful events and can interpret minor frustrations as hopeless. People with high neuroticism are […] - [Johan Liebert Character Analysis: The Psychology Behind a Human Monster](https://psychologus.net/the-nameless-monster-an-analysis-of-johan-lieberts-psychology-and-personality/): Monster is a fascinating anime that follows the story of a genius neurosurgeon Dr. Tenma and how his act of saving a young patient Johan Liebert alters the course of not just his own story but the story of many others. It is a unique anime that deals with the topic of nihilism in a multifaceted approach of storytelling. This article will be discussing the antagonist of the show, Johan Liebert, an orphan whose kind and soft appearance belies a monster within. Johan is often characterized as one of the most evil characters to be ever featured in anime, often […] - [The Id, Ego & Superego: How Freud’s Theory Explains Conflict, Guilt, and Self-Control](https://psychologus.net/the-id-ego-superego-freuds-structural-theory-of-desire-decision-and-discipline/): Introduction: Why We Feel Pulled in Different Directions You want to eat the cake – but you also want to stay healthy. You want to quit your job and pursue something meaningful – but you also crave stability. You want to speak your mind – but you also worry about how others will perceive you. And often, caught between these competing impulses, you end up doing nothing at all. This experience of being pulled in opposite directions is so universal that we rarely stop to question why it happens. Why does the mind generate desires that clash with our values? […] - [The Psychodynamics of Jay Gatsby: A Psychological Character Analysis and Personality Profile](https://psychologus.net/the-psychodynamics-of-jay-gatsby-a-psychological-character-analysis-and-personality-profile/): Jay Gatsby is a character originally from the tragedy novel “The Great Gatsby” by author F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925. He is described as a mysterious man who shrouds himself with an extravagant exterior – but an overly ambiguous history and an even more withheld romantic life. Over the years, there have been two major film adaptations of the novel, one in 1974 and one in 2013. This article will focus on his portrayal in the 2013 film which is considered a better adaptation of the original novel. In this essay, I will attempt to decipher the internal psychodynamics […] - [Thomas Shelby Character Analysis: Personality Traits, MBTI Type, and Psychology Explained](https://psychologus.net/the-psychology-of-thomas-shelby-a-psychological-character-analysis/): Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama that first aired in September 2013 and concluded in April 2022, spanning six seasons and following the rise of the Shelby family from street bookmakers to political power brokers in early 20th-century Birmingham. Across its nine-year run, the series became known for its striking cinematography and historical atmosphere. However, the series birthed a pop culture icon, Thomas Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy. Thomas is a war hero, gang leader, businessman, and political player. However, what truly anchors the narrative is Thomas’s internal world – his trauma, intelligence, emotional battles, moral contradictions, and capacity […] - [A Psychological Character Analysis of Light Yagami: Personality, Psychopathy & Reasoning Behind Kira](https://psychologus.net/a-psychological-character-analysis-of-light-yagami-narcissism-power-and-the-making-of-kira/): Light Yagami is a complex antihero of the famous Japanese anime series ‘Death Note’ (running from 2006-2007). The anime features a story of how a high school student (Light) comes across a notebook that allows the person using it to kill someone by writing their name on it and visualizing a real image of them while doing so. Yagami ends up using the notebook profusely to create a world that is devoid of any crime. In an earlier list of evil anime characters, I mentioned Light (do also check out my analysis of Johan Liebert as well). However, Light Yagami […] - [Who is Lou Bloom? An Exploration of Why Nightcrawler’s Antihero Feels So Unsettling](https://psychologus.net/understanding-lou-bloom-a-character-analysis-and-personality-profile-of-nightcrawlers-antihero/): Lou Bloom (from Nightcrawler, played by Jake Gyllenhaal) is a unique portrayal of a psychopath. He is indeed a morally vacuous character. But more than that, he is the embodiment of a mind conditioned to see the world – and himself – as machinery to be optimized. Not unlike the popular perception of many incredibly successful entrepreneurs in the world. In a way, he is closer to other ‘successful’ villains portrayed in TV too, characters such as Walter White. However, Bloom also has an interesting relationship with emotional expression and relationships with other people – even those who he wants […] - [How to Stop Being Too Nice](https://psychologus.net/how-to-stop-being-too-nice/): Being ‘nice’ is generally not an issue. Most people do like polity and someone who is soft-spoken. Indeed, psychological research shows that someone who is high in agreeableness (one of the big 5 personality traits) is more likely to have a healthier intimate relationship with their partner. However, being a ‘nice guy’ in an environment which is competitive is different. Someone who is too compliant or prioritizes someone else’s interests over their own can face many issues, ranging from experiencing more stress while facing issues with peers to diminished career success (across both genders). Let’s first understand who a nice […] - [Joe Goldberg: MBTI, Personality Traits, and Psychological Analysis of You’s Most Complex Character](https://psychologus.net/inside-the-mind-of-joe-goldberg-a-psychological-character-analysis-of-personality-issues-and-trauma/): Joe Goldberg, the infamous protagonist of Netflix’s You, has captivated and horrified audiences with his chilling charm and obsessive pursuit of love (to put it mildly). But underneath Joe’s excessive behaviors (mostly stalking, killing, manipulating) lies a psyche shaped by trauma. By looking at Joe’s beliefs about himself, others, and the world, I hope to show what really drives him – and how his inner world plays out in the events of the show. 🧠 Psychologus Psychological Check Character: Joe Goldberg 1. What best explains his emotional attachment style? Attachment + trauma bonding Control and possession Romantic fantasy distortion 2. […] - [Criminal Psychology vs Forensic Psychology - Understanding the Difference](https://psychologus.net/criminal-psychology-vs-forensic-psychology-understanding-the-difference/): Let’s face it crime stories are everywhere. Flip through Netflix, scroll your feed, or even overhear someone at a coffee shop, and chances are, you’ll catch a murder doc, courtroom drama, or some deep-dive into the mind of a killer. It’s gripping. But it’s not just about the shock value. Deep down, a lot of us are asking real questions: What makes someone break the law? What goes on inside their head? And how does the justice system deal with all of it? That curiosity isn’t staying on screen it’s inspiring people to actually study the psychology behind it all. […] - [5 Small Ways to Reset and Regulate your Nervous System](https://psychologus.net/5-small-ways-to-reset-and-regulate-your-nervous-system/): When Your Brain’s in All Caps My phone’s blowing up. My brain won’t shut up. And don’t even ask me what’s for dinner, I might cry. Sound familiar? Yeah, same. Whether it’s the group chat chaos, that one unread email from a week ago, or just existing in a world that moves at 1000 tabs per second… our brains are fried. Like, “scrolling TikTok while disassociating in a towel for 3 hours” kinda fried. Here’s the plot twist though: it’s not just anxiety or being “lazy” or “too sensitive.” It’s your nervous system screaming for help like it’s the final […] - [How Do I Improve My Emotional Intelligence? 5 Psychological Tips That Work](https://psychologus.net/how-do-i-improve-my-emotional-intelligence-5-psychological-tips-that-work/): In today’s fast-paced world, success is no longer measured by IQ alone. While technical skills and knowledge are valuable, research consistently shows that people who thrive in life often share another key strength: emotional intelligence (EI). Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions – both our own and those of others. Psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer, who first introduced the concept, describe EI as a set of skills that allows us to identify feelings, use emotions to guide thinking, and regulate our responses. Later, Daniel Goleman popularized EI in the workplace, highlighting its importance for […] - [The Psychology of Evil in Anime: 10 Characters Who Show Psychopathic Traits](https://psychologus.net/the-psychology-of-evil-in-anime-10-characters-who-show-psychopathic-traits/): Anime, or animēshon (in Japanese), is usually referred to animated films or series made in Japan. With the compelling storytelling these anime demonstrate (mostly), they have some of the most complex, terrifying, and unforgettable villains. From calculated masterminds to chaotic thrill-seekers, these characters captivate audiences. Their evil is legendary not only through their actions but through their psychological depth. What makes an anime villain truly memorable isn’t just power or cruelty. It is the combination of intellect, motivation, and the unsettling ability to challenge humanity itself. In this article, we explore some of the most notorious evil anime characters. We’ll […] - [Psychologist and Psychiatrist - Understanding the difference](https://psychologus.net/psychologist-and-psychiatrist-understanding-the-difference/): What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist? When you’re struggling with your mental health or trying to support someone who is, knowing where to turn can be confusing. You might have heard the terms “psychiatrist” and “psychologist” used interchangeably  but they’re not the same. Both professionals are trained to help people manage mental health challenges, but they do so in different ways. One can prescribe medication; the other focuses on therapy. Both are equally important, and sometimes, people benefit from seeing both. This guide breaks down the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists, what they do, how they’re trained, […] - [14 Famous Experiments That Shaped Psychology](https://psychologus.net/14-famous-experiments-that-shaped-psychology/): Human nature and consciousness have been instrumental in the development of the world as we know now. The advancements humans have made from studying behavior have led to laws, technology and creating intelligent artificial beings from carefully crafted systems tools. What has made all of this possible? Experimental science. The study of consciousness has remained one of the corner stones for the science of behavior. Throughout history, our understanding of psychology, of humans and other living beings has evolved through bold experiments. Many of these experiments, conducted by some of the most influential psychologists, shocked the public. Many challenged the […] - [9 Reasons Why You’re Always Tired](https://psychologus.net/9-reasons-why-youre-always-tired/): Feeling tired all the time is more than just being sleepy—it’s your body signaling that something’s off. Fatigue signals that not only does your body feel a physical toll, but there is significant psychological stress involved as well. Due to its multifaceted nature, scientists note that fatigue can come from lifestyle habits, mental health, medical conditions, or even subtle molecular changes in your muscles. Hence, fatigue or feeling tired is experienced through factors that are biological, psychological and social. In this article, I’ll discuss 9 science-backed reasons you might feel constantly exhausted. So, without further ado, let’s dive into it! […] - [Bipolar vs. Borderline: What's the Difference?](https://psychologus.net/bipolar-vs-borderline-whats-the-difference/): Borderline personality disorder was named as such because certain patients with symptoms similar to psychosis and mania seemed to be right on the borderline of other conditions as well. But they did not fit the diagnosis of either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. This shows us how certain mental conditions might initially appear to be very similar. But they could differ widely in nature. Bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are two serious mental health conditions sharing some common symptoms. However, their development, manifestation in day-to-day life, and approach to treatment are all very different. In this article, I’ll […] - [Empathy vs Sympathy](https://psychologus.net/empathy-vs-sympathy/): Why This Difference Matters You’re going through something heavy. A breakup, burnout, grief—doesn’t matter what. And someone, probably well-meaning, says, “At least it’s not worse,” or “Everything happens for a reason.” You nod politely… but deep down, it stings. You don’t feel seen. You definitely don’t feel comforted. And now, on top of the pain, you feel a little bit alone. That moment? That’s often the gap between sympathy and empathy. Most of us blur the two without realizing it. They both sound kind. They both come from good intentions. But they land very differently. One might create distance, the […] - [How to Let Go of Things from the Past](https://psychologus.net/how-to-let-go-of-things-from-the-past/): Letting go doesn’t start with moving on it starts with being honest about what still hurts. And that’s not always easy.Sometimes, you’re not even sure what you’re holding onto. You just feel the weight of something a memory, a conversation, a version of yourself sitting quietly in the background of your life. It might be a relationship that ended without closure.Or a decision you keep second-guessing.Maybe it’s the future you pictured, the one that didn’t quite happen.Whatever it is it mattered. And it still does. Start by gently naming it. Not to fix it, not to force healing — just […] - [6 Signs Someone Is Manipulating You](https://psychologus.net/6-signs-someone-is-manipulating-you/): Not all heartbreak comes with yelling, slammed doors, or big betrayals. Sometimes, love doesn’t break you loudly. It just… wears you down quietly. It sneaks in quietly, in the form of second-guessing your tone, apologizing when you’re the one who is hurting, or gradually giving up small parts of yourself to keep the peace. And what is the most difficult part? You might not even realize it’s happening. You’ll wake up one day and feel as if you’re carrying the weight of something you can’t identify. You’ll wonder when you stopped laughing the way you used to. When you started […] - [The Difference Between Dependency and Codependency](https://psychologus.net/the-difference-between-dependency-and-codependency/): It’s okay to need someone. Really. Not in a clingy way. Not in a “you complete me” fairytale way. Just… in a raw, human way. In the “life feels lighter when you’re not carrying it alone” kind of way. Somewhere along the line, needing others got rebranded as weakness. As if asking for help makes you less worthy. As if relying on someone makes you broken. But needing connection? That’s not dysfunction. That’s survival. That’s what we’re wired for. We all crave to be seen. To feel safe. To be held in someone’s presence and know we don’t have to […] - [The Architecture of Awareness: Solving the Hard Problem Through Inevitable Emergence](https://psychologus.net/the-architecture-of-awareness-solving-the-hard-problem-through-inevitable-emergence/): For decades, the “hard problem” of consciousness has remained a mystery. Psychology and cognitive science have progressed, but the mechanics of consciousness still seem to elude us. After all, it is not easy to answer how physical matter could give rise to subjective experience. In The Architecture of Awareness: Decoding Consciousness, Charles R.W. Sears argues that the mystery of consciousness lies in how we frame it. Scientists would hope to view consciousness as a discrete variable; that there is a clear measurable point where it begins and ends. However, as Sears would put it, viewing consciousness as an emergent system […] - [How to Regain Your Self-Respect and Why It Matters](https://psychologus.net/how-to-regain-your-self-respect/): The Quiet Power of Self-Respect You’ve heard it before. “Respect yourself.” “Stop settling.” “Know your worth.” But no one ever really told you how.They didn’t tell you how blurry it gets when love is involved.They didn’t warn you how easy it is to slowly, quietly shrink to fit inside someone else’s comfort zone. It doesn’t happen all at once.It happens the day you say “it’s okay” when it’s not.The night you apologize even though you didn’t do anything wrong.The moment you feel like a burden just for needing something… basic. This isn’t about being dramatic. This isn’t about being “too […] - [Main Character Syndrome vs. Narcissism: What's the Difference?](https://psychologus.net/main-character-syndrome-vs-narcissism-whats-the-difference/): In the digital age, it is likely that many concepts around self-expression and empowerment could be compared to narcissism. The main character syndrome is one such concept. Despite being associated with social media content creators, the main character syndrome can also be found in people in all walks of life. Imagine a person using their AirPods to listen to relaxing music while enjoying their coffee in a city park. They then upload a status that reads, “Romanticizing my life because the center of the universe is in me.” This is an example of “main character syndrome.” It can be understood […] - [10 Scientifically Backed Signs of ADHD in Adults](https://psychologus.net/10-scientifically-backed-signs-of-adhd-in-adults/): ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, has long been associated with children who are unable to sit still or concentrate. In reality, however, ADHD frequently lingers into adulthood. The signs in adulthood also appear to be quite different in various contexts. As a result, it becomes more difficult to diagnose. So, in this article, I will attempt to detail 10 signs of ADHD in adults. Understanding these adult-specific symptoms is critical for a prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Recent research emphasizes that adult ADHD is best understood by examining how it impairs a person it in daily life. These contexts of impairments […] - [Does Body Count Affect Relationships?](https://psychologus.net/does-body-count-affect-relationships/): In today’s society, casual sex is no longer as big of a taboo as it once was. As a result, there seems to be greater acceptance towards it. Moreover, various sexual terms have also entered common speak. Nevertheless, the actual act of intercourse is still divisive. An example here is of the taboo around kinks and casual sex. In a similar vein as casual sex, body count also remains a controversial part of sexual life. In this article, I will be going over some of the ways by which body count affects relationships. But first of all – let’s define […] - [10 Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Women](https://psychologus.net/10-signs-of-high-functioning-autism-in-women/): Ever met a woman who overthinks every text, avoids eye contact like it’s cursed, and has a mini existential crisis when someone moves her coffee mug an inch to the left? But like, she still shows up looking like she’s got it all together? Yeah… plot twist: she’s not high-maintenance, dramatic, or “just anxious.” She might be autistic. Here’s the tea: autism in women doesn’t look like what we were taught. It’s not always rocking back and forth in a corner or obsessing over trains (though shoutout if that’s your thing). Sometimes, it’s masking so hard you forget who you […] - [How Can Therapy Help with Mental Health](https://psychologus.net/how-can-therapy-help-with-mental-health/): Mental health is important. Unfortunately, awareness regarding it is still pretty lacking. As a result, many are still unsure of how therapy actually works. For that purpose, I, a clinical psychologist, will break down how therapy can be of benefit to you! First, let’s see how effective therapy is. Is Therapy Worth It? Psychotherapy is a modern treatment option for various mental disorders. Over the years, many therapies have emerged, from psychoanalytic therapy to modern AI-assisted models. Evidence-based therapy has been shown by research to be effective in significantly reducing symptoms of major mental health illnesses. In fact, some psychotherapies […] - [What Makes a Lady with Cats a "Cat Lady"?](https://psychologus.net/what-makes-a-lady-with-cats-a-cat-lady/): The Moment You Realized You’re That Girl It’s a lazy Sunday. You’re on the couch in your oversized t-shirt, hair in a messy claw clip, holding your favorite mug of chai. You’re half-watching some random show, half-thinking about life… when you feel it. A stare. You look up—and boom—there’s your cat, sitting like a queen, staring at you like you work for her. And that’s when it hits you: you’re not just a girl who has a cat. You’re a cat’s girl. You’ve fully become that girl. You skip plans because your cat looks “extra cuddly today.” You talk to […] - [Difference Between Introspection and Rumination: The Fine Line Between Inner Peace and Inner Chaos](https://psychologus.net/difference-between-introspection-and-rumination/): The 3 a.m. Thought Spiral It’s 3:04 a.m. You should be asleep. But no—your brain has other plans. Now you’re just lying there, overthinking that one thing you said in a random convo weeks ago. Like—did your “thanks” sound normal? Was it too awkward? Should you have smiled more? Or less? Ugh. And boom. Suddenly you’re replaying every embarrassing moment from your life like it’s some late-night drama series no one asked for. Your brain’s like, “Let’s overanalyze everything ever!” Cute. You call it “being self-aware,” but it feels more like self-roasting with extra steps. So now the big questions: […] - [Age Gaps in Relationships: What Men and Women Prefer](https://psychologus.net/age-gaps-in-relationships-what-men-and-women-prefer/): Okay, real talk—have you ever seen a celeb couple and instantly Googled their age gap? Don’t lie, we’ve all done it! Whether it’s Priyanka and Nick, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, or that one weird pairing that made you go, “Wait, she’s older??” – age-gap relationships are everywhere, and people have opinions. And sure, the internet loves to freak out when someone’s dating outside their “age bracket,” but let’s be honest… love doesn’t exactly pause to check birth certificates. It just kinda does its thing. Sometimes it’s cute. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s your friend dating a guy who could’ve been her […] - [What Does Your Blood Type Say About Your Personality?](https://psychologus.net/what-does-your-blood-type-say-about-your-personality/): Okay, here’s a strange yet entertaining thought: what if your blood type could reveal anything about your personality? Not simply your health or medical history, but also your personal identity. That sounds random, doesn’t it? However, in countries such as Japan and South Korea, this is a reality. People there really believe that your blood type influences your conduct, mood, and relationships. It’s similar to horoscopes, but instead of being Cancer or Leo, you’re Type A or Type B. To be honest, I had never given it much thought before, but once you start reading about it, it becomes more […] - [A Detailed Overview of Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Assessment](https://psychologus.net/a-detailed-overview-of-myers-briggs-mbti-assessment/): Why do we do what we do? Meet the MBTI Personality Test! Ever wondered why some thrive on spontaneous trips while you need a plan and a weather forecast? Or why one person thrives in a room full of strangers, while another is perfectly content sipping chai alone on the balcony? These differences aren’t just “quirks”—they’re part of something deeper: how our minds are wired. And that’s exactly what the MBTI Personality Test aims to uncover. The Myers-Briggs Assessment is more than just another online quiz you take on a lazy Sunday. It’s a powerful tool that helps people understand […] - [The Rarest Personality Type: Traits, Struggles, and How They See the World](https://psychologus.net/the-rarest-personality-type-traits-struggles-and-how-they-see-the-world/): Do you feel that the world is viewed or perceived differently by you and by others? Do you think that your reasoning is always one step ahead of those around you? If yes, you may likely belong to the rarest personality type in the world – the INTJ. The personality type falls under the ambit of MBTI. This is different from the Five Factor Model of personality. So, let’s get into the mind of INTJs! An Introduction to MBTI and INTJs One of the categorizations of personality types are categorized is the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). It divides people into […] - [How to Become Powerful: Insights from Psychology and Machiavellianism](https://psychologus.net/how-to-become-powerful-insights-from-psychology-and-machiavellianism/): So, you would like to become powerful. Perhaps, your colleagues are treating you poorly. Or maybe you’re tired of experiencing setback after setback. And maybe you’ve been reading on Machiavellianism. Perhaps, gaining power is the only solution you see. It isn’t though! Well, it isn’t the only solution. Maintaining power is equally important. Luckily, we’ve got just the right tools to help you. You can gain and maintain power based on the insights of Machiavellianism and behavioral psychology. How? Well, read on! Disclaimer alert – do not be unethical. This article is supposed to guide you within the context of […] - [Will My Depression Ever Go Away?](https://psychologus.net/will-my-depression-ever-go-away/): Depression is a huge problem in modern times. If you’re suffering from it, the pain can seem endless. This is the point where you can wonder “Will my depression ever go away?” A painful question. But the short answer is ‘Yes. Your depression can go away.’ In this article, I will show you how this can be possible. While we have talked about how you can control your painful emotions, sometimes depression can completely cloud your mind. First, we’ll go over a quick understanding of what this condition is. What Depression Feels Like Depression is a mental health condition and […] - [An Entrepreneur's Psychology: What Truly Drives Success?](https://psychologus.net/an-entrepreneurs-psychology-what-truly-drives-success/): Psychology is the study of mental processes, emotions and behavior. Its utility is everywhere. This also relates to business, where you are providing products and services to people. As such, an entrepreneur cannot run a business without knowing how to manage his/her own emotions or the needs of the employees. In fact, their venture will most probably fail if they do not take into account psychological factors of their market! Every strategy has to cater to the consumer’s psychology. Moreover, when managing a number of people in startups, it is important to maintain group cohesion without allowing ‘group think’. So, […] - [What Exactly Is Duck Syndrome?](https://psychologus.net/what-exactly-is-duck-syndrome/): Picture a duck swimming across a pond – appears serene and elegant on the surface, doesn’t it? But beneath the surface? Its tiny legs are frantically paddling just to keep its head above water. That’s Duck Syndrome in a nutshell. It’s when individuals (most likely you and me) seem completely together on the outside but secretly: We’ve all been there: Psychologist Dr. Meera Patel sums it up perfectly: “It’s draining to act okay-ness when you’re not okay.” Here’s the twist – everyone’s doing it! That colleague who appears to have it all together? Most likely stressing about something as well. […] - [Why Psychology is Important](https://psychologus.net/why-psychology-is-important/): The word Psychology comes from two Latin words psyche, meaning ‘soul’ and logia, meaning ‘study of’. So, in essence, psychology is the study of consciousness and its outcomes, in general. In modern times, psychologists have shifted to the definition: Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behaviors. As a separate discipline, psychology is a popular subject. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), psychology received 129,600 bachelor’s degrees in 2021–2022, placing it fifth among the top bachelor’s degrees. This article will however not be about why should one pursue psychology as a discipline. Rather, […] - [Kinks, Fetishes, Paraphilias: Definitions and Treatment Options](https://psychologus.net/kinks-fetishes-paraphilias/): You may have encountered the phrases kink, fetish, or paraphilia in films, literature, or daily conversations. People frequently have misconceptions or incorrect ideas about the meanings of those words or assume they always refer to something odd or abnormal (I had thought the same for a long time). In reality, the truth is the opposite. Human sexuality is varied or has diversity. We all experience desire differently. Some people like to explore or try new activities to enhance their pleasure.   This is called kink—a kink is any newfound pleasure. Some people are extremely attracted to particular objects, materials, or […] - [The 15 Most Influential Psychologists in History](https://psychologus.net/most-influential-psychologists-in-history/): Psychology is the study of the mind, and great thinkers over the centuries have influenced what we know about human behavior, feelings, and mental illness. From Freud’s discovery of the unconscious to Skinner’s behavior experiments, these psychologists revolutionized our perception of ourselves. Why Psychology Matters More Than Ever Today’s world of social media feeds and office stress, these psychologists’ concepts make sense of: •Why you can’t stop scrolling (Skinner’s variable rewards) •How adult relationships are influenced by childhood (Bowlby’s attachment theory) •Why false news travels (Festinger’s cognitive dissonance) Their 100-year-old theories foretell contemporary behaviors with chilling precision – demonstrating great […] - [Ambivert vs Omnivert – The Ultimate Battle of the 'In-Between' Personalities!](https://psychologus.net/ambivert-vs-omnivert/): Terms can be misleading. No more so than when describing personality types. We’ve all heard of extroverts (the party people) and introverts (the homebodies who want to prove your social media stats is actually accurate). Then there are the in-betweeners—ambiverts and omniverts—who leave us wondering what we ever thought we knew about people interaction. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I an ambivert or an omnivert? Or am I just lost?”—don’t worry. You’re not alone! Let’s demystify. Meet the Ambivert: The Middle-Ground Champion Imagine an ambivert as a middle child of an introvert and an extrovert. They’re like that one friend […] - [Reverse Psychology: What Is It, and Does It Work?](https://psychologus.net/reverse-psychology-what-is-it-and-does-it-work/): Introduction Have you ever been told not to do something, only to feel an overwhelming urge to do it anyway? That’s reverse psychology in action! This clever psychological technique plays on human nature, often influencing people’s decisions without them even realizing it. But what exactly is reverse psychology, how does it work, and is it truly effective? Let’s dive into this fascinating psychological strategy and uncover its secrets. What Is Reverse Psychology? Reverse psychology is particularly effective because it taps into an individual’s natural desire to assert control over their decisions. When people perceive that their ability to make choices […] - [History of Lobotomy: A Tragic Tale In Medical History](https://psychologus.net/history-of-lobotomy-a-tragic-tale-in-medical-history/): The Treatment That Caused Suffering Imagine yourself in this scenario: confronting mental health issues. In the case that you struggle with anxiety, depression, or any other ailments, you seek medical help, but when you awaken after treatment, you seem to be trapped in a body that doesn’t feel like yours. Words fail to explain and echoing in your mind are mixed emotions of self-identity and confusion which has consumed you. It sounds like a bad dream, doesn’t it? This is what so many people of the mid 20th century struggled with. It shocked them. These people who became the primary […] - [10 Psychology Books Everybody Should Read](https://psychologus.net/10-psychology-books-everybody-should-read/): Psychology, the scientific study of the mind and behavior, has been shaping our understanding of human nature for centuries. From ancient philosophers like Aristotle, who pondered human thought and emotion, to modern psychologists like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, who explored the unconscious mind, psychology has continuously evolved. Today, it plays a crucial role in nearly every aspect of life from personal growth and relationships to workplace dynamics and mental health. Understanding how the human mind works is more important than ever. In an age where stress, anxiety, and burnout are common, psychology provides valuable insights into emotional well-being, resilience, […] - [Analysis of the portrayal of BPD-related themes in Bin Roye Character Saba Shafiq (played by Mahira Khan)](https://psychologus.net/analysis-of-the-portrayal-of-bpd-related-themes-in-bin-roye/): Part1: Analyze the portrayal of BPD-related themes in the drama, focusing on the character of Saba Shafiq (played by Mahira Khan) Intense and unstable relationships People with BPD often have difficulty maintaining stable and healthy relationships. They may experience intense and sudden shifts in their feelings towards others, leading to idealization and devaluation of the same person. In the case of Saba, she sometimes has extreme emotions of love towards Irtaza but also gets angry when things don’t go her way. She also idealizes Irtaza by comparing him to the moon. In a scene when Irtaza is coming to their […] - [How Psychological Testing Helps You Recruit the Right Person for Your Company](https://psychologus.net/how-psychological-testing-help-you-recruit-the-right-person-for-your-company/): Recruiting new employees is an essential component of any business. It has to be done right to save the company from different kinds of losses a bad hire might cause.  The Undercover Recruiter reports that bad hires can cost $240,000 in expenses. These losses include recruitment costs, retention costs and payment of the employee. There are ways only to hire an employee who is fit for your company. One of the best ways to do that is to use psychological testing in your recruitment process.  Many companies are already using psychological assessments and testing in their recruitment process to make […] - [Understanding Masculinity: Types, Theories, and Cultural Impacts](https://psychologus.net/understanding-masculinity-types-theories-and-cultural-impacts/): 1.1 Definition of Masculinity Masculinity, also referred to as manhood or manliness, is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with boys and men. Unlike biological sex, masculinity is a social construct that varies across cultures and historical periods (Ferrante & Joan, 2008). Masculinity is often defined by traits and ideas that shape the stereotypical or ideal man, with traditional masculinity being the most recognized stereotype. However, traditional masculinity is not a single trait but a combination of multiple norms that define how men should behave (Mansfield, Addis, & Mahalik, 2003). These norms dictate behavior, attitudes, and roles that […] - [The Main Character Syndrome: A Philosophical Defence](https://psychologus.net/the-main-character-syndrome-a-philosophical-defence/): Everything that we know about the world is filtered through our own subjective lens. Our trials and tribulations are unique. Our experiences might hold some similarities with others. However, they are distinct and separate from many of the people around us. Even our siblings do not share the same views about everything. This reality is partly what causes the main character syndrome. However, many of us are aware that we are not the only ones facing challenges very similar to us. Rather, every person we know has experienced almost the same spectrum of emotions as us. But… Plato posits the […] - [The Positives of Machiavellianism](https://psychologus.net/the-positives-of-machiavellianism/): Classically, Machiavellianism has been seen as a negative trait. To define it briefly, Machiavellianism is a tendency towards intentionally and strategically manipulating others to gain and keep power and control. It is also a part of the Dark Tetrad traits of personality. However, is there nothing positive to be gleaned from Machiavellianism? I argue that there are small snippets of lessons that we might learn from this Dark Tetrad trait. Navigating Through Organizations In unstructured organizations, Machs seem to have an edge. They do best when they have less management oversight, less regulations, and greater decision-making authority. While this is […] - [What Causes Stress Disorders (Acute Stress Disorder & Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)](https://psychologus.net/what-causes-stress-disorders-acute-stress-disorder-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/): Stress disorders are psychiatric conditions that occur as a response to psychological trauma. In this article, I will attempt to explain how these symptoms can develop following a traumatic event. There are two major stress disorders, known as Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Trauma Response Dramatic and malignant events in human life often can be traumatic. When a person’s sense of identity, worth and the meaning of everything they do has been challenged in a cruel incident, they tend to have long lasting effects. These vile incidents have two major aspects to them. They are Physical Violence Some […] - [Your Phone is Not Your Friend](https://psychologus.net/your-phone-is-not-your-friend/): A friend is a being that is there when you require help. Now imagine something or someone that provides you with exactly the things you lack at the time. You’re feeling bored? This friend provides you a lot of entertainment to witness and talk about! You don’t feel good? This friend gives you a million things to watch and laugh at. You feel heartbroken? This friend provides you with countless pieces of advice – often pretty contradictory. But most of all, this friend provides you with exactly what you think you want. And what we think we want is often […] - [Can Boredom Cause Depression?](https://psychologus.net/can-boredom-cause-depression/): Most of us think of boredom as a minor inconvenience – those long afternoons when nothing seems exciting or meaningful. But psychologists are beginning to see boredom as more than just an idle state of mind. When boredom lingers, it can chip away at our sense of purpose, drain motivation, and even set the stage for depression. Research shows that boredom is not simply a lighter form of sadness or apathy; it is a distinct emotional experience of restlessness, lack of interest, and dissatisfaction. Left unchecked, this emotional void can contribute to feelings of emptiness and hopelessness, which overlap with […] - [5 Ways to Make Winter Holidays the Best Time of the Year!](https://psychologus.net/5-ways-to-make-winter-holidays-the-best-time-of-the-year/): The winter holidays have just arrived as the world experiences the coldest days of the year. Whether you are religious, or not, there is something very cheery about the last week of December and the New Year to come! For some, this is a time of festivities. For others it is a time to relax and get cozy. However, for some it is not perhaps the season that they look forward to. Whatever the case might be, winter holidays provide us with a chance to rejuvenate ourselves. It has been a long year after all. So let’s go over 5 […] - [Do I Have a Personality Disorder?](https://psychologus.net/do-i-have-a-personality-disorder/): Navigating through one’s troubles is difficult. To have issues is part of being human. However, it can often feel as if our problems are not really solvable. So what does one do? Perhaps one of your colleagues said something particularly rude to you. Or maybe things at home seem to be conflicted. Maybe the person you love or have feelings for has started acting cold. Problems in relationships are inevitable. But do you feel as if others can never understand you? Do you try to one-up every other person you are in conflict with? Or perhaps you feel incredible ‘pain’ […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria and Features of Prolonged Grief Disorder](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-prolonged-grief-disorder/): One of the worst yet most frequent stresses in life is losing a loved one, which sets off a series of emotional, mental, and behavioral reactions that come to be known as grieving. People’s grief reactions vary depending on how they adjust to a significant death; they are not based on predetermined stages. When someone experiences a significant death, most go on to effectively adjust to the loss over time, and their sorrow develops from an acute to a more integrated state. A person who has lost more than one loved one may react to each death’s intense sorrow differently, […] - [Prevalence, Causes, Diagnostic Criteria and Features of Adjustment Disorders](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-causes-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-adjustment-disorders/): Adjustment disorder is defined as a maladaptive emotional and/or behavioral reaction to an identified psychosocial stressor, encompassing people who struggle to adjust after a stressful event on a scale disproportionate to the amount or degree of the stressor. The symptoms are distinguished by stress responses inconsistent with socially or culturally anticipated reactions to the stressor and/or produce significant anguish and deterioration in daily functioning. Unlike posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (ASD), which have specific criteria for what defines a traumatic experience, adjustment disorder guidelines are not specific about what might be considered a stressor. Population-based studies have revealed prevalence […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Acute Stress Disorder](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-acute-stress-disorder/): Acute stress disorder (ASD) was added to the DSM-IV 20 years ago, but not much is known about how common it is, especially in the general community. ASD is a different diagnosis from PTSD, but the only difference is how long the symptoms last. This makes it harder to figure out how common ASD is. The rate of ASD varies a lot depending on the study and the type of stress. The rates of ASD were found to be 24.0% to 24.6% less than one week after an injury and 11.7% to 40.6% one to two weeks after an accident. […] - [Diagnostic Criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder](https://psychologus.net/diagnostic-criteria-for-posttraumatic-stress-disorder/): Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and intricate psychiatric problem that develops as a result of experiencing traumatic experiences, greatly affecting an individual’s mental health. PTSD is a condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, affecting cognitive abilities, emotions, physical sensations, and behavior. This can result in long-term difficulties and a higher likelihood of having other mental diseases, as well as an increased vulnerability to suicide. Empirical evidence reveals that people who have PTSD are more likely to have health problems, such as somatoform, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, gastric, and immune system issues. It is also linked to a lot […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-disinhibited-social-engagement-disorder/): Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) is characterized by socially abnormal actions including straying from a caregiver, agreeing to travel with a stranger, and engaging in excessively familiar physical activities (such as hugging strangers) with strangers. The frequency range of symptoms for DSED is found to be between 4% and 11% and its prevalence rate of diagnosis is found to be 8%. Empirical evidence reveals that children diagnosed with Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) regularly exhibit worse social skills compared to their classmates who are not maltreated and to a control group from a normal household. Consistently, higher levels of peer difficulties […] - [The Positives of Psychopathy](https://psychologus.net/the-positives-of-psychopathy/): Psychopathy is a psychological construct that refers to callous and unemotional patterns of attitudes or behaviors. While much of the popular opinion on psychopathy is actually negative, there are some behaviors of psychopaths which are also seen positively. An evidence of the allure of psychopathy can be seen in the fact that Ted Bundy, the American serial killer who reportedly killed 30 women between 1974 and 1978, received fan mail during his incarceration. But this article does not talk about why psychopathy is attractive. Rather, I argue that certain behaviors that are classically found in psychopaths can actually produce good […] - [Psychoeducation: Understanding Your Addiction](https://psychologus.net/psychoeducation-understanding-your-addiction/): Addiction to chemical substances is not a comfortable condition. According to a study, 2.2% of people in the world have a problem with drugs or alcohol. 1.5% of people have an alcohol use disorder, compared to 0.8% of people with all substance use disorders put together (0.32% had a cannabis use disorder, 0.29% had an opioid use disorder, and 0.1 % had an amphetamine use disorder). There are four major concepts that are central to addiction. These major concepts are expanded upon briefly in the DSM V TR. In this written piece of psychoeducation, I will attempt to unpack substance […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Reactive Attachment Disorder](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-reactive-attachment-disorder/): Reactive attachment disorder is a trauma- and stressor-related early childhood syndrome caused by social neglect or maltreatment, according to the DSM-5. Children with this condition have trouble making emotional connections, cannot feel pleasant emotions, cannot tolerate physical or emotional contact, and may react aggressively when held, caressed, or comforted. Children with this condition are unpredictable, hard to soothe, and hard to discipline. Children may seem to live in a “flight, fight, or freeze” state due to mood swings. Most want to control their surroundings and make decisions. Sudden routine changes, punishment efforts, or unwanted consolation may cause fury, aggression, or […] - [Prevalence, Treatment, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-treatment-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-excoriation-skin-picking-disorder/): Excoriation disorder, often known as skin picking disorder, is a mental health problem defined by the recurrent act of picking one’s skin, resulting in tissue damage and causing functional impairment and/or discomfort. This pathological, obsessive, and repeated picking of skin that causes tissue damage is also referred to as neurotic excoriation, dermatillomania, or psychogenic excoriation. Anxietiestic picking has been recognized as a health issue in medical literature for quite some time. The term “neurotic excoriation” was initially used by Erasmus Wilson in 1875 to characterize the exceedingly difficult-to-control picking activities seen in neurotic patients. In order to determine the prevalence […] - [Why Do Pathological Liars Lie?](https://psychologus.net/why-do-pathological-liars-lie/): Lying is a very common behavior per se. There are various reasons one might choose to lie. Perhaps you do not want to cause trouble with your boss, so you might lie that there no problems at work. Perhaps a young adolescent might lie to his parents to cover up the fact that he was hanging out with his buddies. Pathological lying is different. Pathological lying occurs even in situations where there is no harm in telling the truth. I have talked in great detail how one could identify pathological lying behavior. To put it very shortly, pathological lying is […] - [5 Red Flags of Pathological Lying](https://psychologus.net/5-red-flags-of-pathological-lying/): In the current digital sphere, communication has diversified. No longer does one have to speak to each other directly. While this has greatly increased the convenience of communication, it has also increased the convenience for pathological lying. Yes, this did just escalate quickly. Pathological lying is a pattern of behavior of distorting or hiding information that is not really needed in the context. So, a pathological liar would be a person who lies ‘without much thought’, even in situations where he or she is not being harmed. One could connect pathological lying to psychopathy, Machiavellianism and/or narcissism. However, compared to […] - [Hoarding Disorder Story: Horus’s Problems at Work](https://psychologus.net/horuss-problems-at-work-the-story-of-a-man-with-hoarding-disorder/): “Horus, are you going to tell me what are we gonna do about this?” Sara asked Horus, pointing towards a pile of empty packs of cigarettes and matchboxes right underneath his desk. Horus sighed. Sara was an attorney and Horus was her assistant. She was not the only one who had noted the cigarette packs gathering at the foot of the desk. The cleaning lady had often brought this up, asking for Horus to dump this extra trash. Horus had started gathering the cigarette packs for months. He had a constant habit of misplacing his ashtray, and he found the […] - [History, Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Hoarding Disorder](https://psychologus.net/history-prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-hoarding-disorder/): The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) includes hoarding disorder (HD) in the group of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRD), which also includes trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder. A person with a hoarding problem develops an unjustified attachment to their material belongings and finds it difficult to let go of them. The serious societal ramifications of this condition, which is all too frequently dismissed as a strictly medical problem, are still not well understood. At present, the prevalence of Hoarding Disorder (HD) is ambiguous as a result of methodological issues in the evidence base. Estimates […] - [Walter White Character Analysis: The Psychology Behind the Rise of Heisenberg](https://psychologus.net/walter-white-character-analysis-personality-profile-and-the-origins-of-heisenberg/): Walter White – aka Heisenberg – goes through immense transformation as the main protagonist of the American series Breaking Bad. Starting out as a high school teacher, White eventually moves into the drug business – not only to make ends meet but also to thrive as his own person. Played by Bryan Cranston (a great actor), White is a chemistry teacher at J. P. Wynne High School. Safe to say, he has a middle class life, involving all the perks and pits of ‘mediocrity’. At the start of the series, White discovers that he has lung cancer. This makes him […] - [7 Movies You Should Watch to Understand Panic Attacks](https://psychologus.net/7-movies-you-should-watch-to-understand-panic-attacks/): Are you looking for movies on panic attacks to understand what they look like? If that is the case, you are at the right place! The following is the list of 7 movies you must watch to understand panic attacks: Girl, Interrupted (1999) In the film, Winona Ryder plays the role of a young lady who, following an unsuccessful attempt at suicide, is sent to a psychiatric institution for a period of eighteen months between the years 1967 and 1968. In light of the fact that anxiety problems are the root cause of her nervous breakdown, she makes use of a […] - [OCD Story: Oben’s Problems at Work](https://psychologus.net/obens-problems-at-work/): Oben could not stop thinking about what just happened. The day was going fine, he had had a good bout of meetings with his clients. Everything was going great in fact. But his heart dropped when he went back into his office. Oben had a neat array of fountain pens, always on the right side of his desk. They were color-coded. And each pen was aligned neatly, the capped nib facing his revolving chair. But when he came back into his office, he noticed that one of the pens was missing. It was his midnight blue pen, one that he […] - [Agoraphobia Story: Agra’s Problems at Work](https://psychologus.net/agras-problems-at-work/): Agra felt a surge of dread wash over her as her assistant, Fera, said that she had parked her car in the parking lot. It was Agra’s practice to park her car in front of the building of the software house. She had asked special permission from the CEO of the company, to allow her this. Unfortunately, today, she had made the mistake of giving her car to Fera to fetch breakfast for her. And the assistant had decided that the parking lot was to be the best place for a car to be parked. Agra began shouting at Fera. […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Body Dysmorphic Disorder](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-body-dysmorphic-disorder/): Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) – also simply known as body dysmorphia – as a condition in which a person is fixated on what they think is wrong with their appearance when to others around them, there may not be an issue with their appearance. BDD is a common mental illness. However, it is often not recognized. The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) notes that someone experiencing body dysmorphia overwhelmingly focuses on perceived flaws in the body, which can lead to upsetting repeated behaviors. In some cases, this can lead to […] - [Psychoeducation (REBT): How ‘Musts’ or Demandingness Lead to Behavioral Disorders](https://psychologus.net/psychoeducation-rebt-how-musts-or-demandingness-lead-to-behavioral-disorders/): Imagine a scenario where something unexpected happens. This situation stresses you out immensely. You do not know how this problem will resolve, but you want it to just go away. Someone must help you. The event that distressed you must not happen again. You must resolve it quickly. In short, the world must comply with what you want. Or else, things will be in disarray. Or else, you cannot be satisfied or be happy. This is what demandingness or ‘musturbation’ is. And no, it definitely isn’t a typo! Musturbation is a colorful term, coined by clinical psychologist Albert Ellis, as […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Trichotillomania](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-trichotillomania/): Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is an obsessive-compulsive disorder in which people repeatedly pull out hair from any part of their body. Studies reveal that there have not been many large epidemiological studies on this disorder, but estimates of its frequency show that between 0.5% and 2% of the general population has it. However, because some people with trichotillomania are ashamed of their disorder, the real number of people who have it may be higher. Epidemiologic data on children are not very common, but the total frequency is thought to be between 1% and 3%. The head, eyebrows, eyelashes, […] - [Khalil-Ur-Rehman, Crimes, Hypocrisy and Sadism in Pakistan](https://psychologus.net/khalil-ur-rehman-crimes-hypocrisy-and-sadism-in-pakistan/): In July, 2024, a kidnapping made headlines across Pakistani media. According to the victim, the famous screenwriter Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, he was lured at night to a place by a woman named ‘Aamna Urooj’ where his phone, cash and wallet were snatched from him. The snatchers then made Qamar transfer about Rs 250,000 to their account and blindfolded him, leaving him at an unknown location. On paper, this appears to be a harrowing account of ‘honey trap’ kidnapping. However, a significant portion of the digital Pakistani audiences found it anything but serious. A few hours after the incident, the memes were […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common mental illness that affects 1-3% of the world’s population. It is marked by unwanted thoughts, or obsessions, doing the same things over and over again, or compulsions. These symptoms make patients’ lives very difficult because they take up a lot of time, make them very upset, and make it hard for them to do things. According to sources, cognitive-behavioral theories have long said that obsessions often make people feel more anxious or uncomfortable and that compulsions are actions that people do because of their obsessions. There is some proof, though, that compulsive behavior is […] - [Procrastination: Important Factors and How to Deal with It](https://psychologus.net/procrastination-important-factors-and-how-to-deal-with-it/): Imagine an important task that you have to complete in a short time. However, you find yourself only thinking about it, contemplating it for most of the time. You know that it is important that you complete it as early as possible. You understand that you will feel less stressed out. But you keep on finding other, less important things to do. Procrastination is the behavior of putting off doing what you need to do to reach your goal. It is also considered a product of lack of self-regulated performance.  In some ways, procrastination shares characteristics of maladaptive daydreaming. Both […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Agoraphobia](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-and-features-of-agoraphobia/): Agoraphobia is the fear that someone will get hurt if they are in a public or busy place where they can’t easily get out or where help might not be easy to find. It is marked by the fear that a panic attack or signs similar to a panic attack could happen in these scenarios. People who have agoraphobia try to stay away from these kinds of places or events. People with agoraphobia often also have panic disorder, which causes a lot of suffering. A study was done to look at the differences in symptoms and lengths of treatment between […] - [Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, Features and Treatment of Selective Mutism](https://psychologus.net/prevalence-diagnostic-criteria-features-and-treatment-of-selective-mutism/): Selective mutism is a long-lasting and severely limiting mental illness in which a child is unable to speak when they should. Selective mutism is classified as an anxiety condition, but because it is so different and complex, it may be thought of as a neurodevelopmental disease. Children with selective mutism are very rare and have a lot of different symptoms. They usually show up when they are starting school. According to the empirical evidence, researchers and therapists in both psychology and psychiatry have been puzzled by selective mutism’s dramatic symptoms for almost 150 years. Selective mutism was first thought of as […] - [Panic Disorder Story: Paneck’s Problems at Work](https://psychologus.net/panecks-problems-at-work/): A 35 year old male, Paneck was employed as a manager at a beauty salon. This was his 3rd year at the salon and he had had a troubled experience dealing with the recent issues at work. Thanks to the marketing team and the staff’s work, the beauty salon had recently gotten a boom of new customers. This obviously required the staff to work that much harder than they normally were used to. While Paneck liked that the owner, Ms. Rey increased his income, he found it difficult to manage the staff at times. The work hours had become more […] ## Pages - [Psychologus Evidence Framework](https://psychologus.net/psychologus-evidence-framework/): Psychology is not a single unified system. It includes established scientific models, clinically supported interventions, historical theories, and interpretive frameworks used to understand behavior, personality, and mental processes. The purpose of the Psychologus Evidence Framework is to clarify how different psychological ideas should be understood in terms of scientific support, clinical relevance, and historical importance. This helps distinguish between: Why This Framework Exists Psychological ideas are often discussed online without context about their level of scientific support. For example: This framework provides transparency so readers can better understand the context behind each concept discussed on Psychologus. Evidence Categories Psychologus uses […] - [Contact Us](https://psychologus.net/contact-us/): Here at psychologus.net, we believe in an inclusive, diverse and interactive environment. We are committed to engaging with you and acting based on your suggestions, complaints, and feedback. 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Building a therapeutic alliance A client-centered approach will be used to build rapport with the client. Empathy and unconditional positive regard is the cornerstone of a true therapeutic alliance. This will be ensured. Management […] - [Privacy Policy](https://psychologus.net/privacy-policy/): Privacy Policy for Psychologus.net Effective Date: August 1, 2024 At Psychologus.net, your privacy is important to us. This privacy policy outlines the types of personal information we collect and how it is used, protected, and shared. By using our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. 1. Information We Collect We may collect the following types of information: 2. How We Use Your Information We use the information we collect for the following purposes: 3. How We Protect Your Information We take reasonable precautions to protect your personal information. 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