Narcissistic Personality Disorder According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts. Individuals with…
Gaslighting: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic used in emotional and psychological abuse that makes victims question their own reality, instincts, and perceptions. It’s an insidious form of abuse where the perpetrator distorts the truth, making the victim feel “crazy” or incapable of trusting themselves (Shafir,…
What Is People-Pleasing? People-pleasing is the emotional drive to satisfy others’ needs at the expense of your own. While helping others is generally positive, when it becomes detrimental to your health and happiness, it can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a loss of self-identity. Often rooted in learned behaviors (Payne, 2022), people-pleasing can take…
Statistics on Sexual Assault in the United States in 2023 According to the 2024 report by the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 481,020 Americans aged 12 and older were victims of sexual assault or rape in 2023, showing a slight decrease from 2022’s figure of 531,810. Importantly, reporting rates have increased significantly, with 46% of…
Election season can be a highly stressful time for many Americans. A Pew Research Center poll from early 2024 revealed that 65% of adults in the U.S. frequently feel exhausted by politics, and 55% often experience anger due to political discussions (Infield, 2024). Even among the most politically engaged, a staggering 72% report feeling chronically…
What is Neurodiversity? Research indicates that 15-20% of the world’s population has some form of neurodivergence. Neurodiversity refers to the concept that individuals experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving. The term and concept of “neurodiversity” advocates for a…
Understanding Dissociation and Its Connection to Trauma Dissociation occurs when the mind distances itself from stressful or traumatic events when “actual escape is not possible” (Lanius et al., 2018). This psychological mechanism can manifest in response to a variety of mental health conditions, including: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Anxiety disorders Depression Bipolar disorder Schizophrenia Dissociation…
Naturally Activate Feel-Good Hormones Drug Free: Feeling down or stressed? You might be experiencing an imbalance in your “feel-good” hormones. These powerful chemicals—dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin—play crucial roles in your mental and emotional well-being. Illicit substances can unnaturally spike these hormones, leading to temporary highs and harmful long-term effects. However, there are safe, natural…
The Risks of Oversimplifying Psychology: Why Pop Psychology Falls Short Pop psychology is short for “popular psychology”. Pop psychology refers to concepts and theories about human behavior that gain widespread acceptance and are disseminated to the public (Cuncic, 2023). These ideas often derive from valid psychological research but are simplified or adapted for mass consumption….
