PsychTronics

How psychology is used to manipulate and influence people in their daily lives

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 13:21:00 +0530

How psychology is used to manipulate and influence people in their daily lives

1. Reverse Psychology: This technique is largely tied to a buyer’s resistance. It involves influencing you to do what they want by pretending not to want it. Patagonia applied this concept to their print advertising by telling you, “don’t buy this jacket”, which of course worked in reverse as the public purchased the product in droves.

2. Humor: You can always tell how bad a product is by the amount of humor the marketing company used to sell it. Generally speaking, the more humor in advertising, the worse the product or service is for you. Look at companies like Hershey’s, Frito Lay and Bud Light.

3. Anthropomorphism: There really is a psychological term for those smiling cats and dogs. Giving human characteristics to animals and inanimate objects gains your trust and confidence. The next time you down a Heineken, look very closely at the smiling “e” on the bottle. This is highly suggestive of a favorable brand perception.

4. Insecurity: If marketers can make us feel insufficient, we will try and find a way to fill the self-doubt. This is a notorious practice of the cosmetics industry. The only difference between you and the model is a few minutes with Photoshop, and their newest cosmetic miracle.

5. Sexuality: When we view someone attractive, our body responds by discharging hormones. Our mind subsequently links this pleasurable feeling with the product or service being sold. Now you can understand why Carl’s Junior shows so much “skin” when selling their hamburgers.

6. Rebates: Fifty percent of all rebates over $50 are never redeemed, and those under $10 are redeemed less than 10%, so why do we fall for this practice with the likes of Sears, Bausch & Lomb and Maytag? Did you know that unfilled rebates go back to the manufacturer and the clearinghouse that transacts the rebate?

7. Social Proof: The ever-popular consumer review sites are evidence of how much we value (reported) positive feedback. Companies know and understand this, which is why they use “likes” and “upvotes” to advertise their products and services. Unfortunately, when is the last time you actually read the reviews?

8. Fear: In all its forms and uses is a formidable advertising tactic. Better use Listerine if you have bad breath. Use clinically proven Clinique Dark Spot Correcting Lotion to eliminate those horrible “age spots”. Safeguard your children by using Broadview protection services. And the ever so annoying, “all the other kids have one” advertising directed at your children.

9. Pseudoscience: The cosmetic industry makes ridiculous claims that they can repair “DNA damage” speed “cell rejuvenation” and “turn back the clock”. When the cosmetic industry partners with doctors, where can you and I turn to protect us from this psychobabble?

10. Misleading Visuals: A so-called “infomercial” shows just how different an advertisement can really be from reality. From fast food, body image, vacation hotels and products directly marketed to children. Either by using potatoes in place of ice cream, spraying food with high gloss lacquer or using Photoshop to make the model perfect. Misleading visuals may be the worst of all advertising practices by virtue of the psychological damage it does to our children.

11. Priming: This kind of manipulation (also known as foot in the door) is tricky as well as exceptionally subtle. With this method, you are asked to provide an answer to a very simple question. The inquirer will then follow up with his or her real request.

When at a mall or shopping center be careful of people asking questions such as: do you happen to know the time please, where did you get that dress, or how did you get such a beautiful complexion?

12. Social Exchange: Con artists, unethical marketers, and so-called friends use social exchange quite often. Exchanging favors and doing things for others is a basic part of our society, but aggressive people often manipulate this. As an example, a friend might remind you about that time they bailed you out of a particular situation, then use that leverage when they need something in return. Or, someone who knows a personal secret of yours could intimidate you into doing something they want in return.

13. Help Me: Another technique is to always begin a dialog by requesting help. Be very weary of people starting a conversation by asking: "I need your help, please. I am trying to find anyone interested in X. Would you happen to know anyone?" People inherently want to help and will either acknowledge that they are in need or give you a referral. When the salesperson does this correctly, this approach works like a charm.

14. Colors: The following list colors is reflective of how humans react:

Red is the color of power. It gets people’s attention.

Blue is trustworthy. Mix blue with complimentary colors for best results.

Pink is best used to get the attention of young females.

Yellow is powerful, but it’s also dangerous. Use yellow to command attention.

Green is versatile. It’s warm, inviting and encourages a pleasant feeling.

Purple is the color of royalty, elegance, and prestige.

Gold is also elegant and prestigious.

Orange is a powerful attention-grabber.

Brown is an earthy tone known for comfort.

Black can be modern or traditional, exciting or relaxing.

15. Euphemisms: The tendency to obscure the truth is a favorite marketing tactic for the real estate trade and online marketing firms. Advertising a home as a fixer-upper, in need of loving care, or within walking distance are prime examples of real estate euphemisms. While Search Engine Optimization (SEO) instead of increase unpaid search engine traffic, Landing Page instead of lead generation page and RSS instead of syndication and subscription technology are prime examples within online marketing circles.

Plain talk does not lie, so double-talk/euphemisms are indispensable in allowing ambiguous descriptions and misleading analogies. And pictures, such as the one at the beginning of this response gets you to stop and look, if even for a moment.

10 Practically Possible Ways to be Mindful in your Daily Life

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 12:02:00 +0530

10 Practically Possible Ways to be Mindful in your Daily Life

Best Ways to be Mindful in your Daily Life

How to be Mindful in your Daily Life

1. Allow and accept the different feelings you experience – knowing these will change throughout the day.

2. Don’t judge yourself for having negative feelings.

3. Don’t believe every thought that pops into your head. Some of these are true, but many will be false.

4. Slow down and take life at a manageable pace.

5. Stay in the present; do one thing at a time.

6. Let go of the need to control everything.

7. Practice being curious; notice little things.

8. Use your 5 senses to become more aware of what is happening all around you in the world.

9. Nourish and take care of your body and mind.

10. Practice contentment and gratitude.

Interesting Tips for Becoming Mentally Strong

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 12:23:00 +0530

Interesting Tips for Becoming Mentally Strong

Best Tips for Becoming Mentally Strong

Practically Possible Tips for Becoming Mentally Strong

1. Don’t fear being and doing things alone.

2. Keep your focus on the future, not the past.

3. Understand that things take time.

4. Be patient, and keep trying when things are difficult.

5. Don’t fear being judged or criticized by others.

6. Decide to be the author and creator of your life.

7. Don’t let other people determine what you do.

8. Let go of all the thing you can’t control.

9. Learn to both accept, and to manage, your emotions

10. Take calculated risks, and do what’s new and different.

7 Daily Psychological Reminders

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sun, 4 Jun 2017 12:04:00 +0530

7 Daily Psychological Reminders

1. My self worth does not depend on what others think and say about me.

2. My self worth does not depend on how I look or what I weigh.

3. My self worth does not depend on my marks or performance.

4. My self worth does not depend on my number of followers.

5. I am enough just as I am.

6. I can succeed despite a bad day.

7. I am beautiful and valuable – and will treat myself with kindness and respect.

10 Weird Psychology Facts

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 13:58:00 +0530

10 Weird Psychology Facts

10 Interesting Psychology Facts

Here are some psychology facts everyone must know

1. 82% of people would feel more confident approaching an attractive person if they had their dog with them, a survey found.

2. Boanthropy is a psychological disorder where people think they're cows.

3. Living in sight of water can make you calmer, happier and more creative, a study found.

4. If you announce your goals to others, you are less likely to make them happen because you lose motivation, studies confirmed.

3. Your mind "rewrites" monotonous speech of boring people to make it sound more interesting.

4. There are more than 400 distinct phobias well recognized by psychologists.

5. Your favorite song is probably your favorite because you associate it with an emotional event in your life.

6. The type of music you listen to affects the way you perceive the world.

7. Spending money on others yields more happiness than spending it on yourself a study concluded.

8. Phobophobia is the fear of having a phobia.

9. The key to happiness is spending your money on experiences rather than possessions, according to studies.

10. Romantic love is biochemically indistinguishable from having a severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.

7 Little Things You Can Do to Develop a More Flexible Mind

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 11:57:00 +0530

7 Little Things to Develop a More Flexible Mind

7 Tips to Develop a More Flexible Mind

How to Develop a More Flexible Mind

A flexible mind leads to more peace. You’re not as stuck in your ways, and can adapt to change. You don’t always think you’re right but are curious about other people. You can take on new challenges with a smile.

When I’m not flexible, I can feel it: my mind starts to feel rigid, I feel frustration, irritation, anger, disappointment. There’s a feeling of not wanting things to be the way they are, feeling of being wronged, attacked. It’s the result of being caught up in whatever story you’re telling yourself.

So here’s what I’ve been working on, to develop a more flexible mind:

1. See the tightness: If I notice myself getting frustrated, hardening up, feeling a tightness … this is the sign that I should practice. And the good news is that practice helps me get better, so I should celebrate! This is a lesson that life has gifted me, and I try to say thank you.

2. Don’t act: The most harm comes when I act out of my frustration, actions that might include shutting down and not talking to someone. So when I notice the tightness, I try not to take any harmful action. Instead, I try to turn inward to face whatever is arising.

4. Stay with the feeling: Turn towards the feeling, and just observe it. See it as something that is arising, but isn’t necessarily me. It’s a feeling, a cloud passing across the sky, not a big deal. What does it feel like, physically in my body? Explore it with curiosity.

5. Give it some space, and compassion: If the tight feeling that is arising is a cloud, then I try to give it a big, expansive blue sky to float across. Instead of being immersed in the cloud, I try to widen, open up an expansiveness. And then I give the feeling some compassion. It’s OK to feel this! And it’s good to give it some love.

6. Relax, and loosen my grip: The tightness comes from wanting something or someone to be a certain way. I’m holding on tightly, and I really want this. Instead, I try to loosen my grip on whatever it is. It doesn’t really matter that much, I can flow around this. Instead, I try to relax into the moment, and be with whatever is going on. Notice the world around me, right now, instead of being caught up in my story. Relax, and be grateful for what’s around me.

7. Saying “I don’t know.”: Here’s the key to it all. Once I’ve relaxed a bit, I can now tell myself, “I don’t know how things should be. I don’t even know how they are now.” So this gives me space to not know, and to investigate. What is the truth about this moment? What would it be like to allow the future to unfold without knowing? What is it like to not know how other people should act, but be curious about why they’re acting that way? And to give them some compassion too?

Not knowing. A flexible mind is one that doesn’t really know what should happen, and is not even sure what will unfold in this next moment. It is curious, like a baby exploring the world afresh.

10 Super Simple ways to Improve your Mental Health

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 19:29:00 +0530

10 Super Simple ways to Improve your Mental Health

Little Things you can do to Improve your Mental Health

Interesting Little Things you Can Do to Improve Your Mental Health

10 Things you Can Do to Improve Your Mental Health

1. Make sure you go outside, or change your environment at least once a day.

2. Text, snapchat and message your friends. Make sure you don’t isolate yourself.

3. Budget for small treats and indulgences.

4. Decide to say “no” to people-pleasing tendencies. Be secure in who you are and in what you want for “you”.

5. Invest in hobbies which your genuinely enjoy, and which tend to leave you feeling good about yourself.

6. Have a favorite playlist which you know will lift your mood.

7. Decorate your space or room in a way that reflects you.

8. Limit how much time you spend with those who drain your energy.

9. Treat yourself the way you’d treat a special person, or good friend.

10. Don’t compare yourself to others, just appreciate being you.

5 Practically Possible Ways to Cope with Uncertainty

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 19:45:00 +0530

5 Practically Possible Ways to Cope with Uncertainty

How to Cope with Uncertainty

Best tips to Cope with Uncertainty

Tips to Cope with Uncertainty

1. Instead of worrying about the things that you CANT control, focus on the things you CAN control.

2. Develop an internal, rather than an external, locus of control. People who have an external locus of control see other people and events as being in control of their moods and destiny. That generally leads to unhappiness and a victim mentality. People with an internal locus of control see themselves as being the author of their life. Thus, regardless of what happens, they still believe they choose their own responses and destiny.

3. When everything feels uncertain, prioritise and take control of the one or two things that are most important to you. For example, if you move away, the most important thing might be to find accommodation. If you are in debt, the most important thing might be to find a job.

4. When it feels as if decisions are outside your control, keep making small decisions so you feel you have control - and are not just at the mercy of others or events. This can be something as small as choosing which new clothes to buy, or deciding where to go, or who to see, at the weekend.

5. Finally, remind yourself that even when things don’t go according to plan, there are usually other options that work out just as well. One answer or decision will rarely wreck your life!

7 Things Every Kid Needs to Hear

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 11:09:00 +0530

7 Things Every Kid Needs to Hear

1. I love you

2. I’m proud of you

3. I’m sorry

4. I forgive you

5. I’m listening

6. This is your responsibility

7. You’ve got what it takes.

Most People Fall under This 4 Personality Types

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 11:59:00 +0530

Most People Fall under This 4 Personality Types

Four 4 Personality Types

Psychology Research on Personality types

New research suggests that how we make decisions and work with others could be be based on personality, finding that most of us fit into one of four basic types.

A new European study on human behaviour suggests that people can be divided into one of four main personality types -- with 'Envious' being the most common.

The new research, carried out by a team of researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and the universities of Barcelona, Rovira i Virgili and Zaragoza, Spain, presented 541 volunteers with hundreds of social dilemmas and asked them to report on what they would do in each situation.

Participants had to make decisions based on individual or group interests, which would lead to either collaboration or conflict with others.

The decisions also had different consequences depending on what another participant involved decided to do, with Anxo Sánchez, one of the authors of the study explaining, "Those involved are asked to participate in pairs, these pairs change, not only in each round, but also each time the game changes. So, the best option could be to cooperate or, on the other hand, to oppose or betray..... In this way, we can obtain information about what people do in very different social situations."

The researchers then created a computer algorithm to analyze the responses and classify participants into personality groups based on their behaviour.

The results showed that the majority of the participants -- 90 per cent - could be divided into just four basic personality types

1. Envious

2. Trusting

3. Optimistic

4. Pessimistic

The Envious group included the participants who didn't mind what they achieve from a situation, as long as they're better than everyone else; Optimists believe that they and their partner will make the best choice for both of them; Pessimists choose the option which they see as being the lesser of two evils, and the Trusting group included those who are born collaborators who will always cooperate, and who don't mind if they win or lose.

The remaining 10 per cent fell into a fifth, undefined group, which the algorithm was unable to classify based on behaviour. The researchers believe this suggests that a wide range of smaller subgroups exists, made up of individuals who do not behave in a determined way to the various situations.

As the study uncovered some findings on what motivates an individuals' behavior based on both their own and the group's interest, the team now believe the findings could be useful for the business management, political reformulation, and according to Sánchez, even making "robots more humanized."

How to Cope with Anxiety

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 11:31:00 +0530

How to Cope with Anxiety

Practically Possible ways to Cope with Anixety

10 Best tips to Cope with Anxiety

Coping Statements for Anxiety

It is often possible to manage anxiety by actively replacing irrational thoughts with more balanced and reasonable thoughts like the following:

1. I’m going to be OK. Sometimes my feelings are irrational and false. I’m just going to relax and take things easy. Everything is going to be fine.

2. Anxiety may feel bad but it isn’t dangerous. There’s nothing wrong with me. Everything is going to be OK.

3. Feelings come and feelings go. Right now I feel bad but I know this is only temporary. I’ve done it before so I can do it again.

4. This image in my head isn’t reasonable or rational. I need to change my thinking and focus my attention on something that’s healthier, and generally helps me to feel good about myself. For example _____________.

5. I’ve managed to interrupt and change these thoughts before – so I know I can do it again. The more I practise this, the easier it will become. Anxiety is a habit – and it’s a habit that I can break!

6. So what if I anxious. It’s not the end of the world. It’s not going to kill me. I just need to take a few deep breaths and keep going.

7. Just take the next step. Just do the next thing.

8. Even if I have to put up with a period of anxiety, I’ll be glad that I did, and persevered, and succeeded.

9. I can feel anxious and still do a good job. The more I focus on the task at hand, the more my anxiety will ease, then disappear.

10. Anxiety doesn’t have a hold on me. It’s something I’m working on, and changing over time.

10 Interesting Myths About Autistic Adults

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 03:30:00 +0530

10 Interesting Myths About Autistic Adults

Stunning Myths About Autistic Adults

Myths About Autistic Adults

1 in 68 children in the US has autism spectrum disorder according to the CDC. But what happens when those children grow up? They will join millions of autistic adults who are usually ignored and sometimes spoken about in crude, whispered stereotypes.

By learning about and sharing these common myths, you’re helping to end the stigma that autistic people face daily. Thank you.

Myth 1: Only children have autism. Adults grow out of it.

Autism is a lifelong disease. As autistic people grow up, they tend to gradually become better and managing their own symptoms and adapting to the world around them. However, the core features of autism do not change (1).

Myth 2: You’re supposed to say, “Person with autism”.

The American Psychological Association (APA) has long advocated the use of person-first language (e.g., people with autism) to reduce bias in psychological writing.

But recently autistic adults themselves have begun promoting use of identity-first language.

Because of this discrepancy, new writing includes both forms of speech. (6)

How should you address a person with autism? Simply ask them about it and respect their choice.

Myth 3: Vaccines cause autism.

Autism is very clearly not caused by vaccines.Despite celebrity claims, the single study that found a link was found to be fraudulent. Its author Andrew Wakefield was attempting to market his own vaccine, so he skewed the data, hoping to profit. The study was retracted, his license was revoked, and many studies have proven him wrong. (7)

Myth 4: Autism only affects boys.

Girls and women have greater risk of missed diagnosis, or being mis-diagnosed for a number of reasons.

First, women tend to be better at adapting quickly and masking their challenges and symptoms for fear of social exclusion.

Additionally, professionals still see autism in a male-centric light, so they are more likely to diagnose a female (with the same symptoms as a male) as simply having depression or anxiety. (4)

Myth 5: There is nothing good about autism.

The growing community of autistic individuals is seeking to dispel the belief that they are something to be fixed or healed. Instead, they suggest that autism is part of your personality, character, and “what makes you, you.”(14)

Autistic people deal with sensory sensitivity but some studies suggest that their heightened awareness can be beneficial during activities such as listening to music. (13)

People with autism also tend to have many intellectual strengths such as open-mindedness, creativity, and love of learning. (15)

Myth 6: Autism is responsible for all of a person’s negative traits.

It’s very common for people with autism to have comorbidities such as Social Anxiety, OCD, or Major Depressive Disorder. (4)

Autism is sometimes assumed to be at the root of anxious, depressive, or neurotic behaviors but the reality is that these other disorders could be the actual cause.

Myth 7: Some people are just too “Low Functioning” to ever be happy. Happiness and quality of life are determined by many factors, but the degree of disability isn’t one of them. (8) This means that autistic people have the capacity to be happy and have a high quality of life no matter how severe their disabilities are.

Myth 8: Autistic adults just want to stay unemployed and collect disability. Autistic adults tend to have a higher quality of life when they are employed. (9) This is because paid employment is a source of pride and meaning for people with and without autism (10).

There is a severe lack of employment opportunities for individuals with autism and that impacts their community participation and quality of life (11).

There are very few opportunities for vocational training for individuals transitioning into adulthood and the ones that do exist tend to be of poor quality. (2)

Myth 9: Autistic adults have no friends.

The autistic community is truly becoming its own culture as its members discover their unique but shared thought processes and ways of doing things. New language is even emerging from this community. (14)

People with autism often find friendship, empathy, acceptance, education, and connection in these communities.

Myth 10: Autistic adults don’t need much support.

Autistic adults are making major advances in life and doing things that professionals never expected.

Colleges are struggling to establish support services appropriate to the needs of their increasing percentage of autistic students. (5) As more young adults with autism are gaining employment, vocational training programs are being pushed to keep up. (5) Communities may also try to provide support on how to engage socially and communicate effectively so as to support those autistic persons who wish to be more communally involved.(5,3)

Many programs and services expire once a person turns 18, but there are clearly many areas that autistic adults need support in to reach their full potential: A potential that seems to just keep growing and expanding.

Sources

1. Korkmaz, B. (2000). Infantile autism: Adult outcome. Seminars in Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 5(3), 164-170. doi:10.1053/scnp.2000.6727

2. Taylor, J. L., Mcpheeters, M. L., Sathe, N. A., Dove, D., Veenstra-Vanderweele, J., & Warren, Z. (2012). A Systematic Review of Vocational Interventions for Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pediatrics, 130(3), 531-538. doi:10.1542/peds.2012-0682

3. Spain, D., & Blainey, S. H. (2015). Group social skills interventions for adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Autism, 19(7), 874-886. doi:10.1177/1362361315587659

4. Williams, C. V. (2016). Diagnosing/Recognising High Functioning Autism in Adult Females: Challenging Stereotypes. Autism Open Access Autism-Open Access,6(3). doi:10.4172/2165-7890.1000179

5. Carr, S. E. (n.d.). Quality of life in emerging adults with autism spectrum disorder(Unpublished master’s thesis).

6. Dunn, D. S., & Andrews, E. E. (2015). Person-first and identity-first language: Developing psychologists’ cultural competence using disability language.American Psychologist, 70(3), 255-264. doi:10.1037/a0038636

7. No harmful association between MMR vaccine and autism. (2015). The Pharmaceutical Journal. doi:10.1211/pj.2015.20068402

8. Rentry, J., & Roeyers, H. (2007). Quality of life in high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 10(5), 511-524.

9. Burgess, S., & Turkstra, L. S. (2010). Quality of communication life in adolescents with highfunctioning autism and asperger syndrome: a feasibility study. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 41(4), 474.

10. Grandin, T. (2012). Different… Not Less: Inspiring Stories of Achievement and Successful Employment from Adults. Future Horizons.

11. Chan, F., Wang, C. C., Muller, V., & Fitzgerald, S. (2011). Vocational rehabilitation outcomes: A multi-level analysis of economic indicators, VR agency characteristics, and RSA-911 data. Phase one report. Madison, WI: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Effective VR Service Delivery Practices.

12. Wehman, P. (2013). Transition From School to Work Where Are We and Where Do We Need to Go? Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 36(1), 58-66.

13. Bouvet, L., Mottron, L., Valdois, S., & Donnadieu, S. (2013). Auditory Stream Segregation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Benefits and Downsides of Superior Perceptual Processes. J Autism Dev Disord Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(5), 1553-1561. doi:10.1007/s10803-013-2003-8

14. Lengel, L. M. (2015). A Culture of Loneliness: Asperger Syndrome Tiffany S. Campbell Bowling Green State University International Communication COMM 4090.

15. Kirchner, J., Ruch, W., & Dziobek, I. (2016). Brief Report: Character Strengths in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Without Intellectual Impairment. J Autism Dev Disord Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. doi:10.1007/s10803-016-2865-7

7 Things You Should Never Be Ashamed Of

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 13:03:00 +0530

7 Things You Should Never Be Ashamed Of

1. Listening to your intuition.

2. Respecting and standing up for yourself.

3. Making your own choices/ living your own life.

4. Taking time for yourself/ investing in self care.

5. Feeling and respecting your own emotions.

6. Following your heart, and Investing in your dreams.

7. Letting go of the past (that’s not who you are today.)

10 interesting Psychological Facts About Human Feelings

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 12:50:00 +0530

10 interesting Psychological Facts About Human Feelings

Psychology facts about Human feelings

Best psychology facts about human feelings

1. Without realizing it, we are deeply affected by other people’s moods. Research call this phenomena “emotional contagion”. This is a natural process that pre-wired our brain via “mirror-neurons” that allow us to sense and reflect other people’s emotions. (Blume. 2007). As stated in the Chameleon Effect, we have a natural tendency to imitate another person’s speech inflections and physical expressions (Bargh and Chartand, 1999).

References:

Blume, Ph.D. 2007. Contagious Emotions.

2. In the past few years, psychology researchers have found a good deal of literal truth embedded in the metaphorical phrased comparing love to pain. Neuroimaging studies have shown that brain regions involved processing physical pain overlap considerably with those tied to social anguish. (Jaffe, 2013). Broken Heart Syndrome is characterized by normal coronary arteries, regional wall motion abnormalities that extend beyond a single coronary vascular bed, and often, a precipitating stressor. (Hurst, et. Al, 2010). Its temporary that is often brought on by stressful situations, such as the death of a loved one.

3. When we hug, the chemical that the brain release is the hormone oxytocin. It has been hypothesized that oxytocin, a hormone recognized for its role in social attachment and facilitations of social interactions, is also important in the formation of trust. (Baumagartner, 2008)

4. It was proposed in one study that the normal, unremarkable experiences associated with everyday living can deplete one’s capacity to resist moral temptations (Kouchaki, et al. 2013). The study proposes that people are more likely to have less self-control when they’re tired. Another study concluded that the average adult has less self-control as the work day wears on, becoming more likely to act “immoral” by the end of the afternoon (Barnes, et al. 2014). It could be tied to the study by the Florida State University that restoring glucose to a sufficient level typically improves self-control. And it turns out that in 2009, the Stanford University School of Medicine found that circadian rhythms are directly tied to the mechanism that processes blood sugar.

This works both ways, the studies above have mentioned that people tend to engage in immoral behaviour when they’re tired due to the lack of self-control. However, the lack of self-control can also cause people to let their guard down a little bit and be more honest with physical conditions.

5. There is actually a phobia for losing one’s phone. Nomophobia is a term describing the fear of being without a mobile device, or beyond mobile phone contact (Elmore,2014) The term is an abbreviation for “no-mobile-phone phobia” which was coiled during a 2010 study by the UK Post Office. According to the study, 54% of those questioned said they experienced nomophobia. Overall, women were more likely to suffer from nomophobia than men (Merz, 2013).

6. Desensitization is defined as the diminished emotional responsiveness to a negative or aversive stimulus after repeated exposure to it. In a study conducted recently, parents were subjected to watching movies that have violence and sex have showed that there was an increase in acceptance to both types of content, even to the extent of the willingness to show it to their children. (Romer, et. Al. 2014). There is also evidence of desensitization among people who play video games (Bushman, 2007).

7. I don’t think it’s a new thing when I say that we consider Chocolate as “the love drug”. Known for notoriously being an aphrodisiac, and a good gift for anytime of the year, chocolate has been a widely known staple for showing love. But why is this so? It contains tryptophan, a chemical in the brain that is used to produce serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical that plays a major role in positive mood, emotional health, proper sleep and balance appetite, and contributing to numerous behavioural and physiological functions. (Kilham, 2011). Chocolate also contains a chemical called phenylethylamine. It’s a neurotransmitter that helps promote feelings of attraction, excitement, and giddiness. It works by stimulating the brain’s pleasure centers and reaches its peak level during orgasm (Crandell, 2007).

8. Psychological research has classified six facial expressions which correspond to distinct universal emotions: disgust, sadness, happiness, fear, anger, and surprise (Black, et. Al, 1995). Theorists have also hypothesized that the universals are to be found in the relationship between distinctive movements of the facials muscles and the particular emotions. (Ekman and Friesen, 1967, 1969).

9. Mirror neurons are the brain’s hardware for harmonizing individuals to their environment (Matousek, 2011). Mirror neurons allow us to grasp the minds of others not through conceptual reasoning but through direct stimulation. It is because of mirror neurons that you blush when you see someone else humiliated, flinch when someone else is struck, and can’t resist the urge to laugh when seeing a group struck with giggles (Rizzolatti, circa 1990). It has been said that these neurons give us the capability for empathy, allowing us to feel what other people feel – theoretically both physically and emotionally (Ramachandran, 2012).

10. Some studies suggest that people dread idleness (Hsee, et.al 2009). In an experiment by Christopher Hsee and his colleagues, they conducted two experiments that showed that people choose to be idle; that even a specious justification can motivate people to be busy, and that people who are busy are happier than people who are idle (Hsee, et.al 2009).

10 Facts on Psychological Defense Mechanisms

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 15:30:00 +0530

10 Facts on Psychological Defense Mechanisms

Interesting Psychological Defense Mechanisms

10 Psychological Defense Mechanisms

Defense mechanisms are the brain’s way of keeping us safe from being fully aware of unpleasant thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, we can choose to use certain defense mechanisms like repression, denial and rationalization. Below is a list of 10 of the most common defense mechanisms.

1. Displacement: The diversion of emotions, such as anger from the original source to a substitute target. For example, your friend says something hurtful, and instead of confronting your friend you later lash out at your sister.

2. Projection: The projection of one’s own feelings, thoughts, or motives onto someone else. For example, a person who is cheating is under the impression that their partner is cheating on them.

3. Rationalization: Developing false, though plausible excuses to justify irrational and/or unacceptable behavior. For example, stealing from a corporate chain store (such as Best Buy) and justifying the theft by saying “they make millions in profit, so it doesn’t matter”.

4. Reaction Formation: Behaving in a way opposite to how you feel. For example, when a person is romantically attracted to someone but adamantly claims that they dislike that someone.

5. Regression: Reverting to childlike patterns of behavior. For example, a student gets a bad grade on their test and screams and cries at their parents or teacher.

6. Repression/Denial: Pushing or burying thoughts and feelings that are distressing into the subconscious. For example, an addict will deny they have an addiction because they can function fine at work and at home. An example of repression would be a person who witnesses a crime being unable to remember the event.

7. Sublimation: The refocusing of unacceptable impulses, thoughts, and/or emotions into more acceptable ones. For example, a person who is experiencing aggressive impulses instead channels that energy into rigorous exercise.

8. Dissociation: The detachment from reality and from one’s self, and the finding of another representation of self to cope with extreme stress or conflict. A person who uses dissociation as a defense mechanism “disconnects” from reality and lives in their own world, in which they do not experience unbearable thoughts, feelings, or memories for a period of time.

9. Intellectualization: Overthinking and the misdirection of focus when confronted with unacceptable situations, behaviors, or impulses. For example, a person who has been told a close family member has died begins to focus on and overthinks the details of planning a funeral, etc., instead of expressing their grief.

10. Compensation: The counterbalancing of perceived flaws or weaknesses by instead emphasizing strengths. For example, a person says they can’t draw but they’re really good at dancing.

Note: Defense mechanisms 1 through 7 are also known as the 7 Major Freudian Defense Mechanisms. Regression, Dissociation, Projection and Reaction Formation are primitive defense mechanisms; Displacement, Intellectualization and Rationalization are less primitive, more mature defense mechanisms; and Sublimation and Compensation are mature defense mechanisms. Though Repression and Denial have been grouped together in this list, Denial is a primitive defense mechanism and Repression is a less primitive, more mature defense mechanism.

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment letting me know your thoughts on this article.

Sources:

Stangor, C. Introduction to Psychology (p. 340). Flat World Knowledge.

Grohol, J. (2013). 15 Common Defense Mechanisms. Psych Central. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-defense-mechanisms/

Practically Possible Ways to Avoid Over-Thinking

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 19:35:00 +0530

Practically Possible Ways to Avoid Over-Thinking

7 Tips to Avoid Over-Thinking

How to Avoid Over-Thinking

1. When you feel bogged down and you can’t clear your mind, do something physical or get some exercise.

2. Set a time limit for your “thinking time” then make yourself move on to doing something else.

3. Interrupt the thinking process or distract yourself by diverting your attention onto something very different.

4. Stop discussing what concerns you with everyone you meet as you’ll just end up confused, and you won’t know what to do.

5. Accept that uncertainty is part of this life, and we don’t have all the facts, or know what’s further down the road.

6. Throw yourself into a project, a hobby or some work. That will force you to refocus on something else instead.

7. Let your mind go blank and just relax for a while. It will help you see more clearly when you start to think, next time.

10 Ultimate Facts about Introverts

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Fri, 9 Sep 2016 17:16:00 +0530

10 Interesting Facts about introverts

10 Ultimate Facts about Introverts

Here are some facts on introverts

10 Signs You’re an Introvert

1. You find small talk incredibly cumbersome.

Introverts are notoriously small talk-phobic, as they find idle chatter to be a source of anxiety, or at least annoyance. For many quiet types, chitchat can feel disingenuous.

“Let’s clear one thing up: Introverts do not hate small talk because we dislike people,” Laurie Helgoe writes in “Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength.” “We hate small talk because we hate the barrier it creates between people.”

2. You go to parties -– but not to meet people.

If you’re an introvert, you may sometimes enjoy going to parties, but chances are, you’re not going because you’re excited to meet new people. At a party, most introverts would rather spend time with people they already know and feel comfortable around. If you happen to meet a new person that you connect with, great — but meeting people is rarely the goal.

3. You often feel alone in a crowd.

Ever feel like an outsider in the middle of social gatherings and group activities, even with people you know?

“If you tend to find yourself feeling alone in a crowd, you might be an introvert,” says Dembling. “We might let friends or activities pick us, rather than extending our own invitations.”

4. Networking makes you feel like a phony.

Networking (read: small-talk with the end goal of advancing your career) can feel particularly disingenuous for introverts, who crave authenticity in their interactions.

“Networking is stressful if we do it in the ways that are stressful to us,” Dembling says, advising introverts to network in small, intimate groups rather than at large mixers.

5. You’ve been called “too intense.”

Do you have a penchant for philosophical conversations and a love of thought-provoking books and movies? If so, you’re a textbook introvert.

“Introverts like to jump into the deep end,” says Dembling.

6. You’re easily distracted.

While extroverts tend to get bored easily when they don’t have enough to do, introverts have the opposite problem — they get easily distracted and overwhelmed in environments with an excess of stimulation.

“Extroverts are commonly found to be more easily bored than introverts on monotonous tasks, probably because they require and thrive on high levels of stimulation,” Clark University researchers wrote in a paper published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. “In contrast, introverts are more easily distracted than extroverts and, hence, prefer relatively unstimulating environments.”

7. Downtime doesn’t feel unproductive to you.

One of the most fundamental characteristics of introverts is that they need time alone to recharge their batteries. Whereas an extrovert might get bored or antsy spending a day at home alone with tea and a stack of magazines, this sort of down time feels necessary and satisfying to an introvert.

8. Giving a talk in front of 500 people is less stressful than having to mingle with those people afterwards.

Introverts can be excellent leaders and public speakers — and although they’re stereotyped as being the shrinking violet, they don’t necessarily shy away from the spotlight. Performers like Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and Emma Watson all identify as introverts, and an estimated 40 percent of CEOs have introverted personalities. Instead, an introvert might struggle more with meeting and greeting large groups of people on an individual basis.

9. When you get on the subway, you sit at the end of the bench -– not in the middle.

Whenever possible, introverts tend to avoid being surrounded by people on all sides.

“We’re likely to sit in places where we can get away when we’re ready to — easily,” says Dembling. “When I go to the theatre, I want the aisle seat or the back seat.”

10. You start to shut down after you’ve been active for too long.

Do you start to get tired and unresponsive after you’ve been out and about for too long? It’s likely because you’re trying to conserve energy. Everything introverts do in the outside world causes them to expend energy, after which they’ll need to go back and replenish their stores in a quiet environment, says Dembling. Short of a quiet place to go, many introverts will resort to zoning out.

Why complicate Life

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Fri, 9 Sep 2016 16:45:00 +0530

Why complicate Life

1. Missing somebody – Call.

2. Wanna meet up – Invite.

3. Wanna be understood – Explain.

4. Have questions – Ask.

5. Don’t like something - Speak up.

6. Like something – Share it.

7. Want something - Ask for it.

8. Love someone – Tell them.

We only have one life. Keep it simple

9 Things That Can Make You Less Attractive, According to Science

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Thu, 8 Sep 2016 18:11:00 +0530

9 things that can make you less attractive, according to science

Here are the things that can make you less attractive

Aren't there things we're all guilty of doing that can decrease our attractiveness?

The answer is almost definitely yes. What follows is a list of common traits and behaviors that can make it harder to impress the object of your affection.

1. Sleep deprivation

We generally look a lot less attractive after skimping on sleep.

In 2010, researchers took photos of people who'd slept for at least eight hours the night before and people who hadn't slept in 31 hours. Other participants rated the people in the photos on different criteria.

Not only were the sleep-deprived people perceived as more tired (obviously), but they were also perceived as less attractive, less healthy, and sadder.

2. Being mean

Do nice guys really finish last?

For a 2014 Chinese study, researchers had men and women look at photos of other people, all displaying neutral expressions.

Some of those photos were accompanied by the Chinese words for “decent” and honest“; the others were accompanied by the Chinese words for ”evil“ and ”mean“; still others weren't accompanied by any information.

Participants ended up rating people least attractive when they were described as evil and mean.

3. Contractive body language

If you've heard about the “power pose,” you know that expanding your body can make you feel more powerful and confident, while curling inward can make you feel less so.

According to 2016 research, that contractive body language can also make you seem less attractive. In one study, researchers created profiles for men and women on a GPS-based dating app. In one set of profiles, the men and women were pictured in contractive positions — for example, by crossing their arms or hunching their shoulders.

In the other set of profiles, the same men and women were pictured in expansive positions, like holding their arms upward in a “V” or reaching out to grab something.

Results showed that people in expansive postures were selected more often than those in contractive postures. And men pictured in contractive postures seemed to be at a special disadvantage.

4. Stress

Chill out — you might look hotter.

A 2013 study found that women with high levels of the stress hormone cortisol were perceived by heterosexual men as less attractive.

The researchers say that's possibly because high cortisol (and lower stress) levels indicate health and fertility.

5. Looking too happy or too proud

While happiness is generally attractive on women, girls don't like guys who are too smiley.

By contrast, while pride is typically attractive on men, guys don't like girls who look too proud.

In 2011, researchers conducted experiments on more than 1,000 people, showing them photographs of members of the opposite sex and asking them how attractive the people in the photos were.

Results showed that men rated women most attractive when they looked happy and least attractive when they displayed pride. Women, on the other hand, rated men most attractive when they displayed pride and least attractive when they looked happy.

6. Not having a sense of humor

A guy walks into a bar … fumbles a joke and leaves alone.

A 2009 study found that not being funny at all — and even having an average sense of humor — is less attractive than having a great sense of humor.

The study also found that gender didn't play a role — a poor sense of humor was equally unattractive in men and women.

7. Laziness

A clever series of experiments published in 2004 found that perceived attractiveness depends a lot on traits like helpfulness.

In one experiment, researchers asked students in a six-week archaeology course to rate each other on different personality traits as well as attractiveness, at the start and the end of the course.

When they analyzed the results, the researchers found that even students who'd been rated average at the beginning of the course were rated less attractive than average later on if they'd proven to be lazy.

8. If you smell too similar or too different

Science suggests humans seek out mates who are neither too similar nor different genetically — and we make these judgments partly based on body odor.

In a 2006 study, for example, researchers recruited heterosexual couples to answer questions like how much they were turned on by their partners and how many other people they'd had sex with during the course of the relationship.

Meanwhile, the researchers took DNA from the participants' mouths as well as their partners' and brought it to the lab for testing. Specifically, they wanted to compare their major histocompatibility complexes, which are immune-system genes.

The researchers found that the more similar their MHCs were, the less attracted the participants were to their partners and the more likely they were to have had sex outside the relationship.

At the same time, studies have also found that we avoid partners who smell too different from us.

9. If you're tempted to lie about your age or your income to make yourself seem hotter, don't.

Research suggests that dishonesty is a major turn-off for both men and women. For the 2006 study, participants read blurbs about men and women, who were described as either intelligent or unintelligent, dependent or independent, and honest or dishonest.

Then they were asked to rate the people on a number of criteria, including how much they liked the people and how attractive those people were.

As it turns out, honesty was the only trait out of the three to have a substantial effect on attractiveness and liking.

What is the perfect age to get married if you don't want to get divorced

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Thu, 8 Sep 2016 16:52:00 +0530

What is the perfect age to get married if you don't want to get divorced

Here is the Ideal age to get married.

Optimal age for long lasting marriage

University of Utah researcher Nicholas Wolfinger says he has found the optimal age range for a lasting marriage.

In July 2015, University of Utah researcher Nicholas Wolfinger announced that he had found the optimal age range for a lasting marriage, after looking at data published by the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) from 2006-2010.

Wolfinger, an adjunct professor of sociology at the university, claimed that the likelihood of divorce was lowest when a couple married between the ages of 28 and 32. "The odds of divorce decline as you age from your teenage years through your late twenties and early thirties," Wolfinger wrote.

"Thereafter, the chances of divorce go up again as you move into your late thirties and early forties." While Wolfinger's research generated considerable interest in the media, it was also met with a healthy dose of scepticism.

So is there really such a thing as the "best" age to get married? One of the UK's best-known marital therapists, Andrew G Marshall, feels that we may be trying too hard to show we're in the "perfect relationship".

"It fits in with our idea that there's such a thing as a full partner, who understands us 100 per cent, and because we're on exactly the same wavelength all our problems are going to fall away and we're going to have a perfect relationship," he tells The Independent.

"I think it's wishful thinking, that if we do it on the right day, in exactly the right way, we will set off in the right way and have the right marriage. And we're terrified of making mistakes, so we guard against that by these sort of superstitions."

He suggests that these superstitions take place, in part, in the wedding day, where some couples will spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on everything from the "perfect" dress to the "perfect" location.

"They think: 'if I've said it in front of all my family and friends, and on Instagram, I've got to get the marriage right,'" Marshall says.

How does he feel about this notion of there being an ideal age to get married?

"I think the best age to get married is when you're both ready and want to do it," he says.

"Marriage is a wonderful institution. Because living together is a private arrangement, whereas getting married is a public one: it brings your partner into your family, and provides them with more loving support.

"It also makes you think twice before you separate, and that's generally a good thing. We choose people for a reason, and that reason is normally growth. And growth involves conflict, which we're often terrified of, but actually it's really good for us."

He suggests that couples often get caught up in the cliche of "I love you, but I'm not in love with you", because they supress their differences.

"They think conflict is terrible, so they undermine their relationship by tip- toeing around it."

Marshall also believes social media is a "complete and utter disaster" for modern relationships.

10 years ago, he says, no one he spoke with complained about how their partner was "always on their phone" or "always on Facebook".

Now, he hears it all the time.

"It also makes infidelity much easier," he says, "and when you're trying to get over them it's much harder, because the other party can pop into your house with a "bing" at any time of day or night."

Self-Help List

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Wed, 7 Sep 2016 13:25:00 +0530

Self-Help List

10 Self-Help Tips

1. Say thank you to everything and everyone, even to your grief and those who frustrate you.

2. Ask how you want to use this gift of a day.

3. See this moment as the most important moment in the world, and don’t wait to be happy.

4. Do every task out of love for someone else, and yourself.

5. To make better habits, put everything you have into small steps. And ask for help.

6. Travel lighter, pack fewer fears.

7. Overcome procrastination by sitting with one task, not letting yourself run from discomfort.

9. One thing at a time.

10. See discomfort as no big deal.

11. Ask yourself how you want to spend your one wild and precious life.

Interesting Psychology Experiment to Beat Procrastination

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Wed, 7 Sep 2016 12:28:00 +0530

Interesting Psychology Experiment to Beat Procrastination

Practically possible way to avoid Procrastination

Best way to avoid Procrastination

We are all victims of procrastination. It chases us around daily, causing us to run from the tasks we really want to get done, run to distraction and busywork and email and … everything but the things that really matter.

Procrastination has been controlling us for too long.

This is the month we take a stand. This is the time we decide to stay instead of avoiding, to focus instead of running.

Are you ready for the Unprocrastination Challenge? Yes, you are. No, you can’t do it later.

I’m issuing this challenge to you today, for the rest of this month.

Here’s how it works:

1. Commit publicly (on social media, to your friends, family and coworkers, however you want) to doing this every day for the rest of this month.

2. Each day, spend just 5 minutes doing an Unprocrastination Session (see next step).

3. Pick an important task to focus on, clear away all distractions, set a timer for 5 minutes, and do nothing but that task.

4. You cannot switch tasks during this session. You cannot check on something real quick. You cannot get up to clean something. You can only sit there, with that one task, and either focus on the task or sit there and do nothing.

5. When you get the urge to switch tasks, don’t switch. Just stay with the urge. Watch it, let it surge, then let it fade. Return to your task.

6. When the timer goes off, success! You can keep going if you want, or take a break and go again, but neither is necessary. Just 5 minutes a day is all that’s required for success.

7. Yes, even do your 5-minute sessions on the weekend. Pick a personal project to focus on during those days if you like.

That’s it. Just commit, pick a task every day, set a timer, and do nothing but the task or sit and watch your urge to switch. Pretty simple, right?

What you’ll notice is that you get the urge to switch a lot. That’s normal. These sessions allow you to see the urge, and to face the urge instead of habitually running from them.

What you’ll also notice is that the urge is not a big deal. We run in fear, but really it’s not that scary. It’s no reason to panic. No big deal.

What you might find is that you’re able to get a lot done if you don’t let yourself run. Project will get further than ever. You’ll be on top of your study or work schedule. You’ll get those taxes or dreaded paperwork done. Important work gets done, which is amazing.

I have used this method to get better at focusing, and now do several of these sessions each day. And even more amazing is that I can now deal mindfully with urges to procrastinate on things like exercise, reading, making healthy meals, and more.

No, I’m not cured of procrastination … I don’t think we ever will be. But I now know that each urge is no big deal, and I can focus. That has changed so much for me. You can do it too.

What is the most interesting fact that I know and you don't, but you should?

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sun, 4 Sep 2016 19:52:00 +0530

An Interesting Fact about Dream

You can introduce new characters into other persons dream while they are asleep.

Yes, you heard it right!

Our surroundings, temperature, environment, noises etc., have a lot of impact on our dreams.

This has been well depicted in the movie Inception by Christopher Nolan.

Cobb(Leonardo), goes into a state of deep sleep dreaming. After some time, some goons start approaching the location where Cobb, Arthur were staying, burning and trashing down the houses.

Arthur tries to wake Cobb by beating and shouting, but Cobb was already in a deep state of dream and not able to wakeup.

Arthur then says to kick Cobb, then Cobb falls in water along with the chair. As shown in the below image;

When Cobb was hitting water in the real world, he sees huge water splashing from nowhere into building in the dream. Refer below image;

This is also applicable to real life dreaming. Using, this technique we can introduce new characters into other persons dream.

When, a person is sleeping approach him and spell out few names/characters the person and you know in common, without waking up the person. If the person is dreaming, the chances of new characters entering into the persons dream are very high.

This way we can control others dreams to some extent.

Great depiction by the legend - Christopher Nolan.

10 Interesting Psychology Facts about Polygamy

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sat, 3 Sep 2016 16:29:00 +0530

10 Interesting Psychology Facts about Polygamy

Polygamy is a relationship where people have multiple partners at the same time, and while many people today cringe at the thought of sharing their partner with one or more individuals, there is a vast wealth of historical, psychological and evolutionary information that suggests that this type of relationship is actually normal in humans. From today’s mormon groups and tribal cultures to yesterday’s ancient greeks and hunter-gatherers, there are plenty of examples of polygamous relationships throughout history.

1. Farms

A great deal of human history was spent during the early days of agriculture, where cities were rare and the majority of the population lived on farms. This made it incredibly advantageous to have as many children as possible. Because one man can father many more children if he is able to impregnate multiple women simultaneously, this type of relationship would have been common during these times as it ensures a plentiful supply of workers for the farm. Over time, the trait in males to actively pursue this type of relationship would have been passed down as an evolutionary adaptation.

2. Great Ape Ancestors

Clues to why humans are prone to polygamy can be found in our great ape ancestors, such as Chimps, Bonobos and Gorillas. Male Chimpanzees have evolved to compete with each other for access to more than one female while living in a group comprising of many males and females. Male Gorillas have evolved to fiercely defend an entire group of females, and less powerful males are left unable to mate. Bonobo mating is incredibly complex, although a key point is that in a group of males and females, one member mates with every other member of the tribe, and vice versa. Mating in Bonobos serves as a way to reduce stress and increase the bond of the group. Since we share a huge percentage of our DNA with great apes (from 97-99%), there is no doubt that we inherited some of these polygamous traits from our ape ancestors.

3. Chromosome tests

A recent study of the human chromosome suggests some interesting things about our mating patterns throughout the ages. Scientists have analyzed our genetic code, and were able to figure out if the input of females to our DNA was greater than that of males. In other words, were females mating more than males in human history? The answer is yes, females have contributed almost twice as much DNA as males to our current genetic makeup. This is because males have been more likely to impregnate two females if they did manage to mate in our evolutionary history, and so two females were able to pass on their genes for every male that was able to do the same. This suggests that we have been polygamous throughout the majority of human evolution.

4. Men are able to impregnate multiple females at once

The clearest and most logical explanation of why humans are prone to polygamy is simple. Humans are able to reproduce faster if multiple females are impregnated by the same male. Females are much more valuable to reproduction than males. Consider a situation in which 11 people are the sole survivors of a great flood. If you have only one female with a group of ten males, think about how slowly it would take to produce offspring. Not only that, but the offspring would all be related maternally and inbreeding would result if not exposed to an external population. On the other hand, one male and ten females would not only ensure a much larger amount of offspring, but also reduce any chances of inbreeding. Therefore, these strong genes of humans who are polygamous would would be passed on to us today.

5. War

War has been an ever-present factor throughout human evolution and history, and may have played a major role in determining human mating strategies. First of all, men are almost always the only gender to engage in war. Therefore, men die in droves while women are unaffected. This leads to a scarcity in males that necessitates polygyny in females, as one man is required to impregnate multiple females in order to rebuild the population. In addition, one theory suggests that men are more likely to go to war if they are not engaged in marriage or similar monogamous relationships. In theory, this would cause societies that engage in stable, monogamous relationships to be wiped out and destroyed by societies full of warlike men who are not “tied down” by a wife or partner. These warlike men may make up a large percentage of our ancestry.

6. Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual Dimorphism refers to the difference in physical structure between males and females of a species. Sexual Dimorphism indicates competition between males, as males evolve to be larger and more powerful to fight off competing males, whereas females have nowhere near as much of a need to compete with each other, and so their physical structure stays pretty much the same. Humans display considerable Sexual Dimorphism, and so there is no doubt that human males have a long evolutionary history of competing with one another. Because of this, strong males would have been able to fight off weaker males, thereby denying them access to females and mating with at least more than one female as a result.

7. Female preference for dominant males

Females seem to have a psychological tendency to display a preference for dominant males rather than weaker males. This is no doubt a result of human evolution. In order to ensure her offspring were strong, females throughout early human evolution would have chosen males that displayed dominance, and refused males that they viewed as being weaker. Human evolution is characterized by extremely choosy females, and they have the ability to deny those males who they deem unsuitable. This would lead to only a small percentage of males mating with a large number of females, another indicator of polygamy in human evolution.

8. Female promiscuity to confuse parentage

One of the biggest concerns for females throughout evolution was the well-being of their infants. This was one of the main reasons that females made certain that they chose males who were strong and intelligent enough to protect them. One of the most interesting things about ape reproduction is that in some species, females are prone to increased promiscuity, or mating with multiple males. This is actually an evolutionary adaptation. In order to make sure that not just one, but multiple males all try to protect her infant, the female will mate with as many males as possible, in order to fool them all into thinking that the infant is theirs. In reality, the real father of the infant is unknown. This is another evolutionary adaptation that could have been passed on to us.

9. Mating seasons and Congregations

One of the most common ways for early humans and human ancestors to mate was to congregate during mating seasons at special meeting places. These places could be areas where there was a huge amount of food at a certain time of year, and so many different groups of humans from different areas would all meet and interact. These interactions commonly resulted in mating between groups. This is a great evolutionary adaptation because it ensures that there is limited inbreeding and promotes strong genes being passed on. Females would use these opportunities to mate, often going back each year and finding a new partner each time. These were common occurrences, and no doubt contributed to our evolution and genetic structure today.

10. Human intelligence

The thing that sets humans apart from animals more than any other thing is our intelligence. The evolution of our intelligence may have played a major role in our tendency towards polygamous relationships. Weaker, smaller males would have had no other option but to employ their wits when trying to steal mates away from stronger, larger males. Even today, intelligent males are more likely to be successful and find a partner. This suggests that eventually, the intelligent males probably beat the stronger males in the race between brains and brawn. In one example, a male Chimp was observed to smash a metal cannister into the ground, scaring the other (larger) males away long enough for this intelligent Chimp to mate with many of the females. Such an example shows how intelligence not only increases the chances for a male to mate, but also the likelihood of a group engaging in polygamy.

Bonus: 11. Wealth

Today, we live in a society where 1% of the population hold 90% of the world’s wealth. But is this anything new? Since ancient history there have been countless kings, pharaohs, and emperors, all of them holding a huge amount of a population’s wealth and, most importantly, an unlimited supply of females. It is a commonly known fact that Genghis Khan fathered so many offspring that a huge percentage of people today are related to him. The same is true for countless other monarchs, although to a lesser degree. Along with the genes of these monarchs, the same traits of these ancestors are passed on, most notably the tendency and the drive to pursue polygamous relationships.

9 Signs That You’re Dating a Sociopath

psychtronics@gmail.com (psychtronics) — Sat, 3 Sep 2016 16:05:00 +0530

9 Signs That You’re Dating a Sociopath

How do you know when you’re in a relationship with the wrong person? Sometimes, you can’t tell when you’re in such a relationship, as love can often blind you. However, this article may help to look at things objectively and identify if you are indeed in a relationship with a Sociopath.

1. They are motivated solely by their own personal desires.

Basic human needs like food, water or money are what drives them. If you talk to them about making the world a better place, they won’t be motivated. In a relationship context, only things like money, sex, food or whatever you can offer them are interesting to them.

2. They are highly manipulative.

This is usually done when they pray on your emotions. They find your weak spots, take advantage of them. They socially isolate you from your friends and even family, not allowing you to to go anywhere (e.g. the grocery shop) without letting them know and gaining their approval first. This behaviour sees the strength of your relationships with other people diminish, thus resulting in you needing your partner more.

3. They don’t walk the walk.

They will tell you one thing, but do another. Or they will say how they hate certain things, but allow those things into their life. They tell you their grand plans, but none of this shows in their actions. (This is a very obvious moral contradiction). This can be confusing and disorienting, especially when they’re being hypocritical. For example if they tell you they hate when you’re late to dates and it shows that you have no respect for them, but will often be late or even reschedule plans with you. (with no valid explanation or apology)

4. They lack sympathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand someone’s emotions. They certainly understand your emotions, they just have no sympathy for you. When you’re feeling sad, they simply do not see it as something that should concern them, but rather as an opportunity to exploit your perceived weakness.

“A personal example of this for me is when my Grandmother went to ER with stomach troubles and was rushed in for emergency surgery as it was quickly diagnosed that she had severe stomach and uterine cancer. I saw her an hour after she came out of surgery, and seeing her laying there with blood soaking through the hospital sheets was an extremely distressing situation for me. I got home and cried for hours, in the middle of this my partner walked into the room and did not ask me how I was, or how grandma was doing after surgery, my partner did not hug or comfort me. Instead my partner told me that she’s suicidal, and walked back out of the room.” – contributor’s story. Things such as this, if they were isolated incidents, could be due to outside stress. However, when this is a recurring theme where your partner has no concern for your feelings, it may suggest deeper issues.” – contributor’s story

5. They don’t take responsibility.

Sociopaths commonly are narcissistic, they do not believe that they are ever at their fault no matter their obvious guilt. When confronted on their behaviour and asked to change their ways, they will say yes, anything to keep you. However there will be no changes, this is a continuous cycle of mistreatment and manipulation.

6. Insults.

Their jabs don’t always have to be direct. Let’s say you’re wearing an outfit similar to another person both of you encounter. Your partner might make a comment about how ugly and gross the other person’s clothes are, and if you confront them, they will accuse you of being paranoid and play the victim.

7. You’re always guilty.

You are the one who is at fault for every mishap, your partner will never admit when they are wrong. They will turn around every situation, become the victim when they’re clearly not. In the end, you are the one apologizing.

8. They project their insecurities.

On you and everyone else. This is part of their narcissism and a tool of manipulation in one package. Sociopaths will try to look all mighty, trying to look perfect or at least, better than the rest.

9. They can adapt themselves.

In all the negative ways, they will adapt to the situation and to you if need be. I experienced this first hand, with my ex yelling at me, making me shut up, playing with my emotions. Of course, I lashed out, and in response to my anger, he promised to change. So much for change, he actually begin to be even MORE manipulative, he made me even more insecure than before.