A nerve-wracking day is approaching, and since Halloween has already passed, you know it must be that other day. Thankfully, presidential Election Day only happens once every four years, because it has Americans seriously stressed. According to an American Psychiatric Association poll, 73% of U.S. adults are anxious about the 2024 election. Let’s examine a…
Currently Viewing: Psychology
Halloween is the perfect excuse to grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and binge some scary movies. You know, the one with the hockey-mask wearing slasher, the chainsaw-wielding hillbilly, or the space alien with acid for blood. Maybe keeping the lights on isn’t such a bad idea after all. There’s an undeniable thrill to…
Addiction can take many forms, and not all are harmful. Consider reading, crafting, or exercising: popular hobbies that people spend countless hours on, all of which release dopamine, the “feel good” hormone—not unlike some drugs we could mention. There is, however, one pastime that’s often criticized for its addictive qualities and negative impact on mental…
Have you ever wondered how a particular TikTok trend goes viral so quickly? How about why we never take the blame when something goes wrong, but we’re the first to take credit after a personal victory? Cue the social biases, a subset of cognitive bias that shapes how we view—well, everything. From relationships and workplace…
The human brain processes a significant amount of information daily—approximately 11 billion bits of information per second! So, while you may feel like a multitasking maven as you read this article, mentally add up how many bits of information we process in an hour, and debate what to eat for dinner later, you’ve only scratched…
Psychology permeates every human endeavor, and its rich field of study boasts many specialties that address psychological matters from varied perspectives. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes no fewer than 15 subfields, ranging from the individual to the organizational. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program—ranked among U.S. News…
Smartphone addiction has such a hold on our society that—hey! We see you eyeing that back button. Your attention span may be as short as a golden retriever’s, but you’ll want to stick around, because today we explore the psychology of smartphone addiction. We’ll also provide some tips and resources to help you break away…
Whether you enjoy football, basketball, or another sport entirely, you know one thing to be true—a person’s allegiance to their favorite sports team runs deep. Whether you’re an unwavering Houston Texans supporter or your devotion lies with the red, gold, and white of the Kansas City Chiefs, most fans stand by their team regardless of…
Did you know you experience cognitive bias daily? For example, what’s your favorite color? Let’s pretend it’s purple. Without even hesitating, you tell me as much. It’s been purple for as long as you can remember (even if you don’t recall exactly why). That’s an example of cognitive bias, a pattern of thinking that occurs…
Once the New Year’s celebrations wind down and the post-midnight fatigue fades away, the reality of your New Year’s resolution sets in. You’ve declared your goals to friends and family, and there’s no turning back. We’ve all been there: committing to healthier eating, more exercise, or mastering the guitar. Yet, our enthusiasm often wanes by…
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