Psychology Research
Psychology research serves as a bridge between empirical evidence and the practical application of psychological findings to our everyday lives. Research in psychology focuses on topics related to health and well-being, individual differences, intelligence and cognition, abuse and trauma, gender, substance abuse and addiction, mental illness, and prevention efforts… just to name a few. Advances within psychology research serve to further the knowledge base of mental health professionals, academics, policy-makers, students, and the general public. In fact, psychology research has the capacity to serve pivotal roles in actively promoting social justice, paving the way for changes to the cultural Zeitgeist, and sculpting family discussions around important issues.
Psychology research that is published within peer reviewed journals is intended to make contributions to the betterment of public welfare and clinical decision-making through ethical scrutiny of preexisting bodies of knowledge, conducting relevant studies based on that knowledge, and providing directions for future research. Psychology research is a living organism, in that it strives toward constant growth and evolution, discarding that which lacks sufficient validity and reliability. The aim of psychology research is not to reach an end goal, but rather to continually apply the scientific method in novel ways that enhance psychological knowledge and inform psychological practice.
Mindful Eating: How Eating Rituals Enhance Consumption
“If you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half man’s hunger.” – Kahlil Gibran Eating rituals take a variety of forms, from blowing out birthday candles before having a decadent slice of birthday cake to preparing your morning cup of coffee in just the “right” way. These sorts of…
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Psychology Research to Change Your Life: “Act as If”
“The important thing is this: to be ready at any moment to sacrifice what you are for what you could become.” – Charles Dickens Most of us have some aspect of our lives or ourselves that we would like to change. Perhaps you have a clear vision in your mind of how you would like to…
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Contemplative Emotion Training Reduces Negative Emotions
“A clear understanding of negative emotions dismisses them.” – Vernon Howard Interest and research on the use of meditation, mindfulness, and other contemplative practices to benefit physical, mental, and emotional well being continues to grow. There is increased awareness amongst both researchers and the general public that one does not need to subscribe to any…
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Continually Returning to Bad Memories Linked to Depression in Women
“Concern should drive us into action and not into a depression. No man is free who cannot control himself.” – Pythagoras Some people have greater tendencies to experience episodes of depression at different points throughout their lifetimes. A wide variety of biological, temperamental, environmental, psychological, and social factors impact various outcomes. A recent study found…
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Stress Impacts Mindful Decision Making
“Stress is like spice – in the right proportion it enhances the flavor of a dish. Too little produces a bland, dull meal; too much may choke you.” – Donald Tubesing Do you ever find that the way that you tend to make decisions is different when you are feeling particularly stressed? Many people have…
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Willpower Depletion & Resisting Cravings
“I have been my own disciple and my own master. And I have been a good disciple but a bad master.” – Antonio Porchia You know the feeling… it’s the end of a long and stressful day and you’ve been trying your hardest to stick to your diet or resolution all day long. But now,…
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Gratitude Helps You Get a Good Night’s Sleep
“For each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything Thy goodness sends.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Insomnia is often the result of incessant thoughts and persistent emotions that keep us physically or mentally tossing back and forth. It is common to experience a…
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Meaningful Experiences Make You Happier Than “Stuff”
“You cannot help but learn more as you take the world into your hands. Take it up reverently, for it is an old piece of clay, with millions of thumbprints on it.” – John Updike Do you remember all (or any) of the presents that you unwrapped at Christmas five years ago? How about ten…
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4 Essential Elements of a Successful New Year’s Resolution
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.” – Benjamin Franklin Most of us begin to think about New Year’s resolutions as we near the end of each year. This can be an optimistic time of earnest reflection on habits that…
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Write About Feelings to Ease Stress & Trauma
“Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.” – Francis Bacon During times of intense stress or when recovering from traumatic incidents, there is often a sense of not being sure of how to effectively regulate emotions or deal with disturbing thoughts. Sometimes, emotions may seem…
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