/r/askpsychology

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Science-based answers for questions about the mind, behavior and perception.

This is not a mental health/advice sub!

Non-Science-based answers may be removed without notice.

Feel free to pick an applicable flair, or one will be chosen for you.

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ALL POSTS REQUIRE REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY MODERATOR BEFORE THEY WILL WILL BE VISIBLE. PLEASE BE PATIENT AS THIS MAY TAKE A FEW DAYS DEPENDING ON THE AVAILABILITY OF MODS AND SIZE OF QUE. PLEASE REVIEW RULES BEFORE POSTING TO REDUCE DELAYS.

If your post submission is more than 7 days old in the que, it is auto denied. This is to keep the que at a level that is manageable for the mods. We apologize for this inconvenience. You can resubmit after 7 days if your post was not approved. Be sure to check rules before re-submission.

RULES

READ BEFORE YOU POST

  1. No advice on everyday life issues or diagnoses/evaluations. (THIS IS THE MOST VIOLATED RULE ON THIS SUBREDDIT) 1a Do not ask for mental health advice. This includes clinical descriptions or diagnosis. 1b Do not reveal your mental health history. 1c Do not ask questions about the psychology of specific people, including yourself (the exception being published case reports). We are more lenient on advice for career or education in psychology, but check to see if other subs are more suited for this purpose.

  2. Questions must be asked clearly in the post title. Violations of this rule will be removed immediately. You may give additional or clarifying information in the body of your post.

  3. Answers must be evidence-based. Answers given should reflect the scientific consensus and ideally should cite sources. Anecdotal evidence or pop-psychology will be removed.

  4. No leading questions. Examples of these questions are: "Why is Group X so stupid?" or "What is wrong with Group X?"

  5. No jokes, memes, insults, or slurs. This is an academic subreddit, and while discussion is encouraged, any off-topic or non-academic comments will be removed. This includes the use of slang terms or slurs to describe any phenomenon or group of people.


Your question doesn't fit our subreddit rules? Here are some other subs that might be helpful!

Academic:

Other Ask-subs:

General mental health/clinical:

Specific mental health:

Advice:

Alternatively, you can search for support subs for your specific issue. There are multiple subs for any given condition.

If you would like a specific supportive sub listed, please message mods

/r/askpsychology

221,269 Subscribers

0

Could you provide your personal theories on why most people tend to prefer dishes from their own ethnic or cultural background?

Emphasis on "personal theories"

38 Comments
2024/12/01
01:39 UTC

0

Who are we ?

If both parents are killers but you grow up not knowing that is the child going to grow up to be a killer ?

9 Comments
2024/11/30
19:27 UTC

59

Is autism a difference or a condition?

Hi everyone. I'm a bit stressed for asking this but I don't want to disrespect anyone and the other thing is that if autism is not a disability or a problem why some countries and their universities consider it that?

185 Comments
2024/11/30
05:42 UTC

12

Posting and Commenting Guidelines for r/askpsychology

AskPsychology is for science-based answers to science-based questions about the mind, behavior and perception. This is not a mental health/advice sub. Non-Science-based answers may be removed without notice.

Top Level comments should include peer-reviewed sources (See this AskScience Wiki Page for examples) and may be removed at moderator discretion if they do not.

Do NOT ask for mental health diagnosis or advice for yourself or others. Refrain from asking "why do people do this?" or similar lines of questions. These types of questions are not answerable from an empirical scientific standpoint; every human is different, every human has individual motivation, and their own quirks and idiosyncrasies.

Do NOT ask questions that can only be answered by opinion or conjecture. ("Is it possible to cure X diagnosis?")

Do NOT ask questions that can only be answered through subjective clinical judgement ("Is X treatment modality the best treatment for Y diagnosis?")

Do NOT post your own or someone else's mental health history. Anecdotes are not allowed on this sub.

DO read the rules, which are available on the right hand side of the screen on a computer, or under "See More" on the Official Reddit App.

Ask questions clearly and concisely in the title itself; questions should end with a question mark

  • Answer questions with accurate, in-depth explanations, including peer-reviewed sources where possible. (See this AskScience Wiki Page for examples)
  • Upvote on-topic answers supported by reputable sources and scientific research
  • Downvote and report anecdotes, speculation, and jokes
  • Report comments that do not meet AskPsychology's rules, including diagnosis, mental health, and medical advice.

If your post or comment is removed and you disagree with the explanation posted by the automoderator, report the automoderator's comment with report option: Auto-mod has removed a post or comment in error (under "Breaks AskPsychology's Rules), and it will be reviewed.

Verified users who have provided evidence of applicable licensure or university degree are mostly exempt from the automoderator, so if you are licensed or have an applicable degree, message the moderators via Mod Mail.

1 Comment
2024/11/29
19:11 UTC

26

Why did humans develop consciousness?

Was it primarily about enhancing awareness for survival or did it arise more from the need for social cooperation and understanding others intentions?

It seems like a complex and energy-intensive feature, so what would have been the survival advantage that led to its evolution?

40 Comments
2024/11/29
16:26 UTC

6

Flair for verified professionals

We want to highlight comments and posts made by experts and professionals in the field to help readers assess posted information. So if you have an educational background in psychology (including current students), and/or are licensed in any of the areas of psychology, psychiatry, or mental health, send us a mod mail, and we will provide you will specialized flair, and you will be exempted from most automoderator actions.

If you attained your flair more than 6 months ago, send us a mod mail, because you may not currently be exempted from automod actions.

1 Comment
2024/11/29
14:43 UTC

4

What are the most prominent studies on the effect social media has on the brain and human behavior?

Title^^

Pretty much i’ve been trying abstain from social media for a load of reasons recently, and i’m curious about any studies that are being done/been done on widespread internet use amongst society and how that can impact a person’s psychology. Granted ik social media hasn’t been out for a huuugeee amount of time but I digress!

4 Comments
2024/11/29
06:55 UTC

174

Is there really no treatment/therapy to help narcissism?

When it comes to narcissism, it seems it is well known that most narcissists won’t get help. But when one does, is there really nothing to do to truly “help” them? Can a narcissist ever not be a narcissist? Looking for some articles on this, if anyone can link any. It seems there aren’t many articles/writings on this with great sources. Maybe this is because it’s not true? Thanks in advance!

354 Comments
2024/11/29
05:45 UTC

0

What are exceptions to people with ASPD being isolated?

Like, what are reasons someone with AsPD (antisocial personality disorder) wouldn't be so isolated? Circumstances?

26 Comments
2024/11/29
02:31 UTC

1

Opinions about de protagonist of "no longer human"?

Ok, well, I've been reading the book and the protagonist is a bit of a mystery to me, in the sense that I don't know how to frame his personality. What I am sure of is that the symptomatological core of his behaviors or thoughts is anxiety (generally social), which distances him from a schizoid personality disorder, which was my first suspicion. Autism could also be a possibility, accompanied by depression. I don't know, without a doubt a curious character

7 Comments
2024/11/29
01:59 UTC

1

What is the current view on social media's impact on attention span?

I think it's a pretty common idea to believe that 1. Our attention spans have been shrinking rapidly with the age of the internet and that 2. Social media is a major cause of this shrinkage. You can see countless pundits and articles and people speculating on this online or on tv, heck even parents comment on this type of thing frequently. However I've also heard that this is a misconception and that there is not any actual substantial evidence supporting this idea. What is the current consensus on this topic and are there any large credible studies delving into this topic?

2 Comments
2024/11/29
01:23 UTC

1

Do the things that don’t kill you actually make you stronger?

Hello! I am a current Senior in high school hoping to become Psychologist after I get accepted into/finish University. I have taken courses such as the AP Psychology course and I am now enrolled in a Dual-Enrollment Psychology course through a local community college. For our last assignment we were asked an interesting question: “Do you agree with the phrase ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?’”

I said that I agreed with the phrase to a certain extent. I agree with it in the sense that if you experience a stressor in life that is relatively insignificant and are able to push through that challenge, it can build confidence. However, to a greater extent I said that disagreed due to Han Seyle’s General Adaptation Syndrome. Using Seyles work, I stated that prolonged periods of stress will result in exhaustion which takes a toll on physical and mental wellbeing if someone develops an adrenal imbalance from being stuck in an alarm reaction and stage of resistance. Thus if someone is suffering mentally and physically I argued that it is safe to say the phrase is not applicable because there is nothing empowering or strengthening about mental/physical issues. However, part of me disagrees with my argument. Please provide any evidence/information surrounding this idea.

2 Comments
2024/11/28
16:09 UTC

1

What is a normal time to return to work after a workplace assault?

I have only found one relevant study but it still didn't really answer my question. If someone is assaulted in their workplace, what timeframe is considered within the normal range for returning to work?

1 Comment
2024/11/28
14:07 UTC

4

How would Freud's theory of personality structure explain it when someome breaks social norms for moral reasons?

The textbook I'm using says that according to Freud, human behaviors can be explained by the interplay between id, superego and ego.

How would he analyze the behavior of someone who rejects social norms for moral reasons? It seems that in this scenario, the id isn't at play.

23 Comments
2024/11/28
12:25 UTC

6

Why do people hear voices? Is it the own inner critic?

How comes? Is it the same but for some it’s more intense?

34 Comments
2024/11/28
09:19 UTC

1

Do Psychopaths lack the ability to maintain emotional relationships due to their blunted affect or their inability to experience deep bonding?

Good morning everyone,

I just started watching Dexter, and I've realized that he's a psychopath (shocker, right??). That in itself isn't really interesting, or at least on the topic I'm on. I'm currently a psychology Major whose really interested in Abnormal Psychology so this piqued my interest.

Anyways, I did some superficial research on it because to put it bluntly, it's midnight and too late for me to read studies or meta-analyses. I've found that psychopaths feel emotion, but have blunted affect. I've also found that they are typically unable to maintain deep relationships. So this leads to my question; Are Psychopaths unable to maintain relationships due to their blunted affect or the inability to develop deep emotional connections?

Thank you for answering my question, and you all have an amazing day/night.

2 Comments
2024/11/28
06:56 UTC

15

Are the rates of autism really between 1% to 1.5%? Prior to the DSM-5, was there really a difference between "high functioning autism" and Asperger's syndrome?

  1. I've read in different places and also in print that the rates of autism are of 1% to 1.5% of the general population globally. It seems to be the case in the USA, the UE and elsewhere. What studies or research papers are available to check if these figures are true?
  2. Some authors and researchers seem to make a distinction between what used to be called "high functioning autism" and "Asperger's syndrome" (prior to the publication of the DSM-5 in 2013). I know that these terms aren't officially used anymore, but is there really a difference? If so, how, exactly, do (or did) the two subgroups differ?

Thanks for reading.

9 Comments
2024/11/27
23:51 UTC

221

Why do bad people rarely realize they're bad, and actually think they are good?

I know I'm using very simplistic, black and white language in my title. I know people are never wholly bad or good, but you know what I mean. There are people out there we could objectively call "bad people": they are unempathetic, selfish, self-absorbed, aggressive - the kind of people who would laugh at a little old lady slipping on ice, or not think twice about euthanizing a dog they no longer wanted to take care of, or take credit for someone else's work. I know people like this, and I'm always amazed at how highly they tend of think of themselves. They seem completely blind to their faults, even as they're actively doing/saying vile things. What's going on there? How can they be so blind to their own behavior? Is there anything that could snap them out of it?

121 Comments
2024/11/27
21:58 UTC

0

Are Hallucinations a one way path to your Brains Memories?

Hallucinations are something your brain generates, in laymens terms. Lets say you hallucinate a person you can talk to, almost schizophrenia maybe but no fully. This person is obviously not real, its just a hallucination that your brain conjured up. Since this is something your brain made, can you "use" it to access any/all memories or info in your brain. Memories & Information is never truly gone, so can you "use" it to unbury that info from anytime before in the past that you've looked over, maybe never fully absorbed, or simply forgotten?

4 Comments
2024/11/27
20:52 UTC

12

Can stress-related trauma cause anxious ticks?

So trauma can affect everyone’s mind differently and most effects take a while to present any noticeable outcomes, especially when cases are more severe than previously diagnosed. Can stress-related trauma present long term effects/ consequences over time while the person is healing and present symptoms such as an unprecedented anxious tick, uptick in anxiety, mood swings, altered perception of concepts, etc?

3 Comments
2024/11/27
18:04 UTC

1

Is there a way to determine if a person's irrationality is based on a lack of education/intelligence vs actual physical/biological causes?

What is the process for determining the difference? And is there a scientific way to make such a distinction?

2 Comments
2024/11/27
13:14 UTC

16

Why does emotions take over ?

What part of the mind tells you to hate and love,jealous and why do they override Reasonable thinking ?

13 Comments
2024/11/27
05:04 UTC

13

How do people develop interests?

What are some theories and ideas about how interest develops?

37 Comments
2024/11/27
04:36 UTC

78

Can emotional stress lead to serious health complications?

I'm sure we all know stress can lead to certain issues like poor sleep, diet and energy levels, but my question is a bit more that that. Can emotional stressors cause more severe health issues that could require long term medical treatment (like heart, lung, or immunity issues) or even more? Are there any reported cases or studies on this outside of physical injuries causing the issues?

42 Comments
2024/11/27
00:57 UTC

16

Is it because of someone’s environment and Upbringing?

I am interested in watching true crimes in Netflix and what I observed is… these criminals or adults were raised in a not so good environment.. avoidant parents.. fights etc…

Was it because of their parents / upbringing and environment that molded them to became narcissist etc…?

46 Comments
2024/11/26
20:26 UTC

43

Why is human behaviour so inconsistent?

When I realised it for the first time, it fascinated me. It happened after deciding to listen all opinions and give everyone of them a chance. I started to realise how most if not all people including me can be so inconsistent and hypocritical. Most if not all people including individuals, organisations, and even countries say one should do this in such a situation and then do a completely another thing when the same situation arises. It's commonly called hypocrisy. The thing that is even more fascinating is that people can easily spot the hypocrisy of other people but it's so difficult that to spot their own. Hell, even I can be a hypocrite sometimes and I even know it when I am yet most people don't notice this. Why does the human mind work like this?

39 Comments
2024/11/26
10:38 UTC

9

What exactly is the difference between shame and guilt/remorse? How are they related? Is it possible to feel only one of them? If so, what are the results of this and why does it occur?

I’m especially wondering if it’s possible to feel shame, but no guilt or remorse.

13 Comments
2024/11/26
10:04 UTC

1

Do "brain games" actually have cognitive benefits, and what are the studies for them?

Hello

I am wondering whether or not there is legitimacy around the claim that "brain games"(i.e. things like sudoku, chess, word searches, and cross words to name the most recommended when I Google the term) help with cognitive functioning, particularly with memory. If they do, how often would someone need to practice them, and for how long?(Like if it's recommended to practice them daily, how long each day would one need to do them in order to see benefits)

And whether or not they do, if you could provide the studies for your claim, as I am interested in the research behind this. I enjoy reading studies, though it seems Google does not want to show results for actual studies for me, and just "here's 6 brain games for better memory/cognitive skills" articles.

1 Comment
2024/11/26
10:04 UTC

3

is there a name for when someone with a certain condition cannot seem to realize they have that condition?

i feel like i’ve seen this a few times where to the outside world it is obvious that a certain person has a certain health condition. however, usually due to lack of knowledge or personal bias, they can’t see a world where they actually have that condition.

for example, you may see someone who is constantly getting burnt out due to anxious behavior. they shutdown frequently and lash out at others unintentionally. however, while trying to have conversations about this behavior that’s causing negative consequences, it is impossible for them to even see or understand that they are shutting down or lashing out.

5 Comments
2024/11/25
22:58 UTC

4

Does having more than one personality disorder mean greater difficulty in treatment than it is the case with just one? How about mixed PD?

Thank you for your input

6 Comments
2024/11/26
02:35 UTC

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