Depression and Suicide
Title description: A literary review
Word count: 4179
Keywords: Psychotic depression, Postpartum depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Bipolar disorder, Genetic, Rapid Eye Movement (REM), . Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Antidepressants
Excerpts:
When left untreated, major depression can become dangerous as suicidal thoughts are a common aspect of this illness. Although people who are deeply depressed may rarely have the energy to commit suicide, they are likely to commit suicide when their depression begins to subside. It has been determined that untreated depression is the biggest cause of suicide in the US.
Research has shown that though depression is equally prevalent among young boys and girls, during adolescence, girls begin to show more depression than boys. This trend is continued to a woman’s adult life. It is not fully understood as to why women are more susceptible, compared to men.
Childhood difficulties including separation from family, sexual or physical abuse, family turmoil etc. have been more observed in adults with depression than healthy people. Here too the manner in which childhood sufferings lead to depression in adult life is uncertain.
According to clinical psychologist and expert on mental illness Steve Ilardi , the public has been tragically misinformed about treatment options for antidepressants. The sales of antidepressant drugs exceed $20 billion a year, despite low recovery rates and serious side-effects. However he adds that the traditional psychotherapy isn’t any better either as it could at times, make the condition worse too.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Title description: A review of the causes, symptoms, and treatment
Word count: 1479
Keywords: Psychopathy, Sociopathy, Alcohol-related aggression, Problematic behavior development, High stimulus seeking, Axis II disorder,
Excerpts:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) groups APD with psychopathy and sociopathy. However psychopathy and sociopathy are mostly perceived as severe forms of antisocial personality disorders that may differ in small, yet significant ways (Dysamoria, 2008).
An interesting aspect of psychopaths is that they can project themselves in good light and are even capable of beating psychological tests. Psychopaths suffer an emotional deficit, and although they are aware of what is right or wrong in society, they don’t experience feelings like love, remorse etc. Experiencing only a narrow range of emotions, they only dictate and get their needs accomplished, without any feeling of guilt.
There is however no research finding that supports the effective use of drugs in the treatment of APD. Individuals with APD are generally perceived as incurable but could be benefitted when moved from treatment settings to facilitating environments, where their behavior can be controlled and monitored.
Psychopathy
Title description: A brief analysis of its relevance in Criminal behavior
Word count: 3218
Keywords: Conduct disorder (CD), Neuroticism, Psychopathy Checklist (PCL), Shallow emotions, Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), Impulsivity management, Recidivism of psychopathy, Brain structure
Excerpts:
A 25 year-old study published in August 2007 in Journal of Abnormal Psychology (Glen 2007) showed that traits associated with adult psychopathy may be present even at the age of three. Adults with high psychopathy scores were found to have been less fearful and higher stimulus seeking when they were of three years of age.
Although the population affected by APD may be even as high as 85%, only about 20% of them could be diagnosed as psychopaths. Psychopaths are charming and are focused on gaining from calculated efforts at the cost of others, while only a small percentage of them are actually violent offenders.
A treatment model developed by Dr. Henri Van der Hoeven emphasizes on reducing violence risk by controlling patient behavior and insight. The treatment program includes individual and group psychotherapy, education, sports, creative arts and job training. Patients are also required to participate in impulsivity management, aggression and social skills training.
Social Psychology
Title description: A brief analysis of aggression theories
Word count: 594
Keywords: Adolescents , Social learning theory, Reciprocal determinism, Observational learning, Electra Complex, Libido
Excerpts:
Albert Bandura attributed the aggression in adolescents to the environment, which caused the behavior. Since behavior also contributes to the formation of the environment, Bandura called the concept as reciprocal determinism.
The social learning theory well supports and convincingly justifies aggression. The theory has been consistently developed over the last four decades to incorporate newer findings, and is applicable universally to men, women, boys and girls.
The early theory of Sigmund Freud emphasize that the human behavior is motivated and driven by sexual and instinctive actions referred as libido. Libido is the energy derived from Eros or life instincts. Aggression is the expression of such libidinal feelings.
Origins of American Psychology
Title description: A brief review of early development of psychology in America
Word count: 1855
Keywords: Mind-brain relationship, Theory of Practice, Associationist psychology, Visual phenomenology, Clinical psychology, Child psychology, Educational psychology
Excerpts:
Philosophers and psychologists were engaged in this mind-brain association due to the prevailing notion that brain is the functioning unit of the mind. Studies had also begun emphasizing that mental state like psychic traumas, beliefs and mesmerism can radically change the body state, which evoked considerable public interest.
Edwards implied that will is the outcome of understanding or evaluation of perceived motives. He equated this process to the human intellect, which responds to ideas and thoughts from God. Edwards concluded that human will is therefore determined by divine forces.
‘The Philosophy of Human Nature’ is perhaps the most original contribution to American psychology before William James’ principles of psychology, and was vital to the development of visual phenomenology, sensory motor psychophysiology and associationist psychology.
The Psychological Effects of Work Environment
Title description: Environmental psychology
Word count: 1835
Keywords: Visual privacy, Soundproofing, Sense of spaciousness, Visual fatigue, Light reflectance ratio, Light reflectance ratio, Work behavior
Excerpts:
The suitability of the physical environment is very important to job performance (DeMarco). Open access to colleagues, managers and group meeting areas helps in developing closer relationships and boast team morale.
Access to outdoor and natural view provides a relaxing and influential environment as air quality affects performance and productivity. By substantially increasing the ventilation rates in the office, employee morale and productivity can be boosted.
In commercial establishments, for instance restaurants that wanted people to spend a lot of time and money had comfortable and cushioned seating, while fast food restaurants that wanted its customers to leave after a short amount of time had hard wood or plastic seats.
Child Psychology
Title description: Developmental psychology in child and adolescents – a brief review
Word count: 2370
Keywords: Childhood experiences, Stage theories, Personal-social attribute, Cognitive development, Sociocultural pattern, Sensitive phases
Excerpts:
It is no wonder therefore that there is no history of notable theories on mental development stretching from infancy to adulthood. It was in the last quarter of the nineteenth century that child behavior, observation and their mental development was acknowledged.
The process of cognitive development occurs through four universal stages of infancy; toddler and early childhood; elementary and early adolescence; and adolescence and adulthood. The development in each stage is associated with an increased level of thinking.
These cultural representations help to integrate the growing child in to the culture and also help to mold the child’s mind. These cultural tools are learnt by the child through its interaction with parents and teachers and initially use these tools with their help.
Homosexual orientation
Title description: A brief look into factors that affect homosexual orientation
Word count: 610
Keywords: Human sexual attitudes, Deviant tendencies, Hormonal traits, Conversion therapies, Interventions, Early childhood experiences
Excerpts:
Scientists have not fully understood as to how sexual orientation develops in an individual. However, it is certain that homosexual orientation is too complex for any simple or single model to fully explain.
Subsequently several theories attempted to explain homosexuality on several grounds. Sandor Rado argued that heterosexuality was natural and people take to homosexuality only when normal heterosexuality fails.
One of the most reliable finding in homosexuality adoption was reported by Blanchard and Klassen in 1997, who suggested that the odds of an individual being a gay increased by 33% correspondingly for each older brother.
Group psychotherapy for autism
Title description: Theoretical approach for parents of children with autism
Word count: 962
Keywords: Repetitive behavior, Verbal utterances, Social interaction, Nuclear family, Adler’s theory, Child’s personality development
Excerpts:
The family and parental influence can have considerable bearing on these special need children. Effective therapy should include observation of the child, assess the child’s needs, plan activities and evaluate progress.
These are important aspects of group counseling, intending to progress from self-centric to social interest. Adler’s approach is more appropriate with group psychotherapy with parents of austic children, because it places great emphasis on family participation and family role.
However, it should not be suppressed here that cultural differences can sometimes be a barrier in group counseling. For instance Native Americans are very cautious when it comes to trust and would shy away from revealing personal information in a group discussion.
Group Psychotherapy
Title description: Activity and exercises for parents of children with autism
Word count: 1174
Keywords: Chemistry, Flapping of hands, Mid-stage therapy, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Vestibular stimulation, Role playing
Excerpts:
The child may even experience pain and confusion while being introduced to developmental strategies. Sudden flapping of hands, jumping are ways in which the child tries to cope up with the new situations, and when such symptoms go unnoticed; only worsens the situation.
Another exercise aimed at breaking monotony and repetitive actions of the child is the blocking technique by which an unwanted behavior pattern is blocked. If the child is used to lining up six toy cars, help the child to lineup five cars as usual and a bus or van. Next time use only three cars and three buses or vans.
Through role playing, parents are also introduced to exercises involving the use of prompts in getting their child initiated to speech or other activity. At the initial stages, lot of prompting may be required to achieve success, but with time, prompting would be less required.
Theories of Adolescent Drug Addiction
Title description: A brief review
Word count: 2261
Keywords: Internalizing values, Psychodynamic theorists, Sociological theories, Social control theory, Psychoanalytical explanations, Psychiatric symptoms, Withdrawal symptoms
Excerpts:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-TR defines substance abuse as a disorder when it interfered significantly in a user’s life. Simply using a substance and being dependent on it are two separate aspects of drug use.
The nature theory suggests that the inclination to drug use and addiction is inherent to human nature. The early theories saw addiction as something associated with a weak will or determination. The addicts were considered to be morally inferior. Although these theories were intuitively appealing, these couldn’t be scientifically verified or rejected.
Although no one has succeeded in completely proving the identity of a true addictive personality, many researchers now believe that vulnerability to addiction is a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.
Aging and Conflict Resolution in Marriage
Title description: A brief overview of its relevance
Word count: 3155
Keywords: Marital distress, Demand-withdraw pattern, Intervention programs, Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), Conflict resolution strategies, Sexual satisfaction
Excerpts:
The US census bureau predicts that about 40 to 50% of all first time marriages are likely to end in a split. This has fuelled marital research focused on marital problems, its causes and consequences. Scholars and marital researchers with psychological background began contributing to the literary development of marriage, marital issues and solutions for the same.
Some partners think that, if conflict and confrontation can be avoided, their relationship could be healed. However refraining can cause more harm, and only efforts to make the relationship work, can rekindle the intimacy. Salvaging marriages require emphasizing the importance of faith to the couple.
Escalation of marital conflicts to higher levels lowers life satisfaction or cause depression which could lead to a decline in mental health. It must be emphasized here that the relationship between physical health and marital quality has a bearing on young couples while relationship between marital quality and mental health is more evident in older couples.
A close association has been evident between sexual activity and marital distress, particularly among the young couples. This association was also seen to be more prominent in men than women. Male associated factors like impotence and premature ejaculation contributed more to the distress compared to female disorders like anorgasmia and vaginismus.
Anorexia and Bulimia
Title description: A brief review
Word count: 3296
Keywords: Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Vomitorium, Gastric dysfunction, Binge eating, Amenorrhic
Excerpts:
It is normal for girls to put on weight during puberty, which may even be said as being necessary too. However many may see this increase in weight as an adverse development, desperately wanting to get rid of it. Eating disorders can also lead to depression, anxiousness and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Negative feelings and an inclination to perfectionism may also predispose an individual to anorexia. It is perceived that people, who have any eating disorders, are likely to have experienced childhood abuse. With a poor self-image, individuals fall under pressure to be attractive and thin, with which the destructive cycle begins.
Given the complex association of psychological and emotional problems in eating disorders, a comprehensive treatment plan involving various experts is necessary. The treatment team should ideally include an internist, a psychotherapist, a nutritionist and a psychopharmacologist, or an expert in psychoactive medications.
Researchers have recently established that group therapy and antidepressant medications are beneficial to patients, when administered either alone or in combination. Antidepressant medications were also seen to be most beneficial when combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Violence and Consent in BDSM
Title description: A brief review of R v Brown and R v Wilson
Word count: 5289
Keywords: Sadomasochism (SM), Out of control, Sensation play, Operation Spanner, Non-procreational sites, Subspace, Model framework
Excerpts:
The concept of sadomasochism also defies the association of eroticism in the concept of procreation. The erotic body expands much beyond the genital areas to even include non-procreational sites like ears, feet, nipples etc., which would have severe consequences in this era of diseases like AIDS.
The court made a very significant observation that though the law was obliged to consider individual freedom, when pain and body harm is deliberately used for sexual gratification, personal interests of individuals must yield to more compelling societal interests.
Wilson and Brown are indeed two cases where violence and harm might seem to have been viewed differently. However the rulings in Wilson reflect that violence was born out of love in the married heterosexual couple while in Brown it was born from a savage passion. The injury caused in Wilson was only intended to be a tattoo, while in Brown, for a sexual gratification.
While handing down the conviction, the trial judge pointed that he was bound by the majority observation in the case of R v Brown and Donovan. The judge also opined that anyone injuring his partner in a consensual activity could run the possibility of bringing his private life before the public. Wilson was conditionally discharged for 12 months.
Bipolar disorder and gender
Title description: A brief review
Word count: 1590
Keywords: Lithium urate, Mood disorder, Maniac-depressive illness, Hormonal change, hypomania, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Anti-depressant therapy
Excerpts:
Among women affected by bipolar disorder, it has been observed that pregnant women and women who have just delivered are about seven times more likely to be hospitalized compared to women who are not pregnant or delivered recently. Also the risk of recurring is twice in this category of pregnant and new mothers.
However, bipolar medications including that of lithium are not recommended during pregnancy as it might lead to birth defects or other complications. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is recommended in such cases as an alternative and safe procedure (Miller, 1994).
Men take to substance abuse to ride over their uncomfortable symptoms of depression or mania. Alcohol and drug abuse not only mask the symptoms in men but may also interfere with the treatment and medications prescribed.
Emotion and Cognition Development
Title description: A brief review of emotion and cognition
Word count: 2023
Keywords: Emotion – cognition – interaction (EMKONT), Physical interaction, Sensorimotor period, Language development, Experimentation and enquiry, Personal-social attribute, Neuroscientific facts
Excerpts:
Although research in developmental psychology is mainly attributed to child development, there is also an increasing interest in older people, than for other ages. Most developmentalists agree that behavior development is associated with genetic and environmental factors.
Many philosophers are of the view that emotions are belief-dependent, judgmental mental states. They argue that the analysis of an emotion involves reference to the subject’s thought or belief about the object of the emotion.
All theories of emotion have concentrated on the level and pace of emotional processing. The subject dominating all discussions in emotion analyses is that whether emotions follow cognition or cognition follows emotion, as reflected in the Zajonic-Lazarus debate.
Role of environment and genetics in behavior development
Title description: Ecology and genetics on behavior
Word count: 907
Keywords: Genetic inclinations, Schizophrenia, Prenatal disturbances, Chromosomal abnormalities, Stressful environment, Brain fluids
Excerpts:
Abnormal insulin and blood glucose responses can also be attributed to violent and impulsive behaviors. Epidemiological studies and molecular genetics investigations show criminal activity to be associated with abnormality of the mind. In recent times brain abnormalities have also been attributed to differences in perception and emotions.
With regard to environments, a stressful environment has also been seen to be a major contributing factor to the development of behavioral problems, although it is difficult to correlate the behavioral problems with the corresponding stress factors. Conduct problems can be strongly influenced by stressful environment which can further translate into behavioral problems.
Behavior problems also arise due to insecure attachment styles in children and adolescents. The morality emphasized in the parent-child relationship and the attachment of the child to school and community are instrumental in appropriate behavior development. The family setup has been a major contributing factor to study deviant behavior propensity among children.
Ethical Conduct in Psychology
Title description: Ethical conduct in psychology
Word count: 2454
Keywords: Professional ethics, Confidentiality, Intrusion, Ethical decision making, Culturally appropriate, Mind-body relationship
Excerpts:
The public trusts psychologists to use their scientific knowledge and services for the development of individuals and the society. The legal system trusts psychologists to offer specialized subject testimony without undue bias or favor. Client’s trusts psychologists to maintain confidentiality.
Though psychologists have several obligations with their employer, which might not be binding on them once they leave the employment; they are bound to the confidentiality of the test materials and the results of the patients, irrespective of their employment status.
The importance of the mind-body relationship in management of physical illness has been increasingly recognized. Also in the last couple of decades, the increase in stress related disorders were on the increase, requiring stress management techniques and better coping styles.
Group Psychotherapy for parents of Autistic Children
Title description: Group psychotherapy for parents of autistic children
Word count: 5000
Keywords: Repetitive behavior, Family influence, Adlerian philosophy, Group counseling, Culturally diverse clients, Fostering relationships, Sudden flapping, Vestibular stimulation effects, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Excerpts:
Socialization and group forming among the members can lead to gossiping and development of hidden agenda. When hidden agenda is allowed to progress unchecked and not brought before the group, then there are chances for the derailment of the group itself. Hence socialization and group forming is not encouraged.
This can be achieved through discussions on the personal experiences, family compulsions, opinions etc. from the members, and coupled with leader’s recommendations. The purpose of the exercise is to make members feel confident in group working, rather than participate in group therapy, unconfident and uncomfortable.
Using the techniques of mirroring or reflection, parents are taught certain sign languages which they try to use with their children. Research confirms that the use of sign language increases the probability of children taking to spoken language.
For instance, pictures of plate, cup, glass, knife and fork etc. properly arranged together would help the child to seek them for arranging a dining table. When the pictures are arranged in a particular manner, then the child tries to get them in the same sequence.
The use of such words is very likely to confuse them even while they make considerable effort to understand them. Phrases like ‘pull up your socks’, ‘you’re an angel’, ‘jump in’ etc. needs to be put in the basic forms like ‘hurry up’, ‘you’re sweet’ and ‘get in’ respectively, for better understanding.
Hedonics
Title description: A brief analysis of cognition and emotions
Word count: 3274
Keywords: Hedonosymbionics, Hedonipharmicology, Prosopagnosia, Visual agnosia, James-Lange theory, Contingent neutral stimulus
Excerpts:
Subsequent to Arnold and Lazarus theory formulations, several experiments were carried out using various commentaries for a stressful film. It was observed that the stress reactions of participants seeing the film was influenced by the different commentaries associated with the film.
The study showed how higher cognitive activity like beliefs and expectations play a role in appraising a threat towards negative stimuli, altering the emotional response. The emotional reaction is more based on the subjective evaluation of an event rather than the objective characteristics of the event.
The perception of an environment change that catches a subject’s attention, the perception of pleasantness or unpleasantness of an event and evaluating one’s own response based on social or standard norms are some aspects of the theories which have found common grounds.
Legal aspects of psychology
Title description: A brief review
Word count: 1655
Keywords: Informed consent, Confidentiality, Psychological communities, Competency level, Psychotropic medications, Dilemmas and ethics
Excerpts:
Sometimes when flooding or implosion techniques are used to deliberately raise anxiety levels, the client needs to clearly understand the procedures beforehand. Even if the client agrees to the procedure without understanding them, the client can sue for assault which does not require physical body injuries
Sometimes by following one particular standard, psychologists may breach another standard. When making decisions associated with their profession, psychologists must consider all applicable laws and regulations of the psychology board, in addition to the Ethics Code.
When they realize they are not able to reign in certain personal influences or prevent them from interfering with their work, they need to seek treatment for themselves, and consulting a close and trusted colleague would be a proper initial step.
Marital Intimacy
Title description: A look into the factors affecting marriage
Word count: 3691
Keywords: Marital satisfaction, Marital conflict, Spiritualism, Christian ideology. Negative transactions, Interaction Dimensions Coding System (ICDS), Pornography addiction
Excerpts:
Promotion of Christian values like love, forgiveness, faith, commitment etc., among Christians and non Christians can help in developing personal attributes or qualities which are the foundations for a cherished relationship. It is when these factors become irrelevant to an individual; he or she fails to value or attempt to hold on to a marital relationship.
Several issues may crop up, on which the married partners may differ; however such occasions can be used for increasing their love if they value each other. On the other hand, such situations can further injure their relationship when the element of value is missing.
Common issues and problems like in-law problems, sexual troubles, financial disagreements etc., can interrupt the promotion of love, faith and love. There are about nine basic aspects of life in which the promotion of love, faith and work can improve marriage among the partners. These nine areas or the 9C’s are summarized as:
Satisfied partners are not lured by attractive rivals, because they are not attentive to alternatives. Contended partners do not consider the prospects of alternative relationships. On the other hand, people who are not committed to their present relationship, pursue their options with curiosity and eagerness.
Porn and Relationship with Women
Title description: Effects of pornography on men and their relationship with women
Word count: 3820
Keywords: Internet porn addiction, Sexual gratification, Trophyism, Genuine intimacy, Psychological health, Deaddiction, Illusionary relationship
Excerpts:
From addiction one moves to the escalation stage where there is a longing for more graphic and extreme content. In this stage the individual would be exited by content that at one point of time would have been disgusting to the individual. In the subsequent desensitization stage, the individual fails to find the material exciting.
Sex is a gift of pleasure to the couple and an expression of closeness among them, not only physically but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Sexual intimacy may be described as the ultimate form of intimacy where two bodies express an intention to unify into one. However the sanctity of this intimacy is lost when they take to porn, even as a couple.
Pornography may be described as a third partner in sex life. When the male engages into love making after viewing the video, his sexual actions are completely with the porn model he has just seen. He fails to experience an intimacy with the wife, but rather with the woman in the video who satisfies him much better than his wife
Understand the cause and effects phenomenon and realize that porn addiction is a syptom or effect and not the cause. The causes are the reasons which urge one to indulge in pornography. It is important to identify the people and places associated with biggest temptations to view porn and be extra cautious when confronting these.
Pornography Addiction
Title description: Pornography addiction
Word count: 2284
Keywords: Progressive nature, Deviancy, Extreme content, Negative and problematic effects, Emotional barriers, Sexual violence, Deaddiction
Excerpts:
The progressive nature of pornography was identified about 25 years back by Dr. Victor Cline who maintained that an addicted person’s needs are increased both in terms of frequency and in deviancy.
The effects of pornography on children are evident from behavior scientist Ralph DiClemente’s observations that pornography develops to be a building block to a child’s emotional and mental development.
However, some specialists do not agree with the use of the word ‘addiction’ with regard to porn, preferring to use the word ‘compulsion’ instead. Although people would label themselves as porn addicts, based on outside inputs, the mental health professionals have no established standards to diagnose and calibrate porn addiction.
Behavior and personality Development
Title description: Behavior and personality development
Word count: 1365
Keywords: Person-situation, Personal-social development, Traditional attitude, Epidemiological studies, Cross-cultural psychology, Psychological framework, Chemical imbalances
Excerpts:
Modern researches indicate that chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal and brain chemical imbalances, diet, drugs and alcohol are factors that contribute to aggressive and criminal behavior.
Interpersonal behavior is a vital aspect of human daily activity and is greatly influenced by culture. In recent times, this relationship between culture and individual behavior is more explored through empirical studies rather than historical or philosophical enquiries.
Although the role of the parameters in the development of the behavior pattern is known, we cannot conclude that all factors contributing to the same have been identified, nor the level of contribution of each factor.
A Brief History of Clinical Psychology and Bipolar Disorder
Title description: A brief analysis of its history and development
Word count: 3194
Keywords: Experimental laboratories, Structuralism, Mental development process, Psychoanalysis, Psychological clinic, Non-verbal skills, Folie circulaire
Excerpts:
This idea was incorporated by Thomas Henry Huxley in his 1874 address to the British Association for Advancement of Science in Belfast. His paper ‘On the hypothesis that animals are automata, and its history’, is one of the most widely read and cited papers of the period.
Witmer started the first journal attributed to the new field of psychology in 1907, ‘The Psychological Clinic’ and also proposed the term, ‘clinical psychology’. He defined clinical psychology as the study of individuals, through experimentation or observation, with intent of inducing change.
The Veteran Administration bypassed the APA and the university departments to set standards in defining and developing clinical psychologists. It defined clinical psychology in 1946 as a profession associated with diagnosing, treating and researching adult disorders. It required clinical psychologists to have a doctorate’s degree (PhD) in their profession.
Francois Baillarger, a French psychiatrist opined that there was a major distinction between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He emphasized on the depressive phase of the illness, thus setting the stage for bipolar disorder to be separated from other mental disorders of the time.
Articles on Psychopathy
Title description: Brief review of two articles in psychology
Word count: 1232
Keywords: Paralimbic structures, Neurobiological models, amygdale, Posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), Hare’s revised checklist (PCL-R), Statement analysis, Distract listener
Excerpts:
To investigate the connectivity between vmPFC and the brain regions, the authors used two neuroimaging methods among psychopathic and non-psychopathic criminals. The authors state that this is the first neuroimaging study to directly determine if the neural correlates of psychopathy vary as a function of psychopathic subtype.
The authors univocally describe psychopathy as a destructive personality disorder that is also associated with a lack of conscience and other problems like interpersonal, emotional and behavioral characteristics. Apart from skilled use of body language, it has been recently understood that psychopaths are also capable of faking emotions, despite being incapable of true emotions.
Research has shown that psychopaths do not modulate their tone while emphasizing emotional or neutral talk. Researchers have also determined that the narrations of psychopaths are poorly organized and are highly incoherent. Their narratives lack emotions and they predominantly use past tense verbs, indicating a detachment from the incident. Thus words serve as a window into the minds of these criminals, helping to fit them to a profile.
