Confidence is your belief in yourself and your ability to succeed. It’s not about having a particular set of skills or knowledge—it’s a state of mind that gives you the inner fortitude to take on life’s challenges. Of course, it can sometimes vary from one situation to the next. We don’t always feel as confident …
Personality traits are fairly consistent and predictable patterns of behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Cardinal traits are dominant personality characteristics that strongly determine a person’s behavior. Such traits are so strong and persistent that the individual becomes associated with that quality. While other personality traits are present earlier in life, cardinal traits become more apparent as …
Social learning theory, also known today as social cognitive theory, is a theory proposed by psychologist Albert Bandura that explains how people learn through observation, imitation, and modeling. This model of learning suggests that both environmental and cognitive factors play a critical role in the acquisition of knowledge. In this article, learn more about the …
People with a Type A personality are ambitious, competitive, and perfectionistic—which can be advantageous at times, and stressful in others.
Cognitive dissonance refers to the sense of unease and discomfort people experience when there is an inconsistency between what they think or how they act and what they perceive in the world. People tend to prefer it when their attitudes align with their perceptions of the world. When these beliefs don’t match up to what …
A cognitive bias is an unconscious systematic pattern of thinking that can result in errors in judgment. These biases stem from the brain’s limited resources and need to simplify the world to make faster decisions. Such biases are often the result of limitations or problems in memory, attention, and information processing. While such biases often …
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions. This involves not just understanding your own emotions but also understanding the emotions of other people. Furthermore, emotional intelligence has been described as a personality trait and an ability. This article takes a closer look at emotional intelligence and the impact it may have …
Incentive theory of motivation suggests that people are motivated by a need to obtain rewards or reinforcements. Rooted in behaviorism, this theory suggests that motivation arises from the desire to obtain rewards and avoid punishments. Incentive theory is just one of many theories psychologists have proposed to explain human motivation. Understanding this theory can give …
Stress is an inevitable part of everyday life. It often feels like something we can’t avoid–and sometimes it might feel like something we are powerless to do anything about. We know we are going to experience stress, and the truth is that there are times when we can do little to avoid it. What we …
Transformational leaders are those who not only inspire but also ignite a fire of passion and innovation in their team, propelling them to extraordinary heights. You’ve probably noticed a few people who bring a sort of magical energy and charisma to the group. They inspire loyalty among team members and create a vision of the …
Have you ever been driving down the highway, minding your own business, when suddenly, a bizarre thought pops into your head? Maybe it’s an image of swerving into oncoming traffic, or worse, and you recoil in shock. Well, you’re not alone. Those pesky brain blips are called intrusive thoughts, and they’re more common than you …
We’ve all encountered narcissistic behavior at some point in our lives. Whether it’s that friend who can’t stop talking about themselves or the co-worker who believes they’re the office MVP, narcissism can be a real challenge to deal with. But what exactly is narcissistic behavior, how can you recognize it, and, most importantly, how should …
Today, we’re diving into a concept that’s all about nurturing healthier relationships, boosting self-esteem, and fostering personal growth. The idea of unconditional positive regard (UPR) is something that can have a profound impact on your life. Understanding this concept can revolutionize the way you relate to yourself and others. What Exactly is Unconditional Positive Regard? …
When you are trying to solve a problem or make a decision, you don’t always have time to examine every possible answer or possibility. Sometimes, you have to rely on the information you already have to make the best guess or estimate in a limited amount of time. This is an example of using heuristics, …
Psychological assimilation refers to the process of incorporating new information or experiences into existing mental frameworks or schemas. When we assimilate new information, we fit it into pre-existing cognitive structures. When we do this, we are able to make sense of the world around us. It can be contrasted with accommodation, another concept introduced by …
A psychological stressor refers to any event, situation, or condition that triggers a stress response in an individual. These stressors can be external (such as work pressure, financial difficulties, or relationship problems) or internal (such as self-doubt, perfectionism, or negative self-talk). They can also be acute, like a sudden traumatic event, or chronic, like ongoing …
Anxious preoccupied attachment is a specific attachment style that develops in childhood and continues into adulthood. It is characterized by a strong need for reassurance and validation from others, particularly in close relationships. Individuals with this attachment style often worry about abandonment or rejection and may become overly dependent on their partners or friends. People …