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Kendra Cherry

Kendra Cherry, MS.Ed., is an author, educator, and founder of Explore Psychology, an online psychology resource. She is a health writer and editor specializing in psychology, mental health, and wellness. She also writes for Verywell Mind and is the author of the Everything Psychology book (Adams Media).
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What Is Ego Strength and Why It Is Important

Ego strength refers to a person’s ability to effectively deal with the demands of reality while maintaining a sense of self. It involves qualities like resilience, adaptability, and the capacity to handle stress without causing problems with a person’s identity. People who possess good ego strength are able to manage the adversity they face in …

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Autonomy Definition in Psychology

Have you ever wondered why you feel better when you have control and can do things your way? Autonomy in psychology is all about being independent and having control over your life and your choices.  Autonomy isn’t just something that helps you feel empowered—it’s vital to your overall well-being. It can help motivate you, but …

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Self-Serving Bias: Definition and Examples

The self-serving bias involves taking credit for our success but blaming others for our failures. It’s why we might boast about our talents and hard work when things go our way but focus on external, situational factors when we don’t live up to expectations. For example, it’s why you might attribute your good score on …

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Stress Management: Strategies from Psychology for Better Well-Being

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 …

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Correlational Research in Psychology: Definition and How It Works

Correlational research is a type of scientific investigation in which a researcher looks at the relationships between variables but does not vary, manipulate, or control them. It can be a useful research method for evaluating the direction and strength of the relationship between two or more different variables. When examining how variables are related to …

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Naturalistic Observation: Definition, Examples, and Advantages

Naturalistic observation is a psychological research method that involves observing and recording behavior in the natural environment. Unlike experiments, researchers do not manipulate variables. This research method is frequently used in psychology to help researchers investigate human behavior. This article explores how naturalistic observation is used in psychology. It offers examples and the potential advantages …

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Understanding Freud’s Pleasure Principle

In classic Freudian psychoanalytic theory, the pleasure principle is the libidinal force behind the id that seeks the immediate gratification of basic urges and needs. If such demands are not met, people may find themselves in a state of anxiety, tension, or discomfort. According to Freud, this is the part of personality that seeks pleasure …

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Developmental Psychology Study Guide

The story of human development is one of remarkable change and growth from birth through the end of life. While the rapid development of early childhood is the subject of a great deal of attention, it is important to remember that growth and change continue throughout the entire lifespan. This study guide focuses on important …

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What Is Scaffolding in Psychology?

Scaffolding refers to the temporary support that adults or other competent peers offer when a person is learning a new skill or trying to accomplish a task.  The concept was first introduced by the Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky, who was best known for his theories that emphasized the importance of social interaction in the learning …

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