💙 — when a baby is separated from their birth mother (whether due to maternal health issues, hospitalization, or adoption), it can have profound effects on early attachment, because the brain is wired to expect continuous, responsive caregiving in those first weeks and months. Let me explain from a neuroscience and psychological perspective: 🧠 What… Read More 1. Attachment is Biological, Not Just Emotional
Early attachment issues are one of the most important areas where neuroscience and psychology meet, because the way a child bonds (or struggles to bond) with caregivers literally wires their brain. Let me unpack this in a neuroscience-based way: 🔬 Early Attachment from a Neuroscience Perspective 1. The Brain’s “Attachment Circuitry” 2. Stress and the HPA Axis… Read More 🔬 Early Attachment from a Neuroscience Perspective
Abusers sometimes argue that their behavior was “out of their control” due to a psychiatric disorder. The reasons include: From a psychological perspective, this is often a form of rationalization — a defense mechanism where the brain justifies behavior to reduce guilt. In neuroscience terms, areas like the prefrontal cortex (responsible for judgment and impulse control) and amygdala (emotional processing)… Read More Why some abusers claim mental illness as a defense
Understanding the mind of a sexual abuser from a neuroscience and psychological perspective is complex, because it involves biological, developmental, and social factors. While every individual is different, research does provide some insight into patterns of thought, brain functioning, and emotional regulation that are often observed in perpetrators. 1. Impulse Control and Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction 2. Reward… Read More Impulse Control and Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction
Self-deception and habitual lying are closely linked to several specific cognitive functions in the brain. Neuroscience research shows that lying, rationalizing, and deceiving yourself are not random; they rely on distinct neural circuits and cognitive processes. Here’s a detailed breakdown: 1. Executive Functioning The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is central here. It governs planning, decision-making, impulse control, and self-monitoring—all components… Read More Executive Functioning
The brain is wired to protect us—not just physically, but emotionally. When we engage in behaviors that conflict with our values, morals, or self-image, the resulting discomfort is called cognitive dissonance. This is your brain’s way of signaling: “Something isn’t aligned here. Pay attention.” But cognitive dissonance is unpleasant. It triggers stress responses—elevated cortisol, subtle anxiety,… Read More Self-Deception: The Brain’s Protective Armor
1. Existential Psychology Thinkers like Viktor Frankl and Irvin Yalom placed mortality at the center of psychological growth. Neuroscience link:When we avoid thinking about death, the brain activates the default mode network (mind-wandering, denial, self-protection). When we face mortality directly — through reflection, therapy, or even awe experiences — activity shifts toward networks linked with present-centered awareness and empathy (like the medial prefrontal cortex… Read More 🌌 Facing Loss and Impermanence: Psychology, Neuroscience, and Meaning
1. Truth and Lies Start to Blur At first, the brain knows it’s lying: the prefrontal cortex (self-control, logic) has to inhibit the truth while fabricating something else. The amygdala sparks stress and guilt. But with repetition, two things happen: This is how chronic liars end up believing their own lies. The brain rewires itself so thoroughly that the line… Read More 🧠 The Brain on Long-Term Lying
Introduction Abuse rarely stops at bruises or insults. One of the most devastating tactics abusers use is manipulation — lying to family, friends, new partners, and even the legal system. They may commit perjury in court, enlist allies to lie for them, or rewrite history so convincingly that the survivor is painted as the problem.… Read More When Lies Become a Weapon: The Neuroscience and Legal Consequences of Abuser Manipulation
An abuser who lies not just to the victim but to their family, their new partner, the court, and even recruits others to lie — is sadly not rare. It’s a web of manipulation that touches psychology, neuroscience, and the law. Let’s break this down from those perspectives: 🔹 Psychological Perspective 🔹 Neuroscience Perspective 🔹… Read More Pathological Lying & Impression Management
Linda C J Turner | Trauma Therapist & Emotional Healing Specialist 