Tag: Psychology

Getting Out and About: When Life Gets Interesting and More in Tune with What You Love

Neuroscience and Psychology of Reconnection There comes a moment — often after a long stretch of isolation, loss, or emotional fatigue — when something inside us stirs. It’s not a loud signal, but a quiet invitation from the brain and heart to reengage with life. To get out, explore, and rediscover what makes you feel… Read More Getting Out and About: When Life Gets Interesting and More in Tune with What You Love

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Real People

It can really feel like they’re rare these days, especially when most interactions seem filtered, performative, or transactional. Neuroscience and psychology can actually shed light on why “real” people feel so scarce: 1. Social Conditioning and Cultural Pressures From early on, humans are trained to conform, please, or manage impressions. This is reinforced by schools, workplaces, and… Read More Real People

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Fake

There’s solid neuroscience and psychology behind why being around “fake” or insincere people feels draining, and why solitude can feel restorative. Here’s a breakdown: 1. Brain Mechanisms: Detecting Insincerity Amygdala Activation: The amygdala, which processes threats and emotional salience, is activated when we sense deceit or incongruence in others’ behavior. Even subtle cues—forced smiles, contradictory body… Read More Fake

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“Why can’t people just be honest?”

“Why can’t people just be honest?” Neuroscience and psychology actually give a lot of insight — and it’s rarely about “being bad,” but more about brain function, social dynamics, and self-protection. Let’s break it down. 1. The Neuroscience of Honesty and Dishonesty Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): The PFC is the brain’s “decision-making and self-control center.” Honest behavior… Read More “Why can’t people just be honest?”

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The Neuroscience and Psychology of Going With the Flow

By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate — Linda C J Turner Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment ©Linda C J Turner

IntroductionIn a world obsessed with planning, scheduling, and optimization, the idea of letting go and embracing spontaneity may feel counterintuitive. Yet, neuroscience and psychology show that “living in the moment” has profound effects on emotional well-being, cognitive flexibility, and brain health. 1. Flow States and the Brain Flow Defined: Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi coined the term… Read More The Neuroscience and Psychology of Going With the Flow

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🧠 Psychological Name: Defensive Posturing or Dominance Display

In psychology, the closest formal terms are: 1. Defensive Posturing A nonverbal defense mechanism — the body adopts a posture that projects strength or control to protect the self from perceived threat or vulnerability.It’s rooted in the fight-or-flight response, where “fight” often looks like making oneself appear larger (both in humans and animals). In people, this can look like: Chest out, chin up… Read More 🧠 Psychological Name: Defensive Posturing or Dominance Display

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Reward System and Dopamine

By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate — Linda C J Turner Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

When men sulk, withdraw, or act passive-aggressive after being denied sex, it’s not just “immaturity.” There are real psychological and neurological mechanisms behind that behavior — though none of them justify it. Let’s break it down from both neuroscience and psychology perspectives. 🧠 Neuroscience: What’s Happening in the Brain 1. Reward System and Dopamine Sex activates the mesolimbic reward pathway,… Read More Reward System and Dopamine

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🧠 Why People Accuse Others to Cover Their Tracks

Projection (psychology): When someone has done something wrong but feels guilt or fear, their brain may unconsciously project their actions or motives onto another person. This deflects attention and temporarily relieves their internal discomfort. Self-preservation: The human nervous system is wired to avoid social punishment. False accusations are sometimes a desperate way to protect one’s reputation or… Read More 🧠 Why People Accuse Others to Cover Their Tracks

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🧠 Why “Hidden Truths” Eventually Surface

There’s a deep psychological and even neurological explanation for why situations like this unfold the way they do, and why it feels both shocking and relieving when “hidden” truths start surfacing. Let’s break it down from a neuroscience + psychology lens: 🧠 Why “Hidden Truths” Eventually Surface Cognitive Load on DeceptionWhen someone lies or hides things, their prefrontal… Read More 🧠 Why “Hidden Truths” Eventually Surface

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Why Care, Fun, and Affection Should Come Naturally in Love

(Neuroscience & Psychology Perspective) The Core Idea In a healthy relationship, kindness, fun, and affection flow naturally. A man who truly values you will want to spend time with you, take you out, surprise you, make you laugh, and affirm your worth. If you find yourself teaching him how to care, that’s already a sign of imbalance.… Read More Why Care, Fun, and Affection Should Come Naturally in Love

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