Tag: Psychology

Why Do Friends and Family Sometimes Notice a Vindictive Personality Before You Do? The Psychology and Neuroscience Behind Chronic Vindictiveness

One of the questions people often ask after leaving a difficult relationship is: “Why did everyone else seem to notice long before I did?” It is surprisingly common to hear family members, friends, colleagues or even previous partners say, “We saw it years ago.” While this can be painful to hear, psychology offers several explanations for why… Read More Why Do Friends and Family Sometimes Notice a Vindictive Personality Before You Do? The Psychology and Neuroscience Behind Chronic Vindictiveness

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The Neuroscience and Psychology of Vindictive Personalities: Why Some People Become Consumed by Bitterness, Revenge and the Success of Others

“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.” While this quote is often attributed to the Buddha, modern neuroscience suggests there is truth behind the sentiment. Chronic bitterness and vindictiveness affect not only relationships but also the brain and body of the person who carries them. Most people experience jealousy,… Read More The Neuroscience and Psychology of Vindictive Personalities: Why Some People Become Consumed by Bitterness, Revenge and the Success of Others

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What impression management can look like in practice

Impression management is a well-studied concept in forensic psychology and sociology. It refers to the ways individuals deliberately shape how others perceive them—especially to appear normal, trustworthy, or harmless while hiding behaviours, intentions, or risks that would damage that image. In the context of offending behaviour, it is often discussed in relation to “deceptive self-presentation” or “social masking.”… Read More What impression management can look like in practice

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Sadism

Sadism in families refers to situations where a family member gains satisfaction, pleasure, a sense of power, or emotional gratification from causing another family member pain, distress, humiliation, fear, or suffering. This does not always involve physical violence. In many families, sadistic behaviour is emotional or psychological. Examples can include: Deliberately humiliating a child, partner,… Read More Sadism

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Why Do Some People Refuse to Help Unless There Is Something in It for Them?

Have you ever met someone who seems incapable of doing anything unless there is a personal reward? They will not volunteer, help a neighbour, support a charity, or even do a favour for family or friends without expecting payment, recognition, or some form of return. They may even discourage others from volunteering, insisting that “nothing… Read More Why Do Some People Refuse to Help Unless There Is Something in It for Them?

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“Don’t Worry, They’ll Look After You.” The Psychology of Inheritance and Why Money Changes People

“If anything ever happens to me, my children will look after you.” It sounds comforting. It sounds reassuring. It sounds like a promise of security. But psychology suggests that promises about future generosity are often easier to make than to keep—especially when the money belongs to someone else. After observing people’s behaviour for decades, actions… Read More “Don’t Worry, They’ll Look After You.” The Psychology of Inheritance and Why Money Changes People

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Can You Read Emotion in Someone’s Eyes? Neuroscience and Psychology Explained

Many people feel that they can “read” emotion in someone’s eyes. In therapy, for example, clinicians often notice subtle facial cues that seem to reveal more than words. While there is some scientific truth to this idea, neuroscience shows that the reality is more complex. The brain is highly sensitive to eye cues Research in… Read More Can You Read Emotion in Someone’s Eyes? Neuroscience and Psychology Explained

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