The Hidden Bias Within Confronting Our Psychological Demons

Befriending Your Demons (Yes, Really!)

Overcoming our inner demons isn't about silencing them entirely. They hold clues about our fears, insecurities, and unmet needs. We can uncover valuable insights about ourselves by approaching them with curiosity instead of judgment.

Ask Questions: What is my demon trying to protect me from? What need is it trying to fulfill, however misguidedly?

Practice Self-Compassion. Our demons often arise from past hurts. Treat your inner self with the kindness you would give a struggling friend.

Theory of Mind in Substance Users

There is a connection between substance abuse and social problems. The idea is that social cognition, particularly Theory of Mind - understanding others’ thoughts and intentions - is impaired by drug use.  Studies show some drug users have trouble with Theory of Mind tasks,  but the results aren’t entirely consistent. There’s evidence that brain regions involved in the Theory of Mind are affected by drugs, and other related mental functions are also weakened. Interestingly, the ability of the theory of mind might influence how well someone responds to treatment. Because the research on this topic has conflicting findings, the authors decided to thoroughly review studies on the Theory of Mind and substance use.

Methods

The authors conducted a systemic review following a specific guideline to assess the connection between drug use and Theory of Mind, and here is how they did it:

• Search Strategy: They looked for articles that used terms related to drug use and the Theory of Mind.
• Inclusion Criteria: Only studies published in English with original data were considered. The  study had to involve:
• A group of adults who regularly use drugs
• A comparison group of adults with no regular drug use.

A specific ToM task measuring participants’ ability to understand mental states - e.g., beliefs, intentions - Excludes tasks on basic emotions, irony, or metaphors.

Analysis Considerations: The authors considered factors that might influence the results:

1. Type of drug being studied.
2. How the drug was being used
3. How many days had passed since the last drug use?
4. The details of the type of ToM task used are provided in a separate table.

Results

The researchers reviewed 14 studies that met their criteria. These studies generally had small groups - around 25 - 30 people- and more men than women. Most studies were controlled for age but not necessarily sex. Some allowed tobacco or cannabis use in the control group.

The most common test used to measure the Theory of Mind was the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test.” Overall, healthy people performed better on ToM tasks than drug users.

Here is a breakdown of the findings for specific drugs:

1. Alcohol: People with alcohol dependence showed ToM impairments regardless of how long it had been since their last drink.
2. Methamphetamine: Long-term abstainers with methamphetamine dependence showed ToM impairments, while short-term abstainers or recreational users did not. Abusive use in between did show impairments.
3. Cannabis and Cocaine: Recreational users of these drugs did not show ToM impairments, but interestingly, recreational users did show problems with recognizing emotions in faces.
4. Cocaine Dependence: Only one study looked at this, and the results were unclear.

The study also found that better ToM performance was linked to better social outcomes and mental health for drug users. For example, people with better ToM had fewer depressive symptoms and better memory.

Discussion

The researcher’s review examines the connection between substance use and the Theory of Mind. Limited evidence for ToM impairments: While some studies suggest ToM issues in people with alcohol or methamphetamine dependence, the overall data is restricted and needs further investigation. Recreational drug use generally did not show ToM problems.

References

Sanvicente-Vieira, B., Romani-Sponchiado, A., Kluwe-Schiavon, B., Brietzke, E., Araujo, R. B., & Grassi-Oliveira, R. (2017). Theory of Mind in Substance Users: A Systematic Minireview. Substance use & misuse, 52(1), 127–133. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2016.1212890

Through a Witch’s Looking Glass: Gender, Empathy, and the Salem Witch Trials

The Salem witch trials of 1692 stand as a chilling testament to mass hysteria and social anxieties. But beneath the surface of accusations and hangings lie fascinating psychological concepts: gender schema theory and theory of mind. Let’s delve into these theories and see how they shed light on this dark chapter in history.

Gender Schema Theory: Women Out of Place

Gender schema theory suggests we categorize individuals and situations based on pre-existing cultural beliefs about gender roles. In 17th-century Salem, these roles were rigid. Women were expected to be pious, submissive homemakers. Stepping outside these norms was seen as suspect.

Many of the accused witches were single, widowed, or childless women. They often held unconventional roles like healers or midwives. Through the lens of gender schema theory, these women did not fit neatly into the expected categories. This deviance from societal norms might have made them more susceptible to accusations of witchcraft.

Theory of Mind: A Lack of Empathy?

Theory of mind refers to our understanding that others have different thoughts, feelings, and beliefs than ourselves. A deficit in the theory of mind can lead to difficulty empathizing with others’ experiences.

Imagine a young Puritan girl experiencing seizures or hallucinations. Limited by their understanding of the mind and body, villagers might have attributed these events to witchcraft instead of medical conditions. Without empathy for the girls’ suffering, the accusations escalated, snowballing into mass hysteria.

A Twisted Reflection

Gender schema theory and theory of mind do not excuse the horrors of the Salem witch trials. However, they offer a window into the social and psychological factors that fueled the hysteria.

The Salem witch trials serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of rigid social norms and the importance of empathy. By understanding these psychological concepts, we can strive to create a more inclusive and understanding society, ensuring such tragedies never repeat themselves.

When Empathy Fails: Mass Hysteria from Salem to the Dancing Plague

In the heart of human psychology lies a fascinating ability called the Theory of Mind - the capacity to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and beliefs different from our own. Alongside it exists empathy, the ability to share and connect with another person’s emotional state. These traits are essential for social harmony, but history reminds us that the consequences can be bizarre, even devastating when they break down.

Theory of Mind and Empathy: Building Blocks of Society

The theory of Mind develops throughout childhood. It allows us to read social cues, infer intentions, and predict behavior. When this fails, miscommunication and conflict arise. Empathy goes hand-in-hand with the Theory of Mind; feeling what others feel motivates helping behaviors and prosocial attitudes. Together, Empathy and Theory of Mind form the cornerstone of functional societies.

Historical Meltdowns: The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem With Trials of 1692 tragically illustrates the fallout when the Theory of Mind and empathy collapse. A perfect storm of fear, religious fervor, and social tensions led to a mass breakdown of reason. Children accused neighbors of witchcraft; flimsy evidence like spectral visions were taken seriously.

Why did this occur?

• Stress Overload: Puritan society was harsh and rigid. Fear of Native American attacks and disease created constant stress, eroding critical thinking.
• Ergot Poisoning (Hypothesis): Some historians theorize that contaminated rye led to hallucinations, adding supernatural fuel to the fire.
• Lack of Empathy: The Puritan worldview emphasized sin and punishment. Those deemed witches were ostracized, their suffering dismissed.

The Dancing Plague of 1518: Contagious Hysteria

Another infamous historical event, the Dancing Plague of Strasbourg in 1518, shows how distorted empathy can trigger mass hysteria. It began with one woman dancing uncontrollably for days, soon dozens, then hundreds were afflicted. Was this a physical illness or a psychological contagion?

Possible Explanations:

• Extreme Poverty and Disease: The region suffered from famine and sickness, creating an emotionally fragile environment.
• Religious Fervor: Some believe the dancing was a form of religious ecstasy gone awry.
• Shared Madness: Under duress, empathy can become warped. Witnessing others succumb to fear and hysteria can break down individual rationality.

Lessons for the Modern Age

Salem and the Dancing Plague were extreme examples, yet they offer warnings. Even today, the Theory of Mind and empathy can be eroded by:

Social Media Bubbles: We curate our online environments, limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints and potentially impairing our ability to understand those different from us.

Extreme Stress: Prolonged societal stress, like during a pandemic, can tax our mental resources and make us more prone to irrational fears and scapegoating.

Protecting
Ourselves

• Mindfulness of Biases: Be aware of your assumptions and the potential for in-group/out-group thinking.
• Critical thinking: Question the sources of your information. Look for balanced perspectives and evidence-based reasoning.
• Nurturing Empathy: Actively try to understand different viewpoints, even if you disagree. Engage in constructive dialogue.

Conclusion

Understanding the delicate balance of the Theory of Mind and empathy is vital to prevent history from repeating its darker chapters. By valuing reasoned thought and promoting genuine connection across differences, we can foster a society where mass hysteria and the demonization of others find no place to take root.