Voyeur Eyes Only

 

Voyeurism

• Voyeurism is believed to be the most common paraphilic disorder (Hooley, et al. 2019). Someone can be diagnosed with voyeuristic disorder if they have recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behaviors involving the observation of unsuspecting people who are undressing or of couples engaging in sexual activity (Hooley et al. 2019). Voyeurism is often accompanied by exhibitionism, and it is also associated with interest in sadomasochism and cross-dressing.

Why do some people adopt this behavior?    

• Here are the DSM-5 criteria for a Voyeuristic Disorder:

• 🟦Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent and intense sexual arousal from observing an unsuspecting person who is naked, in the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity, as manifested by fantasies, urges, or behaviors. 
• 🟦The individual has acted on these sexual urges with a nonconsenting person, or the sexual urges or fantasies cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
• 🟦The individual experiencing the arousal and/or acting on the urges is at least 18 years of age.

Voyeurism is not usually linked to other serious crimes. Most people have voyeuristic urges, but they are usually prevented by the risk of being caught and ethical concerns about privacy.

References

 Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033

When is a Paraphilia not a Paraphilia??

When a Paraphilia Becomes a Disorder

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 Paraphilic disorders are characterized by recurrent, intense sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that are atypical in terms of their targets, context, or participants, and that cause significant distress or impairment in the individual's life. These urges and behaviors generally involve (Hooley et al., 2019) :

1. abnormal targets of sexual attraction such as objects or children\
2. unusual courtship behaviors such as watching someone undress without their consent or exposing themselves to others without consent.
3. the desire for pain and suffering of oneself or other people.

🟥Paraphilias challenge the authors of DSM editions for two main reasons (Hooley et al, 2019):

1. Some paraphilias are considered pathological even if the person experiencing the symptoms does not experience any distress.
2. Some other categories of paraphilia may be compatible with psychological health and happiness if all parties are of age and willfully consent.

The DSM-5 distinguishes between paraphilias and paraphilic disorders (Hooley et al. 2019).

🟥Paraphilias are defined as unusual sexual interests that cause no harm to either person or others.

🟥Paraphilic disorders - are defined when paraphilias cause suffering to anyone involved.

• Although mild forms of these conditions occur in many people's lives, a person with the disorder is distinguished by the intensity and the exclusivity with which their sexuality focuses on the acts or objects in question (Hooley, et al. 2019).  For instance, in some cases, orgasm is not attainable without these acts or objects.
• These disorders can also be compulsive requiring someone to orgasm as often as four to ten times per day.
• Most people with paraphilic disorders are male.

 The DSM-5 recognizes eight specific paraphilic disorders that can be classified into several different subtypes (Hooley, et al. 2019): 

1. Voyeuristic
2. Exhibitionistic
3. Frotteuristic
4. Sexual sadism
5. Sexual Masochism
6. fetishistic
7. transvestic 
8. pedophilic

There is also another specified paraphilic disorder which includes several rare disorders (Hooley et al. 2019):

• Scatologia - obscene phone calls
• Necrophilia - the sexual desire for corpses
• Zoophilia - sexual interest in animals
• Apotemnophilia - sexual excitement and desire about having a limb amputated
• Coprophilia - sexual arousal to feces

References

Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033

“The Triple Threat: Exploring the Interplay of ADHD, Insomnia, and Internet Gaming Disorder”

Does ADHD affect the relationship between circadian typologies, insomnia, IGD

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• Recently a study was done to evaluate the relationships between circadian typologies, insomnia, and internet gaming disorder and how ADHD affects this relationship.

Researchers took three groups of 69 young adults (Lin et al., 2023) :

1. A group with Internet Gaming Disorder
2. A control group - comprising age and sex-matched nongamers
3. A group of gamers without IGD was established through diagnostic interviews.

• The participants with IGD exhibited lower composite scale of morningness scores and thus a higher eveningness preference (Lin et al., 2023).
• The group with IGD scored higher on the Pittsburgh insomnia rating scale.
• The participants with IGD and ADHD exhibited lower CSM scores but higher PRIS_20 scores than the participants with IGD but without ADHD (Lin et al., 2023).

🟥These findings indicate that participants with IGD experienced more severe insomnia and preferred to be awake more in the evening.

🟥ADHD exacerbated the eveningness preference and insomnia of the subjects with IGD.

🟥The study suggests that we need to pay close attention to sleep problems in people with IGD and especially in those with ADHD

🟥Why is this study important?

• Well gaming technology has advanced considerably in recent decades, and more people have access to the internet. And now there is a new global mental health concern which is Internet Gaming Disorder or IGD.
• The DSM-5-TR notes that IGD must cause "significant impairment or distress" in several aspects of a person's life ( 2023).
• Scholars have found that excessive internet gaming is associated with maladaptive gaming beliefs and can lead to psychological consequences such as depression and interpersonal impairment
• Because inadequate or nonrestorative sleep can remarkably reduce a person’s quality of life, understanding the association between IGD and sleep is crucial. Research has indicated that IGD is related to low sleep quality, limited sleep time, and subjective insomnia. Insufficient experimental evidence is currently available regarding the sleep patterns of individuals with IGD.

🟥Therefore understanding circadian typologies among individuals with IGD is essential

References

Lin, Y. J., Yen, J.-Y., Lin, P.-C., Liao, H.-Y., & Ko, C.-H. (2023). Circadian typologies and insomnia in individuals with internet gaming disorder comorbid with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Scientific Reports, 13, 12764. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39462-2

(2023). internet Gaming (J. ShererM.D., Ed.) [Review of internet Gaming]. American Psychiatric Association; American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved September 2, 2023, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/internet-gaming

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Introspection

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• The founders of experimental psychology used the methods of experimental introspection which involved asking subjects to focus on their personal reflections and then relate them to outside signals.
• Most of the subjects were male and asked to rate their experiences on a one to ten-point scale. Psychologists at the time believed that introspection could be used to study mental elements such as sensations and feelings.

🟩There were limitations of introspection

🟩Introspection was not appropriate for studying complex psychological processes.

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Mary Calkins' self-psychology

Calkins was a psychologist who understood the limitations of introspection. Her new approach to psychology focused on the self which had three founding concepts (Shiraev, 2016) :

1. The self
2. The object
3. The self's relation or attitude toward that object.

Two levels of the self  (Shiraev, 2016):

1. contents of consciousness
2. environment in which the content unfolds.

• Calkins's self-psychology was influenced by the work of William James, another early psychologist who was critical of introspection.
• Introspection in psychology declined by the early 20th century
• Calkins's self-psychology was also influenced by the work of the philosopher Josiah Royce, who argued that the self is not a fixed entity, but rather a process of becoming.
• James proposed a theory of the self that emphasized its dynamic and ever-changing nature.

References

 Shiraev, E. (2016). Personality Theories: A Global View. SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781506300795

Suicide Prevention

 

Suicide: A Cry for Help

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Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24. It is a serious public health issue that affects people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.

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There are many reasons why someone might consider suicide. Some people may feel hopeless or like they have no way out of their problems. Others may be struggling with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Still others may have experienced trauma or abuse.

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• Whatever the reason, suicide is never the answer. It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. There are people who care about you and want to help. If you are thinking about suicide, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including:
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
• You are not alone. There is help available. Please reach out for help if you are thinking about suicide.

• In addition to the resources listed above, there are many other ways to get help for suicide. You can talk to a trusted friend or family member, see a therapist or counselor, or join a support group. There are also many online resources available.

• If you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, please talk to them about your concerns. Let them know that you care about them and that you are there for them. You can also encourage them to get help from a professional.

• Suicide is a serious issue, but it is one that can be prevented. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please reach out for help. There is hope.

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Here are some additional tips for preventing suicide:

• Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you are feeling suicidal.
• Get involved in your community and build strong relationships with friends and family.
• Take care of your physical health by eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
• Learn healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and difficult emotions.
• 
  If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out for help from a crisis hotline or mental health professional.

It is important to remember that suicide is never the answer. There is help available, and you are not alone. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please reach out for help.

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Social Media Addiction??

 

 Psychology of Social Media Addiction

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Social media has become an integral part of our lives. We use it to stay connected with friends and family, to share our thoughts and experiences, and to get the latest news and information. But for some people, social media can become addictive.
Social media addiction is a behavioral addiction that is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to use social media. People with social media addiction may spend hours each day on social media, even when they know it is interfering with their work, school, or personal relationships. They may also feel anxious or restless when they are not using social media.

• There are a number of factors that can contribute to social media addiction. One factor is the way that social media is designed. Social media platforms are designed to be addictive. They use features such as notifications, likes, and shares to keep users engaged. They also use algorithms to show users content that they are likely to find interesting, which can lead to users spending more time on social media.

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Another factor that can contribute to social media addiction is the way that social media can be used to connect with others. Social media can provide a sense of connection and belonging, which can be especially important for people who feel isolated or lonely. However, social media can also lead to comparison and envy, which can make people feel worse about themselves.

• 
  The effects of social media addiction can be significant. People with social media addiction may experience problems with their work, school, or relationships. They may also experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. If you think you or someone you know may have a social media addiction, there are a number of things you can do. The first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem. Once you have acknowledged the problem, you can start to make changes. These changes may include limiting your time on social media, deleting certain apps, or setting boundaries around your social media use.

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Try these steps and see how they make you feel

• Identify your triggers. What are the things that make you want to use social media? Once you know your triggers, you can start to avoid them.
• Set limits. Decide how much time you want to spend on social media each day. Stick to your limits as much as possible.
• Take breaks. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes. This will help you to stay focused and avoid getting too absorbed in social media.
• Find other activities. Find other activities that you enjoy and that will help you to relax and de-stress. This could include reading, spending time with friends and family, or exercising.

 

Cognitive Dissonance: The Psychology of Inconsistency

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Have you ever made a decision that you later regretted? Or maybe you've done something that went against your values? If so, you've probably experienced cognitive dissonance.

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Cognitive dissonance is a state of discomfort that occurs when a person's beliefs or attitudes are inconsistent with their behavior. This discomfort motivates the person to reduce the dissonance by changing their beliefs, attitudes, or behavior (Shiraev, 2016).

For example, let's say you believe that smoking is bad for your health, but you still smoke. This creates cognitive dissonance because your behavior (smoking) is inconsistent with your belief (smoking is bad for your health).

There are a few different ways to reduce cognitive dissonance

• One way is to change your beliefs. In this case, you might start to believe that smoking is not as bad for your health as you thought.
•  Another way to reduce cognitive dissonance is to change your behavior. In this case, you might quit smoking. 
• Consonant cognitions - beliefs or attitudes that support your behavior. In this case, you might start to believe that smoking is a way to relieve stress or that it makes you look cool. 
• Finally, you can also reduce cognitive dissonance by avoiding dissonant cognitions. Dissonant cognitions are beliefs or attitudes that contradict your behavior. In this case, you might avoid thinking about the negative consequences of smoking.

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Cognitive dissonance is a powerful force that can motivate people to change their beliefs, attitudes, or behavior. It can also be used to influence people's behavior in marketing and other contexts.

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Why do people strive to avoid cognitive dissonance?

• There are a few reasons why people strive to avoid cognitive dissonance. One reason is that it is an unpleasant state of mind. When people experience cognitive dissonance, they feel uncomfortable and anxious. They may also feel guilty or ashamed (Shiraev, 2016).

• Another reason why people strive to avoid cognitive dissonance is that they want to have a consistent and meaningful view of the world. When people's beliefs and attitudes are inconsistent, it can make them feel like their world is not making sense. This can be a very unsettling feeling.

• Finally, people strive to avoid cognitive dissonance because they want to avoid having to change their beliefs or attitudes. Changing one's beliefs or attitudes can be a difficult and challenging process. It can also be embarrassing to admit that you were wrong about something.

🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀 How can cognitive dissonance be used to influence behavior?

•  One way is to create a situation where people's behavior is inconsistent with their beliefs. This can be done by giving people a choice between two options, both of which are inconsistent with their beliefs. For example, you could ask a person who believes in saving the environment to choose between buying a new car or taking public transportation.
• Another way to use cognitive dissonance to influence behavior is to make people feel guilty or ashamed. This can be done by pointing out the inconsistency between their behavior and their beliefs. For example, you could tell a person who believes in animal rights that they are contributing to animal suffering by eating meat.
• Finally, cognitive dissonance can be used to influence behavior by making people feel like they have to justify their behavior. This can be done by asking them to explain why they made the decision they did. For example, you could ask a person who just bought a new car why they decided to do so, even though they believe in saving the environment.

By understanding how cognitive dissonance works, we can use it to influence people's behavior in a positive way. For example, we can use it to encourage people to make healthier choices or to donate to charity. However, it is important to use cognitive dissonance ethically and responsibly. We should never use it to manipulate or exploit people.

References

Shiraev, E. (2016). Personality Theories: A Global View. SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781506300795