Helping Psychology Posts - September 2010

Helping Psychology – September 2010

As Fall approaches, Helping Psychology offers readers a chance to explore a smattering of psychological topics from the dark side of social media to how overindulging in sugar is bad not only on the body, but also on the mind. Students studying psychology can also learn how to pay less for textbooks and find out the difference between an arts and science degree program. 

Textbooks: To Rent or to Buy. That is the Question.

College textbooks are notoriously expensive, so Helping Psychology has some valuable tips to inform students on the merits of renting school books in the interest of saving money. Learn the pros and cons of renting textbooks and find out where to buy that has the cheapest prices.

Reduce Job Stress, Increase Job Productivity

Stressed out on the job? Helping Psychology has the tips you need to relax, refocus, and get your head back in the game. From advice on confronting an overbearing boss, to learning how to re-organize your work space, learn how to relieve the pressure of job stress to promote productivity at work.

Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosis of the Week

A common mental illness, bipolar disorder affects 5.7 million people in the U.S.; and 1 in 5 people who have the disorder end up committing suicide. Learn the warning signs of bipolar disorder and how to get effective treatment today.

How to Mend a Broken Friendship. Start Having Fun Again!

Friendships come and go, but they don't have to. Helping Psychology offers a few tips to mend a friendship on the rocks. From writing the perfect apology letter to letting go of the past, learn how to move forward with a broken friendship and start making new memories.

Walk Your Way Fit! (Mentally and Physically)

Walking has many psychological benefits including increased blood flow to the brain, and it promotes the release of endorphins, the “feel good” chemicals. Learn to make the most out of walking and feel better now.

Asperger's Syndrome: Diagnosis of the Week

Asperger's Syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder that appears mainly in older children. Learn about the symptoms and treatments of this manageable mental disorder. From cognitive behavioral therapy to learning speech skills, kids with Asperger's can have a chance at a normal life.

Best Jobs for Introverts

According to Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., author of "200 Best Jobs for Introverts," there are 6 types of introverts: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising and conventional. Learn how you can find the job of your dreams by determining the category you fit into on the introvert scale.

How Adolescent Psychology Helps with Teen Depression

Teens dealing with depression can benefit from psychotherapy and medication, but can also be helped by professionals in the field of adolescent psychology. Learn the signs of teen depression and find out about the different treatment options available.

Karen Horney: Noteworthy Psychologist

Karen Horney was an influential psychologist who used her own personal experiences and research to develop influential theories on neuroses, feminine psychology, and self psychology. She even vehemently disagreed with some of Freud’s most infamous psychological theories. Find out why. 

Ethno Psychology 101

The Ethno Psychology Association of South Africa states that the field of ethno-psychology has arisen to study new ways to meet the needs of various groups using alternatives to Western psychological paradigms. Find out more about this fascinating topic by reading the full article.

Psychology Degrees and Finding Entry-Level Careers

The study of psychological principles provides a well-rounded background for employment opportunities in the private or public sector. Find out how getting an undergraduate degree in psychology can open doors in many interesting fields.

Dark Side of Social Media: Addiction, Lies and Danger

Many people do not consider the dangers of social media use, but it can have serious consequences if some basic precautions are not taken. Users can fall into addiction or even fall victim to predators. Learn how to keep yourself safe while perusing this popular form of entertainment.

How Do Illegal Drugs Affect Mental Health?

Illegal drugs such as pot, crack and meth exacerbate existing mental health conditions such as depression or schizophrenia, and increase the risk of serious complications like psychosis or even death. Find out how the combination of mental illness and drug use can make for a deadly diagnosis.

Grief Counseling for Pet Owners

With the precedence that pets take in people's lives, it's no wonder why the loss of a pet is a traumatic experience. Even though pet owners realize that their beloved pets will not be around forever, losing one can trigger intense feelings such as sadness, lack of motivation, anxiety, anger, and even severe depression.

Web Marketing for Practicing Psychologists 101

While there may have been a time when a business card and a brochure was all that a practicing psychologist needed to establish a busy practice, things have changed in the marketing world. Web marketing is now an essential tool for any psychologist’s marketing basket. So find out how to use this new marketing medium to help your practice grow exponentially!

How Sugar Consumption Affects Mental Health

Doctors have long known that low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, could trigger mood swings. But what about an excess of sugar in the blood? Researchers at a lab in the United Kingdom have found a link between overconsumption of sugar and depression.

Research Methods for Psychology Studies

Regardless of the method of research being applied, all psychological research stems from one common point: curiosity. This is where the research process begins, with a topic in which the researcher is interested to know more about. After validating the specific topic, the researcher may form their own hypothesis, or prediction, based on what knowledge they currently have on the subject.

American Psychological Association: Best Psychology Student Resource

The American Psychological Association (APA) is one of the best psychology student resources online today. There are numerous websites and blogs that are full of information for both students and professionals in the field of psychology, but the APA has the most up-to-date and valuable information.

How to Find Work as a Health Psychologist

A health psychologist studies the interrelationship between social factors, behavior, and biology. The job outlook for health psychologists is very good, as hospitals and medical organizations are at an increase in hiring psychologists, so learn how to get your foot in the door.

How to Stay Sober After Recovering from Alcohol Addiction

As many as 50 percent of Americans state that they have one or more relatives with a serious drinking problem that interferes with their family, life, and work. Find out how you can help them, or yourself, stay sober after battling alcohol addiction.

Aviation Psychology: A Little Known Branch of Psychology

Aviation Psychology is a branch of psychology that specifically focuses on pilots, flight crews, and air traffic controllers to ensure the safety of potential employees, the promotion of the smooth interaction between employees, the proper balance between automation and human involvement, and the maintenance of emotionally, mentally, healthy pilots.

Study Reveals Increased Risk of Pregnancy-Related Depression

Many mothers-to-be assume that their feelings of sadness are related to typical pregnancy moodiness, but that may not be the case. According to a recent study conducted in the UK, pregnant women have a higher chance of getting depression that previously known. Read more to find out why.

Online Support Groups vs. Face-to-Face Groups

Anyone with Internet access can join an online support group. These websites offer a wide variety of subjects in which people may desire support. Sometimes these forums are mediated by a licensed psychology professional who can direct the conversation using their expertise.

5 Rhythms: Meditation and Transpersonal Psychology

Transpersonal psychology is one aspect of psychology that focuses on the mystical and spiritual nature of the mind. Included in the scope of transpersonal psychology is the acknowledgement of existence, spiritual experiences and altered states. The 5 Rhythms falls into this category by promoting mental wellbeing through movement and meditation.

James McKeen Cattell: Noteworthy Psychologist

Named “the dean of American science,” James McKeen Cattell devised tests to evaluate incoming students. His testing method (often referred to as anthropometrical testing) was controversial and considered inadequate, and was later replaced with Alfred Binet’s “intelligence quotient” tests.

Developmental Psychology Study Topics

Study topics in this interesting branch of psychology include the debates of nature versus nurture, whether or not development occurs slowly or in the form of developmental stages, or if early experiences are more important than later ones in the growth of a human and the mind.

Psychology: Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science Degree

An undergraduate degree in psychology is a useful tool for finding a great career. But what exactly are the differences between a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science? Let Helping Psychology help you find out!

Gender Identity Disorder: Diagnosis of the Week

Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is a relatively rare psychological disorder that causes people to have conflicting feelings in regards to their physical gender, and also the gender with which they identify themselves. Treatment for this disorder is found through therapy, and in extreme cases, sexual reassignment surgery.

Genetic Memory and the Human Mind

In psychology, genetic memory is a form of memory that exists in a person since birth, even though the individual has yet to obtain any sensory experiences, kind of like intuition. It is what drives people to perform certain behaviors from birth.

Parents Guide to Psychiatric Medications

Though a medication treatment plan for a child may not completely remove all symptoms of a disorder, at the very least, the child will experience a definite improvement in his or her day-to-day life. Find out the symptoms of common mental disorders and the most commonly prescribed drugs used to treat them.