Being a psychology and creative writing major, I’m always trying to find ways of integrating the two subjects, so I know what to say when people ask me what I’m going to do when I graduate. Right now my only answer to that question is crying because I really don’t know. Even though, surprisingly, there does seem to be an overlap in both these subjects, I think that really only has to do with the fact that psychology can basically be applied to anything. Either way, I always love when I come across cool psychology facts and theories that I can use in my writing. I have actually collected a pretty long list over the years and a lot of them are as interesting as they are surprising. I’ve decided to share some of these facts and theories with you. Like I said, the list is long so ill try to keep it short this time around.
Psychology is interesting because it provides an explanation for so many things in our world. It tells us why people act the way that they do and how we can change our perceptions of the world by doing certain things. The brain is so powerful and understanding how it works is always useful.
Goals
When you want to achieve something, studies show that you should say it out loud to yourself, but not to anyone else. When you announce a goal that you have to other people you’re less likely to succeed. This is because the praise and approval people tend to give you when they hear your plans, sends a signal to your brain that makes it think that you’ve already achieved the goal, which then causes you to feel less motivated to actually do it. This is like the equivalent to not telling people what you’re wishing for when you blow out your birthday candles because it won’t come true.
Love
There are a lot of interesting theories and studies done about love. Love can actually be made chemically in a lab. Outside of the lab, you can make two people fall in love by having them ask each other a specific list of questions. These questions create a mutual vulnerability, which is what allows two people to fall in love in real life. Falling in love can happen in as little as four minutes. The biochemical reaction in someone’s brain when they’re falling in love is strikingly similar to what is going on in the brain of someone who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. This can tell you that the act of falling in love has more to do with what’s going on in our brains than our hearts.
Intelligence
It has been proven that people with high intelligence tend to underestimate themselves a lot and second-guess their decisions, whereas people who are more ignorant and less intelligent, believe that they are brilliant. This is called the Dunning-Kruger effect. It should be called the Donald Trump effect.
Singing
Singing can actually reduce the feelings of depression and anxiety. Researchers have concluded that singing acts like an infusion of tranquilizers that soothes your nerves and elevates your spirits. This elation comes from endorphins, a hormone released when you sing. This hormone is associated with feelings of pleasure. Another hormone released is oxytocin – this hormone is said to relieve stress and alleviate anxiety, as well as create feelings of trust and bonding, explaining why singing appears to decrease feelings of depression and loneliness. So when you’re stressed about something just hop in the shower and start singing.
Mind and body
The cells in our bodies react to everything that we think and say. So negativity can actually lower our immune systems making us sick. Negative thinking has also been proven to make you physically weaker. The brain is the control centre of our bodies and one of the most powerful and complex organs: what the brain does affects the rest of the body.
Addictions
According to various studies, chocolate and shopping are said to be more addicting than LSD and steroids. I can personally confirm this statement because I am addicted to both chocolate and shopping.
Music
The type of music we listen to can change our mood and perception. Music and mood are closely interrelated so listening to a sad or happy song on the radio can make you feel more sad or happy. However, these mood changes not only affect how you feel, they also change your perception.
So here are a few psychology facts for you, you’re welcome! If you want to learn more about any of these studies you can always look them up and find more information about how our brains work.
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