You searched for memory | Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine https://www.psychologs.com/ India's first Mental Health Magazine Mon, 10 Jun 2024 07:20:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://www.psychologs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Round-Logo@300x-100-150x150.png You searched for memory | Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine https://www.psychologs.com/ 32 32 Exercise and Mental Health https://www.psychologs.com/exercise-and-mental-health/ https://www.psychologs.com/exercise-and-mental-health/?noamp=mobile#respond Mon, 10 Jun 2024 07:20:39 +0000 https://www.psychologs.com/?p=38786 As we know, exercise is good for physical health, such as improving our metabolic rate, preventing us from suffering from chronic diseases, helping us maintain a healthy BMI boosting our immune functions, etc. Did you know? Exercise is also good and beneficial for our mental health as well. In this article, we will learn about […]

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]]> As we know, exercise is good for physical health, such as improving our metabolic rate, preventing us from suffering from chronic diseases, helping us maintain a healthy BMI boosting our immune functions, etc. Did you know? Exercise is also good and beneficial for our mental health as well. In this article, we will learn about why exercise is good for our mental health.

Benefits of Exercise for our Mental Health:

As discussed below, exercise is a good source for better mental health and well-being.

Exercise as an Anti-stressor:

From brisk walks to heart-pounding cardio, engaging in moderate to intense physical activities significantly boosts endorphin production in our brains. Endorphins are chemicals that help relieve pain and reduce stress. Exercising enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, which helps lower stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. For example, in a fight-or-flight situation, both adrenaline and cortisol peak as our body prepares to either confront the threat or flee from it. Engaging in physical activities reduces these stress hormones and promotes a sense of relaxation and well-being.

Read More: Understanding Stress: Types, Causes, and Coping Strategies

Exercise and Anxiety Management:

Research indicates that individuals with anxiety face a higher risk of premature mortality and cardiovascular disease. (Celano et al., 2016) Exercise helps individuals redirect their focus and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. As we already discussed, exercise increases endorphin levels, decreases cortisol levels, and promotes relaxation. Another study highlights that physical activity reduces the likelihood of individuals with anxiety disorder developing anxiety symptoms.

Compared to those with low physical activity levels, they are less likely to experience such symptoms. (Anderson & Shivakumar, 2013) Exercise aids in reducing muscle tension and also reducing the body’s contribution to anxiety. Furthermore, physical activity activates the frontal region of the brain and helps regulate the amygdala, which plays a crucial role in managing emotions. This contributes to improved emotional control and resilience.

Helps in Coping with Depression:

Participating in physical exercise helps alleviate the symptoms of Clinical Depression. Individuals, engaging in moderate-intensity exercise could be advantageous for depression and lead to an improved mood. Experiencing depression can result in a lack of energy, which may make individuals less inclined to engage in physical activity. However, consistent exercise practice can boost your mood if you’re depressed. Regular exercise is beneficial in any form. Research suggests that exercise can effectively treat mild to moderate depression, providing benefits similar to antidepressant medication but without side effects. (Xie et al. 2021)

Read More: Research Identifies Strong Link between Exercise and Lesser Symptoms of Depression

Exercise and Mood Enhancement:

Participating in exercise prompts the body and brain to release hormones and neurotransmitters. These chemicals positively influence mood, memory, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being. Exercise helps in endorphins stimulation, which can lead to the euphoric sensation known as the “runner’s high” commonly experienced by runners. Aerobic exercise includes jogging, swimming, brisk walking, and cycling and cardiovascular exercise has been shown to improve mood. Additionally, exercise stimulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, both of which play a vital role in mood regulation. Furthermore, exercise enhances our sleep regulation by stimulating serotonin production in the brain, leading to improved mood and calmness.

Read More: 10 Mood Boosters that are Absolutely Free

Enhancing Self-confidence and Self-esteem through Exercise:

Not everyone has self-confidence and good self-esteem by nature. However, exercise offers numerous advantages, including an increase in self-esteem. Research suggests that engaging in physical activity can enhance self-confidence and improve how we feel about ourselves. (Sani et al. 2016) Scientific experts agree that exercise has a beneficial effect on our self-esteem.

Another research recommends achieving physical fitness and good body image can cultivate self-esteem. Involving in exercise helps us to gain more positive thoughts and improve our confidence in our good abilities and physiques. Setting and achieving fitness goals, acquiring proficiency in a particular yoga pose, and completing challenging workouts foster a sense of accomplishment and pride, exercise ultimately cultivates self-confidence and improves self-esteem.

The Cognitive Benefits of Exercise:

Regular exercise has numerous positive effects on cognitive function. Neuroplasticity, a significant characteristic of the nervous system, allows it to adapt and change in response to experiences. As a result, physical activity can be seen as a positive environmental factor that fosters neuroplasticity. Exercise also fosters memory and thinking skills. Numerous studies indicate that individuals who engage in regular exercise have larger brain volumes in regions responsible for cognition and memory skills. This is compared to those who are not involved in physical activity.

Dr. McGinnis highlights that participating in a consistent exercise routine of moderate intensity for six months to a year is linked with an expansion of specific areas. Exercising also enhances executive functions such as problem-solving and decision-making. It also helps in cognitive flexibility, attention control, and goal-directed behaviour and reduces cognitive decline. It aids individuals by faster processing speed and that is associated with better overall brain health and cognitive performance.

Sleep and Exercise are closely intertwined:

According to research, adults who engaged in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily sleep approximately 15 minutes longer on average compared to those who did not involved in exercise. Physical activity can contribute to alleviating sleep disorders like insomnia, diurnal somnolence and sleep apnea. Aerobic exercise contributes to deep sleep and also elevates the body’s requirement for sleep. Intensive physical activity can enhance your homeostatic sleep urge, reducing the likelihood of experiencing difficulty falling asleep while lying awake in bed. Exercise also promotes a healthy circadian rhythm.

Read More: Psychologists Speak on How much sleep we actually need

Exercise provides so many benefits including handling stress, anxiety and depression management, enhancing mood, promoting good sleep and preventing sleep disorders, better self-esteem and confidence and cultivating more cognitive benefits. Exercise is crucial for promoting mental health and overall well-being. By incorporating physical activity into our lives to uplift our spirits and lives. Let’s grab the water bottle, and lace up the sneakers to travel on a journey with wonderful mental and physical health.

References +
  • Anderson, E. H., & Shivakumar, G. (2013). Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00027
  • Sani, S. H. Z., Fathirezaie, Z., Brand, S., Pühse, U., Holsboer-Trachsler, E., Gerber, M., & Talepasand, S. (2016). Physical activity and self-esteem: testing direct and indirect relationships associated with psychological and physical mechanisms. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Volume 12, 2617–2625. https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s116811Research suggests that engaging in physical activity can enhance self-confidence and improve how we feel about ourselves.
  • Celano, C. M., Daunis, D. J., Lokko, H. N., Campbell, K. A., & Huffman, J. C. (2016). Anxiety disorders and cardiovascular disease. Current Psychiatry Reports/Current Psychiatry Reports, 18(11). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-016-0739-5
  • Ashish, S., Vishal, M., and Frederick, D. (2006). Exercise for Mental Health. National Library for Medicine.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/#:~:text=Exercise%20improves%20mental%20health%20by,self%2Desteem%20and%20cognitive%20function.&text=Exercise%20has%20also%20been%20found,self%2Desteem%20and%20social%20withdrawal
  • Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms. (2023, December 23). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
  • Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress. (2022, August 3). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469
  • Exercising for better sleep. (2021, August 8). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/exercising-for-better-sleep
  • Healthdirect Australia. Exercise and mental health. Healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/exercise-and-mental-health
  • Professional, C. C. M. Endorphins. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins#:~:text=What%20are%20endorphins%3F,your%20sense%20of%20well%2Dbeing
  • Ratey, J. J., MD. (2019, October 24). Can exercise help treat anxiety? Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-exercise-help-treat-anxiety-2019102418096
  • Stibich, M., PhD. (2023, November 29). The best forms of exercise to improve your mood. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/exercise-and-improving-your-mood-2223781
  • User, N. (2023, September 4). 7 Ways Exercise Improves Self-Esteem. Curves. https://www.curves.com/blog/belong/7-ways-exercise-improves-self-esteem#:~:text=Exercise%20boosts%20confidence,shape%20they%20felt%20they%20were)

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]]> https://www.psychologs.com/exercise-and-mental-health/feed/ 0 The Inside Out Film: Psychological Analysis https://www.psychologs.com/the-inside-out-film-psychological-analysis/ https://www.psychologs.com/the-inside-out-film-psychological-analysis/?noamp=mobile#respond Sun, 09 Jun 2024 04:30:00 +0000 https://www.psychologs.com/?p=38443 The premise of the 2015 film Inside Out is based on a girl named Riley whose father is unable to secure a job, leading the family to move away. A peculiarity of the plot is that it features different individuals placed in Riley’s consciousness. These are depicted as symbols of anger, sadness, joy, disgust and […]

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]]> The premise of the 2015 film Inside Out is based on a girl named Riley whose father is unable to secure a job, leading the family to move away. A peculiarity of the plot is that it features different individuals placed in Riley’s consciousness. These are depicted as symbols of anger, sadness, joy, disgust and anxiety. As the story unfolds, Riley finds herself struggling to fit into her new environment. In addition to portraying emotional metaphors and inner personalities, this film explores emotions as they interact with each other.

Psychological Concepts in the Film

1. Sublimation

The idea of how the mind grows is shown in an in-depth look at the film Inside Out. In this, we see the idea of sublimation. This means that people turn strong feelings into something useful or good, such as a hobby or sport, to make themselves feel better. This helps relieve stress and promotes creativity. In the movie, Riley does this while playing hockey while feeling very angry. Instead of taking her anger out in a bad way, she uses it to excel in sports, showing a clear case of sublimation.

2. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow’s pyramid of human needs starts at the bottom, the “physiological” to be reached before moving to the “safety” and then the “psychological” levels. Unfortunately, throughout the film, Riley suffers a loss of her basic needs. When Family Island falls apart in her mind, it means she doesn’t have the third level of hierarchy called belongingness and love needs.

Read More: Remembering B.F. Skinner and His Contributions to Psychology

3. Theory of Operant Learning

Another theory observed in this cartoon is Skinner’s theory of operant learning. This idea is about how people or animals behave because of things they like or dislike. What people do is mostly shaped by good things, gifts, thoughts or treats. In Inside Out, memory is very important as Riley often looks back on her happy memories to make herself feel better when she is upset. On the other hand, her feelings determine how she acts: in difficult times.

4. Motivation

Extrinsic motivation is described as the choice to perform a behaviour to obtain promised rewards or avoid impending punishment. Riley suggests this as he lives down in Minnesota. He has plenty of motivation to do well in school and in the higher curriculum, just like any younger toddler.

5. Emotions and Memory

The most important part of the plot is the interaction between emotions and memory. The film flawlessly shows how memories can change when you recall them. The emotional nature of events often changes as we remember them. Some events over the years end more horrifyingly as depicted in the film. Additionally, in most cases, memories are much more amazing in hindsight. The film also shows the relationship between sleep and memory.

Sleep is considered a time to store all memories in the brain and store information. Sleep is a technique that strengthens memories. In addition, desires are shown as factors in the events of the day, only distorted and with the addition of fantastic and absurd factors. It shows how ideas link memory and offer meaning to what is being studied.

Read More: Understanding the Neurobiology of Sleep: Brain Function, Sleep Stages, and Impact on Mental Health

6. Intrapersonal & Interpersonal Communication

This is perfectly illustrated in the scene in the film where Riley gets explosively angry at her family dinner table. This observable interpersonal behaviour (anger) occurs due to an intrapersonal technique in which emotions (anxiety, sadness, disgust, and joy) engage with each other to produce the following behavioural outburst. To the observer, it seems like an explosion that happened immediately, but with insight into the intrapersonal method we feel the increase and therefore the reason for this behaviour.

7. Stress

In addition to feeling, there are other instances of stress in psychology in the film. Connection number seven defines stress as a word that is the process of perceiving and reacting to some specific events called stressors that we evaluate as threatening or challenging. Various stressful situations can be seen in the film. For example, after leaving her hometown and moving to a new school community, Riley is under a lot of pressure. Likewise, when Joy is taken away from headquarters, all the other emotions start to worry because, without joy, there would be no happiness for Riley.

Read More: Grounding Exercise for Reducing Stress

Takeaway

Each character in the film was different and covered emotions like Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust. From these feelings, Joy was the leader of Riley’s thoughts, but that wasn’t the case for all of us. Riley’s father, Mr. Anderson, was guided by Anger, and her mother, Mrs. Anderson, was guided by Sadness. This could be seen as — an irritable father and a depressed mother.

However, the fact that these emotions drive these characters would not necessarily define them, reports the completion of Inside Out. At the end of Inside Out, Riley’s inner Joy learns that it’s not always healthy to always be content. Throughout the film, she tries to push sadness out of the way because she believes that being unhappy is bad and that moving her family to San Francisco would make it even harder.

Read More: Psychology behind intense emotions

However, it wasn’t until Joy allowed grief to intervene and deal with the scenario that Riley should bond with her mom and dad and heal. Joy was still the boss of the show, but she found that every emotion wanted its time to shine, so Riley could be a balanced individual.

References +
  • The Inside Out Film: Psychological Analysis | Psychology Paper example. (2024, January 31). PsychologyWriting. https://psychologywriting.com/the-inside-out-film-psychological-analysis/
  • Sutori. (n.d.). Sutori. https://www.sutori.com/en/story/psychology-found-in-inside-out–mwi8gQwr8ne3EWY7qjPHWgZJ
  • Walk in My Shoes. (2019, August 21). Inside Out – A psychological Insight. Walk in My Shoes. https://www.walkinmyshoes.ie/library/blogs-and-articles/2016/july/inside-out-a-psychological-insight

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]]> The Psychology Behind Comfort Food https://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-comfort-food/ https://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-comfort-food/?noamp=mobile#respond Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:06:36 +0000 https://www.psychologs.com/?p=38455 “Mom I am having a bad time at my workplace, I am not able to adapt to the situation here, I used to like food served at my workplace but right now I am craving the homely rajma chawal made with your hands” Comfort food is all about comfort, and they hold a special place […]

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]]> “Mom I am having a bad time at my workplace, I am not able to adapt to the situation here, I used to like food served at my workplace but right now I am craving the homely rajma chawal made with your hands” Comfort food is all about comfort, and they hold a special place in our heart. It is about the emotional connection that we share with the food. Food will nourish our body but comfort food can nourish our soul.

The collegiate dictionary defines comfort food as “food prepared in a traditional style with a generally nostalgic or sentimental appeal”; while Oxford defines it as “foods that make you feel better, generally because they contain too much sugar or because they remind you of home”.

Evolutionary Basis 

Our ancestors lived in a time when food was solely for survival, not luxury. They faced limited availability of food and had scarce access to resources high in sugar and fat, which provide high energy. This scarcity made such foods highly preferred among humans.

Biological Basis

Food items high in sugar, salt, and fat can stimulate the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These neurotransmitters can relieve pain, enhance mood, and activate the reward and motivation cycle. Even thoughts related to your favourite food items can give you a similar chemical spike. 

There are food items that have anti-inflammatory effects and carry antioxidants, such functional foods can help us cope with stress, but the truth is that these food items such as green leaves, nuts, and fatty fish will have a difficult time entering the list of comfort foods. Sometimes, you might be wondering why you can eat 2 big bowls of noodles in a go but, even half a bowl of rice can make your stomach feel satiated. 

A study found that when a human brain is under stress it will decrease the production of the hormone that can send a fullness signal to the brain that is leptin while at the same time, it increases the level of ghrelin which enhances the feeling of hunger. 

Psychological Basis

Comfort food has the power to activate the reward centre in the brain. Some food items are linked to the best days and important people in our lives. Do you remember the journey to the tuition class when you and your friends used to savour the icy-cold chocolate bar all the way? That plate of dahi puri and the friend who never refused to have it. Do you remember the hostel days and the pack of Maggie that never disappointed your night cravings?

Taste is capable of evoking memories and emotions connected to it. Eating is a wonderful bonding activity in relationships, often helping people connect with their soul mates or discover new tastes together. Memory of taste is very much related to memory of smell or olfactory memory. The brain region involved in olfaction has a direct connection to the amygdala and hippocampus, which are related to the processing of emotion and memory respectively.

The phenomenon where certain scents, tastes, or sounds take us back to our memories is called as Proust effect. This is named after the French novelist Marcel Proust who dedicated a novel to the connection between his life and memories. The name of the novel is “In Search Of Lost Time”  (“À la recherche du temps perdu”) and later psychologists and neuroscientists tried to build a deeper understanding of this phenomenon. Food can also remind you about the worst days and the wrong people whom you met in your life.

Cultural Basis

Close your eyes and take a bite of the samosa. Does this remind you of the good old childhood days when your mother used to make hot samosas for Diwali? Your comfort food will be mostly related to your upbringing and cultural practices. Rasam rice will have very little chance of being the comfort food of a Punjabi guy. 

Many of our favourite food recipes are followed for generations and hold a special space in our rich traditions. Meals prepared for special events and shared between beloved ones hold a special place in our hearts. The smell of plum cake will remind you about Christmas time while the sight of payasam (kheer) might remind you about your birthday. 

Emotional Eating V/S Craving for Comfort Food 

Physical hunger is different from emotional. Emotional hunger approaches you suddenly and will be not at all related to the last intake while physical hunger develops gradually and is related to the last food intake. When we eat by our emotions, it is called emotional eating. 

Emotional eating is not considered an eating disorder but people who show too much emotional eating may develop a disordered eating style. Eating your comfort food is not always emotional eating because when you are craving rice and curd at 1 pm that is your lunch time and if you only eat the quantity that your body needs then this is different. 

Comfort food can bring smiles and satisfaction on a gloomy day. It can bring back treasured memories and can remind you about your loved ones. The relationship between human beings and food is not just about survival or health, it’s a huge tell stuffed with emotions and memories. You should take a slice of pizza if that can turn you positive but this should not turn into a routine because this is not the only way to treat stress and most of us have unhealthy food items on the list of comfort foods. Try to find better alternatives for your comfort food or try to convert the recipe into a healthier one.

References +
  • Smell and memory – The Proust Phenomenon. (2024, January 22). BPS. https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/smell-and-memory-proust-phenomenon
  • Lawson, C. (2024, April 16). Comfort food: unraveling the emotional ties to our meals. CHEF iQ. https://chefiq.com/blogs/blog/comfort-food-unraveling-the-emotional-ties-to-our-meals
  • Pereira, J. M., Melo, R. G., De Souza Medeiros, J., De Medeiros, A. C. Q., & De Araújo Lopes, F. (2024). Comfort food concepts and contexts in which they are used: A scoping review protocol. PloS One, 19(4), e0299991. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299991
  • Rd, C. W. (2022, September 15). Emotional eating: What you should know. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/emotional-eating#emotional-vs-physical-hunger

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]]> https://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-comfort-food/feed/ 0 Mental Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet https://www.psychologs.com/mental-health-benefits-of-mediterranean-diet/ https://www.psychologs.com/mental-health-benefits-of-mediterranean-diet/?noamp=mobile#respond Fri, 07 Jun 2024 08:30:08 +0000 https://www.psychologs.com/?p=38412 Have you ever considered whether the process of dieting can enhance mental health? Is dieting beneficial for our mental well-being? The answer to this question is yes, particularly in the case of the Mediterranean diet. Several studies proved that the Mediterranean diet helps to improve our mental health. Through this article, we can understand the […]

The post Mental Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.

]]> Have you ever considered whether the process of dieting can enhance mental health? Is dieting beneficial for our mental well-being? The answer to this question is yes, particularly in the case of the Mediterranean diet. Several studies proved that the Mediterranean diet helps to improve our mental health. Through this article, we can understand the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.  

What is the Mediterranean Diet? 

The Mediterranean Diet is a way of consuming plant-based foods and healthy fats. It involves fruits, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats like Cheese etc. This diet has an adequate balance of the fatty acids  omega-6 and omega-3. The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional foods of the countries, which include France, Spain, Greece, and Italy. These countries are bordering the Mediterranean Sea.  

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in Physical and Mental Health: 

The Mediterranean diet has many benefits; it improves mental health as well as physical health.  The physical benefits of the Mediterranean diet include lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and metabolic syndrome, maintaining the body weight, and maintaining the sugar level in the blood,  blood pressure, and cholesterol. Mental health can include reducing stress and depression, promoting good sleep, reducing anxiety, slowing the decline of brain function, and finally, promoting the overall well-being of an individual. 

Mental health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet  
1. Improve Cognitive Capabilities: 

A meta-analysis published in Advances in Nutrition in 2017 found that people who closely followed the Mediterranean Diet had better cognition. This study only focused on the oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, and sesame oil. Which have similar properties and benefits, and they are good for a brain-supporting diet. Eating less meat and more fish is also connected with better and positive brain outcomes. The Mediterranean Diet helps to slow down cognitive decline and improves thinking, memory, learning, problem-solving, and so on.

Blueberries help to slow down the process of cognitive decline. The omega-3 fatty acids in the fish protect blood vessels in our brain, control the damage caused by oxidative stress, and reduce inflammation. Another study of  Puerto Ricans with diabetes adults found that the Mediterranean diet helped to improve the blood sugar management in our body, which promotes our memory after two years of diabetes.

Read More: 9 Foods that are Great for your Brain  

Helps to prevent Dementia: 

Numerous factors influence cognitive decline; this will be controlled by a healthy diet. The  Mediterranean diet helps to slow down the rate of cognitive decline. One study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found people who are more attached to the Mediterranean diet had a 72 per cent decreased risk of developing dementia rather than people who have less attachment to the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean Diet helps to protect people against Alzheimer’s disease. Eating fish meals each week is associated with a 10 per cent reduction in dementia and a 30 per cent reduction in Alzheimer’s disease. Olive oil, avocado oil, and peanut oil are the best sources of vitamin E (it is a potent antioxidant), which helps to slow down the progression of dementia. Berries, specifically blueberries, help to protect against Alzheimer’s disease. 

Decrease the Depression Risk:  

Recent research studies found that the Mediterranean diet reduces depression. The inflammation  (the body’s response to an illness) is the main reason for the cause of the depression. Inflammation, the body’s response to illness, is a primary factor in the development of depression. The Mediterranean diet includes foods rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients sourced from plant-based oils, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Eating more types of veggies and berries provides plenty of gut-nourishing, inflammation-reducing fibres and gives macro, micro and phytonutrients to the body. Extra virgin olive oil, seeds, nuts, and seafood act as powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in the brain. It helps resist the damaging effects of exposure to free radicals, ageing, and exposure to toxins. 

Decrease your Stress Level:  

The Mediterranean Diet helps to decrease the stress level and promotes well-being. The walnuts are rich in vitamin B and potassium, and nutrients that help to reduce blood pressure and stress. Stress is associated with a low level of gut bacteria diversity (a marker of gut health); eating walnuts can improve gut health. Olive oil reduces the stress; it suppresses the stress hormone release. Fruits and vegetables help to reduce the stress level; those are strawberries, bell peppers, and leafy greens. Antioxidants and plant compounds help to control the oxidative stress. Omega 3 fatty acids are rich in salmon fish, which has been shown to help reduce the anxiety caused by stress. Eggs and smoothies with greens and veggies in the Mediterranean diet help to lower stress levels. 

Improves the Quality of Sleep: 

The Mediterranean diet has antioxidants and plenty of vitamins, which help to improve sleep by reducing body inflammation and supporting the healthy functioning of the nervous system.  Researchers found that the Mediterranean diet was associated with longer and better sleep. Omega 3 fatty acids and minerals like magnesium and potassium in the Mediterranean diet improve the quality of sleep. Vitamin B helps to regulate the circadian rhythm (internal clock); magnesium calms our nervous system and promotes muscle relaxation, which helps with fall asleep more easily.  Potassium helps with muscle relaxation and keeps the sleep patterns uninterrupted.

As individuals, we need to maintain our mental health, which is so important to us. The  Mediterranean Diet improves our mental and physical health. It promotes the overall psychological well-being of an individual; it helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; it slows down cognitive decline; and it reduces the risk of physical diseases. We should follow the proper  Mediterranean diet to maintain our physical and mental health, which improves our overall well-being. 

References +
  • BSc, K. G. (2023, November 10). Mediterranean Diet 101: A Meal Plan and Beginner’s guide. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mediterranean-diet-meal plan#how-to-follow-it 
  • Migala, J. (2023, July 18). 3 Amazing things that happen to your brain when you follow the Mediterranean diet. EatingWell. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8050356/brain benefits-Mediterranean-diet/ 
  • Rd, J. B. M., & Migala, J. (2023, July 18). The 6 best Mediterranean diet foods that can help lower your stress levels. EatingWell.  
  • https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7873477/mediterranean-diet-lower-stress-levels/ • McCoy, A., McCoy, A., & McCoy, A. (2024, April 12). Why the Trendy Mediterranean  Diet Might Be Extra Helpful With Sleep. Sleepopolis.  
  • https://sleepopolis.com/news/mediterranean-diet-helps-with-sleep/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20Mediterranean%20diet%20is%20rich,nervous%20s ystem%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Gupta 
  • Styx, L. (2022, June 2). Mediterranean diet may help beat depression in young men.  Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/mediterranean-diet-helps-beat depression-in-young-men-5272383

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]]> https://www.psychologs.com/mental-health-benefits-of-mediterranean-diet/feed/ 0 Mapping Your Mind: A Journey into Spatial Memory and Navigation https://www.psychologs.com/mapping-your-mind-a-journey-into-spatial-memory-and-navigation/ https://www.psychologs.com/mapping-your-mind-a-journey-into-spatial-memory-and-navigation/?noamp=mobile#respond Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:35:43 +0000 https://www.psychologs.com/?p=38128 When you are heading home tired from work or college, you do not have to actively put effort into finding the right path to home, or you don’t use Google Maps to reach home. Do you know your brain already has a virtual map of the places that you have been before, allowing you to […]

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]]> When you are heading home tired from work or college, you do not have to actively put effort into finding the right path to home, or you don’t use Google Maps to reach home. Do you know your brain already has a virtual map of the places that you have been before, allowing you to find your way back? This is all because of spatial memory. It describes the ability to remember the places and locations of objects and spaces, helping you navigate through physical environments.

Your spatial memory plays a huge role in everyday activities like remembering where you parked your car or finding ways through a new place. Our spatial memory is actually like a mental map which helps us in remembering where things are located in our surroundings.

Read More: Memory 101: Understanding the Basics of Working Memory

Historical Background

Edward C Tolman (1886-1959) has been known for his contribution on cognitive maps. He proposed that animals, including humans, are all equipped with the ability to create and store mental maps of their surroundings to navigate through and carry out casual day-to-day tasks without any active efforts in recalling the space.

John O’keefe and Lynn Nadel are known for a concept they introduced in the 1970s, in their book “The Hippocampus as a cognitive map”. The concept of cognitive maps in that book highly contributed to the understanding of it at the neural levels.

In fact John O’keefe, May Britt Moser, and Edward I. Moser were some of the personalities whose work on spatial memory and the discovery of cells that constitute a positioning system in the brain, was celebrated and they were awarded the Nobel Prize for this contribution.

Morris’s water maze experiment, given by Richard G. Morris in the 1980’s is known to explore spatial memory in rodents. They checked the animal’s ability to remember the location of a hidden platform in the maze based on spatial cues.

John O’keefe was successful in the discovery of the place cells in the hippocampus. Place cells are actually neurons that activate when the animal or human is in a specific location.

Edward and May Britt Moser later discovered grid cells in the entorhinal cortex which helps animals make a grid-like representation of space. Several researchers tried to conduct virtual reality experiments where they used virtual reality technology to study the spatial memory in humans, by simulation of the surroundings we live in to understand how people navigate and recall information related to location and space.

Read More: Cognition and Aging: How Age Impacts Memory and Mental Abilities?

The Science behind Spatial memory

Spatial memory is not an abstract entity. As we read in the historical background, several researches and experiments discovered the exact brain cells that equips with this ability. Let’s know more on what are those specific brain structure that helps us encode and process spatial information.

  • Hippocampus: It is a central structure in the brain in the context of spatial memory. It’s responsible for forming cognitive maps of places we frequently visit, and our surroundings. It plays an important role in spatial navigation and memory consolation.
  • Entorhinal cortex: The entorhinal cortex is the one connected with the hippocampus. It consists of grid cells that help us in making a spatial representation of the surroundings. These grid cells are known to provide the metric for spatial navigation.
  • Para hippocampus cortex: It is involved in processing information related to location and space and is important for identifying landmarks and spatial relationships between objects in our environment.
  • The prefrontal cortex: It engages in higher-order cognitive functions like planning and decision-making, which relate to spatial memory tasks. It also helps in organizing and strategizing the details and information we have about location and space to navigate through.
  • Basal ganglia: It is related to motor control and has a role in spatial learning by coordinating our motor abilities and spatial navigation.

Read More: Cerebral Cortex: The most important part of human brain

Types of Spatial Memory

Now spatial memory is further classified into different types that are handling their respective roles in how we remember and navigate our environment.

  • Survey memory: contributes to remembering the layout at a higher level like cities or landscapes. It helps us in creating mental maps in order to understand the spatial relationships between different locations.
  • Route memory: contributes to our recalling ability so as to retrieve the specific sequence of actions or directions while going from one place to another. It includes remembering the order of landmarks or turns along a path.
  • Landmark memory: contributes to our ability to remember different features/objects in the space that serve as reference points to navigate. Landmarks help us remember directions and locations.
  • Procedural memory: contributes to our ability to remember how to perform actions or movements within spatial context.
  • Object location memory: contributes to our ability to recall the location of specific objects within a space. It also includes the particular relative locations of objects kept in a space.

Read More: 6 Science-Backed Memory, Tips and Techniques 

Factors Influencing Spatial Memory and Changes with Age

Several factors can affect/influence it, including our experiences and exposure, attention and focus, emotional significance, stress and anxiety, age and cognitive abilities, navigation strategies, and brain health and neurological conditions.

As we grow older, we tend to lose our efficacy in terms of physical and mental specifics. Changes in it may take place due to various factors related to ageing. Older adults may report a decline in their spatial navigation abilities. Ageing might make it challenging to judge distances or perceive spatial relations accurately older people often forget where they kept objects. The hippocampus region also undergoes changes with age and that may affect the encoding and retrieval of spatial information.

We may conclude that it is our in-built navigation system that is really important in our daily life to effortlessly navigate through places, have a hold on directions, remember where we keep objects and make an estimated guess about new location. Also knowing what affects it might help us maintain and improve our memory skills over time.

References +
  • Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Spatial memory. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/spatial-memory
  • Shrager, Y., Bayley, P. J., Bontempi, B., Hopkins, R. O., & Squire, L. R. (2007, February 20). Spatial memory and the human hippocampus. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1815289/
  • Stevens, E. by L. (2020, September 1). Spatial memory. Introduction to Psychology Neuroscience. https://digitaleditions.library.dal.ca/intropsychneuro/chapter/spatial-memory/
  • Spatial memory. Spatial Memory – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/spatial-memory

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]]> https://www.psychologs.com/mapping-your-mind-a-journey-into-spatial-memory-and-navigation/feed/ 0 How Can Business Travelers Balance Work and Wellness? https://www.psychologs.com/how-can-business-travelers-balance-work-and-wellness/ https://www.psychologs.com/how-can-business-travelers-balance-work-and-wellness/?noamp=mobile#respond Tue, 04 Jun 2024 13:31:07 +0000 https://www.psychologs.com/?p=38042 Often, business travel gets a bad tap because of its work-hard mentality. Therefore, people who need to travel frequently for their work often have ample challenges to manage. If you are a business traveler, you might have to deal with an unhealthy diet, improper sleep, and erratic exercise regimes. Being constantly on the go can […]

The post How Can Business Travelers Balance Work and Wellness? appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.

]]> Often, business travel gets a bad tap because of its work-hard mentality. Therefore, people who need to travel frequently for their work often have ample challenges to manage. If you are a business traveler, you might have to deal with an unhealthy diet, improper sleep, and erratic exercise regimes. Being constantly on the go can affect your health and cause excess stress.

Today, most people are relying on wellness and healthy habits to live long and accomplish their goals. You must also try to balance work with wellness so that your mental and physical health doesn’t suffer. It’s your attitude that shapes your life. Do you want to inculcate a few healthy practices to add more balance and stability? If so, this article is for you. Read the tips discussed here and implement the ones that resonate most with you.

Try to Avoid Any Stressful Situation

If you are rushing to a flight, it’s nothing less than a struggle. It brings with it much stress and raises your cortisol level. This automatically increases your heartbeat and gives rise to palpitations. It also releases sugar into your bloodstream, resulting in high blood pressure. Heightened stress levels can cause depression, anxiety, sleep issues, heart ailments, and focus and memory issues.

That’s why you must reach the airport early. It’s always better to have extra time at hand than to rush onto a flight. Keep every presentation and document ready to share in a meeting, seminar, or workshop. Also, try to incorporate healthy methods of managing stress and keep calm. If you want, you can consult a psychologist or a GP about ways to keep your stress and nervousness at bay.

Always Plan Your Travel in Advance

If you plan your business trip ahead of time, you’ll experience many benefits. Once you have booked your flight tickets, the hotel, and your transportation from the airport, there’s nothing to worry about. You simply need to pack your bag and travel on the chosen date. Moreover, it is necessary to make relaxation a part of your travel. You can do that by choosing a hotel that provides wellness and spa treatments. Examples include herbal facials, different types of massages, aromatherapy, thermal baths, body scrubs, abdominal massages, and many more.

If you are making a business trip hotel selection for destinations like Tel Aviv, Singapore, Malaysia, or Bali, there are many wellness amenities to select from. For example, you can search for ‘the best business hotel Tel Aviv has with relaxing spa treatments’ and choose from multiple options. This way, you can find the best hotels equipped with such facilities.

If you prefer a sauna and deep tissue massage, choose a hotel that provides you with the same. Along with that, you can also avail yoga, aerobics, and gym services as well. Some hotels also organize meditation sessions to center the mind and body.

Isrotel states that business hotels must function in a professional, organized, and pleasant manner. They need to provide the required wellness amenities along with other services. It allows business travelers to have a lavish, comfortable stay and a relaxing experience.

Refrain From Working 24×7

It’s a myth that working for long hours will make you successful or popular. Even though there are times when you need to run all-nighters, this shouldn’t be your daily routine.

As a business traveler, it’s not possible to restrict your work hours daily. However, it is necessary to be alert when you are feeling fatigued and take a break. Otherwise, you will face frequent burnout and fluctuating productivity levels. It might appear exciting to be a part of the new age, ‘hustle culture,’ by working round the clock, but it ultimately yields no good.

Therefore, ensure that you have a fixed working hour from which you can add or subtract based on your targets. Also, ensure that you have time for relaxation to avoid getting drained.

Plan Healthy Meals

Food plays an essential part in wellness. When you are at business meetings over lunch or dinner, you might not always get the best food options. Hence, make sure that you choose the healthiest platters that are available. Ideally, it’s best to stick to whole grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts, and fruits.

Try to choose detoxifying water or natural juices instead of soda-based beverages or alcohol. Eating healthy will provide you with the energy and vitality you need to accomplish your targets. It will ensure that you don’t give in to binge eating, which is the reason for obesity.

In conclusion, as a business traveler, you need to chart your routine in a way that promotes physical and mental wellness. From selecting hotels that offer healing and relaxing spa treatments to maintaining a correct work schedule, there are many factors to consider. You need to delve into your professional targets and wellness goals and manage your business travel schedule accordingly.

The post How Can Business Travelers Balance Work and Wellness? appeared first on Psychologs Magazine | Mental Health Magazine | Psychology Magazine | Self-Help Magazine.

]]> https://www.psychologs.com/how-can-business-travelers-balance-work-and-wellness/feed/ 0 New Study Reveals Anxiety Risks with Synthetic Estrogen in Contraceptives https://www.psychologs.com/anxiety-birthcontrol-study/ https://www.psychologs.com/anxiety-birthcontrol-study/?noamp=mobile#respond Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:30:59 +0000 https://www.psychologs.com/?p=38006 A new research presented at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, came up with a significant finding. The type of estrogen in hormonal birth control may significantly influence anxiety-like behaviours. Researchers found that synthetic estrogen in birth control led to increased anxiety behaviours in female rats compared to natural estrogen. According […]

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]]> A new research presented at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, came up with a significant finding. The type of estrogen in hormonal birth control may significantly influence anxiety-like behaviours. Researchers found that synthetic estrogen in birth control led to increased anxiety behaviours in female rats compared to natural estrogen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12.6% of women in the United States aged 15 to 49 used oral contraception between 2015 and 2017. Knowing that oral contraceptives can have behavioural side effects, which could be one of the reasons why women stop using them, Dr Alesia Prakapenka, an assistant professor at Midwestern University, and her colleagues wanted to see if the type of estrogen used in hormonal birth control could significantly influence anxiety-like behaviours.

Dr Prakapenka shared that “It is plausible that estrogen type is a key player in mood or cognitive related side effects of hormone-based contraceptive use.” Using a rat model, researchers compared the effects of synthetic ethinyl estradiol and natural estradiol valerate on anxiety and cognition. The 36 young female rats involved in this study were randomly assigned to one of three groups—

  • Synthetic ethinyl estradiol plus dienogest
  • Natural estradiol valerate plus dienogest
  • Vehicle control treatment

To analyze anxiety-like behaviour, the rats were evaluated to assess spatial memory and the elevated plus maze, after four weeks of treatment through a using a delayed spontaneous alternation task. Female rats treated with synthetic estrogen showed much greater levels of anxiety than those given natural estrogen or vehicle control. However, spatial memory was similar in all three groups. A noteworthy finding was that rats treated with synthetic oestrogen used more habitual turn strategies in the spatial memory task, which is a behaviour associated with anxiety.

Read More: Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes and Intervention

The discovery provides new possibilities for clinical research and decision-making in hormonal contraception. Estrogen type may become a significant consideration in birth control prescriptions, perhaps lowering the prevalence of anxiety-related adverse effects. Hegwood feels that this identification might be used as a therapeutic tool to control behavioural adverse effects in females.

As a way forward, this study is a big step towards more customised and effective contraception options. Healthcare providers must consider the estrogen type when prescribing hormonal contraceptives, which can result in better treatment, and improve the quality of life for many women.

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]]> https://www.psychologs.com/anxiety-birthcontrol-study/feed/ 0 Understanding the Psychological Impact of Trigger Warnings https://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-trigger-warnings/ https://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-trigger-warnings/?noamp=mobile#respond Mon, 03 Jun 2024 11:28:06 +0000 https://www.psychologs.com/?p=38000 Key points : In modern society, trigger warnings are prevalent. However, they often evoke a range of emotions. Initially, they might provide a sense of relief or comfort, but they can also lead to frustration and anger as individuals grapple with their implications. Some people see triggers as unnecessary or small discomforts. However, it’s important […]

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]]> Key points :

  • Triggers elicit emotional responses, recalling past traumas.
  • They impact mental health conditions, prompting symptoms and relapses.
  • Coping strategies for Trigger Warnings include seeking support and practising mindfulness.

In modern society, trigger warnings are prevalent. However, they often evoke a range of emotions. Initially, they might provide a sense of relief or comfort, but they can also lead to frustration and anger as individuals grapple with their implications. Some people see triggers as unnecessary or small discomforts. However, it’s important to understand the big difference between feeling a bit uneasy and having past traumas come back.

These overall trigger warnings are nothing but some traumatic past experiences of an individual. However, there is a well-known difference between being uncomfortable and having trigger warnings. Feeling triggered isn’t just about something rubbing you the wrong way but it is where someone having a history of some traumatic events being reminded of the circumstance over again. Mezulis once noted that even people without any particular trauma can be triggered by something that elicits a strong emotional reaction.

What is trauma?

One of the underlying characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the occurrence of flashbacks. Trauma, whether stemming from abuse, violence, or other distressing events in the past, can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. When we find ourselves in a traumatic circumstance, the brain’s fight and flight mode is activated by the limbic system. This memory system could not distinguish between the past occurrence of this traumatic event, present or future. The sole focus becomes that we are in immediate danger. It’s as if we are transported back to that horrific moment, and once again confronted by the same threat response. For many trauma survivors, the world can feel completely unpredictable and unsafe. Trigger warnings confront empathy and respect for individuals’ circle, reinforcing their sense of agency over their own traumatic experiences.

Everything about the trigger warnings 

The term “trigger” emerged in the late 1990s through discussions among women in internet chat rooms focused on sexual assault. Over time, it gained traction in colleges and among other individuals discussing similar topics. Over time likewise the concept of trigger warnings spread via various media means. 

Furthermore, people came to the realisation that trigger warnings are not just about censorship but rather about inclusivity and accessibility. It is essential to cast trigger warnings as a tool in a broader framework of trauma-informed care. In addition to issuing warnings, it’s crucial for all sectors—especially healthcare professionals—to foster an environment of safety, trustworthiness, and sensitivity to individuals’ needs.

Mental Health Conditions Affected by Triggers 

After all trigger warnings are commonly used to refer to the experiences of people with PTSD, the term trigger can also be used in the context of other mental health conditions including substance use disorder, eating disorders and anxiety. An example is the case of an individual with substance use disorder. They may struggle to resist their inner urges triggered by the smell of alcohol and bars, experiencing intense cravings and thoughts of drinking merely from the scent.

Under such cases, a trigger is anything that prompts an increase in or return of symptoms. The experience here causes a return of cravings and relapses. Triggers vary widely from person to person and trigger warnings could be internal as well as external. Internal trigger comes from within the person which can be any withholding memory, a physical sensation or an emotion. Certain common internal triggers could be anger, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, pain and sadness.

When comparing it to mental health, internal triggers are cognitive and emotional cues that lead to a relapse of symptoms and unwanted emotions. External triggers are completely different as they arise from the person’s environment. It can be any specific person, place or a specific situation. What may appear as ordinary situations or minor inconveniences to some individuals can trigger traumatic experiences for others. These triggers could be anything from a seemingly insignificant argument with a friend to certain sounds, smells, or even random occurrences.

How Triggers are formed?

Many researchers have been working on this specific thing yet things aren’t as clear as they should be regarding the trigger formations. Some believe that the brain profusely stores memories from past experiences and events differently from memories of any good and positive as well as non-trauma event. When triggered, the brain can interpret past traumatic events as if they were happening in the present moment. This can lead to the body experiencing a similar fight-or-flight response or exhibiting the same symptoms as it did during the original traumatic experience.

A trigger can evoke a powerful emotional response and bring back memories of the entire scenario. Triggers often have strong sensory connections or are linked to deeply ingrained habits. This phenomenon is sometimes described as “traumatic coupling,” where a trigger becomes connected to a traumatic experience, causing individuals to relive it and associate themselves with the symptoms of that experience.

How to cope with the Trigger Warnings?

In many circumstances, one can avoid trigger warnings but if avoidance hinders your ability to perform precisely then one should seek help. It could be Calling your close ones, deep breathing, exercising, journaling and mindfulness meditation. Researchers have recommended using mindful grounding to increase tolerance and keep the mind focused on the present. Empower yourself by proactively preparing to cope with triggers. Learn to recognize when you’re being triggered and develop strategies to calm yourself down. Individual coping skills play a crucial role in this process, enabling you to navigate challenging situations with greater resilience and self-awareness.

Thus everything sums up, trigger warnings are rewrapped in psychology’s understanding of trauma and its effects on individuals’ mental health. Far from being mere political correctness, these should play a vital role in the building up of empathy, respect and inclusivity within the community. By accommodating and acknowledging the diverse emotional experiences of an individual we can create a more compassionate and supportive environment for everyone.

References +
  • Reynolds, E. (2023, November 21). Do trigger warnings work as intended? BPS. https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/do-trigger-warnings-work-intended#
  • The psychology of trigger warnings. (n.d.). https://www.behaviouralbydesign.com/post/the-psychology-of-trigger-warnings
  • Bridgland, V. M. E., Jones, P. J., & Bellet, B. W. (2023). A Meta-Analysis of the efficacy of trigger warnings, content warnings, and content notes. Clinical Psychological Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/21677026231186625

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]]> https://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-trigger-warnings/feed/ 0 The Integral Role of Rehabilitation Psychology https://www.psychologs.com/the-integral-role-of-rehabilitation-psychology/ https://www.psychologs.com/the-integral-role-of-rehabilitation-psychology/?noamp=mobile#comments Sun, 02 Jun 2024 04:30:00 +0000 https://www.psychologs.com/?p=37767 Jai was a 23-year-old, graduate, cricketer with the dream of becoming the part of Indian team, the cricket star until meeting with vehicular accident left him with limb amputation. For days after he was in a daze and his parents felt helpless about how to help him deal with this incident. After meeting with a […]

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]]> Jai was a 23-year-old, graduate, cricketer with the dream of becoming the part of Indian team, the cricket star until meeting with vehicular accident left him with limb amputation. For days after he was in a daze and his parents felt helpless about how to help him deal with this incident. After meeting with a rehab psychologist they started noticing a change in his behavior. Meeting with the professional brought back family’s feat and his confidence in reliving his life. Jai was a force to reckon with from that day onwards.

Nothing exalts the soul or gives it a sheer sense of buoyancy and victory so much as being used to change the lives of other people.

Read More: What is Rehabilitation Psychology?

Psychology as a multidisciplinary field has seen immense growth, recognition and popularity, especially in the post-COVID times. Though the field has many specialized branches only a few are known to the public in general. Rehabilitation Psychology is a speciality area within psychology that focuses on the study and application of psychological knowledge and skills on behalf of individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions in order to maximize health and welfare, independence and choice, functional abilities, and social role participation, across the lifespan (APA, DIVISION 22).

The definition in itself highlights the vital importance of this branch. It is a specialized field that focuses on the assessment and intervention strategies to address the cognitive, emotional, and functional difficulties in individuals with disability to help them achieve optimal levels of functioning as well as promoting independence and improving overall quality of life.

The services and scope of rehabilitation psychology are widespread. Working in a multispecialty hospital I have firsthand seen the scope of the services and the benefits it provides not only to the patient but to the family members as well. It enables a person with illness to develop to the fullest extent of their capacities and helps in the restoration of hope which is often lost.

A rehabilitation psychologist focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychological and emotional issues that often accompany a disability. Let’s understand these roles/ services in depth.

  1. Assessment and Diagnosis: Rehabilitation psychologists assess individuals with disabilities to understand the psychological, cognitive and emotional impact of their conditions. They often use standardized assessments and clinical interviews to identify the areas of concern. In the case of neurological conditions or trauma neuropsychological assessments like PGI-BBD, AIIMS neuropsychological battery etc. tools are used to identify the impacted area which further gives insight into the functions affected and help in the treatment process.
  2. Treatment and Intervention: Once psychological issues are identified, rehabilitation psychologists develop treatment plans tailored to the specific strengths, needs and level of functioning of each individual. The treatment plan may be individual-centred or community-centred based on the needs of the individual to address emotional and behavioural challenges. This may involve vocational rehabilitation, social skills training, behavioural management or cognitive rehabilitation.
  3. Adjustment and Coping: Living with a disability can be a significant life change and rehabilitation psychologists help individuals and their families navigate this adjustment process. They provide strategies for coping with grief, loss, and the challenges that arise from disability, enhancing use of assistive technology and fostering resilience and adaptation.
  4. Pain Management: Many individuals with disabilities experience chronic pain, which can have a profound impact on their psychological well-being. Rehabilitation psychologists work alongside medical professionals to help individuals manage their pain effectively, using psychological techniques like relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and biofeedback.
  5. Family and Caregiver Support: The emotional and physical toll of caregiving can be overwhelming at times. The caregivers might feel isolated, anxious, and depressed and at times may not be ready for the role of caregiving. Many times, I feel we neglect the family of the person whereas they are vital for the holistic development of the individual. Offering support and guidance to families, and helping them understand and cope with the emotional and practical challenges of caring for a loved one with a disability by enhancing communication, understanding, and support within the family system is necessary.
  6. Advocacy and Accessibility: Rehabilitation psychologists advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities in various settings, including healthcare, education, government setups and the workplace. They work to promote accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities and support.
  7. Research and Innovation: Research in rehabilitation psychology contributes to the development of new interventions and strategies for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. This research helps advance our understanding of disability-related issues and informs evidence-based practices.

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Individuals with traumatic brain injury, strokes, spinal cord injuries, amputation, sensory loss, burn injuries, chronic pain, intellectual disability and chronic psychiatric illness are some of the population groups with which are catered by a rehabilitation psychologist. Some key areas where rehabilitation psychology plays a vital role are:

  1. Physical Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation psychologists work with individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or accidents, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and orthopedic surgeries. They help patients cope with the emotional and psychological challenges associated with physical injury, its recovery and adjustment to life with a disability. They assist individuals in developing resilience, coping skills, and strategies for navigating the emotional impact of paralysis.
  2. Stroke and Neurological Conditions: Individuals who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury, and strokes, as well as those with neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy, often require psychological support to manage emotional and cognitive changes, cope with physical limitations, and adapt to a new way of life. Here, the key role is in the form of assessment and cognitive rehabilitation of the individual. They address memory problems, mood disorders and behavioural changes.
  3. Chronic Pain Management: Rehabilitation psychologists are essential in managing chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and arthritis. They use psychological techniques to help patients reduce pain perception, improve functioning, and enhance their quality of life.
  4. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Individuals recovering from heart-related surgeries or living with chronic heart conditions may experience anxiety, depression and lifestyle adjustments. Rehabilitation psychologists support them in making healthy lifestyle changes and managing their emotional well-being.
  5. Community Reintegration: Rehabilitation psychology is vital in promoting community integration for individuals with disabilities, including helping them access public transportation, housing, education, and recreational opportunities.
  6. Disaster and Trauma Rehabilitation: After traumatic events or natural disasters, individuals may require psychological support to cope with the emotional aftermath and rebuild their lives. Rehabilitation psychologists are often involved in disaster response and recovery efforts.
  7. Addiction Rehabilitation: Individuals in addiction recovery often require psychological support to address underlying emotional issues, develop relapse prevention strategies, and rebuild their lives after substance abuse. Rehabilitation psychologists are involved in addiction treatment programs.

In each of these areas, rehabilitation psychologists work alongside other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and physicians, to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of an individual’s condition or disability.

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In summary, rehabilitation psychology plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities. They focus on addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of disability, promoting independence, and fostering resilience and adaptation in the face of life-altering challenges.

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