Category Archives: Social Psychology

Articles on the study of individuals in the social context.

Intimacy vs Isolation: Why Do Some People Struggle to Form Intimate Relationships?

intimacy vs isolation

Loneliness is a surprisingly common phenomenon in the 21st century. In 2018, a survey conducted by The Economist and the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that 22% of adults in the United States and 23% of adults in the United Kingdom often or always feel lonely or left out. Interestingly, many people who describe themselves as lonely are unable to explain the reason for their loneliness. They only know that other people seem to be making friends and falling in love, while they keep marching forward alone. Continue reading

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Loving Someone With a Mental Illness

find a therapist

What is mental illness? Mental illnesses are conditions that affect mood behavior and thinking. It’s challenging to live with a mental illness, and that’s why it’s crucial to have a support system. That way, you feel connected to others and loved. People with mental illness are just like everybody else. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, mental illness is real. They live with mental health conditions that affect them, but they deserve love. Here are some ways that you can love somebody who has a mental illness. Continue reading

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What to Do If You Are Falsely Accused of Domestic Assault

domestic violence in America

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many families. It can lead to severe physical and psychological damage, especially if the victim was abused for an extended period of time. But what can you do if you are falsely accused of being an abuser? Read on to find out. Continue reading

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How to Start the Conversation about End-of-Life Planning

Sympathy Hand Elderly Care Woman Aged Senior

For Western families, talking about end-of-life planning is always delicate. It is a difficult topic for most, but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Every one meets their end eventually, but preparations for it can be an open, productive conversation. It might be hard to bring it up to your parents, you don’t always know how they will respond, but it is necessary for everyone involved. Communication is key, and there are ways to make the topic less-stressful and uncomfortable. Here is what you can do to get the conversation started.  Continue reading

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Understanding the Emotional Stages of Divorce

stages of divorce

Coping with divorce is not easy. A couple in love usually enters marriage with the hope they will be together for the rest of their lives. However, relationship issues such as unfulfilled expectations, betrayal, sexual problems, financial problems, or interpersonal conflicts may derail a marriage if they are not thoroughly resolved. In some cases, marriage mates may see divorce as their path to living happily ever after. Continue reading

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The Psychology of Luxury: Why Do People Buy Expensive Things?

psychology of shopping

While it may not be obvious, the act of buying is often influenced by social psychology. We may think we tend to buy what we need, but research suggests we may buy more expensive items to elevate ourselves above others or access an experience we think is more incredible. For example, some people may scoff at the thought of paying $100 for a bottle of wine, yet happily fork over $10,000 for a significantly more expensive bottle. But is a $10,000 bottle of wine a hundred times as flavorful as wine that costs $100? Hardly. Continue reading

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