
Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)
Bio
Writer, psychologist and university professor researching media psych, generational studies, human and animal rights, and industrial/organizational psychology
Stories (62/0)
The Psychology of Intuition
Intuition will tell the thinking mind where to look next. — Jonas Salk Intuition, often colloquially referred to as a “gut feeling,” plays a vital role in our decision-making processes, shaping our actions in ways that are frequently outside our conscious awareness. For years, psychology and neuroscience have grappled with defining the scope and mechanism of intuition, tracing its manifestations from cognitive shortcuts to deeply embedded survival instincts. The topic is of interest not just to psychologists but also to professionals in various domains, such as business, medicine, and law enforcement, where intuitive reasoning can sometimes trump analytical judgment (Dane & Pratt, 2007).
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)2 months ago in Psyche
Mental Health Isn’t Always Straightforward
Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going. — Noam Shpancer, PhD Mental health is a complex and multifaceted area of study that has been the focus of extensive research over the past several decades. Despite the growing understanding of mental health issues, it is important to recognize that mental health is not always straightforward. There are many different factors that can contribute to the development of mental health issues, and effective treatment often requires a comprehensive and holistic approach.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)10 months ago in Psyche
The Personality-Behavior Connection: What Your Traits Can Tell You About Your Actions
Personality traits have long been studied in the field of psychology as predictors of behavior. Researchers as well as practitioners have sought to understand the extent to which a person’s unique combination of traits can be used to predict their behavior in various situations.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)10 months ago in Psyche
The Power of Eating the Frog First
Do you ever feel like you’re procrastinating on the things that you need to be doing? Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks on your list? If so, ‘eating your frog first’ ( as unappealing as that might sound) could be the solution to help you get stuff done.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)10 months ago in Lifehack
Maslow’s Hierarchy and Learning
Motivation refers to “the process of instigating and sustaining goal-directed activities,” while motivated learning refers more specifically to the motivation “to acquire new knowledge, skills and strategies rather than merely to complete activities” (Schunk, 2004, p. 484). As such, these concepts represent explanatory models which seek to understand why individuals behave in certain ways under certain conditions. While some forms of learning occur in the absence of motivation, in general, motivation plays a key role in most learning situations, providing the impetus for persisting in activities that facilitate the process.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)10 months ago in Education
Everybody Hurts – Existential Pain of the Human Condition
"Everybody Hurts" is a powerful ballad written by R.E.M. and released in 1992. The song speaks to the existential pain that is inherent in the human condition and highlights the shared struggle of all individuals. The lyrics are poignant and relatable, tapping into the universal experience of feeling overwhelmed and lost at times.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)10 months ago in Beat
Learned Helplessness Simplified
Learned helplessness is a psychological phenomenon in which a person experiences a sense of powerlessness and a belief that they are unable to control events affecting their life. This can occur after repeated exposure to aversive events which they perceive as uncontrollable, leading them to feel hopeless and passive in future situations. It results in a reduced effort to escape or avoid negative situations, and decreased motivation and ability to take control of their environment.
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)10 months ago in Psyche
Depression in Older Adults
Depression is a common mental health condition that affects people of all ages. It is primarily characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Although research does not indicate an increased incidence of depression in older adults, many of the life challenges faced at this age can contribute to or exacerbate the subjective symptoms associated with this mood disorder and/or impede attempts at therapeutic intervention (Santrock, 2002; Callahan & Wolinsky, 1995).
By Donna L. Roberts, PhD (Psych Pstuff)11 months ago in Psyche