3 Psychology Facts That Will Save Your Life

Psychology has the potential to enhance your relationships, heal emotional wounds, and aid in coping with challenging circumstances. However, many people are unaware that psychology can even play a role in saving lives. There are numerous aspects of the human mind that can either pose a threat or help individuals escape dangerous situations. Here are some noteworthy psychology facts that have the potential to save lives.

Consider this scenario: you are walking through a parking lot when you accidentally bump into someone. You apologize, but the other person becomes hostile and forcefully shoves you to the ground. In such a crowded area, one would think that someone will come to your aid before the situation escalates, right?

Unfortunately, this is not always the case due to what is known as the bystander effect. This phenomenon explains that the more bystanders present during a crisis, the less likely they are to intervene. Bystanders often assume that someone else will take action, thereby absolving them of responsibility.

To illustrate this point, a study conducted in 2019 tracked hundreds of bystanders through CCTV footage of violent incidents in Copenhagen. The findings revealed that the presence of additional bystanders reduces the likelihood of intervention, particularly if they are strangers. It is important to note that these individuals are not heartless; rather, in the midst of a large crowd, it is tempting to believe that someone else will step in. Researchers suggest that during emergencies, one can encourage intervention by singling out individual bystanders and assigning them specific actions, such as calling the police, thereby making it their personal responsibility. This knowledge has the potential to save lives, including your own.

Another, if one is asked to imagine a dangerous person, many individuals might envision a cloaked figure lurking in the shadows at night. Alternatively, they may suspect a loved one whom they trust. However, according to FBI profiler Mary Ellen O'Toole, our intuitions about dangerous individuals are not always accurate. O'Toole explains that we tend to be cautious around strangers and those who display odd behavior, while giving our acquaintances and those who appear normal a free pass. Ironically, it is often those we know who pose a greater threat. O'Toole points out that almost every time the FBI uncovers a violent criminal or serial killer, the individual in question is friendly and outgoing, leading a seemingly ordinary suburban life. They may even have a family and maintain a respectable reputation within their community. No one suspects a thing.

Look at Jeffrey Dahmer - he appeared to be an ordinary guy. To help identify dangerous individuals, O'Toole highlights some warning signs to watch out for, such as impulsive behavior without regard for consequences, excessive anger, narcissism, lack of empathy, and a tendency to hold grudges for an extended period of time. However, it is crucial to note that a single trait or action does not automatically mean someone is dangerous. Rather, if one exhibits a pattern of these behaviors, it may be wise to remain cautious. Consider this scenario: if you were too intoxicated to legally drive, would you still get behind the wheel, make important decisions, or send critical emails? Hopefully, the answer is no, as these actions carry significant risks. However, if you do not maintain a consistent sleep schedule, you are unknowingly engaging in equally risky behavior.

When you do not get enough sleep each night, your body becomes flooded with stress hormones, resulting in a decline in brain functionality. A study published in Nature compared the alertness of sleep-deprived individuals to those who were intoxicated while performing basic hand-eye coordination tasks. After being awake for 24 hours straight, the alertness of sleep-deprived individuals dropped to the same level as those with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 percent. In other words, pulling an all-nighter impairs the brain as much as being too drunk to drive. According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers require 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, while adults should aim for seven to nine hours. Adequate sleep greatly influences memory, cognition, concentration, mood, and accident rates. Therefore, the next time you are tempted to stay up late, consider using the military sleep method to quickly fall asleep and refresh your body and mind. To begin, find a comfortable position and exhale slowly while releasing tension from your muscles. Relax your shoulders, allowing your arms and hands to loosen. Continue to breathe deeply, flex your toes, and empty your mind. Imagine yourself lying on a canoe in a tranquil lake, and if any thoughts arise, repeat the process of not thinking until they dissipate. With practice, you will be able to sleep like a professional.