Monday Musings
Here is our safe space for reflections, insights and thoughtful musings on topics related to anything and everything psychology. It is not a formal academic outlet, but rather a casual and eclectic exploration of our interests and observations.
A Modern Guide to Feng Shui: Using Psychological Research to Enhance Your Space and Mind
Discover how to use feng shui principles backed by psychology to create a harmonious, balanced space. Learn research-based tips on layout, colours, natural elements, and lighting to boost focus, reduce stress, and enhance well-being in your home or workspace.
The Psychology of the Joker: A Deep Dive into the Many Faces of Gotham’s Most Infamous Villain
Discover the psychological profiles of the Joker's most iconic portrayals, from Cesar Romero's trickster to Heath Ledger's anarchist and Joaquin Phoenix's tragic outcast. Dive deep into the motivations, disorders, and complexities that make the Joker one of the most compelling villains in comic book history.
Psychological Considerations in Home Design: Creating Spaces That Nurture Well-being
Discover how thoughtful home design can improve mental health and comfort. Learn 10 essential psychological principles, from natural light to biophilic design, that create spaces fostering relaxation, productivity, and happiness.
The Intricate Dance of Truth and Honesty: Understanding the Fine Line Between Reality and Intention
Explore the nuanced difference between truth and honesty. This thought-provoking article delves into how factual accuracy and personal sincerity shape trust, relationships, and authenticity in communication.
The Rise of the AI Influencer: Will we Soon Try to Manipulate Machines the Way we Do People?
Explore the rise of AI influence and how companies are learning to shape AI-driven recommendations to promote products and services. Discover the psychology, ethics, and societal impact of this new form of digital persuasion.
The Psychology of Isolation and Alienation in Frankenstein’s Creature
Explore the psychological journey of Frankenstein’s creature in Mary Shelley’s classic novel, focusing on how isolation, social rejection, and lack of attachment shape his emotional and moral development. This article delves into key psychological theories—attachment, social deprivation, and moral growth—to reveal how prolonged alienation impacts empathy, self-worth, and behavior.
Freudian Analysis of Lovecraftian Horror: Exploring the Unconscious, Madness, and Cosmic Dread
Discover how Freudian psychoanalysis sheds light on H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror, revealing the role of the unconscious, repressed desires, ego dissolution, and madness in confronting unknowable, terrifying forces.
The Power of the Unseen: Why Psychological Horror is Scarier Than Gore
Discover why psychological horror is scarier than gore. Explore how subtle mind games, atmosphere, and the fear of the unseen evoke deeper terror than graphic violence in slasher films. Learn what makes psychological horror endure.
Laughing Through the Pain: Deadpool, Dark Humour and Finding Light in the Darkness
Explore how Deadpool’s dark humour sheds light on using comedy to confront mental health challenges like trauma, death, and despair. Learn how dark humour can be a powerful coping mechanism, while balancing its therapeutic and alienating effects."
Streaming Platforms and Parasocial Relationships: Alleviating Loneliness or Encouraging Unhealthy Bonds?
Explore the psychological impact of Twitch and other streaming platforms on parasocial relationships. Discover how they can alleviate loneliness or lead to unhealthy emotional dependency and attachment.
The Best PCs and Laptops for Psychology Students: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover the top PCs and laptops for psychology students in 2024. From budget-friendly options to high-performance models, find the perfect device for running research software like SPSS, data analysis, and academic work.
CBT: What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Who is it Best Suited For?
Discover what Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is, how it works, and who it best suits. Learn about CBT behavioural therapy for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, along with its structured, goal-oriented approach.
The Problem with "It Is What It Is"
Explore why the common phrase "It is what it is" is useless at best and potentially harmful at worst. Learn how it encourages passivity, limits personal growth, and stops conversations from finding solutions.
The Breakfast Club: A Social Psychology Perspective
Explore the social psychology behind John Hughes' The Breakfast Club and discover how identity, conformity, group dynamics, and prejudice reduction play a key role in the characters' transformation.
The Psychology of Love
What exactly is love from a psychological standpoint? While often viewed as a mysterious force, psychology has made great strides in unpacking its intricate layers, identifying its biological, emotional, and cognitive components.
Beyond the Binary: Gen V’s Jordan Li: A Masterclass Non-binary Representation
Explore how Gen V’s Jordan Li offers groundbreaking non-binary representation in the superhero genre. This case study examines how the character’s gender fluidity is seamlessly integrated into the storyline, challenging gender norms and showcasing trans identity without feeling forced.
The Impact of Social Media on Our Ability to Delay Gratification
Is the culture of instant gratification fostered by social media diminishing our ability to exercise delayed gratification?
Is Social Media Eroding Our Sense of Object Permanence?
Explores how social media is changing our relationship with object permanence
Psychological themes in Shakespeare's works: A Brief Overview
Shakespeare's works are renowned for their exploration of complex psychological themes, often delving into the intricacies of the human mind, motivations, and emotions.
The Impact of AI on Academic Progress
Explore both the positive and negative impacts of AI on academic progress, and how it is reshaping the future of education.