What Is Parentification?

Have you ever felt that you took more care of your parents than they did of you? Do you feel like you practically raised your siblings? Did you end up taking on a lot of responsibility at a very young age? Gravity Images/The Image Bank/Getty If so, you may have experienced parentification. The role of the parent is to give and the role of the child is to receive. This article explores the types, causes, signs, and effects of parentification....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 213 words · Jaime Lopez

What Is Parkinson's Law?

Parkinsons law is not a scientific principle. Instead, it is an observation of a phenomenon that many people have experienced. As first described by Parkinson, it can explain the expansion of organizations or bureaucracies. Westend61 / Getty Images Parkinson’s law can also lead people to procrastinate, leaving tasks until right before they are due. This expansion means that tasks become even more daunting, requiring much more mental energy. This means that they frequently become a source ofstressand anxiety....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 381 words · David Castro

What Is Pediophobia? (The Fear of Dolls)

Westend61 / Getty Images Pediophobia, or the fear of dolls, is a pop in of specific phobia. Dolls that talk or move and old-fashioned porcelain dolls are especially common sources of this punch in of fear. Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. Westend61 / Getty Images Your therapist will ask direct questions that are designed to help you clarify exactly what you fear....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 256 words · James Reynolds

What Is Perception?

Recognizing Environmental Stimuli Through the Five Senses Perception refers to our sensory experience of the world. Through the perception process, we are able to both identify and respond to environmental stimuli. Perception includes the five senses: touch, sight, sound,smell, andtaste. Hero Images / Getty Images Many stimuli surround us at any given moment. Types of Perception The different senses often separate the types of perception. These include visual, scent, touch, sound, and taste perception....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 303 words · Maurice Hill

What Is Perinatal Depression?

Pregnancy and the weeks immediately following birth are physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging. Defining Perinatal Depression Perinatal depression is depression experienced during or after pregnancy. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. Verywell / Bailey Mariner For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database. How Is Perinatal Depression Diagnosed? Perinatal Depression vs. This is sometimes referred to as the “baby blues.” It is important to distinguish between these so-called baby blues and the symptoms of postpartum depression....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 376 words · Michael Moreno

What Is Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)?

If you have periodic limb movement disorder, youre not alone. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of periodic limb movement disorder. We also explore how this condition can affect your mental health and suggest strategies to help you cope. LaylaBird / Getty Images When Does Periodic Limb Movement Disorder Occur? The limb movements can occur: The symptoms often start after age 40 and become more severe with age....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 179 words · Rachel Hodge

What Is Phagophobia?

It is sometimes confused withpseudodysphagia(the fear of choking). Fear of Foods Phagophobia may surface in people who experience other food-related fears. Persistent worrying about eating contaminated food may also lead to phagophobia. Kittiphan Teerawattanakul / EyeEm / Getty Images Those who fear swallowing may find themselves physically unable to do so once they become too anxious. This, in turn, can worsen the fear, creating a perpetuating cycle that is difficult to break....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 184 words · Jonathan Coffey

What Is Phasmophobia?

Most can control this fear and some even enjoy the feeling that it creates. It’s fun to get a little spooked! Symptoms Phasmophobia can be characterized by a range of different symptoms. Image Source RF / Steve Prezant / Getty Images For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database. Phasmophobia is often related to thanatophobia. The fear of ghosts could be seen in the same way. Causes Both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the development of phobias such as phasmophobia....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 487 words · Sandra Clark

What Is Phrenology in Psychology?

The practice was based on the idea that certain functions were located in specific brain areas. As a result, phrenologists proposed bumps were produced in those areas on the skull. The practice did help increase scientific interest in the localization of different brain functions. It was later popularized as phrenology by Gall’s assistant, a German physician named Johann Gaspar Spurzheim. In his book on phrenology, Gall suggested thatmoraland intellectual faculties were innate....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 374 words · Melissa Jacobs

What Is Physical Attraction?

“It is a physical energy that is the result of the chemistry between two people.” Instant physical attraction and the ensuing emotional response contribute to what people call “love at first sight.” At a Glance Physical attraction is often the spark that inspires a connection between people. martin-dm/E+/Getty Evolutionary and sociocultural factors also play a part. While physical attraction can draw you together, other factors also play an important role in building lasting bonds....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 123 words · Taylor Matthews

What Is Play Therapy?

d3sign / Getty Images What is play therapy? Therapists use it primarily for children, but adults can benefit, too. Play therapists sometimes ask other family members,, parents or guardians to get involved in the playtime activities. d3sign / Getty Images A typical play therapy session usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. The therapist will then observe the childs interactions with the toys that are provided. Children with certain disorders which hamper their emotional and social expressions typically benefit greatly from play therapy....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 143 words · Jessica Young

What Is Polygamy?

However, there are other types of marriages likepolygamy. Polygamy is the opposite ofmonogamy, where one person marries one spouse. However, polygamy is either illegal or discouraged in most regions. PeopleImages / Getty Images In some cases, polygamy isnt explicitly unlawful. Bigamy happens when a person whos married marries another person who does not know their partner is already married. This article discusses the history of polygamy, the types of polygamy, and how people practice it....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 528 words · Shaun Juarez

What Is Pop Psychology?

Pop psychology is often associated with quick fixes as it promises easy solutions to difficult problems. It is also associated with personality tests that may not be scientifically validated. At a Glance Pop psychology encompasses ideas that are purportedly rooted in psychology. Kilito Chan / Getty Images Such ideas tend to gain widespread acceptance, even though they are not necessarily rooted in credible science. This article discusses the history of pop psychology and its types....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 324 words · Michael Murray