What Is Self-Handicapping in Psychology?

Why would people do things that might make them more likely to fail? For example, students might stay out all night to avoid studying when faced with an important exam. This protects us from feelings of inadequacy but hinders personal growth. Martin Leigh / Getty Images Recognizing this tendency to stand in your own way is the first step toward overcoming it. Why Do People Self-Handicap? This behavior protects ourself-esteembut can also make us do things that make us less likely to succeed....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 449 words · Billy Malone

What Is Self-Loathing?

Self-loathing, or self-hatred, is extreme criticism of oneself. What Causes Self-Loathing? Self-loathing develops over time. Martin Novak/Getty Images Trauma Many people with extreme self-loathing have been through traumatic and emotionally challenging experiences in their past. These experiences often include sexual, physical, oremotional abuse and neglect. Soon, such thoughts become an all too familiar part of their inner critic. Getting Help If trauma is behind your self-loathing, consider seeking professional help....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 616 words · Alicia Jones

What Is Self-Medication?

Self-medicating has also been used to explain why some people develop substance use problems. The self-medication theory usually refers tosubstance use disorders, but it can also be applied to non-substance orbehavioral addictions. For example, people may use marijuana as a way to manage their symptoms of chronic pain. Image Source / Getty Images This has lead to increased interest and availability of medical marijuana for the treatment of certain conditions....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 238 words · Michael Garcia

What Is Sensory Memory?

The purpose of sensory memory is to retain information long enough for it to be recognized. At a Glance Sensory memory is averyshort-term storage for information from the senses. It persists briefly and allows for processing even after the stimulus has ended. Patrick Fraser / Getty Images While sensory memory may be brief, it is crucial to attention and memory. Types of Sensory Memory Experts believe that different senses have different types of sensory memory....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 318 words · Heather Fields

What Is Sensory Overload?

Maskot / Getty Images Sensory overload comes up whenever one or more ofthe five sensesbecomes overstimulated. In some cases, more than one sense can become overwhelmed at the same time. a concert or sports game) or if you’re hearing multiple sounds at once. Maskot / Getty Images While some people report only mild discomfort, some experience pain when sounds are too intense. You may find certain sounds overstimulating but not react to others....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 466 words · Adrian Chandler

What Is Sex Therapy?

PeopleImages/E+/Getty What Is Sex Therapy? Sex therapy doesnotinvolve physical or sexual touch or intercourse. Types of Sex Therapy Talk therapy is the primary method of sex therapy. PeopleImages/E+/Getty Many therapists will combine these types of therapy or work in aspects of both during different sessions. He likes to do all of the above over the course of a one-hour session. Finally, don’t forget toask about insurance coverageahead of time. doi:10.1007/s10508-020-01640-y...

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 92 words · Alan Wood

What Is Sexual Aversion Disorder?

It is no longer considered a distinct condition, however, and this diagnosis was removed from the DSM-5. Sex aversion disorder was removed from the DSM-5 due to the lack of research. Today, this condition would be diagnosed as a sexual dysfunction. Cavan Images / Getty Images This avoidance can lead to distress and may result in interpersonal problems. In general, this can lead to symptoms that are typically associated with severe anxiety and depression....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 243 words · Gregory Harvey

What Is Sexual Fluidity?

Many people tend to identify with one particular jot down ofsexual orientation. For instance, someone might identify as heterosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, gay, etc. However, people who identify as sexually fluid dont commit to a particular sexual orientation or identity. Xuanyu Han / Getty Images They dont ascribe to any of these labels. If you think you are sexually fluid, you should know you are not alone. History of Sexual Fluidity Historically, a persons sexual identity has been determined by their gender....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 424 words · Robert Knight

What Is Sexual Performance Anxiety?

Recognize the signs and let go of shame Verywell / Laura Porter Feeling anxious before sex is normal. Sexual performance anxiety is a bang out ofperformance anxietythat affects sexual activity in particular. This disorder is more prevalent in men than in women. Verywell / Laura Porter It can also lead to the development of sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction. Sexual performance anxiety is one of the most common sexual conditions in the world today....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 271 words · Tara Davis MD

What Is Shadow Work, Exactly?

Or maybe one you don’t even know you hide? It speaks to the unconscious aspects of a persons mind or personality. Swiss psychiatristCarl Gustav Jungpioneered the concept of the shadow in his exploration of the unconscious mind. Verywell Mind / Stocksy He argued that acknowledging and integrating our shadow is crucial for achieving wholeness. you’ve got the option to also access guided meditations online such as theZenfulnote YouTube channelandZenfulnote App....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 468 words · Angela Bond

What Is Shared Psychotic Disorder?

Verywell / Bailey Mariner What Is Shared Psychotic Disorder? Shared psychotic disorder was first identified in 1860 by Baillarger. It then came to be known under a number of different terms. Verywell / Bailey Mariner However, it’s likely that many cases go unreported. This is because neither person realizes that the delusions are not real. In a larger group setting, this might also be termed mass hysteria. However, there are some features of the disorder that will be similar across cases....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 338 words · Miguel Wilcox

What Is Shift Work Sleep Disorder?

Many professions, particularly in the public health and safety domains, require 24-hour operations. Therefore, the workday is divided into multiple shifts, which are covered by different groups of employees. We are essentially biologically programmed to sleep during the night and be productive during the day. ER Productions Limited/DigitalVision/Getty Impact of Shift Work Shift work can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Your primary healthcare provider can provide a referral to one, if you need it....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 158 words · Jay King

What Is Situational Anxiety?

Your heart speeds up, your palms sweat, and your breathing becomes shallow and quick. When faced with a situation outside your comfort zone, your body’s naturalfight-or-flight responsekicks in. Sometimes this response can be helpful. Catherine McQueen / Getty Images It helps you stay alert, motivated, and ready to do your best. However, it can also vary in intensity depending on the person and the situation. These feelings can be manageable for some people but more overwhelming for others....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 452 words · Yolanda Smith