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Exploring the Mind of Charles Manson

 In August 1969, a string of violent murders stunned the entire world. Charles Manson, whose name has since become synonymous with cult-led violence, was the mastermind behind the infamous "Tate-LaBianca" killings. The first killing occurred on the night of August 8–9, and the victims included pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four of her friends who were visiting that night.nson had apparently chosen the house where Tate lived because he believed a record executive who had rejected his songs was still living there. The following evening, the "family" also murdered supermarket executive Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, at their home in the Los Feliz section of Los Angeles.

In the trial that followed, Manson and his followers testified that the killings had been intended to precipitate a race war since they intended their crimes to be blamed on black activists. As a result of his involvement in these killings, Manson was sentenced to death in 1971; however, his sentence was eventually reduced to life in prison. Manson would spend decades in jail until his death in November 2017 at the age of 83. Of his surviving followers, four remain in California prisons.

In August 1997, Manson, who was then 63 years old, was transferred to Pelican Bay State Prison for drug trafficking charges while in prison. Also known as California's "supermax" prison, Pelican Bay housed the most dangerous inmates who were serving long sentences (i.e., 25 to life with the possibility of parole). Due to being previously diagnosed with severe mental illness, Manson was housed in Pelican Bay's psychiatric service unit (PSU).

To read more, check out my new Psychology Today blog post.

Reel Talk: Gender Dynamics and the Bechdel-Wallace Test

In the huge universe of movie tales, how often do we see female characters talking about something other than men? This inquiry goes beyond simple film interest and touches on larger cultural conventions and gender roles.

In a challenging new study, German researchers Markus Appel and Timo Gnambs conducted a thorough investigation into this field, utilizing the Bechdel-Wallace Test (BWT) to examine female characterization in 1,200 of the highest-grossing movies released over the past 40 years. Their findings provide insight into the gradual yet noticeable change in gender roles in film.

To read more, check out my new Psychology Today blog post.

A Technological Boon: Navigating Aggression with the Sense-IT App in Forensic Psychiatr

In a recent groundbreaking study, a team of Dutch researchers explored the integration of technology into aggression regulation therapy for forensic psychiatric outpatients, marking a significant stride towards modernized mental health interventions in legal settings. The study honed in on a wearable biocueing app named Sense-IT, delving into the perspectives of both forensic psychiatric outpatients and their therapists regarding this novel approach to managing aggressive behaviour

The objective was clear: to understand how the Sense-IT app could be embraced within aggression regulation therapy, and to what extent it could aid in enhancing interoceptive awareness, emotion regulation, and, consequently, controlling aggressive behavior among forensic outpatiens. The methodology employed a blend of qualitative techniques, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the participants' attitudes towards this technological intervention.

The journey embarked with 21 forensic outpatients and 15 therapists, whose feedback painted a promising narrative. The participants exhibited a primarily positive attitude towards the integration of the biocueing intervention, with the heightened interoceptive and emotional awareness being lauded as a notable advantage【62†(PubMed)】. This positive inclination was seen as a green signal towards the cautiously optimistic acceptance of biocueing as a supplementary tool in aggression regulation therapy within the forensic psychiatric realm.1

The Sense-IT app stands as a testament to the potential symbiosis between technology and forensic psychiatry, opening avenues towards more effective, personalized, and humane treatment methodologies. The positive attitude of the participants towards the app is a beacon of hope, hinting at a future where such technological interventions could become a mainstay in forensic psychiatric care.

This study is a conversation starter, urging stakeholders to further explore and embrace technological advancements in forensic psychiatry. It's not merely about a wearable gadget; it's about forging a future where technology and forensic psychiatry walk hand in hand, creating a more conducive environment for addressing and managing aggressive behaviors among forensic outpatients.

Unveiling Strategies for Forgiveness Post-Infidelity

People everywhere have a fundamental inclination to form close, lasting relationships, especially romantic (and often monogamous) ones. Unfortunately, the occurrence of infidelity within these connections can be just as widespread.

A recently published study by Menelaos Apostolou and Nikolaos Pediaditakis of the University of Nicosia sheds light on the intricate and varied methods people use to ask for forgiveness after an affair. In addition to analyzing the psychology of strategies for seeking forgiveness, this study also provides insight into the common human behaviors related to adultery and reconciliation.

To read more, check out my new Psychology Today blog post

Bridging Mind and Body: Unveiling Psychology's Recent Explorations

In recent times, the field of psychology has been aflutter with groundbreaking revelations, particularly concerning the intertwining of mental and physical health. Two studies, each unique yet complementary, shed light on this intricate relationship.

A study spearheaded by the University of California - Los Angeles delved into the effects of racial or ethnic discrimination on individuals' food choices and subsequent health risks. This pioneering investigation revealed that the stress stemming from discrimination alters brain-gut communication, nudging individuals towards unhealthy food choices. The study unveiled a shift in brain activation towards regions associated with reward and self-indulgence, especially when exposed to unhealthy food cues. Concurrently, a decline in activity was observed in areas pivotal for decision-making and self-control. The study, encompassing 107 diverse participants, utilized functional MRI brain scans and sophisticated statistical modeling to unravel these complex relationships. The findings hint at a distressing cycle where discrimination triggers a stress response, promoting unhealthy eating behaviors, which in turn, heighten obesity risks. This vicious cycle underscores the profound impact of social factors on both mental and physical health, highlighting the necessity for holistic approaches in addressing health disparities ([Science/Daily)

Parallelly, a study linking mental health issues with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has painted a clearer picture of MS's early signs. The research indicates a nearly twofold increase in mental illness likelihood in years leading to an MS diagnosis. The study's meticulous methodology encompassed analyzing medical records of over 2 million individuals, providing substantial evidence of the connection between mental health and neurodegenerative disorders. The heightened prevalence of depression and anxiety observed may serve as a harbinger for MS, accentuating the importance of early intervention and comprehensive mental health assessment in individuals exhibiting MS symptoms. These findings reiterate the profound entanglement of mental and physical health, urging a paradigm shift towards an integrated approach in healthcare  (Science Daily.)

These studies accentuate the indispensable role of psychological factors in physical health and vice versa, advocating for a more integrated, holistic approach in healthcare. The revelations from these studies are not only academically intriguing but hold significant implications for clinical practices, policy formulation, and public health strategies. Each study, while distinct in its focus, converges on the essential message that understanding and addressing mental health is paramount in promoting overall well-being. This burgeoning evidence underscores the exciting and transformative journey psychology is embarking upon, as it continues to unravel the complex tapestry of human experience and its impact on health.

Exercise Could Defend Against Alzheiner's Disease

The mention of Alzheimer's disease (AD) often sends shivers down people's spines. This debilitating condition affects cognitive function, erodes memory, and can alter our very essence.

Even for those without symptoms, the emotional and financial toll of caring for affected parents, spouses, or other close family members can be devastating. The social costs of AD and other dementias are expected to worsen severely in the decades to come.

But what if there were a natural way to halt its progression? Recent studies suggest that regular exercise might be the key.  To read more, check out my new Psychology Today blog post.

Can Terrorist Behavior Measures Predict Group Violence? Understanding Understanding January 6th through the lens of Trap-18.

On January 6, 2021, an event unfolded that would etch itself into the annals of American history. The U.S. Capitol, a symbol of democracy, was stormed by a crowd of individuals, an event now known as the January 6th Insurrection. This wasn't just a random act of violence; it was a calculated attempt to overturn the presidential election results. But who were these people, and what led them to this point?

To read more, check out my Psychology Today blog post.

The Unveiled Connection: Hearing Aids and Dementia

In a world where dementia is a growing concern, any breakthrough that could potentially delay its onset is worth our attention. One such revelation has recently come to light, and it's all about the connection between hearing aids and dementia.

This pioneering study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has unveiled a significant link between the use of hearing aids and the risk of developing dementia.  Using a sample of more than 2400 older adults, the researchers  found that risk of dementia rose sharply depending on severity of hearing loss.   Results also showed that risk of dementia was much lower in hearing aid wearers compared to non wearers.   The research suggests that hearing aids, by enhancing auditory input, could potentially play a crucial role in delaying the onset of dementia.

“This study refines what we’ve observed about the link between hearing loss and dementia, and builds support for public health action to improve hearing care access,” says lead author Alison Huang, PhD, MPH, a senior research associate in the Bloomberg School’s Department of Epidemiology and at the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, also at the Bloomberg School.

The findings of this study are a significant leap forward in the field of dementia research. They underscore the importance of early detection and treatment of hearing loss as a potential preventive measure against dementia. The study presents hearing loss as an early warning sign that requires immediate attention and treatment, which could eventually prevent or slow down the onset of dementia.

This research is a beacon of hope for those at risk of developing dementia and their loved ones. It highlights the importance of regular hearing checks and the potential benefits of using hearing aids. It's a reminder that taking care of our hearing health could have far-reaching implications for our cognitive health.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking study has opened up new avenues for dementia prevention. It has underscored the potential role of hearing aids in mitigating the risk of dementia, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment of hearing loss. As we continue to battle this debilitating condition, such findings bring us one step closer to a world where dementia can be delayed, if not prevented.

New Psychokogy Today post out

It's normal to be concerned about cognitive decline as we become older, especially considering what increasing problems with memory, attention, and concentration may mean for our day-to-day lives. On the other hand, the results of a recent study that was published in the journal Psychology and Aging suggest that participating in mentally stimulating activities throughout our lives may have a beneficial effect on cognitive functioning in later years.

To read more, check out my new post on Psychology Today

The Robots Are Here: What Will It Mean for Job Security?

Robots are transforming the nature of human work. While they can increase productivity and create new job opportunities, there are concerns about how they may impact job security and lead to maladaptive behaviors among employees. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, researchers explored the effects of robots on job insecurity and maladaptive behaviors in the workplace.

Drawing from the cognitive appraisal theory of stress, the study showed that exposure to robots is positively associated with a sense of job insecurity. This is due to the prevalence of pessimistic beliefs about automation and the obvious superiority of robots within a narrow domain of tasks.

To read more, check out my new Psychology Today blog post.