Category: Advocacy
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Understanding Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance has become a major buzz word in recent years. But what is it? How does it impact us? Can we actually use it to our advantage? What is it? Why do we get it? Cognitive dissonance is the negative or uncomfortable feeling we get when we hold contradicting beliefs and values or are Read more
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The Battle for Care: Health Insurance & Therapy
Over the past few years health insurance has become a major issue on everyone’s mind. But where does mental health fit into this mess? The fight for mental health is just as complex as finding coverage for physical health complications. Is Insurance Required to Cover Mental Health Care? The short answer: no. Insurance companies are Read more
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Technology & Mental Health
Technology has become a major factor in every aspect of life. Mental health is not an exception. It is important to recognize both the benefits and risks associated with technology use when it comes to our mental wellbeing. Benefits One of the largest benefits of technology became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Due Read more
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On Diversity and Censorship in Research
Psychological research as we know it is being dismantled. Researchers are being censored or fired. Many projects focusing on topics of diversity or discrimination are being defunded and removed from public view. Even studies that use words like “race”, “gender”, or “sexuality” to define factors are being targeted. As those who have been on my Read more
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Gambling Addiction: A Growing Epidemic in Youth
Disclaimer: This is not a criticism of any singular company or product. Any mentioned company is purely for example in criticism of a systematic problem. There is a growing epidemic among both adults and children – compulsive gambling. From Counter Strike loot boxes to Pokémon packs and Labubu mystery boxes, there are many more opportunities Read more
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Eugenics: The Dark Period in Psychological and Medical History That is Making a Comeback
TW – This topic will discuss sensitive topics including racism, discrimination, and forced sterilization. Reader discretion is advised. One of the darkest zeitgeists seen in the history of psychology and medicine, eugenics provided a false scientific justification for discriminatory practices in the late 1800s and throughout the 1900s. Not only is its legacy still felt Read more
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Drinking the Kool-Aid: Psychological Techniques Cults & Extremist Groups Use to Influence Others
TW: This topic discusses abuse, manipulation, and violence. One of the most fascinating but niche topics in the field of psychology is cults and extremist groups. Why do people join cults? Why do they stay? How can someone justify doing heinous acts in the name of a group? These are all questions explored by cult Read more
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The Problems with AI Therapists
Artificial intelligence has become a regular aspect of everyday life. With rapid developments and little regulation, it now seems to be taking over many fields. Psychology is no exception. AI tools may be useful in data analysis, research, and mood tracking; but the overreliance of it in therapy can have devastating consequences. Many individuals turn Read more
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Mental Health and Aviation
My Introduction to Aviation Mental Health I was walking back to my apartment after class when I got the email – a plane crashed at the University of North Dakota. In a panic, I called my boyfriend who was a student pilot himself at the time. My relief of learning he was not in the Read more
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Crisis in the Gym: Mental Health and the Fitness Industry
There is a mental health crisis plaguing the fitness industry. Body dysmorphia rates are on the rise alongside the rates of depression and anxiety. Unrealistic body standards and bullying within the industry have given rise to eating disorders and substance misuse. What should be a healthy part of life has become a source of stress Read more