Why Latent Learning Matters Latent learning is important because in most cases the information we have learned is not always recognizable until the moment that we need to display it. While you might have learned how to cook a roast by watching your parents prepare dinner, this learning may not be apparent until you find yourself having to cook a meal on your own. When we think about the learning process, we often focus only on learning that is immediately obvious....

Behaviorism Behaviorism is a learning theory that tries to explain human behavior and responses in terms of learned behaviors. This thought originated with Ivan Pavlov and his theory known as classical conditioning. The dogs’ salivation was an automatic response to the presence of meat. By pairing the presentation of the meat with the ringing of a bell, Pavlov was able to condition the dogs to respond to a new stimulus (the bell)....

In many cases, not feeling hungry is a temporary problem often caused by an acute illness. However, persistent loss of appetite can be a serious symptom of a medical or mental health condition. A lack of appetite may stem from a variety of physical or psychological causes. Understanding the reason why you have no appetite is key to determining how to best treat the issue. Medical Conditions That Cause Loss of Appetite The loss of appetite isn’t usually a primary condition....

Though the risk of relapse runs high during the holidays, it is not inevitable. If you are in recovery from alcohol addiction, there are steps you can take to stay healthy and safe. Becoming aware of potentially triggering situations and knowing how to prepare for them can help minimize your risk of relapse and allow you to truly enjoy your holiday season. Common Holiday Triggers The holiday season can be a triggering time for many reasons....

However, vitamin and nutritional supplements should not be used as a replacement for traditional mental healthcare. It can, however, potentially complement your treatment. Because the connection between the body and brain is so strong, maintaining a healthy diet full of vitamins and nutrients can positively impact your overall health and well-being. This article covers the importance of B vitamins and the possible benefits of taking a vitamin B complex supplement....

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on and individuals continue living in isolation, we’re seeing alarmingly negative mental health trends. And belonging to an at-risk population tacks on an even greater risk of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Older adults experiencing depression might not even realize it or know how to ask for help, but removing these barriers to treatment could help save lives. The Survey The survey polled nearly 1,500 adults aged 65 or older and gauged respondents’ understanding and experience of depression, as well as actions they’d take if they were concerned about their mental health....

The condition is also known by other names including: GermophobiaBacillophobiaBacteriophobiaVerminophobia The phobia is often linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but people who don’t have OCD can have it as well. The phobia is believed to be fairly common and can affect people from all walks of life. This article discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatments for mysophobia, It also covers some of the things that you can do to cope with this type of phobia....

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a miscarriage refers to a loss before the 20th week of pregnancy, while a stillbirth happens at 20 weeks of pregnancy and later. The CDC estimates that approximately 24,000 babies are stillborn in the US annually. And while information about pregnancy tends to be directed at women, it is worth noting that this can be experienced by anyone with a uterus, so pregnancy loss may similarly affect a variety of genders....

Plasticity refers to the brain’s malleability or ability to change; it does not imply that the brain is plastic. Neuro refers to neurons, the nerve cells that are the building blocks of the brain and nervous system. Thus, neuroplasticity allows nerve cells to change or adjust. Types of Neuroplasticity The human brain is composed of approximately 100 billion neurons. Early researchers believed that neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons, stopped shortly after birth....

• Standard ADHD medications can have side effects including height suppression • Many experts promote a holistic approach, where medication is used alongside therapy and educational support The study, published by the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP), found that children with ADHD and emotional dysregulation who took a micronutrient formula over eight weeks were three times more likely to see emotional and behavioral benefits than those who were given a placebo....

All panic attacks end eventually, and to some extent, you just have to ride out the waves of your panic attack until it’s over. But there are ways to manage panic attacks, so they resolve sooner, and even ways to stop panic attacks from happening in the first place. One of the most powerful methods for coping with panic attacks is meditation. Numerous studies have shown that meditation can decrease anxiety and stress symptoms....

Symptoms The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) is the handbook used by mental health providers in making accurate diagnoses. The four or more other symptoms may include: Chest pain or discomfort Chills or hot flashes Derealization and/or depersonalization Excessive sweating Fear of dying Fear of losing control or going crazy Feeling of choking Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint Feelings of numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias) Heart palpitations or accelerated heart rate Nausea or abdominal pain Shortness of breath or smothering sensations Trembling or shaking...

The most popular and effective treatments for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). These medications can help relieve the symptoms of PMDD by increasing levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood. Other treatments for PMDD include birth control pills, which can help regulate hormone levels. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove ovaries and Fallopian tubes (oophorectomy)....

Eysenck’s theory of personality focused on temperaments, which he believed were largely controlled by genetic influences. He utilized a statistical technique known as factor analysis to identify what he believed were the two primary dimensions of personality: extraversion and neuroticism. He later added a third dimension known as psychoticism. Despite this influence, he was also a controversial figure. His suggestion that racial differences in intelligence were due to genetics rather than environment generated a tremendous amount of conflict....

A common misconception is that a psychosomatic disorder is imaginary or “all in the head.” In reality, psychosomatic symptoms are real and require treatment, just as any other illness. Unfortunately, the pervasive social stigma of psychosomatic illness prevents some people from seeking treatment. Stigma is also present in research and medical communities, partly because of health professionals’ own experiences. Psychosomatic Symptoms Learning about how mental and emotional stress manifests physically can be helpful in reducing the effects of stress on your health....

Say No Many people end up overscheduling themselves because they feel uncomfortable saying “no” when people ask things of them. Perhaps they don’t want to disappoint others or admit they can’t “do it all.” Ultimately, they disappoint themselves by not having enough time to do what’s important to them. Does this apply to you? If so, learning to say no might be a good time management priority. Use it to create space in your schedule for what’s important to you....

This article discusses the basics of relationship counseling, including when it may be helpful, what to expect from counseling, and how to find a qualified therapist. What Is Relationship Counseling? Relationship counseling, also known as couples counseling or couples therapy, is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people improve their romantic relationships. By working with a therapist, couples can explore issues in their relationship, work on their communication, improve interactions, and resolve conflicts....