Brain, Mind and Language

Proximity Panic: When Emotional Closeness Triggers Withdrawal Overview Proximity Panic refers to a patterned fear response that arises when another person seeks greater emotional intimacy than the individual feels safe to allow. While often seen in romantic partnerships, it can also occur in close friendships, mentoring relationships, or even therapeutic settings. This reaction is not..

Thought-terminating clichés (TTCs), also known as semantic stop-signs or loaded language, refer to commonly repeated phrases or idioms used to end discussions, deflect inquiry, or suppress dissent. Coined by psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton in his 1961 work, Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, these clichés are central to controlling communication in high-control groups and ideological systems,..

Cognitive Load in Psychology: Understanding the Categories and Implications Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort required for working memory. Originally developed within the framework of Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) by John Sweller in the 1980s, the concept has become foundational in understanding learning processes, instructional design, and therapeutic practice. By recognising the..

High-Control Groups High-control groups, sometimes referred to as "totalist" or "authoritarian" groups, are characterised by a rigid hierarchy, coercive social structures, and intrusive regulation of members’ beliefs, behaviours, and relationships (Lifton, 1961; Hassan, 2015). These groups often employ systems of psychological manipulation, such as thought reform, information control, and emotional coercion, to maintain loyalty and..

The Dynamics of Tangential Responses in Interpersonal Communication: Insights from Ruesch and Bateson Introduction Effective communication is a cornerstone of human interaction, facilitating the exchange of ideas, emotions, and intentions. However, not all responses in dialogue align with the speaker’s intent, leading to breakdowns in understanding. Jurgen Ruesch and Gregory Bateson, in their seminal 1958..

 I. PRO-SOCIAL (OUTWARDLY “GOOD”) NARCISSIST VARIANTS Dependent (Pro-Social) Narcissist Core Dependency: Relies on constant attention and approval; fears losing everyone. Facade: Appears accommodating, ingratiating, and eager to please. Hidden Attitude: Resents those they depend on; hides contempt, rage, and hostility. Key Dynamic: Uses "nice" behaviors as a tactic to keep people around. Grandiose (Pro-Social)..

Worksheet: Narcissistic Manipulation Tactic - Praise and Criticism Introduction Narcissists often use a manipulative tactic where they portray their target as simultaneously the best and worst person in the world. This involves delivering praise and criticism in a single statement, creating confusion and emotional dependency. The target is left feeling both valued and inadequate, seeking..

Introduction to F.O.G. in Parenting F.O.G., standing for Fear, Obligation, and Guilt, is a concept from Susan Forward and Donna Frazier's book "Emotional Blackmail," describing emotional tactics parents might use to influence their children's behavior. This post explores how these tactics manifest and their potential impacts, aiming for a balanced view that acknowledges the complexity..

 In this video, Roni Matar has a conversation with Andrew T. Austin about human behaviour and psychology. We discuss how people approach planning and problem-solving differently, using an example from my relationship. Andrew explains the concepts of feeding forward and feeding back in human responses. We delve into childhood experiences and their impact on..