#developmental psychology

[lassify]

Spy x Family: Ch. 109 Manga Spoilers ahead!

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I just realised, this chapter is definitely AFTER Anya had told Damian that she can read minds, right?

Because, I'm wondering about a few things, and I would be beyond excited if either of these happened:

1) This could be the catalyst for Damian realising that Anya was telling the truth.

I'll admit that I don't thiink that this is likely; instead, I wonder if it will be a collection of events put together that will bring Damian closerr to the truth...

2) When (or if) Damian realises that Anya was telling the truth about her telepathy, then he will also realise that she was telling the truth about his mother loving him.

I will so for real sob if this happens, because right now Damian has no idea if he is even loved by his parents at all.

He needs to know, (literally from a developmental psychology standpoint to ensure healthy core beliefs when growing up), and I think I can speak for us all here when I say that we the readers desperately want Damian to know as well.

Watching Damian puzzle things together is always so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, and my heart aches for him with the knowledge that he is loved, he is loved, he is loved, and he has no idea.

Now I am even more desperate to see Damian realise the truth of Anya's telepathy, because then he has a hope of understanding what has been hidden from him here.

[botanical-garden-system]

Psychology is a very broad field, and there are a lot of different aspects to this field. It’s really hard to navigate this science without a bit of academic knowledge, so I’m going to open up my asks in general for people who are interested in psychology. I have access to several academic databases and I would love to share them with people who want them! I also really want chances to info dump and get excited over psychology more often :,))

My research surrounds psychology, especially psychopathology and DID research, so a lot of my support will be good through that. However, I do have a bit of knowledge on other branches of psychology if you are interested (e.g. sensation and perception, cognitive, early childhood development, some neuropsychology). I can also connect these to psychopathology fairly well, that being my specialty. If this actually gets interest, I may make a side blog to help give psychology education.

I have more information under the cut if you would be interested!

(Yes I know a lot of the tags are DID related but thats a big target audience of mine so sue me /lh)

If you do send me an ask, make sure to be as specific as possible. I can (and will) do some extra preliminary research to figure out things, but the more specific the better for me! Terms that are used colloquially usually have other terms in research/are misunderstood by general discussion. I also have access to general textbooks covering branches of psychology if you are interested in the overall field!

Also please be sure to ask me for a simplified explanation if you need one! The abstract, background info, and discussion sections are your friend.

No question is a stupid question!!

Here are some different overall categories to stir up some interest (and these are categories I definitely feel the most comfortable in, but it is not an expansive list):

Sensation and Perception: This is the study of the different senses and how this contributes to our perception of the world. The research surrounds the physical detection of stimuli through the senses (sensation) and how the brain interprets this information (perception). Some commonly covered sense are: vision, audition (hearing), vestibular, somatosensation (touch), interoception, olfaction (smell), and gustation (taste). (I am currently looking into the vestibular system, it’s very cool).

Cognitive psychology: This is the study of how people think and process things. A lot of this includes attention, perceptions, memory, language, and problem-solving skills. This branch is all about the process of information, including the ones we are not consciously aware of. (I have been a TA for this class).

Developmental psychology: This is the study of development through the human lifespan. It is typically broken down into early childhood (infancy to 10-11 years of age; infancy can also be separated on its own), adolescence (roughly 12-18 years), adulthood (age ranges from 18-65, but this is usually broken down), and later adulthood (65+ years of age). It can be very all encompassing of psychological functions.

Social psychology: This is the study of how society impacts the thoughts, feelings, and actions of the individual—regardless of whether it is an imagined or actual interaction. Social psychology can cover things such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, disability, etc.. Covers conformity, deviance, socialization, prejudice, and more.

Personality psychology: This is the study of personality traits we can find in an individual and how it influences an individual’s behaviors, adaptations, or interactions. The three levels of personality analysis: human nature (how alike we are to the entirety of humanity), individual/group differences (how alike we are to specific groups), and individual uniqueness (how we are like no one else).

Biological psychology: This is the study of the biological and physiological processes that make us react and behave in the ways we do. It includes human anatomy to explain the interactions of biology (endocrine, immune, neural pathways, etc.) to psychology. When I use the term “biomarkers,” it is most likely related to biological psychology

I can probably make a few posts about how to navigate research papers, the kinds of papers you will come into, different statistical tests, and some general basic introductory psychology information.

[saranilssonbooks]

Developmental psychology scholar read Cozy Classics' Moby-Dick! Here are the thougts.

For those who haven't heard of the Cozy Classics, they are a series of board book adaptions of great classics such as Oliver Twist, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Jane Eyre, created by Jack and Holman Wang and intended for young children. What makes these books stand out, however, is that they come with a most delightful needle felted twist!

Each book contains 12 illustrations, consisting of photographs depicting scenes from the original story and featuring needle felted characters and props.

In addition to this, 12 words related to the story are printed in-between the illustrations; "sailor", "leg", "boat", "find"...

...et cetera. Guess Moby-Dick gets a bonus word though, since "Pequod" is ever so neatly embroidered on the ship's fluffy name plate.

I have to say that this whole concept is nothing short of genius. Not only are the little ones presented with the classics fitting their own level of perception, but the materials shown in the pictures are all familiar ones to them sensory-wise, thus much more relatable than conventional illustrations.

As for the words, they are fitting 1-2 syllable ones, but their meaning - at least in this case - are somewhat unsual. I'm telling you, one doesn't find educational toddler literature containing "smash", "sink", and "mad" together all that often. The choice of words in combination with the pictures also works in an almost insidious fashion in that they will now be forever planted in the lil' one's brain and for the rest of their life they will recognize that peg legged dude with anger issues.

The book manages to capture the essence of the original quite well and what truly surprised me was how the creators did not hold back on the dark stuff. Ahab looks like something that definately will come crawling out from under your bed at night for a maniacal stabbing session, Moby Dick turns the Pequod to splinters, and a heart broken Ishmael floats around on a coffin. Even the color scheme is moody and ominous. We approve! 👍

Even if you don't have a child nearby to brain wash, I highly recommend you check this book out - it's up for a free read on archive.org - for the sake of admiring the pieces of downright wool art.

So, there's the Cozy Classics Moby-Dick for ya. Now I have to go ponder whether I should add a request for a needle felted coffin in my death plan.

[call-me-albie]

I was studying my developmental psychology notes and found this,

Affectionless psychopathy: what can develop if a child is deprived of attachment; it means showing little concern for other’s and being unable to form relationships.

Sooo Question(s) of the day,

was dazai an affectionless psychopath?

what other bsd characters do you think fit the bill?

Edit:

I now feel quite stupid for thinking dazai would be an affectionless psychopath ✌️🥲

(Actually thought abt it😭)

[sophielovesbooks]

I never normally work in cafés, but I realised recently that I am actually... absolutely allowed to do that? 😅 And it's so nice?

So I'm giving it another try today. I have a really delicious blueberry banana bread (already half-eaten, oops!). And I'm posting here for accountability. Because the goal is to write 1000 words within the next two hours!! 💻🍰☕️

[notrimbaud]

handmade meme?

[ivandra-winters]

Watching the original version of Disney’s Pinocchio after studying developmental psychology is a bad idea, because the whole film is just…so terrible in terms of how everything is presented to Pinocchio. Like, he’s brought to life late at night, and in the span of 24 hours, he gets kidnapped twice and gets constantly manipulated by literally everyone around him, and then he’s punished for being manipulated.

“Oh, but he should’ve listened to Jiminy and done what he was told!” - Listen here, you son of a bitch, that poor puppet was brought to life and then expected to just go to school without any socialization or time spent with his father. That boy had no business going to school in the first place since he knew literally nothing and should’ve been acclimated to listening to Jiminy in the safety of his own home. Not only that, but Pinocchio continued to be punished for making choices despite the fact that literally nobody warned him about the dangers of trusting people he doesn’t know. He was never taught stranger danger, yet he kept getting punished for trusting people he had never been told not to trust. Also, nobody gave him a good reason to go to school? He was just expected to go because he was told to?

Bottom line is that Pinocchio kept getting let down by the authority figures in his life and was punished for it, and I’ve had enough of that-

[gay-frogs69]

Crying reading my psych text bc why tf do I show all signs of insecure attachment in childhood. I wasn’t a “shy kid” I was just insecure in all my relationships bc I had a mother that didn’t care about me

[ineedfairypee]

Psychology be like…

[sillymickel]

Becoming Who You Were Meant to Be:  “Dance of the Seven Veils I” offers a profound exploration of how primal psychology and rites of passage intersect to shape our identities.

*Dance of the Seven Veils I: Primal/Identity Psychology, Mythology and Your Real Self* by Michael Adzema (2017) is free September 30th thru October 4th, 2024, and again, Jaunuary 6th thru 10th, 2025.  . Get your ebook-kindle copy then at Amazon.  . At anytime, however, see that the entire book is copied below. You may read it that way … on this page, in this blog.  . Or notice that there is…

[solace-philosophy]

True adulthood, or psychological maturity, has become an uncommon achievement in Western and Westernized societies,

and genuine elderhood nearly nonexistent. Interwoven with arrested personal development, and perhaps inseparable from it, our everyday lives have drifted vast distances from our species’ original intimacy with the natural world and from our own uniquely individual natures, our souls.

-Nature and the Human Soul, by Bill Plotkin

[angelosearch]

Can a blorbo be a transitional object?

I am back on my bullshit with some therapy-related thoughts.

First, definitions.

What is a blorbo?

Since we're on Tumblr, ya'll probably know what a blorbo is, but if you somehow don't, it is The Character. The one you obsess over. The one you're constantly spinning around in your brain. Thinking about them can bring you comfort and/or distraction.

Of course, I have a blorbo, which is probably A HUGE SHOCKER given I never talk/write/draw/get a tattoo of him. Nope, couldn't be me. (Yes, I consider Squall my #1 Blorbo)

What is a transitional object?

Transitional objects, or "comfort objects," are (usually) physical objects that a child will use to feel comfort when separated from a caregiver. Think about your baby blanket. Or that one stuffed animal you carried everywhere. That object helps a kid self-soothe and feel in control. These objects are especially helpful around bedtime for helping the child sleep.

Sometimes, kids will personify a transitional object as a way of more safely expressing their own wants/needs/concerns. I have a client who brings her transitional object (Monkey) to session with her, and sometimes we have this friend "participate" in the art directives--that is, the client will do the exercise for Monkey. Monkey's art is usually more revealing than hers.

You can probably already see where I am going with this...

Here's the thought

In my "Human Development" class tonight, we were talking about how transitional objects function in attachment theory, especially in the context of children. When I was a child, my transitional object was the TY Beanie Baby Tiny the Chihuahua. I slept with her every night and carried her everywhere. Having her created a sense of security and comfort. Everyone in class shared our childhood objects, and all of us, one way or another, had moved on from it.

Transitional objects are called that because they help children transition from using mom/caregiver as a "secure base" (if mom/caregiver and child have healthy attachment, child feels more comfortable socializing with strangers or having new experiences while mom/caregiver is present) to using the object as that base. Eventually, we socially develop to not need the "secure base" at all, and so we grow out of needing the thread-bare blanket or the stuffed dragon your uncle gave you.

HOWEVER, many adults continue to have transitional objects to help manage anxiety. In fact, I've been in PHP programs where they are encouraged. I carried around a stone that said "May the Force be with you" on it for a while, which I fidgeted with for grounding and read for encouragement. For some people, their car is that object. Doing some reading, a phone can serve that purpose, even.

As I was doing some (very light) research on the transitional objects of adults, I also noticed that "photographs" and "documents" were mentioned. While these are still physical objects, I imagine the idea of them is more comforting than the actual print or paper. (I would love to know if anyone has thoughts about this from personal experience.) Another thing that interested me was that pets have been characterized as transitional objects within literature. The connection you have with an animal can be comforting in a similar way. Personally, I am not sure how I feel about that (my dog is not an object!), but this implies that transitional objects could have value that transcends their physicality.

That is, if ideas and relationships can be the meaning behind a transitional object, how are blorbos not transitional objects?

What do we do with our blorbos?

We:

Think about them, which provides distraction and comfort

Carry images of them (our blogs, camera rolls, plushies, stickers, even tattoos) because looking at them brings us positive feelings

Make them our secure base--We can potentially feel more comfortable socializing if they are "present" (in the conversation)

Put them in situations! And sometimes these situations reflect things we struggle with ourselves (for me, this was Squall and Laguna's estrangement in Chaos Theory)

And many of us will think about our blorbos in situations before we fall asleep to help us drift off!!!

Personally, if I am emotionally dysregulated, I will often go into my little fanfiction world, and it helps me calm down. I 100% do this before sleep, almost every night. And Squall has served as a secure base for me to explore art/writing, time and time again.

And now thinking back, when I really embraced Squall as my blorbo, the conditions were right to make me seek a transitional object. I was 11 and had just moved 30 minutes away from my childhood home. It was a big change for me, where I lost most of what I knew, including my friends. I felt isolated and insecure in this new unknown place. It was then that I played FFVIII myself and it really helped me adjust to the new environment and feel more stable... because Squall is my transitional object!

Bonus Observation

Where do we talk about our blorbos? This hellsite. What else do we all have on this hellsite? Anxiety (or some form of ND). Honestly, do you know a person with a blorbo who is neurotypical?

I think as adults it is hard to find a physical socially acceptable transitional object--so when we are facing a lot of anxiety, we use media as an in-our-pocket source of comfort.

Conclusion

I think a blorbo can and does serve many of the functions of a transitional object, especially in terms of self-soothing. A blorbo, just like a transitional object, provides a secure base for exploration, emotional regulation, and comfort enough to induce sleep.

My planned thesis for my graduate program capstone is all about how obsessing over a piece of media can be a pathway for healing (that's not exactly the thesis, just shorthand), and this is just another lens to understand the person-media relationship through.

I am curious to know if this resonates or if I am just extra weird. I am making a lot of assumptions above about what is "normal" for a fandom person on Tumblr. If I was to really look into this, I'd have to conduct interviews to see how other people use/see their blorbos.

I have a lot more research to do about attachment theory and transitional objects. There may be a concept that means a "transitional idea" as opposed to a physical object. I am also curious what this means in the context of hyperfixation.

Whether or not a blorbo is generally a transitional object for us fandom people, Squall is absolutely a transitional object for me.

(I have been so stressed about this class and I have a free hour and what do I do? I write an essay about developmental psychology anyway... smh.)

[punchablelunchable]

My developmental psych class today talked about social media use, especially with younger generations, and I couldn't help but think about the studies that show that shaming an obese person for their weight actually causes more overeating. When all the adults talk shit about kids and say it's these damn phones, I think it has a similar effect. Instead of saying horrid things, especially about gen alpha, which will likely cause a similar defensive attitude that doesn't help, can we please put the pressure on tech companies and the parents? Like, heavy on the parents. wdym you can't play Barbie's with your kid and you need to shove a tablet in their face. wdym you can't play hide and seek with your toddler and instead plop them in front of the TV. wdym you can't set a boundary with your kid and enforce it. Sorry, that's just embarrassing. People are a product of their environment, and it's so weird that we're blaming literal children for the environment they're put in that's specifically designed to be addicting, instead of working to change the environment. We're attacking the wrong part of the problem

[riyalfakeh]

ADUL(TEH)ING !?!

Everyone has always dreamed of being an adult, having the freedom to do whatever, having money, having fun, and just living in the moment. Maybe the portrayals of adulthood in countless films weren't an exaggeration; it was that hectic but fulfilling after all. It's like being reborn again, but this time, one isn't from a fetus to a newborn but from a fairytale to the real world.

Reality slaps, and it slaps hard; either one has to sulk and cry throughout life or stand strong and tall and face life with that slap mark on the face, and this blog's subject for today, Joy, has chosen the latter.

Joy, a woman in her 30s, says she pays good attention to her physique, practices getting enough sleep, and gets up and works out when life is hard. Now, that's what I call productivity! Of course, as time ages everyone, she also says that her physical capabilities have decreased compared to when she was a teenager. Although her energy level was higher when she was still an adolescent, she says she is more mindful now in taking care of herself, because quote, "Taking care of myself is something I owe to myself, and my children, not to other people". That is so giving very cutesy and very demure! I love that for her!

As for her cognitive development, she says her ability to think critically has steadily progressed, by being more of an empath, understanding people's emotions, and thinking before she acts, this mindset has contributed to her strength to overcome life's obstacles. She also says that she feels she is competent at handling different responsibilities all at once but she also still lacks confidence because she doesn't step out of her comfort zone. In terms of pleasure, she is not the kind of woman who will risk her future just for short-term fun, because she believes that long-term goals are more important than a glimpse of adrenaline. I love how she thinks! I could really learn a thing or two from her!

From the previous description, I think one would know what kind of a person she is! A sensible one! She says she values quality over quantity, so she's a little bit hesitant to make new acquaintances, she would rather spend time with her family and grow stronger in the face of annoyances. I love that so much for her! At this age, she described independence as living a carefree lifestyle away from toxic environments, being debt-free, and being stress-free. I mean, even at my age, I would too! As for her self-identity and sense of purpose at this stage of life, she says self-preservation is important due to her children who have significantly altered her sense of purpose in recent years. That is so sweet and loving! Individuality aside, she sounds like such a great mother!

One of the hardest challenges I think everyone can experience is to lose a loved one, and that is what she said when I asked her what was hers. Financial challenges are also very common at this stage because one is not only enjoying life but also making ends meet. Throughout the interview, I can tell she is the kind of person who has a lot of faith because she says she always has faith that everything will work out. All the negativity aside, she is also full of positivity! She described having great independence and self-reliance to be a wonderful aspect because she acts without fear of criticism and knows that it's ultimately her choice, and for all her accomplishments, she thanks God for it! Not only is she such a strong woman, but she also embodies faith and self-sufficiency, and I think that is such a power move!

[shantheapsychies]

"Echoes of Youth: A Journey Through Adolescence"

“Adolescence is a new birth, for the higher and more completely human traits are now born.” ~G. Stanley Hall

Althea Quirante and Shanine Claiza Dadong traveled again to explore the perspectives and experiences of a person who is currently going through the development stage of adolescence. On November 29, 2024, a 17-year-old male named Marco from Toril, Davao City, participated in the interview about the physical, cognitive, and socioemotional milestones, challenges, and satisfaction experienced in the adolescent stage of development.

Physical changes in the adolescence stage were first discussed during the interview. Marco said that he noticed changes in his height, weight, and voice. He added that when he was 15 years old, his height was 5’5 feet and turned into 5’7 feet in the present year. He also gained weight from 55 kilograms to 60 kilograms. His voice became deep and manly as well when he turned 16. In addition, physical changes, self-esteem, and confidence were discussed. Marco said that his confidence and self-esteem improved as physical changes occurred compared to before. Marco also engaged in physical activities such as jogging and weight lifting. Marco added that the force he has to do with his physical activities has led him to have better focus, performance, and physical and mental health. Marco also added that one of the mind games he likes to play is chess, which he considers a mental sport.

Marco also shared his changes in cognitive aspects after the COVID-19 pandemic. After quarantine, Marco improved in critical thinking and understanding of certain situations. He shared that he improved in handling social interactions, using the right words to say, and respecting the boundaries of people around him. Also, in making decisions, he became the person who critically thinks about his thoughts before taking action. He also added that in this stage of development, he has a better understanding of his sister’s mood and attitude.

Marco also shared the challenges he encountered in his academic field. He said he had difficulty asking for help and approaching his class and groupmates. He added that whenever he encountered questions and difficulties before, he would feel too shy to approach his classmates and often solve and do his schoolwork on his own. However, he added that this only happens when the school work is not too complex like research.

Marco shared the influential people in his life as well. He first mentioned his parents as they were the ones who had been with him as he grew up, then followed by his teachers. Marco added that both his parents and teachers provided instructions and guidance in life and academic aspects. In addition, Marco stated that the most influential person or people in his life are his peers. Marco said that he mostly spends his time with his peers and he unconsciously does the actions and habits that his peers practiced. He said that his peers either influence him positively or negatively. Marco added that his relationships with his peers are both supportive and challenging. He said that he gets support from his peers In the events and tasks he is involved in, respects his decisions, and encouragement in life. However, Marco said that he also experienced a temporary distance from his peers after a conflict, like for a week, and then came back to their normal status. He added that boys often prefers to suppress or hide their feelings and deal with them through jokes. As emotions will always be part of human lives, Marco shared that he mostly suppressed his pain and sadness, and the emotions he mostly expressed were anger. In the aspects of emotions, he added that he would prefer to “go with the flow”, stating that “ whatever happens, happens.”

Overall, Marco shared that the most challenging part he experienced in the adolescence stage of development was having social interactions and communication with people around him in most areas, as he said that he used to be isolated back then and just started to expose himself to many people when he turned 16. However, he added that it would be easy for him if the people around him would approach him first. Marco said that the most rewarding and enjoyable part of his journey in adolescence was slowly overcoming his difficulty in interaction and communication with people around him as he built a circle of friends a year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marco also wished to have engaged in social interactions in his early adolescence to be good with it in his present life. And in the physical aspect, he added that he felt better and superior in the changes in his height as he grew taller. Lastly, Marco shared that he is satisfied with his stage of development in the present, however, he added that he would prefer his life in the ages of 14-15 as the better years of his life, as he is currently experiencing pressure in life and academic aspects.

Thoughts from the Author:

The adolescence stage of development is like a rollercoaster journey, full of fun and exploration with a mix of confusion and pain. And it’s fine not to know everything or to be an expert in our lives. It’s fine to experience and express certain emotions, and it would be better to start and learn things late than never. What matters is that you are moving forward, growing, and bearing good fruit.

[icaerosthefool]

Taking embryology, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology is by far the best combination of courses I could ever imagine

Holy shit