Blog #5: Emotion, Motivation, and Psychology in Daily Life

 Part A: Emotional States as Catalysts for Motivation Emotions are dynamic internal states that shape how individuals engage with their environments and pursue goals. In psychology, motivation is often described as a drive influenced by both physiological and psychological conditions (Coon et al., 2022). Emotional states play a critical role in energizing and directing behavior. For instance, positive emotions such as joy or enthusiasm increase motivation by reinforcing perceived rewards and boosting confidence. Conversely, emotions like anxiety or fear may lead to either avoidance or heightened goal pursuit depending on context.

Drive-reduction theory and incentive theory help explain this phenomenon. According to the drive-reduction model, emotional discomfort like stress or sadness may prompt behavior aimed at restoring balance (homeostasis), while incentive theory focuses on how emotions interact with external rewards to guide decision-making (Coon et al., 2022,). Personally, I’ve seen how emotional clarity supports creative momentum in art therapy projects and deepens empathy in my work with trauma survivors. Emotion does not just color our perceptions—it fuels purpose.

Part B: Evolving Perspectives on Psychology and Daily Integration Reflecting on Modules 70–78, my perspective on psychology has shifted from seeing it as theoretical knowledge to recognizing it as a toolkit for meaningful change. Early in the course, psychology felt like a distant academic pursuit. Now, I understand it as an essential lens through which I interpret human behavior, resilience, and the social structures that shape identity. Concepts like cognitive dissonance, social influence, and multiculturalism have given me language to advocate more thoughtfully and engage with others more compassionately (Coon et al., 2022,).

Moving forward, I plan to integrate psychology into my daily routine in three tangible ways:

1. Therapeutic Practice: Using motivation theory to enhance goal-setting and emotional regulation in art therapy sessions.

2. Advocacy: Applying insights from social psychology to improve support systems for marginalized youth.

3. Personal Growth: Practicing metacognition and emotional awareness to better navigate stress and strengthen interpersonal relationships.

Psychology is no longer just a subject I study—it’s a compass for the work I want to do in healing, justice, and human connection.

References Coon, D., Mitterer, J. O., & Martini, T. (2022). Introduction to psychology: Gateways to mind and behavior (16th ed.). 

Blog week 4 Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Might Be the Most Effective Psychotherapy Today

 Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Is the Most Effective Psychotherapy Today

In the realm of psychotherapy, various approaches strive to alleviate psychological distress that manifests as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related disorders. Among these, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands out as one of the most effective methods available today. Drawing from insights found in Psychology: Modules for Learning (Coon, Mitterer, & Martini, 2022), I’d like to share why I believe CBT is a leading choice for therapy.

What Is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a powerful blend of cognitive therapy and behavioral techniques. At its core, CBT empowers clients to recognize and reshape unhelpful thinking patterns while adopting healthier behaviors. This dual focus allows individuals to not only challenge irrational thoughts but also cultivate habits that promote mental well-being.

Why CBT Stands Out

1. Evidence-Based and Widely Used

   CBT is grounded in decades of research, demonstrating its effectiveness across a range of disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Its strong empirical support makes it one of the most scientifically validated therapeutic approaches today (Coon et al., 2022).

2. Structured and Short-Term

   Unlike some therapies that may extend over many months or years, CBT is typically structured and can be completed in just 10 to 20 sessions. This brevity appeals to clients who are looking for immediate, solution-oriented support.

3. Skills-Oriented

   One of the greatest strengths of CBT is its focus on practical skill-building. Clients learn to identify distorted thoughts, utilize relaxation techniques, and practice assertive communication—all of which can be invaluable beyond the therapy room.

4. Empowering and Collaborative

   In CBT, clients play an active role in their recovery process. They are encouraged to track their thoughts, challenge irrational beliefs, and engage in behavioral practices between sessions. This interactive approach fosters a sense of independence and greatly enhances long-term recovery prospects.

Example in Practice

Module 68 of Psychology: Modules for Learning illustrates how CBT can aid individuals suffering from panic disorder. Through CBT, clients learn to identify their triggers and recognize the irrational thoughts that escalate panic attacks, such as the belief, “I’m going to die.” By reframing these thoughts and employing controlled breathing techniques, individuals can significantly reduce their symptoms and regain their confidence (Coon et al., 2022).

Conclusion

While therapies like psychodynamic or humanistic approaches certainly offer their own benefits, CBT’s robust empirical support, structured format, and emphasis on skill development make it particularly effective. For anyone dealing with anxiety, stress, or depression, CBT provides not only clarity and hope but also essential tools to take control of their mental health. 

Reference:

Coon, D., Mitterer, J. O., & Martini, T. (2022). *Psychology: Modules for learning* (15th ed.). Cengage.

Memory and Memory Loss

 

What I Learned About Memory and Memory Loss

Exploring Memory Through Online Testing and Research

This week, I delved into the intricate world of memory by engaging with interactive assessments on MemoryLossTest.com and reviewing current research on how memory functions and declines. This exploration was intellectually stimulating and personally meaningful, as it prompted me to reflect on how memory influences everything from daily routines to long-term aspirations.

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Memory Tests: Insights from Personal Assessment

To better understand my own cognitive profile, I completed two online memory tests:

1. Working Memory Test
   This test challenged me to recall sequences of numbers and letters while simultaneously performing simple tasks. I scored slightly above average, indicating that my working memory is relatively strong but still has room for improvement, particularly in high-pressure situations. This aligns with the idea that working memory is a dynamic system, sensitive to cognitive load and environmental stressors.

2. Visual Memory Test
   This assessment required me to remember the spatial location of objects on a grid. I found this test more difficult, scoring around the average range. It highlighted a personal reliance on verbal memory strategies over visual-spatial ones, a realization that has implications for how I approach learning and organization.

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What the Research Reveals

I supplemented my testing experience by reading two informative articles: “What Is Working Memory?” and “How to Prevent Memory Loss.” These readings deepened my understanding of memory as a cognitive tool and a vulnerable system.

• Working memory functions as a mental workspace, allowing us to temporarily store and manipulate information. It is essential for tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and decision-making. The article emphasized that this system is not static—it can be trained and strengthened through targeted exercises.

• The second article dispelled the myth that memory loss is inevitable in aging. While some decline is natural, factors such as chronic stress, poor sleep, sedentary lifestyle, and inadequate nutrition can accelerate cognitive deterioration. Encouragingly, the research also pointed to protective strategies: engaging in lifelong learning, maintaining social connections, and practicing mindfulness can all help preserve memory function.

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Analysis and Reflection

My test results and the accompanying research reinforced a key psychological principle: memory is not a fixed trait, but a malleable process shaped by biology and behavior. The challenges I faced with visual memory, for instance, mirror real-life situations where I misplace objects or struggle to recall spatial layouts. This suggests that I may not be encoding visual information deeply enough—a concept rooted in the encoding-storage-retrieval model of memory (Coon, Mitterer, & Martini, 2022).

Moreover, the importance of working memory in multitasking and academic performance became clearer. As a student and professional, I rely heavily on this cognitive system to juggle responsibilities, solve problems, and retain new information. Recognizing its central role has motivated me to adopt strategies that support its function, such as reducing distractions and practicing focused attention.

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Conclusion: A New Perspective on Memory

This week’s exploration has reshaped how I view memory—not as a passive repository of facts, but as an active, trainable system that underpins nearly every aspect of life. By combining personal assessment with scientific research, I’ve gained a clearer picture of my cognitive strengths and areas for growth. I plan to integrate memory-enhancing habits into my routine, including mindfulness, visualization, and continued cognitive challenges.

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Reference
Coon, D., Mitterer, J. O., & Martini, T. (2022). Psychology: Modules for learning (15th ed.). Cengage.

How Heredity and Environment Affect Development: A Personal Perspective

Development is a complex interplay between heredity and environment, each contributing uniquely to shaping who we become. Heredity refers to the genetic makeup we inherit from our parents, which influences our physical traits, potential health conditions, and even aspects of our personality. Environment encompasses all external factors, including our family, culture, education, and experiences, which mold our behaviors, beliefs, and skills.

The Role of Heredity

Heredity provides the biological foundation for development. Our genes determine physical characteristics such as eye color, height, and predispositions to certain health conditions. Genetic factors also play a role in cognitive abilities and temperament. For instance, studies have shown that intelligence has a hereditary component, although it is not solely determined by genetics (Verywell Mind, 2025).

The Influence of Environment

Environment, on the other hand, shapes how our genetic potentials are expressed. From the moment we are born, the environment starts to influence our development. The family we grow up in, the education we receive, the culture we are part of, and the experiences we have all contribute to shaping our personality, beliefs, and behaviors.

Children depend heavily on adults for their basic needs and emotional support. The quality of caregiving, the stimulation provided, and the emotional climate of the home are crucial for healthy development. For example, a nurturing and supportive environment can foster a child's self-esteem and social skills, while a neglectful or abusive environment can lead to developmental challenges (Beam et al., 2020).

Why Environment Matters More

While heredity sets the stage, I believe environment plays a more significant role in shaping development. This perspective is rooted in the understanding that our surroundings and experiences profoundly influence our perception, morals, and beliefs. Here are a few reasons why environment might be stronger:

Social Interactions: The people around us, including family, friends, and teachers, play a pivotal role in shaping our social skills and emotional intelligence. Positive interactions can lead to healthy relationships and self-confidence, while negative interactions can result in social anxiety and low self-esteem.

Cultural Influence: Culture shapes our values, traditions, and worldview. It influences our behavior, communication styles, and even our aspirations. Growing up in different cultural settings can lead to vastly different developmental outcomes.

Educational Opportunities: Access to quality education and learning experiences can significantly impact cognitive development and career prospects. Education not only imparts knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Life Experiences: Experiences such as travel, hobbies, and challenges can shape our personality and resilience. Overcoming obstacles and learning from diverse experiences contribute to personal growth and adaptability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while heredity provides the biological blueprint, it is the environment that truly shapes our development. The dependence on people around us for emotional support, the cultural context we live in, and the experiences we encounter all play a crucial role in molding our perception, morals, beliefs, and physical development. Therefore, I feel that environment has a stronger impact on development than heredity.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you agree that environment plays a more significant role, or do you believe heredity is more influential? Feel free to share your perspective!

References

Beam, C. R., Pezzoli, P., Mendle, J., Burt, S. A., Neale, M. C., Boker, S. M., & Klump, K. L. (2020). How nonshared environmental factors come to correlate with heredity. Development and Psychopathology  34(1), 321-333. Retrieved from Cambridge University Press

Verywell Mind. (2025). Nature vs. Nurture: Genetic and Environmental Influences. Retrieved from Verywell Mind

Week1

Blog #1: 

When the Game Plays You — Understanding Video Game Addiction Through the Lens of Operant Conditioning

When the Game Plays You: How Online Gaming Becomes a Compulsion by Jason Whiting, Ph.D., published on [Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/news)

Summary: This article explores how online gaming, particularly MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games), can become compulsive and even destructive for some players. It shares real-life stories of individuals whose lives were disrupted by excessive gaming and how they eventually found recovery.

As a psychologist, I find this story a compelling example of **operant conditioning**, a concept developed by B.F. Skinner. In operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped by their consequences—rewards increase the likelihood of a behavior recurring. Online games are expertly designed to deliver **variable-ratio reinforcement**, the same principle that makes slot machines so addictive. Players receive unpredictable rewards (like rare items or level-ups), which keeps them engaged and craving the next win.

This story also highlights the role of escape conditioning—where individuals use gaming to avoid unpleasant emotions or real-life stressors. Over time, the game becomes not just entertainment, but a coping mechanism.

To help readers make sense of this, I’d emphasize that addiction isn’t just about lack of willpower—it’s about how our brains respond to rewards and relief. Understanding the psychological mechanisms at play can reduce stigma and open the door to healthier habits and interventions.

Insight:Human behavior is deeply influenced by the environments we create—both physical and digital. When we understand the science behind our habits, we gain the power to reshape them.

Sources: [Psychology Today – Video Game Addiction](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/news)