Soulful Discoveries

    In psychology, there are two intriguing concepts that influence our behavior and decisions: cognitive dissonance and reactance. These phenomena are omnipresent and have a significant impact on our daily lives. In this article, we will delve deeper into cognitive dissonance and reactance, using simple examples from everyday life to understand how they work. Specifically, we will explore dogmatic approaches, such as those practiced by some vegans (I am vegan myself) and their effects on others. In the end, you are welcome to decide and reflect on whether dogmatic (or "militant") approaches are truly effective or counterproductive. What is Cognitive Dissonance? Cognitive dissonance occurs when we experience an internal conflict due to incongruence between our thoughts, opinions, or beliefs. People feel discomfort when they realize they hold contradictory viewpoints or behaviors. This discomfort motivates them to reduce this discrepancy and restore mental harmony. Imagine ...

Hello dear readers, Narcissistic behavior is a topic that not only affects individuals but can also have significant impacts on relationships, friendships, and families. In this blog post, we will delve into the characteristics of narcissistic behavior in interpersonal relationships and highlight the consequences that may arise from it. Furthermore, we will discuss protective factors that can help mitigate the negative effects of narcissistic behavior. Narcissistic Behavior in Relationships, Friendships, and Family Narcissistic behavior manifests in interpersonal relationships through excessive self-centeredness, a need for admiration and recognition, and a lack of empathy for the feelings and needs of others. Narcissistic individuals tend to prioritize their own needs and desires over those of their partners, friends, or family members. They may feel superior and unique while simultaneously devaluing the achievements of others. In romantic relationships, narcissistic partners can be...

    Hello dear readers, In our last blog post, we discussed the difference between egoism and narcissism. Perhaps some of you wondered how to recognize narcissistic traits within yourselves and how to counteract them. Narcissism is a complex topic and cannot be fully explored in a single blog post. Nevertheless, today we will talk about how you can identify narcissism in yourself and the steps you can take to become more empathetic. Often, we are not aware that we may exhibit narcissistic tendencies. Narcissism is often associated with an excessive self-focus and an intense desire for admiration and recognition from others. However, it is essential to reflect on our own behavior and, if necessary, work against it to build and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. In this blog post, we will explore how you can recognize narcissism in yourself and what steps you can take to counteract it. Self-Reflection is the Key The first step is to engage in self-reflection and hones...

  Hello dear readers, In the last blog post, we discussed the difference between egoism and self-love. Many also wonder where egoism ends and narcissism begins . Nowadays, you can find a lot about narcissism on the internet. Today, we will focus on the distinction between egoism and narcissism. Both terms are related to self-centeredness, but they have fundamental differences that play a crucial role in psychology. Let's take a closer look and shed light on the psychological aspects that differentiate egoism and narcissism. Egoism: When "I" Takes Center Stage Egoism is an attitude where one's own well-being and needs take precedence over others. It's about considering oneself important and primarily taking care of one's own interests. Egoists tend to prioritize their own goals and desires over those of others and show less concern for the consequences of their actions on others. In certain situations, egoism can be normal and healthy as it helps us set our bou...

  Hello dear readers, Today, I would like to discuss an important topic that is often misunderstood: the difference between egoism and self-love . In therapy, there often comes a point where patients question whether they have become too selfish. Both concepts are closely related, yet they have fundamental differences that are crucial for our mental well-being and our interpersonal relationships. Let's take a closer look and explore how we can find a healthy balance between self-love and egoism. Egoism: When "I" Takes Center Stage Egoism is an attitude in which one's own well-being and needs take precedence over others'. It involves a tendency to see oneself as the center of the world and primarily focus on one's own interests without much regard for others. Egoistic behavior can manifest through self-centered actions, greed, disregard for others' feelings, and lack of empathy. Egoism can be advantageous in certain situations, particularly when it comes t...

  Hello dear readers, Today, I would like to talk to you about a topic that is of paramount importance for our mental well-being: our self-worth . Our self-worth forms the foundation of our personality and significantly influences our self-image, relationships, life satisfaction, and even the way we perceive the world. A healthy self-worth is like an invisible shield that guides us through life's challenges and allows us to unleash our full potential. It empowers us to confront and overcome difficult situations and gives us the courage to step beyond our comfort zones. What is Self-Worth? Self-worth refers to the feeling of value and appreciation we have for ourselves. It arises from the assessment of our own abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and self-concept. A healthy self-worth means viewing ourselves as valuable and lovable, regardless of our achievements and successes. It's about accepting and embracing ourselves, with all our imperfections. Causes of Low Sel...