EJOP Archives: No. 2 May
On the Gift of Humor
Human beings were given many gifts when we were created, such as imagination, inventiveness, and reason, but I often think the greatest gift was a sense of humor. For it is our sense of humor that enables us to tolerate and, in a way, triumph over the terrible things that happen to all of us, from time to time, in the course of our lives. That is, mirthful humor has a remarkable therapeutic value that is connected to our survival, psychologically as well as physically. We now know that laughter leads to the release of endorphins and has physiological benefits of various kinds.
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Moving On
“Moving on” is a straightforward, accessible and inspiring guide offered by Roz D’Ombraine Hewitt to the public providing information on the myths and misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia, the possible causes and how the illness is diagnosed, medication and other treatment options, sources of support, improving health and well-being, employment-paid and voluntary, complementary therapies, counseling and psychotherapy.
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Positive and Negative Self-Worth Beliefs and Evaluative Standards
This study examined several different types of self-worth beliefs and evaluations as predictors of depression and self-esteem. Based upon a self-schema model of emotion, some of these beliefs and evaluations had a traditional negative focus (e.g., “I am failing at work”), whereas others focused specifically on positive aspects of self-worth (e.g., “I am able to give, as well as receive, in relationships”). Findings indicated that positive self-worth evaluations were one of the main predictors of greater self-esteem and less depression, thus indicating a need for further exploration of the role of positive evaluative components of the self-schema on psychological well-being.
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Psychology and the Problem of Evil
Psychology not playing a major part in squarely addressing the human problems. It has become a sophisticated clinical tool of discrimination and labeling, incapable of being moved by human suffering. Why is the field of psychology so self-obsessed and dehumanized?
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Scientific Insights Regarding the Orgasm
Several scientific insights about the orgasm are presented. Insights from evolutionary biology and psychology contribute to understanding the orgasm. Important issues are the point of inevitability (which only exists in males), effects of endorphins, differences regarding orgasm for the two sexes, and how the orgasm increases the strength of a relationship.
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