Author Archives: Shervan K Shahhian, LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, The Most Comprehensive Online Library Regarding Mental Health, Psychology and Parapsychology in the World.

Doctored Degree in Clinical Psychology (PSYD) (ABD) All But Dissertation, a Masters (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology, a Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) in Psychology, a Associate Degree (AA) in Liberal Arts with an emphases in Psychology, Certification in Anger Management, Certification in MRT-Moral Reconation Therapy®, Certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and Certification in Advanced Hypnotherapy.

The sudden shock of a major event may disrupt normal Mental processes, why:

The sudden shock of a major event may disrupt normal Mental processes, why:

The sudden shock of a major event can disrupt normal mental processes for several reasons:

Fight-or-Flight Response: When confronted with a traumatic or unexpected event, the body activates the fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body to respond to danger but can overwhelm the brain, impairing higher cognitive functions such as reasoning, memory, and decision-making.

Emotional Overload: A major event often triggers intense emotions such as fear, anger, or grief. These emotions can hijack our cognitive processes, making it difficult to think clearly or logically. The emotional center of the brain (the amygdala) takes over, leading to emotional responses that can disrupt rational thinking.

Disruption of Cognitive Balance: Our brains work best when we are in a state of equilibrium. A sudden shock can throw this balance off, making it difficult to concentrate, process information, or recall memories. Cognitive functions that rely on attention, focus, and working memory can become impaired.

Psychological Shock or Trauma: In the case of traumatic events, the mind may enter a state of shock as a defense mechanism. This can cause dissociation, a state where the person feels detached from reality, or denial, where they may have difficulty accepting the reality of the situation. These coping mechanisms can temporarily prevent normal processing of information.

Increased Stress: Chronic stress, especially from significant life events, can change the structure and function of the brain, particularly areas involved in memory, emotion, and cognition (e.g., the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex). This can cause long-term disruptions in mental processes.

Sleep Disruption: Stressful or traumatic events can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to further cognitive impairment. Sleep is essential for memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and overall mental clarity. Lack of rest can make it harder to process the event and regain cognitive equilibrium.

Sense of Helplessness or Loss of Control: Major events often challenge our sense of control or security. When we are suddenly faced with something we cannot change or anticipate, it can cause confusion and a sense of helplessness, impairing our ability to think through problems or make decisions.

All these factors combined can cause significant disruptions in our mental processes, and it may take time to process the event fully and regain normal cognitive functioning.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and the Survival of Consciousness:

Parapsychology and the Survival of Consciousness:

Parapsychology and the survival of consciousness are topics that straddle the boundaries of science, philosophy, and the metaphysical. Here’s a broad overview of the key ideas, research areas, and controversies:

Parapsychology Overview

Parapsychology is the study of phenomena that fall outside the range of traditional scientific explanations. These phenomena include:

Telepathy: Mind-to-mind communication.
Clairvoyance: Perceiving information about distant objects or events without using known senses.
Psychokinesis: The ability to influence objects or events using the mind.
Precognition: Gaining knowledge of future events.
Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) and Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs): Experiences reported by individuals who have been close to death or claim to perceive their surroundings from a perspective outside their physical body.

While many researchers approach these topics with skepticism, some studies have claimed to produce results that are statistically significant, though often contentious and difficult to replicate.

Survival of Consciousness

The “survival of consciousness” refers to the idea that some aspect of consciousness, identity, or the “self” persists after physical death. This notion is central to many philosophical, religious, and metaphysical systems.

Key areas of study and evidence include:

Reincarnation Research:
- Researchers, like Ian Stevenson, documented cases where individuals (often children) reported memories of past lives, sometimes providing verifiable details about deceased individuals they could not have known.
Near-Death Experiences (NDEs):
- Common features include the sensation of leaving the body, moving through a tunnel, encountering a light or deceased loved ones, and a life review. Studies by researchers such as Raymond Moody and Bruce Greyson have explored these experiences.
Mediumship:
- Mediums claim to communicate with the deceased. Some controlled experiments have purported to demonstrate accurate information provided by mediums that they could not have known by conventional means.
Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP):
- Some claim that voices of the deceased can be captured using audio devices, although skeptics argue these are examples of auditory pareidolia or equipment interference.
Quantum Consciousness:
- Some theoretical physicists, such as Roger Penrose, speculate that consciousness might be tied to quantum processes in the brain, potentially linking it to a universal field or persistence beyond death.

Scientific Challenges

Lack of Replicability: Many studies in parapsychology are criticized for inconsistent results, lack of replication, and methodological flaws.
Skepticism and Bias: Critics argue that some claims are based on anecdotal evidence or misinterpretation of data.
Neuroscience Perspective: Mainstream neuroscience views consciousness as a product of brain processes, making the survival of consciousness difficult to reconcile with current understanding.

Philosophical and Metaphysical Perspectives

Dualism: Suggests that the mind and body are distinct entities, allowing for the possibility of consciousness surviving physical death.
Materialism: Holds that consciousness is entirely a product of the brain, implying it ceases with brain death.
Panpsychism: Proposes that consciousness is a fundamental feature of the universe, possibly supporting the idea of its persistence beyond physical forms.

The Debate Continues

Parapsychology and the survival of consciousness remain highly polarizing topics. While some consider them pseudoscience, others argue that dismissing such phenomena outright hinders exploration of potential truths about the human experience.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology, Dreams, Nightmares, and Sleepwalking:

Parapsychology and Dreams, nightmares and sleepwalking:

Parapsychology and phenomena like dreams, nightmares, and sleepwalking intersect in fascinating ways.

Here’s an overview of these topics and their connections:

1. Parapsychology and Dreams

Parapsychology explores psychic phenomena that seem to go beyond conventional scientific explanations, such as extrasensory perception (ESP), telepathy, and precognition. Dreams are often seen as a potential gateway to these phenomena due to their mysterious and often symbolic nature.

Telepathic Dreams: Claims of shared dreams or dreams where one person seems to perceive another’s thoughts or feelings remotely.
Precognitive Dreams: Dreams that appear to predict future events. Many anecdotes exist where people dream of something that later happens, though skeptics argue this could be coincidence or selective memory.
Lucid Dreaming: This state of awareness during dreams is sometimes studied for its potential to explore the subconscious and, in parapsychological circles, as a method to tap into psychic abilities.

2. Nightmares and Parapsychology

Nightmares are intense and often distressing dreams that evoke fear, anxiety, or dread. While conventional science attributes nightmares to psychological stress, trauma, or neurological factors, parapsychology considers other possibilities:

Spirit or Entity Influence: Some traditions believe nightmares could be influenced by external spirits or malevolent entities.
Astral Experiences: In parapsychological and esoteric beliefs, nightmares might be linked to “astral attacks” or encounters during out-of-body experiences.
Emotional Energy: Nightmares could reflect psychic energy or emotional imprints left in an environment.

3. Sleepwalking and Paranormal Ideas

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a disorder where people perform activities while asleep. While science attributes it to disruptions in deep sleep cycles, parapsychologists and spiritual practitioners occasionally view it differently:

Possession or Influence: Some cultures interpret sleepwalking as a result of spiritual possession or influence by external forces.
Connection to Past Lives: There are parapsychological theories that link sleepwalking to actions tied to unresolved experiences from past lives.
Energy Fields: Sleepwalking might, in some beliefs, relate to disruptions in an individual’s energy or aura.

Scientific and Psychological Perspectives

While parapsychology offers intriguing theories, mainstream science provides explanations grounded in psychology and neuroscience:

Dreams: Reflect brain activity, memory consolidation, and emotional processing.
Nightmares: Often linked to stress, trauma, or conditions like PTSD.
Sleepwalking: Connected to partial arousals during sleep and is common in children due to brain development factors.

Exploration and Integration

Whether approached scientifically, spiritually, or parapsychologically, dreams, nightmares, and sleepwalking remain rich areas of inquiry. Exploring these phenomena can involve:

Dream Journaling: To analyze recurring themes or potential precognitive patterns.
Meditation and Relaxation: To reduce nightmares and improve sleep quality.
Lucid Dreaming Techniques: For those interested in exploring their dream worlds consciously.

Dreams

Techniques for inducing lucid dreams.
Analyzing or interpreting dreams, including symbolic and parapsychological approaches.
Exploring claims of precognitive or telepathic dreams.

Nightmares

Managing and preventing recurring nightmares.
Cultural and paranormal interpretations of nightmares.
Nightmares as a potential medium for psychic experiences.

Sleepwalking

Links between sleepwalking and subconscious or paranormal influences.
Coping strategies for sleepwalking.
Sleepwalking in historical and cultural contexts.

Parapsychology Connections

Investigating psychic phenomena through dream states.
Theories about astral projection during sleep.
Scientific versus spiritual debates in dream-related parapsychology.

Shervan K Shahhian

Media Psychology, a great explanation:

Media Psychology, a great explanation:

Media Psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on understanding how people interact with media and technology, and how these interactions affect their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It bridges the gap between traditional psychological principles and the evolving world of media, including television, film, video games, social media, and virtual reality.

Key Areas of Media Psychology:

Cognitive Effects: Examining how media content influences attention, memory, decision-making, and learning processes. For instance, how does binge-watching a series affect cognitive functioning?

Emotional Impact: Studying the ways media triggers emotional responses, from joy and excitement to fear and anxiety. An example would be how suspense in movies generates physiological arousal.

Social Influence: Investigating how media shapes social behaviors, attitudes, and norms. This includes the role of influencers, online communities, and media campaigns in changing societal perspectives.

Identity and Self-Perception: Exploring how media affects self-esteem, body image, and personal identity, especially in the context of social media, where curated images and lifestyles are often on display.

Media Usage Patterns: Analyzing consumption habits, such as screen time, multitasking, and preferences for different types of content. Researchers look at how these habits affect daily life and productivity.

Persuasion and Advertising: Understanding how media is used to persuade, whether through commercials, political campaigns, or branded content. Media psychologists study what makes messages effective and how they influence consumer behavior.

Technology Interaction: Investigating human interaction with new technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality. This includes how immersive experiences can influence behavior and learning.

Developmental Aspects: Considering how different age groups, from children to the elderly, engage with media and the unique psychological effects on each demographic.

Practical Applications:

Entertainment: Designing engaging and emotionally resonant content for films, TV, and video games.
Education: Creating media-based learning tools that enhance understanding and retention.
Health and Well-being: Developing interventions, such as apps or campaigns, to promote mental health and positive behaviors.
Marketing and Communication: Crafting persuasive messages to influence consumer attitudes and behaviors.

Media Psychology emphasizes both the positive and negative effects of media, aiming to maximize its benefits while mitigating potential harms. It’s a dynamic and evolving field, adapting alongside rapid technological advancements.

Shervan K Shahhian

Natural Disasters and Mental Health:

Natural Disasters and Mental Health:

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, can have significant impacts on mental health, both in the short and long term. These events can create widespread disruption, loss, and trauma, which may manifest in various psychological and emotional challenges for individuals and communities.

Immediate Mental Health Impacts

Acute Stress Reaction:

Feelings of fear, confusion, or disbelief.
Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or nausea.
Emotional numbness or heightened anxiety.

Grief and Loss:

The loss of loved ones, homes, possessions, or livelihoods can lead to profound grief and sadness.

Survivor’s Guilt:

Those who survive may feel guilt, particularly if others did not.

Long-Term Mental Health Consequences

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

Intrusive memories, nightmares, and heightened reactivity.
Avoidance of reminders of the disaster.

Depression:

Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in daily activities.

Anxiety Disorders:

Ongoing worry or fear about future disasters.

Substance Use Disorders:

Some may turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.

Community Impact:

Shared trauma may lead to collective anxiety or distress in communities.

Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups are at higher risk of experiencing severe mental health impacts:

Children: Limited ability to process traumatic events.
Elderly: Physical frailty and isolation can exacerbate mental health issues.
First Responders: Repeated exposure to traumatic situations.
Low-Income Individuals: Fewer resources for recovery and resilience.

Coping Strategies and Support

Access to Mental Health Services:

Professional counseling or therapy for individuals and communities.
Crisis hotlines and support groups.

Community Support:

Building connections to foster resilience.
Community programs for disaster recovery.

Self-Care:

Mindfulness, exercise, and maintaining routines.

Education and Preparedness:

Teaching coping mechanisms and disaster preparedness can reduce anxiety.

Long-Term Recovery Programs:

Integrating mental health into broader disaster recovery efforts.

Call to Action

Governments, non-profits, and healthcare providers need to prioritize mental health as part of disaster response and recovery. Building resilient communities involves not just addressing physical needs but also ensuring psychological well-being.

Shervan K Shahhian

Enhancing Focus, how:

Enhancing Focus, how:

Enhancing focus is a skill that can be developed with intentional practices.

Here are several effective strategies to improve focus:

1. Optimize Your Environment

Declutter: Keep your workspace clean and organized to minimize distractions.
Minimize Noise: Use noise-canceling headphones or ambient sounds to block disruptive noises.
Set Boundaries: Inform others about your work time to avoid interruptions.

2. Manage Your Time

Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat for 4 cycles, then take a longer break.
Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-priority tasks first when your energy and concentration are at their peak.
Time Blocking: Allocate specific time slots for focused work and stick to them.

3. Reduce Distractions

Digital Detox: Turn off unnecessary notifications and put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode.
Single-Tasking: Avoid multitasking; concentrate on one task at a time for better results.
Limit Social Media: Use apps or browser extensions to restrict access during work hours.

4. Cultivate Healthy Habits

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity improves cognitive function and reduces stress.
Eat Brain-Boosting Foods: Include foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Sleep Well: Ensure 7–9 hours of quality sleep for optimal brain function.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Meditation: Regular meditation trains your brain to stay present and resist distractions.
Deep Breathing: Use breathing exercises to refocus during moments of mental fatigue.
Gratitude Practice: Reflecting on positive aspects of your day can enhance mental clarity.

6. Train Your Mind

Focus Exercises: Activities like solving puzzles, playing chess, or practicing yoga can improve concentration.
Read Regularly: Reading books improves attention span and comprehension skills.
Learn New Skills: Engaging in activities that challenge your brain strengthens cognitive focus.

7. Take Breaks

Step Outside: A short walk in nature can refresh your mind.
Stretch or Move: Regular movement prevents mental fatigue during long work sessions.
Hydrate: Drink water to maintain mental and physical performance.

8. Use Tools and Apps

Focus Apps: Apps like Forest, Focus@Will, or Freedom help you stay on track.
To-Do Lists: Use tools like Trello or Notion to organize and prioritize tasks.
Timers: A timer can keep you accountable during work sessions.

Shervan K Shahhian

Anxiety and Dementia, is there a link:

“PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR”

Anxiety and Dementia, is there a link:

Yes, there is evidence suggesting a link between anxiety and dementia. While research is ongoing, several key points highlight the relationship:
Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Dementia
Studies suggest that chronic anxiety, especially in midlife, may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life.
Anxiety can lead to prolonged activation of the body’s stress response, including increased levels of cortisol. High cortisol levels over time can damage brain regions associated with memory and cognition, such as the hippocampus.

1.“PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR MEDICAL DOCTOR”

Cognitive Impairment and Anxiety
Anxiety is common in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be a precursor to dementia. The presence of anxiety in MCI may accelerate the progression to dementia.
Anxiety can exacerbate cognitive symptoms, potentially creating a cycle where cognitive decline worsens anxiety, further impacting brain health.
Shared Underlying Mechanisms
Both anxiety and dementia may share overlapping biological mechanisms, such as inflammation, vascular changes, and alterations in neurotransmitter systems.
Anxiety disorders may also reflect an underlying vulnerability in brain networks, such as those involved in memory and emotional regulation.
Impact on Lifestyle Factors
Anxiety can affect behaviors that influence dementia risk, such as physical activity, diet, and sleep. Poor sleep, for instance, is both a consequence of anxiety and a risk factor for cognitive decline.
Anxiety in Dementia
Anxiety is also a common symptom in individuals already diagnosed with dementia, particularly in the earlier stages. It can be related to the individual’s awareness of their cognitive decline or fear of losing independence.
Implications for Prevention and Treatment
Managing anxiety through therapy, medication, mindfulness, or lifestyle changes may help mitigate some of the risks associated with cognitive decline.
Early intervention for anxiety disorders might be a protective factor against the development of dementia.

Shervan K Shahhian

How to Cultivate the Right Mindset:

How to Cultivate the Right Mindset:

Cultivating the right mindset is a dynamic process that involves intentional efforts to shape your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

Here are practical steps to develop a positive and growth-oriented mindset:

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset

Definition: Believe that your abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance.
Action: View challenges as opportunities to grow, not as obstacles to fear. Learn from failures and see them as stepping stones to success.

2. Practice Self-Awareness

Why: Knowing yourself helps identify unproductive thought patterns.
Action: Reflect on your emotions and reactions. Journaling or mindfulness meditation can help you become more attuned to your thoughts.

3. Develop Resilience

How: Build the capacity to bounce back from setbacks.
Action: Focus on what you can control, maintain perspective, and adopt coping strategies like deep breathing, exercise, or seeking support.

4. Set Clear Goals

Why: Goals provide direction and purpose.
Action: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Break them into smaller steps to make progress manageable.

5. Surround Yourself with Positivity

How: The people and environment around you influence your mindset.
Action: Spend time with supportive, inspiring individuals. Create a workspace or home environment that motivates and uplifts you.

6. Reframe Negative Thoughts

Why: Negative thinking can lead to self-doubt and inaction.
Action: When you catch yourself thinking negatively, challenge those thoughts with evidence or shift your perspective to a more constructive view.

7. Practice Gratitude

Why: Gratitude shifts focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life.
Action: Maintain a gratitude journal, noting three things you’re thankful for daily.

8. Stay Open to Learning

How: A curious, open mind is fertile ground for growth.
Action: Commit to lifelong learning through books, courses, or engaging with diverse perspectives.

9. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

Why: A healthy body supports a healthy mind.
Action: Prioritize sleep, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet. Engage in activities that nurture your mental well-being.

10. Celebrate Progress

How: Recognizing achievements reinforces positive habits.
Action: Reward yourself for milestones, no matter how small, to sustain motivation.

Consistency is key in developing the right mindset. Over time, these habits can transform how you approach life’s challenges and opportunities.

Shervan K Shahhian

The art and science of Getting Things Done:

The art and science of Getting Things Done:

“The Art and Science of Getting Things Done” revolves around effective productivity and personal organization. This concept often ties back to David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, which combines psychological principles, systematic tools, and actionable strategies to help individuals manage their tasks and projects efficiently.

Here’s an overview of the key elements that make this approach both an art and a science:

The Science

Cognitive Psychology
The GTD methodology aligns with how the brain processes and retains information. By externalizing tasks and organizing them systematically, you free up mental bandwidth for creative and focused thinking.

Systematic Framework
GTD emphasizes a structured workflow:

Capture: Collect everything that requires attention (ideas, tasks, commitments).
Clarify: Break down what needs action versus what can be deferred or discarded.
Organize: Categorize tasks into actionable lists (e.g., “Next Actions,” “Projects”).
Reflect: Regularly review your system to keep it up to date.
Engage: Take action based on priorities and contexts.

Neuroscience and Stress Reduction
Keeping track of unfinished tasks in your head creates a mental load (known as the Zeigarnik Effect). Writing down tasks reduces stress and provides clarity.

Productivity Metrics
GTD encourages measurable results, such as reduced missed deadlines, more efficient decision-making, and better prioritization.

The Art

Personalization
The method allows for flexibility in how you apply it. Whether you prefer analog tools (e.g., notebooks) or digital systems (e.g., task management apps), the framework adapts to your style.

Creativity and Intuition
Once tasks are organized, the freedom to focus on creative, high-value work becomes possible. This shift enables more inspired and innovative outputs.

Adapting to Contexts
GTD thrives on recognizing and adapting to varying situations — balancing the urgency of tasks with broader goals like personal growth or professional milestones.

Flow and Fulfillment
Mastery of GTD brings a sense of accomplishment and ease, making it more than just a task list — it’s a lifestyle approach.

Practical Tips for Mastery

Use Tools Wisely: Apps like Todoist, Notion, or Trello can bring structure to the GTD process.
Regular Reviews: A weekly review ensures your system stays relevant and organized.
Start Small: Begin with capturing and clarifying a few tasks, then gradually build the habit.
Embrace Iteration: Experiment with the framework and tweak it as needed.

Mastering the art and science of getting things done isn’t just about achieving more — it’s about doing so with clarity, focus, and satisfaction.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and Dream Telepathy:

Parapsychology and Dream Telepathy:

Parapsychology and dream telepathy are fascinating topics at the intersection of science, psychology, and speculative inquiry. Here’s an overview:

Parapsychology

Parapsychology is the study of phenomena that appear to defy conventional scientific explanation, often referred to as “psi phenomena.” These include:

Telepathy: The supposed ability to transmit thoughts or feelings between individuals without using known sensory channels.
Clairvoyance: Gaining information about an object, person, or event without using the senses.
Precognition: Foreknowledge of an event before it happens.
Psychokinesis: The ability to influence physical objects or events through mental focus.
Near-death experiences, apparitions, and other anomalous experiences: These are also sometimes included in parapsychological studies.

Parapsychology is often met with skepticism because its phenomena lack consistent replicability under controlled scientific conditions. However, institutions like the Rhine Research Center and the Parapsychological Association continue to study these phenomena with rigorous methodologies.

Dream Telepathy

Dream telepathy is a subset of telepathy that involves the transmission of thoughts, emotions, or imagery between individuals through dreams. The concept suggests that one person can send information to another while they are dreaming.

Key Studies

Maimonides Dream Laboratory: In the 1960s and 1970s, researchers like Montague Ullman and Stanley Krippner conducted experiments to test dream telepathy. In controlled conditions, a “sender” focused on specific imagery while the “receiver” (asleep in a lab) reported dream content. Some results suggested statistically significant overlaps between the sent and reported imagery, though skeptics argue these results could be due to chance, bias, or methodological flaws.

Modern Perspectives

While mainstream science remains skeptical due to a lack of reproducible evidence, some researchers propose that psi phenomena might be explained by quantum mechanics, nonlocal consciousness, or undiscovered principles of neuroscience. Dream telepathy, in particular, raises questions about the interconnectedness of minds and the role of dreams in subconscious communication.

Potential Applications

If validated, dream telepathy could revolutionize understanding of human consciousness, relationships, and even psychotherapy. For now, it remains a speculative field ripe for exploration.

Topics:

Specific studies or experiments (e.g., the Maimonides Dream Laboratory, Ganzfeld experiments).
Scientific criticisms and challenges of proving these phenomena.
Theories behind how dream telepathy or other psi phenomena might work (e.g., quantum mechanics, collective unconscious).
Applications or implications if dream telepathy were proven.
Historical or cultural perspectives on telepathy in dreams.

Shervan K Shahhian