Category: psychology

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Good News for Pet Owners! Silent Fireworks Exist and a Town in Italy Is Already Using Them.

You know who doesn’t love the excitement of a good fireworks show?

Your dog or cat, that’s who.

Which explains why July 5 is the busiest day for animal shelters throughout the United States. The spectacular fireworks shows used to celebrate the nation’s freedom means a night of confusion and fear for many pets who will do anything to get away from the noise. Even if it means running away from home.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

If the poor runaways don’t get scooped up and taken to a shelter, they can sometimes end up getting hit by a car.  They can also suffer nausea and heart problems from the stress.

But one town in Italy has decided to put pets and wildlife first when it comes to city-wide celebrations.

Collecchio in the Parma province has required its citizens to use only silent fireworks, protecting animals from the stress and anxiety of a traditional cracking and booming fireworks display.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Silent fireworks have all the brightness and illumination of regular fireworks. There’s even the noise of the ignition, but it’s not loud enough to frighten animals. No big bang and pop to scare pets or birds. Just a lovely trail of sparkles in the sky.

Setti Fireworks, an Italian company, designs the quieter pyrotechnics with customized colors and designs for Collecchio, which has made it against the law to use normal fireworks within their city.

The result is better visual effects, colors and even lasers that have replaced the noise, keeping spectators’ excitement levels up and animals’ stress levels down.

Photo Credit: Pixnio

How do silent fireworks…work?

Actually, they are not a new invention. Classic shows use silent fireworks all the time to accompany big bangs. Comet tails that fizzle are a good example of these. So maybe they aren’t technically silent, but they are much less startling.

Animal friendly displays are beginning to catch on in popularity in many countries around the globe. Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone – small children, veterans dealing with battle trauma and our pets – could enjoy the fun of a celebratory fireworks display?

Let’s hope less scary fireworks shows become the norm soon.

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10 Facts to Sharpen Your Intellect

Let’s get smart! Now!

With facts!

And not just any facts…these 10 quality facts!

1. Not sure if I want to know that

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2. Badass

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3. Fascinating

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4. Faker!

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5. Yikes

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6. Choose your friends wisely

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7. Hmmmm

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8. A happy accident

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9. Freaky-deaky

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10. Shunned!

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I feel smarter already…

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A Study Shows That Cat Owners Pass on Their Own Personalities to Their Cats

Sometimes, humans and their pets seem eerily similar to each other, and it’s not just in our imagination, according to a new study.

In a study published in Plos One, researchers surveyed over 3000 cat owners. They asked them a variety of questions about five broad personality traits: extroversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. Then they observed their cats’ behavior.

The researchers found that the traits that were dominant in owners were also observed in their cats.

For example, owners who rated higher in neuroticism had cats who exhibited behavior problems. Owners who rated themselves as more extroverted had cats who enjoyed being outside more.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Cats are notoriously independent animals. They’re not really into being told what to do or how to act. So, how do they end up picking up on so many of their humans’ traits?

It may be due to the tight bond that many humans and cats share.

“Many owners consider their pets as a family member, forming close social bonds with them,” explained Dr. Lauren Finka, co-author of the study. “It’s therefore very possible that pets could be affected by the way we interact with and manage them, and that both these factors are in turn influenced by our personality differences.”

Photo Credit: Pixabay

She added that “further research is needed to investigate the causal nature of this relationship – and to look at if, and how, owner personalities are directly influencing their cat’s behavior and welfare.”

Cool!

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This Is Why the Summer Heat Makes People Grumpy

Summer makes a whole lot of people very irritable, am I right?

Well, everything in science needs to have evidence, so researchers Liuba Y. Belkin and Maryam Kouchaki, from Lehigh and Northwestern Universities, conducted three experiments that tested the effects of being uncomfortably hot on human behavior. Their findings, published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, claim that people are cranky, uncooperative, and less likely to help others when they’re dealing with their own discomfort.

They began with data from a “secret shopper” experiment in Russia, one that was conducted when the country was experiencing a “mega-heatwave” back in 2010, and found that the shoppers’ experiences and the store employees ratings decreased significantly during the stifling heat.

Employees, for example, were 59% less likely to ask customers if they needed help, to make suggestions, volunteer assistance, or show signs of active listening. They didn’t seem to struggle with the non-customer related portions of their duties, either – only interacting pleasantly was a problem.

Then they recruited 160 people to take an online trivia quiz, and instructed half of the participants to imagine themselves in an uncomfortably warm setting. Afterward, all of the participants were asked to complete a short survey about their experience.

The results found that people who had been instructed to imagine themselves being hot were less likely to agree to take the survey at all, and when they did, they reported feeling tired and less happy than the people who weren’t instructed on their environment at all.

Lastly, Belkin recruited 73 of her students and taught the same class twice – once in a stuffy 80 degree F room and once with the air conditioner running. At the end, the students completed a 100 question survey they were told supported a nonprofit dedicated to helping underprivileged children.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Students who took the course in the hot room answered fewer of the survey questions, possibly because they wanted out of the stuffy space sooner. As Belkin pointed out, the heat affected their behavior.

“The point of our study is that ambient temperature affects individual states that shape emotional and behavioral reactions, so people help less in an uncomfortable environment, whatever the reason they come up with to justify why they cannot do certain things.”

They believe their findings apply to not only students who need a comfortably environment to learn, but to employees who require a temperate workplace in order to be the most efficient at their jobs.

So, better figure out the best temperature for everyone, managers of the world. If you want the best from people day in and day out, they’re going to have to be thinking of something other than when they’ll be able to escape.

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These Are the Four Magic Phrases to Know When You Get Stopped by the Cops

If an interaction with police moves beyond them giving you a ticket – for instance if they say, “We smell something in your car” or “If you haven’t done anything, then you’ll agree to us searching your car” – there are some important things to know.

You still have rights, and there are a few key phrases you can use, straight from the Constitution and past case laws, that’ll assist in moving the situation along.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

1. “Am I free to go?”

First try saying something along the lines of “Am I being detained?” If the police have nothing on you, they cannot do anything but let you go. But they may say, “No, you are not free to go,” in which case they suspect something and are going to try to get you to admit to something.

2. “I do not consent to any type of search.”

Unless there is evidence of a crime visible from through the window, law enforcement cannot perform a warrantless search your vehicle (or your house) without your permission – which means they may try to play mind tricks to convince you to allow a search. So do NOT give up your rights too easily (who knows what your buddy forget in your glove compartment?), even if they slip in the old, “We’ll go easier on you if you let us search your car.”

Photo Credit: Pexels, Rosemary Ketchum

3. “I want to remain silent.”

Let’s say you’re pulled over for going 10 miles over the speed limit and when you open the window they claim to smell marijuana. Instead of babbling on and on about the one time your friend borrowed your vehicle, use this phrase. You have a constitutional right not to incriminate yourself (the 5th amendment that TV loves so much), so they cannot force you to say anything. They may take you in, but you will not have dug a hole for yourself that you have trouble getting out of later.

4. “I want a lawyer.”

If you’ve gotten this far, chances are you’re past the point of them letting you go on your merry way. So ask for one and remain silent until the lawyer arrives.

This video shows examples of how you can use these 4 magic phrases (and then some) and best practices for handling yourself calmly if you are pulled over.

These may be difficult to remember when under pressure. I suggest leaving a note in your car or using a mnemonic for “Free (to go), (do not consent to) Searches, (stay) Silent, and (I want a) Lawyer.”

Stay safe!

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Enjoy These Funny Tweets About Anxiety When You Need a Break

Dealing with anxiety really sucks. It can affect your job, your relationships, and every other aspect of your life in negative ways. But one way to deal with the ailment is to try to laugh at it, at least every once in a while.

As the old saying goes, laughter is the best medicine.

At the very least, these tweets will remind you that you are not alone in your struggle.

1. This should help

2. You can do it!

3. Please?

4. Need a little change

5. Pretty funny

6. #GetAnxious

7. Pleased to meet you!

8. Ahhhh, that’s better

9. Which one will it be today?

10. Get prepared

11. Damn!

12. Hahahaha

13. Nothing but mumbling…

14. Very true

15. That’s not a bad idea

16. Uh oh

17. Run!

18. That’s a brilliant idea

19. Don’t tell me that!

20. Oh, the possibilities…

Keep your chin up! Things will get better!

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What Does It Really Mean When Your Cat Purrs?

Is there anything better than a cat purring on your lap? No way!

But do you know what that sound really means?

Photo Credit: Max Pixel

Most house cat behaviors are habits that have been with these animals since before they become domesticated thousands of years ago, which makes what they are telling us when they purr even more intriguing.

Experts speculate purring comes from the voicebox where vibrations originate as cats breathe.

Fun fact: lions and tigers don’t purr. This may have to do with how they roar, but no one knows for sure why, and the lions and tigers certainly aren’t explaining themselves. However, other big cats like cheetahs and snow leopards do purr. But they don’t really roar.

Hmmm…

Photo Credit: Von.grzanka CC BY-SA 3.0

Something most people agree upon is that among all the cat behaviors (like hissing, growling and scent rubbing) purring seems to signify happiness. It’s probably a behavior passed down from the mother who used the purr to show safety and security.

The kittens, in turn, purr as they get to feed from the mother. Then, when they’re older and they have human owners to feed them, cats may purr to say, “feed me.” Or, they may purr to show other cats safety and security, as in, “I’m not going to cause you any trouble.”

Purring has also been observed in cats as they give birth and in other distressing situations. This leads some behaviorists to say purring may release hormones that minimize pain or bring about calm.

Photo Credit: Pxhere

Strangely, this may work on humans as well. Research shows owning cats, and dogs, as pets offers many benefits, such as…

  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Decreased cholesterol levels
  • Decreased triglyceride levels
  • Decreased feelings of loneliness
  • Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
  • Increased opportunities for socialization

So that’s awesome!

Even though we may never know for sure, purring is understood almost universally to be a sign of happiness and calm. For that reason, simply hearing a cat purr puts people in that frame of mind. Humans may even respond to cat purrs like baby coos as the sounds are said to be similar in pitch.

So, we don’t know for sure why or how cats purr. But we know we like it and we know it makes us calmer hearing it.

And that’s probably enough.

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People Share What Experiences Are so Amazing That Everyone Should Do Them at Least Once

Reddit is full of millions of posts, upvotes, silver and gold awards, but sometimes a post arises that might make us reconsider our lives outside of the website.

u/poppysan recently posed the question: “What is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime?” and users responded.

You’ll want to try a few of these things. Cause #YOLO…

10. Is u/hellogreeksalad still waiting for this moment?

“To tell someone that you love them, and have them look genuinely happy back at you.”

9. u/ErroXennin has magic powers, maybe.

“seeing the milky way with their own eyes”

Photo Credit: Pexels, Miriam Espacio

8. Don’t we all, u/KvotheScamander

“Seeing yourself in the best shape of your life!”

7. u/bc_poop_is_funny has the summer memories.

“Hearing the ice cream truck music and running to you[r] mom for money then sprinting down the street in time to catch the ice cream truck”

u/chowesmith:“I work as an ice cream truck driver. Honestly one of the best parts of my job is looking in my mirror and seeing 10 year olds sprinting after my truck. Brings me all sorts of happy memories”

u/jackerb: “Fellow ice cream truck driver here! Is there a better job we could ask for? I work on an idyllic little island town and all day kids get stoked to get their Batman or spongebob pop, and I get to be the one to make them smile. Can’t beat it”

Photo Credit: Pixabay

6. u/BringOutYaThrowaway is probably singing “Solar Eclipse of the Heart”

“Total solar eclipse. It is one of the most awe-inspiring sights our solar system has to offer. After being directly in the line of totality in North America in 2017, I’m completely hooked now. Next one locally in 2024.”

5. There is no need for stranger danger in u/lanstargaryen’s life

“Spending a day/night with stranger and them never being in your life ever again. But when you think back on that, it puts a smile on your face or reminds of you a happy moment in life. Priceless. I am not talking about a one night stand as in just have sex when drunk and then leave. Like a stranger suddenly come into your life for a very very short time, and then the feeling or longing for that person again but knowing it will never happen. Like ever.”

4. u/TheBagelofNuts has an interesting view on life experiences.

“Closing 76 tabs after a school project.”

3. u/awgepizza gets the music vibes

“Going to a concert of your favourite musician or a band. This is a truly amazing and life-changing experience. You feel so alive, as if there is no tomorrow.”

2. MagicalMonarchOfMo is bringing on the Mindfulness!

“A real, genuinely challenging decision. Not just something that makes you think, but something that makes you worry, and stress a little, and worry in the immediate aftermath of the decision that you may not have made the right choice. And then just accepting it.

Because as much as it would be nice to live without worry, it’s important to learn that sometimes there won’t be an easy choice, but that things will work themselves out ultimately.”

Photo Credit: Pexels, Tom Mossholder

1. Laughter is the best medicine per u/swornorbs

“Laughing to the point you can’t stand, breathe or even make any sign of communication but laughter.”

Other honorable mentions were seeing a beach sunrise and sleeping under a starry sky. All these things are magical if we are mindful. So get off your phones and go live!

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Dinosaur-Obsessed Kids Have Higher Intelligence

I’ve noticed a ton of kids who belong to my friends and family are totally obsessed with dinosaurs. They wear dinosaur shirts, read dinosaur books, and play with dinosaur toys day in and day out. And that’s great news, according to a study that says kids who are obsessed with dinosaurs are smarter than kids who aren’t.

In the psychology world, this phenomenon is called “intense interests.” Roughly one-third of kids develop an intense interest in their lives but for most the obsession usually fades after the age of six.

Photo Credit: Flickr,Mike Mozart

A study from the University of Indiana and the University of Wisconsin found that an intense interest can “enhance perseverance, improve attention and enhance skills of complex thinking as the processing of information”, especially when the interest demands a conceptual domain.

Intense interests have also been shown to improve linguistic skills and are a good indicator of higher understanding. It’s also been shown that the way children study dinosaurs helps them develop strategies to tackle problems throughout their lives.

Interestingly, kids’ intense interest in dinosaurs develops in the first year of life without encouragement from their parents. As mentioned earlier, most of these obsessions pass and only 20% of kids still have the intense interest when they enter school.

Researchers believe that once kids start school and have to devote time to learning new things, they lose their free time to explore their interests. It is suggested that in order to keep your child’s interest alive as they grow up, parents should teach their kids facts about the subject as opposed to letting them have “pretend adventures.”

Make sure those kids keep learning on their own after they start school, and remember, if your child is obsessed with T-Rex, that’s a good thing!

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This Is What the “Guilty” Expression on Your Dog’s Face Really Means

Humans keep trying to explain and understand our pets in terms of human thoughts and emotions. Even though they’re, ya know, dogs and cats and birds and stuff.

So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the look your dog gives you when they’re in trouble for doing something they know they shouldn’t have isn’t what you think.

Like this guy who’s clearly guilty AF!

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I may look guilty right? That’s because I am, I chewed mummy’s trainer up, thought I may get away with it but as soon as she shouted ‘who did this Tink?’ My face automatically did this……? need more practice ???? Happy Friyay ? Tink xx #guiltydogface#happyfriyay#bettyboobeagle#tinkerbelle#justbeagles#beagleloveit#instagrambeagles#beagle#beaglesofinstagram#dogsofinstagram#dogs_of_instagram#beaglecentral#beagleworld_feature#beagleluvofficial#beaglevillage#boopmynose#dailybarker#worldofcutepets#dogsofinstagram#sendadogphoto #worldofcutepets#dog_features#dogsofinstaworld#mydogiscutest#igwoofs#dogmilk#beaglefaction#beagleloverz#beagles_petsagram#beaglepluss#beagle_us#doggytheworld @beagledream @beagle_top @boopmynose @beagleworld @beagle_loveit @beaglecentral @bestfriends_dogs @dogsofinstagram @beaglevillage @beagleloverz @beaglefaction @beagle_corner @dog.tagram @thekennelclubuk @beagleoftheday @beagle_top @beagles.gram @beaglemasters @sendadogphoto @justbeagles @mydogiscutest @beaglesplanet @thebeaglesparents @beagle_lovers @beagles_petsagram @beagles_all_day @instagrambeagles @beagle_society @beagledaily @beaglescorner @beaglestagrams @beagleig @beagle.boo @beaglesmile @beagle_corner @beaglezada @beagleloversfc @beaglecute @beagle.ins.gram @beagle_me @dogs @worldofbeagles @doglove @dogs_of_world_

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Actually, what we categorize as an adorable attempt to convey the complicated emotion of guilt is actually much more simple (and less cute) – fear.

A 2009 study ran by scientist Dr. Alexandra Horowitz called “Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know” and “Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell,” addresses how we misinterpret fear as guilt in those moments when we’re upset with our dogs for disobeying.

“I look at a dog showing the guilty look and it feels guilty to me. It does! We’re kind of wired to see it this way, so it’s nobody’s fault.”

She describes the look as when the dog cowers, showing the whites of its eyes while looking up at you, possibly pinning it’s ears back in the process – all classic signs of fear in dogs.

They’re responding to your scolding and disapproval, basically, not to any higher thought process where they were aware they were doing the wrong thing when they were doing it, and are now feeling badly that they were caught.

“It seems unlikely that they have the same types of thinking about thinking that we do, because of their really different brains, but in most ways dogs brains are more similar to ours than dissimilar,” Dr. Horowitz told IFLScience.

The “thinking about thinking” bit refers to executive function, meaning the ability to reflect on past actions and feel a certain way about them in the present.

“There is some work showing that some animals are planning for the future and remember specific episodes in the past. With dogs, there’s not as much evidence yet. Which isn’t to say that they don’t, but it’s to say that it’s really hard to design experiments around it.”

Without solid evidence when it comes to how dogs experience emotion and memory, anthropomorphizing them is easy – and it’s essential to us, as humans, as a way to make sense of this creature now living alongside us in our home.

“When you adopted your dog, and suddenly you’re living with a dog, within a week we have opinions about the dog’s personality, what they’re like and what they’re thinking. It’s a way to try to predict what’s gonna happen next with an organism that we don’t really know. So we use the language of human explanation, and we just put it on the dog.”

Which is fine, of course, as long as you’re not expecting more from your dog that they’re really able to give.

It’s best to just love them for who and what they are – nosed-through trash bins and chewed-up shoes and all.

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