Do you ever wonder why you think, feel, and act the way that you do? Or why other people behave the way they do? Psychology has come a long way since it was first studied and scientists have learned so much about the human brain, behavior and interaction. Here are some of the most mind-blowing psychology facts that can help to shed light on human behavior.
The Power of the Unconscious Mind
The unconscious mind is more powerful than most people realize. It’s estimated that 95% of our actions and behaviors are driven by our unconscious minds. That means that only about 5% of our behaviors are actually conscious choices. This means that our behaviors, decisions and reactions are mostly based on our ingrained beliefs, experiences, and emotions that we may not be aware of.
Our Brains Rewire Through Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the remarkable ability of the brain to reorganize and create new neural pathways throughout our lives. This means that with effort, we can completely reshape our brains and create new connections, essentially forming new habits and behaviors. Through neuroplasticity, we can also gain an improved ability to learn and make changes in our lives.
Humans Learn Through Association
Humans not only learn through neuroplasticity but also through associative learning. We associate certain emotions and experiences with certain events, people or places and use this information to understand and form opinions and beliefs. Associative learning is often subconscious, but powerful.
Emotional Intelligence is Important
Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware of and manage our own emotions and the emotions of people around us. Those with high emotional intelligence tend to be better able to recall memories, recognize emotions and respond to them in the most productive and helpful way. People with high emotional intelligence tend to be better adapted socially and cope better with stress.
The power of Habits
Habits are one of the most powerful psychological facts that are at play in all of us. Our behaviors and habits are often driven by our subconscious and form a large part of who we are as individuals. Habits tend to form because of neuronal pathways that have been laid down in our brains. The more we complete an action or behavior, the more ingrained it becomes.
Behavior is Environmentally Driven
In terms of human behavior, our environment has a huge impact on who we become. Our environment and the people we associate with can have a strong influence on our goals and values, which in turn form our behavior and habits.
The Influence of Emotions
Our emotional states have a huge impact on our behavior. When we are calm and relaxed, we tend to make rational decisions that are often in our best interest. When we are angry or frustrated, we may make impulsive decisions or act out in negative ways. It’s important to be aware of our emotional states, as our emotional states can be contagious and affect the emotions of those around us.
The Power of Beliefs
Beliefs are another massive factor that affects our behavior. Our beliefs and values influence our decisions and the way we interpret our environment. Our beliefs are formed based on past experiences, our environment and our education.
The Impact of Learning Styles
Different people have different learning styles – some prefer visual learning, some prefer auditory and some use a combination of both. It’s important to be aware of our own learning styles and understand that what works for us may not work for someone else.
The Effects of Stress
Stress is one of the biggest psychological killers and can have a huge impact on our physical and psychological health. It’s important to be aware of our stress levels, as too much stress can lead to physical and mental illness. Practicing stress reduction techniques can help to reduce our stress levels and help us to be more productive and happy.
It’s incredible to think about how much we know about the complexities of the human mind and how our behavior is influenced by so many different psychological factors. Understanding these facts can help us to gain insight into how we think and behave, which can help us to make better decisions and enhance our relationships.
