Reverse Psychology CPTSD, Intermittent Reinforcement, Reactance, Strategic Self Anticonformity
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses reverse psychology, a technique that involves asserting the opposite of the desired outcome to encourage the subject to do what is actually desired. He explains that reverse psychology relies on a psychological phenomenon called reactance, which is a negative emotional reaction to being persuaded. Vaknin also discusses various techniques of reverse psychology, such as mirroring, tough love, challenging, pseudo-humility, inconsistency, nagging, and denigrating. These techniques can be used to manipulate and modify behavior in various situations, including therapy, interpersonal relationships, and marketing.
WARNING: Your Best Friend Will Poach Your Partner!
Mate poaching, or attempting to romantically attract someone who is already in a relationship, is a common seduction technique and mating strategy. Studies show that friendship is the best predictor of cheating, as it is the most common relationship invasion tactic. Friends with benefits can evolve into long-term romantic relationships, as friendship leads to investment and commitment. However, relationships formed from poaching tend to be of lower quality than non-poached counterparts, and individuals with a history of mate poaching often report poorer quality relationships.
Controversial P Factor Unifying Mental Illness
The P factor is a controversial concept in psychology that suggests a common denominator to all mental disorders. It challenges the traditional approach of diagnosing people based on lists of symptoms or behaviors. The debate surrounding the P factor raises questions about the usefulness of labels and the need for customized treatments. Early intervention is key to preventing severe mental illness later in life.
Transhumanism: Culture Replaces Evolution (with Benny Hendel)
Dual inheritance theory, or gene-culture co-evolution, suggests that humans develop both genetically and biologically, as well as through culture or civilization. Culture, as the totality of human creativity, is a form of evolution that can shape humans and their offspring. This control over evolution through culture allows humans to adapt to diverse habitats and environments. However, the future of human evolution could be influenced by the choices made in using culture and technology, potentially leading to a more narcissistic and psychopathic society.
Nature: Grandiose Delusion (with Benny Hendel)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of nature and how humans relate to it. He argues that the traditional ways of relating to nature, such as religious domination, romanticism, and decoupling, are all dysfunctional and fail to recognize that humans are part of nature. Vaknin suggests that everything humans create is natural and that nature will use humans as agents to limit their activities if necessary. He concludes that humans need to accept that they are part of nature and act accordingly.
How Toxic Romanticism Ruined Intimacy, Relationships (Interview in Bronson Men)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the impact of narcissistic abuse and the importance of individuation and boundaries. He emphasizes the dangers of empathizing with narcissists and the prevalence of misinformation in the field of narcissism. Vaknin also delves into the broader societal issues of distrust, misinformation, and the challenges of academia.
Narcissistic Abuse and Victim Aggression (Interview in Bronson Men)
Sam Vaknin discusses pathological narcissism and how it is caused by a fixation that occurs when one does not progress beyond a certain emotional age due to getting the wrong signals and input from their maternal figure. Narcissistic abuse is different from other forms of abuse as it aims to deanimate the victim and reduce them to a manipulable object. Vaknin also shares his views on victimhood movements and the confusion between sexual identity, sexual orientation, and gender roles.
Chance And Generational Trauma Pandemic Settles Nature Vs. Nature Debate
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses two new factors that influence who we become: chance or randomness and generational trauma. Recent research suggests that random molecular fluctuations in developing brain cells, especially in the womb, can influence the brain’s wiring and have lifelong consequences. Additionally, generational trauma, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can have a significant impact on mental health and personality development. These factors are considered more important than the traditional nature versus nurture debate in determining our identities.
Is Your Pet Cat a Psychopath? (PURR, GASP!)
A recent study by researchers at the University of Liverpool has found that all cats have some level of psychopathy, with the reason being that in an ancestral environment that demanded self-sufficiency, wild cats that had higher levels of psychopathic traits may have been more successful in acquiring resources such as food, territory and mating opportunities. The study settled on the conclusion that all cats are psychopathic to some degree. The questions asked in the study are pretty generic, such as my cat demands attention, or my cat disobeys rules, or behaviors that are pretty standard for the species.
What Is Acting Out? (and Covert Narcissist)
Acting out is a way for individuals to discharge conflicted mental content through action, often as a result of being unable to verbalize or communicate their internal struggles. It is commonly associated with personality disorders and can lead to self-destructive behaviors. Acting out can be seen as a form of somatization, using the body to remember and process repressed memories and emotions. It is important to distinguish acting out from other concepts such as acting in, passage à l’acte, and bad behavior, as they have different implications and meanings.