Behavioral Pathogens: Why Bad Habits Spread Through Culture
BEHAVIORAL PATHOGEN Introduction and Core Definition The term Behavioral Pathogen, originating primarily in the fields of social and evolutionary psychology, refers to a belief, custom, or practice that spreads through a population via social learning and cultural transmission, yet is ultimately detrimental to the fitness, survival, health, or well-being of the individuals who adopt it. […]
AUTOMATISM
Introduction and Fundamental Definition Automaticism is a complex psychological and neurological phenomenon characterized by a significant breakdown in the usual coordination between conscious intent and overt action or thought. Fundamentally, it refers to the performance of actions or the generation of thoughts outside of a person’s volitional control or awareness. These behaviors, which span a […]
REPETITION-COMPULSION
Introduction to Repetition-Compulsion Repetition-compulsion (German: Wiederholungszwang) stands as a profound and often perplexing psychological phenomenon wherein an individual is driven to repeatedly recreate traumatic or painful circumstances, relationships, or emotional states, despite the clear negative consequences that inevitably follow. This compelling drive is distinct from simple habit or conscious choice; rather, it operates largely outside […]