Thursday's Psychology Trivia: Which Comes First? Depression or Low Self Esteem?

Thought for the Day: it's Thursday, making it time for some Psychology Trivia. All week I have been posting what I called a mini-series of articles on the importance of de-cluttering your brain of negative self talk (If you missed the earlier posts, check out: Motivational Monday:Cleaning Out The Closets In Your Mind, Tuesday's Psychology Tips: How To Stop Negative Thoughts & Improve Self Esteem, and Wednesday's Words of Wisdom:The Main Reason People Cling To Self Doubt And Negative Self Images).  I decided to complete the series with today's trivia question which is a chicken or the egg type question:

Which comes first?
      a) Depression then low self esteem, or
      b) Low self esteem then depression

Psychologists have wondered whether depression leads to low self esteem or negative view of oneself leads to depression for years. Since they are clearly correlated, it is hard to prove causality. Do you think you know the answer? Read on to see if you are right. As with all the psychology trivia questions that I share here, answer is far from trivial. 

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: How Often Do Women Have Negative Thoughts About Their Bodies?

Thought for the Day: I came across a bit of psychology trivia yesterday that I felt compelled to share with you today. Here's the question:

What percent of women report that they have one "I hate my body" thought a day?     a) 15%     b) 30%     c) 55%     d) 77%     e) 97% 

What do you think the answer is?  Read on to see...

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: T or F Free Birth Control Is Linked To Promiscuity

Thought for the Day: It is Thursday and time for a Psychology Trivia question. As always, most of the answers to these questions are far from trivial. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to hear 89 year old B.B. King live at the Jazz Up July 2014 Series in Stamford CT. It was a pleasure to hear a jazz icon outdoors on a beautiful summer night. I hope you are enjoying the summer! Here's today's trivia question on what has been a controversial subject, free birth control for girls and women.

Trivia Question:

     True or False: Free birth control is linked to promiscuity

Read on to see the answer... 

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: Can You Will Yourself to Get Deep Sleep?

Thought for the Day: It is well past the normal time for Thursday's Psychology Trivia, but better late than never on a busy week. It is a well-known fact that slow wave sleep (SWS) i.e., deep sleep, “plays a critical role in body restoration and promotes brain plasticity and our mental health; however, it markedly declines across the lifespan.” Here's today's trivia question:

True or False:Even when you are feeling sick or exhausted from a hard day’s work, no matter how much you wish for a good deep sleep, you may not be able to get it through your own will.

Read on for the answer... 

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: Can People With Special Needs Serve in the Army?

Thought for the Day: It's time for Thursday's PsychologyTrivia. Here's a question related to what kinds of work and public service special needs adults are capable of carrying out. Here's the question:

Adults with special needs (mentally and physically challenged)
     a) Are not capable of serving in any army;
     b) Would not fit in in a military setting;
     c) Could not complete the rigorous physical fitness drills required for any army;
     d) Would lose self esteem or be bullied by other soldiers if they tried to serve in a military unit;
     e) All of the above; or
     f) None of the above.

What do you think? Is it possible for people with special needs to be part of a military unit?

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: Is Technology Endangering Our Children?

Thought for the Day: It's time for Thursday's Psychology Trivia. As those of you who have been reading my blog know, I believe that social media and the internet hold great possibilities for the future of mankind. Just last week, I wrote about the The Power Of #Hashtags To #Empower Us. Today's psychology trivia question raises some important issues regarding the use of social media and technology by children. Here's the question: 

Which of the following correlations about young children's overexposure to technologies (cell phones, internet, iPads, TV), has been found to be true? 

a) Executive functioning & attention deficits, increased impulsivity & tantrums
b) Cognitive delays, impaired learning, & overall delayed development
c) Increased obesity
d) Sleep deprivation
e) Mental Illness, i.e., depression, anxiety, attachment disorder, autism, bipolar disorder, psychosis
f) Problematic behavior & aggression
g) Addiction to technology
h) A category 2B risk (possible carcinogen) due to radiation emission
i) a), b), f), & g)
j) All the above

What do you think the answer is?

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: In 20 Years, What % of Americans Will Be Overweight or Obese?

Thought for the Day: Today's Trivia Question is related to physical health, however, the answer has a huge impact on the mental health of our nation's citizens. Here's the question:

In 20 years, what percent of Americans will be overweight or obese?
     a) 35.7%
     b) 50.5%
     c) 63.1%
     d) 75.6%
     e) Over 95%

What do you think the answer is? Take a guess and read on to see.

Thursday's Psychology Trivia Question: IQ Counts 4 What % of Success In Life?

Thought for the Day: Today I am reposting an older trivia question and adding some additional information. Here's Thursday's Psychology Trivia Question:

Psychologists generally agree that among the ingredients for success:

        a)  IQ counts for roughly 10%, 
        b)  IQ counts for roughly 50%,
        c)   IQ counts for roughly 80%, or
        d)  IQ counts for roughly 90%

What do you think the answer is? Read more for the answer.

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: T or F: Analytical People Are Left-Brained while Creatives Are Right-Brained?

Thought for the Day: Here in New England, everyone seems to be basking in the rays of sunlight which have been doled out in small doses over the past week or two. Somehow Mother Nature has not been convinced that we have had enough cold wintery weather for the year. Hopefully, the frequency of sunny days will increase and spring will take over. Hopefully today's Psychology Trivia question will help you pass some time and ignore any remnants of wintery weather that are still around. Here's the question:

True or False: Logical, methodical and analytical people are left-brain dominant, while the creative and artistic types are right-brain dominant. 

What do you think the answer is?  

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: How Much Does Your Newborn Know On Day One?

Thought for the Day: This week I have been focusing on early childhood. Yesterday, I noted the importance of an infant's learning to smile in the development of self esteem and the ability to love. On Tuesday, I explained why sometimes childhood depression goes undiagnosed. How the game of Hide and Seek could help a child develop more positive relationships with their parents in therapy was the topic on Monday. Today's trivia question looks at how much newborns know before they are born. Here's the trivia question:

      Which of these facts are true:

a) Day old infants already recognize their mother's voice
b) Newborn babies prefer the sound of their mother's native language
c) By week 14,  there is some evidence that fetuses can taste bitter, sweet, or sour flavors in the amniotic fluid
d) The more varied a mother's diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the more likely that the infant will accept a new food
e) In the first few hours after birth, a baby's sense of smell may be more important in helping him identify his mother than vision
f) Babies in utero experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is associated with dreaming, at around 32 to 36 weeks
g) None of the above
h) a), b), c), d), e), and f)

Read on to see the answer...

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: T or F Posting Calories On Fast Food Menus Leads to Healthier Food Choices

Thought for the Day: With all the concern in our nation about obesity, common sense and good intentions led to laws requiring posting the calorie counts for meals at fast food restaurants. Has the policy helped? What do you think?

True or False: Posting Calories on Fast Food Menus Leads to Healthier Food Choices 

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: T or F: Your Intimate Adult Relationship Problems Are Your Siblings Fault

Thought for the Day: I hope you have taken a few minutes to look at the brief confidential survey on Children and Violence. I'd really appreciate it if you would spend 5 minutes and fill it out. Help be part of the solutions.

It's Thursday and time for a psychology trivia question so I'm sharing one I did a while back:

 True or False: Your Intimate Adult Relationship Problems Are Your Siblings Fault

What do you think? What were your relationships with your siblings and cousins like growing up. Did you fight a lot or get along. How did you resolve conflicts with them or other close childhood friends? Did you yell, have physical fights or avoid talking to them hoping the problem would blow over?

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: Do Opposites Attract?

Thought for the Day: Today's psychology trivia question continues February's Valentine's Day (Wednesday's Words of Wisdom: Albert Einstein & Dr. Lavi On Gravity, Levity & Love) theme:

"True or False: Opposites attract"

Although many people believe that opposites attract, research does not uphold the common myth about love relationships. It may be that during the infatuation stage of romance people are attracted to traits which they wish they had. For example, a shy reclusive person may be attracted to a more outgoing gregarious partner, hoping that they will make their social interactions easier. However, when push comes to shove, if the relationship continues, that personality trait may pull them apart in the same way that opposite poles of a magnet push away from one antoehr. The introvert may prefer to stay home, watch TV, read or play games on the computer while the extrovert will feel bored and caged in at home, craving social interactions, parties and events. The same holds true for fitness activities, hobbies, educational differences, and ambitions.

If you would like to read more on this topic, Karl A. Pillemer, Phd, a professor of Human Development at Cornell University, recently released a study, 'Opposites Attract' Or 'Birds Of A Feather' -- What's Best For A Long Marriage? He interviewed older couples who have been married for decades. His findings suggest that even if there are differences, similar core values and outlook on life are the most important ingredients for happy long marriages. He also looked at couples who were married for shorter amounts of time.

If you are looking for Mr. or Ms. Right, keep in mind that while opposites may be attractive at first, it may lead to friction as you get to know one another.  Similarities will predict better long term compatibility.

Don't forget to enter our Valentine's Day Voting Contest. It's easy. Just like our facebook page in order to enter & vote for your favorite photo from twenty of last year's blog posts. One lucky winner will receive a free 1/2 hour phone consult with me and a free copy of The Wake Up and Dream Challenge. The voting ends on Feb. 12th so that you can start moving towards your dreams by Valentine's Day.

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: Could Learning to Wait at Age Four Predict Your Child's Future Success?

Thought for the Day: Here's a repost of a Psychology Trivia Question: 

               True or False
     Could learning to wait at age four predict your child's future success in life?

What do you think?

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: The Best Psychology Trivia of 2013

Thought for the Day: Since we are starting a new year & celebrating the 2nd anniversary of this blog, over the next couple of weeks, I will be posting the top 10 posts from each category of blog posts. Thanks to all those who have been reading & commenting on the blog. I appreciate your support & am thrilled that there have been close to 80,000 page views in just 2 years! As you can see in the picture we have one candle to grow on & hope to continue bringing you informative posts about the field of psychology & personal growth! Feel free to comment & nominate your favorites from 2013. Today I am starting with 5 of the top 10 Psychology Trivia Posts.

Thursday's Psychology Trivia: Is Twitter a Reliable Personality Test?

Thought for the Day: What do you think could your personality be interpreted from your tweets? Will Twitter analysis replace the Rorschach, TAT (Thematic Apperception Test) & MMPI (Minnesotta Multiphasic Personality Inventory) personality tests? Could a computer offer reliable information about you and your personality from just 200 of your tweets? That's just 28,000 characters, not words you have written in shorthand! 

     To a degree, it makes some sense since you need to speak your mind in very limited bits of information. It requires creativity and forethought to craft good tweets, but will it create a true portrait of the tweeter? Dr. Michelle Zhou, IBM researcher at the Almaden Research Center in San Jose, CA believes she can decipher your personality from just 200 tweets.  She has developed a program which analyzes 200 tweets and prints out an elaborate personality profile. 

    Since I use twitter to let people know about my book, it would be fascinating to see what her program would say about me.  What do you think the computer would say in response to a sampling of my most recent tweets:

1. .@StevieWonder #JoseFeliciano .@RonnieMilsap Santa Inspires Blind 2 Reach4TheirDreams #News #HolidayHumor http://ow.ly/rLTtf
2.  @WakeUpDreamNow Tue's #Psychology Tips: How to Stop a #Cyberbully http://ow.ly/rQk2p An answer 2 a .@HealthTap Question 
3. .@BarackObama "I commend Santa on his yrs of dedicated service & wish him well in his new endeavors." http://ow.ly/rGI2y #Humor 
4. Help Santa Fulfill His Dream: A Modern Version of Up On A HouseTop #Funny #Video via @youtube http://ow.ly/rMus9 
5. #NewsFlash #Anchorman2 nixed using Santa's press conf, couldn't prove Santa was real. You B the judge http://ow.ly/rT4P1 .@SteveCarell 
6. @WakeUpDreamNow Miraculous Mon: Can Writing a Letter Save a #Marriage ? http://ow.ly/rNZvU #therapy #Psychology
7. Elf's Union Support Santa's Decision2Step down from sleigh Knew he was suffering, but kept his secret http://ow.ly/rGnn2 #Holiday #Humor 
8. @WakeUpDreamNow Wed's Words of Wisdom: John Dryden on #Bullying http://ow.ly/rSX5W #Blog.@DennyCoates TY4Sharing #Quote   

       I'm afraid to venture a guess at what the computer might say about my personality! Perhaps, it would be concerned that I could have an obsession with Santa Claus or an elf fetish! Hopefully, it would find that I am creative author and psychologist with a sense of humor, trying to help good causes. I may try to get my personality analyzed from my tweets & get back to you on the results!

Flashback Thursday's Psychological Trivia Answers: How to Prevent Divorce

Wake Up And Dream Catalyst: Thursday's Psychological Trivia Answers: How to Prevent Divorce:

Here's the question: What is the #1 predictor of divorce?
      a) lack of physical intimacy
      b) lack of similar interests
      c) poor communication skills
      d) financial problems
      e) infidelity  & the answer.

Did you get it right? Read on to see...

Tuesday's Psychology Trivia: Are You Paralyzed When You Dream?

Thought for the Day: As you may know, I encourage people to Wake Up and Dream. Today's trivia fact makes it clear why learning how to Wake Up and Dream is a much better way to accomplish your dreams and aspirations. In fact, when you are dreaming, during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the rest of your body is paralyzed. Neurotransmitters shut down your large muscles so that they do not move. (Sleep walkers have a neurological disorder which allows them to move during sleep.)

If you are interested in learning to wake up and dream, my book, The Wake Up and Dream Challenge is on sale this week & benefitting Menorah Park Center for Senior Living.

Thursday's Psychology Trivia Answer: At What Age Do Humans Have the Largest Number of Brain Cells?

Thought for the Day: I must remind myself to spend more time researching my trivia facts before posting the question. On Tuesday, I asked:

 At what age humans have the largest number of brain cells?                a) 5 years old                b) 45 years old                c) 30 years old                d) 2 years old                e) 18 years old

The answer, d) 2 years old, was based on a fact I found a while ago on Likes.com which said:

Humans have more brain cells at the age of two than at any other time of their lives. What happens then, is the brain kills off the cells it deems unnecessary for the future. When people are telling you that the first couple years of a kid's life are their most important, they aren't really lying!

After I posted it, a follower,  Enaa Aussen from google+, wrote:

Yesterday 12:39 PM

 

at about 14

not 5 or 45

unless u are meaning the insulation cells and blood vessels too....
then its gonna be maybe 30 to 40...

Read more

Barbara Lavi

Yesterday 12:43 PM

 

+Enaa Aussen Come back tomorrow for the answer. Thanks for guessing

Enaa Aussen

Yesterday 1:03 PM

 

i wasn't guessing....
i am an md
my mum is a neurobiologist....
her bf is a psychiatrist...
we discuss this kind of stuff since i was 8

So I began to question the oversimplified fact I found on Likes.com. I should have known better, since I continuously tell you that there is really no trivial psychology. There are multiple interpretations of most "facts" in the field.

So here are a few quotes from articles about the development of the human brain:

In an article called, Children and Brain Development: What We Know About How Children Learn, Judith Graham, Extension human development specialist & Leslie A. Forstadt, Ph.D. Child and Family Development Specialist write that, 

"At birth, a baby’s brain contains 100 billion neurons, roughly as many nerve cells as there are stars in the Milky Way, and almost all the neurons the brain will ever have. The brain starts forming prenatally, about three weeks after conception. Before birth, the brain produces trillions more neurons and “synapses” (connections between the brain cells) than it needs. During the first years of life, the brain undergoes a series of extraordinary changes.In the brain, the neurons are there at birth, as well as some synapses. As the neurons mature, more and more synapses are made. At birth, the number of synapses per neuron is 2,500, but by age two or three, it’s about 15,000 per neuron. The brain eliminates connections that are seldom or never used, which is a normal part of brain development."

In an answer to the question, "Are You Born With All Your Brain Cells Or Do You Grow New Ones?" Pasko Rakdic, Professor of Neuroscience and Neurology at the Kavli Institute at Yale University writes that:

"Shortly after birth in humans, a substantial number of new nerve cells are produced and added to brain regions called the cerebellum, olfactory bulb, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. But by age 2, neurogenesis in most of these regions disappears except in the hippocampus — a region involved in learning and memory. This may be the only location in the brain where new cells are added throughout one’s lifetime. ...The fact that the majority of our neurons are as old as we are might be what allows us to remember our history and build civilization."

FAQ Zero to Three http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/brain-development/faqs-on-the-brain.html#experience

In FAQ on ZerotoThree.org's page an explanation of pruning of neurons around age 2 is given in this way:

"Those (Neurons) that are consistently turned on over time will be strengthened, while those that are rarely excited may be dropped away. Or, as neuroscientists sometimes say, "Cells that fire together, wire together." The elimination of unused neural circuits, also referred to as "pruning," may sound harsh, but it is generally a good thing. It streamlines children's neural processing, making the remaining circuits work more quickly and efficiently. Without synaptic pruning, children wouldn't be able to walk, talk, or even see properly."

So although at age 2 years we may have the largest number of brain cells,  it does not account for the growth of connections & synapses between brain cells which continue at a rapid rate in early childhood into adolescence. There are also findings that some parts of the brain continue to grow cells throughout our lives albeit at a much slower pace. 

Tuesday's Psychology Trivia Question: When Do Humans Have the Largest Number of Brain Cells?

Thought for the Day: Today's psychology trivia question has to do with the development of the brain. Here goes:

           At what age humans have the largest number of brain cells?
                a) 5 years old
                b) 45 years old
                c) 30 years old
                d) 2 years old
                e) 18 years old

Come back on Thursday for the answer.