What Is the Gut-Brain Axis? The gut-brain axis (GBA) is the communication network between the gut and the brain. This connection works both ways, meaning the gut affects the brain, and the brain affects the gut. The primary link between them is the nervous system, specifically the vagus nerve, which transmits information back and forth. […]
The brain is an incredible organ that constantly changes and adapts. Neuromodulators play a key role in this process by influencing how neurotransmitters work. They can enhance or reduce excitatory and inhibitory effects, making neural communication more efficient. Understanding neuromodulators and neural plasticity can help us grasp how learning, memory, mood, and even movement function. […]
The nervous system relies on neurons to send and receive messages throughout the body. Therefore it is essential to understand the types of neurons and how they communicate. These specialised cells process information, control movement, and regulate bodily functions. Understanding neurons and how they communicate helps us grasp how the brain and body work together. […]
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) plays a crucial role in how your body responds to the world around you. It connects your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body, controlling both voluntary and involuntary actions. Understanding the PNS helps explain how your body reacts to danger, digests food, and even moves your […]
Psychological development is a lifelong process that shapes how we think, feel, and behave. To understand it fully, we need to consider a comprehensive model that looks at how biological, psychological, and social factors influence our development overall. This is where the biopsychosocial model of psychological development comes into play. By examining the interplay between biology, psychology, […]
The Importance of Emotional Development: Understanding the Process Emotional development is a crucial aspect of psychological growth. It shapes how individuals recognise, express, and regulate their emotions throughout life. By understanding this process, we can better support emotional well-being and resilience of people. Defining Key Terms in Emotional Development Before exploring emotional development, it is […]
As children grow, their thinking becomes more advanced. Piaget’s stages of cognitive development explain how children transition from basic understanding to logical and abstract thought. In this post, we will explore the last two stages—concrete operational and formal operational—and their key milestones. 3. The Concrete Operational Stage (7-11 Years) During this stage, children develop logical thinking skills […]
Jean Piaget’s cognitive development theory explains how children learn, think, and understand the world. He believed that cognitive development occurs in stages and that children actively build knowledge through experiences. In this post, we will explore Piaget’s key principles, the role of schemas, and the early stages of cognitive growth. What Is Cognitive Development? Cognitive […]
Psychological development is a lifelong process that shapes how we think, feel, and interact. Psychological development across the lifespan can look significantly differently for different individuals, but with some recognisable patterns. It is influenced by cognitive, emotional, social, and even physical changes. Understanding these developments helps us recognise the challenges and milestones of each life […]
Why do some children feel secure with their caregivers while others seem anxious or avoidant? Ainsworth’s Attachment Theory explains how early relationships shape emotional development. In the late 1960s and early 70s, psychologist Mary Ainsworth developed the Strange Situation to study how infants respond to separation and reunion with their caregivers. This experiment revealed different […]