Just Thoughts on Psychology

Epigenetics can be defined, in general terms, as the study of our genes, specifically on how we can alter our genes through the behavior we exhibit/the reactions to our environment. Studies say that around 60% (or 0.6) of our genes are passed down from our parents.  So at birth, we are given a deck of cards that, to a certain degree, dictate who we are (who we will be), but can we alter this blueprint?  The blanket answer is yes. From a very early age, we are to some degree rewriting our blueprint (our genes), and the experiences we have and the choices we make will alter the genes that we pass onto our kids (good or bad).  Kind of puts a new spin on 'setting a good example' doesn't it? This conversation, as well, puts a twist on the 'nature vs. nurture' theory. Take for example Andy Alpha, his parents were both Olympic athletes that excelled in their respective sports.  Unfortunately, when Andy was 28 he was in a car accident with some friends that left him paralyz...

Deviant Peer Contagion is loosely defined as behavior, generally negative/destructive, that is learned through a group or peer adolescent setting. One of the unique elements of DPC, one of the moving parts per se, is the influence that body language/gestures can have on the decisions/learning of the group.  An intrinsic part of many adolescent, deviant peer groups is that any potential 'leader' may be over-analyzed by other members, which sets up the breeding ground for a contagion such as an innocent, average gesture being observed as a learning objective. Potentially, compounding such a learning gesture might occur when the gesture is timed while a 'leader', by accident or otherwise, creates the gesture (let's call it a weird cough) while displaying a negative behavior. Tom, Larry, Fred, and a few other members are now associating this weird cough with doing 'bad behavior a'.  Days go by, and these 3 members are now fully behind the weird cough contagion,...