Posts

THE DEVIL BEHIND PLANS

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The Devil behind plans: An interview with my inner Cynic  (In this blogpost, our in-house student Psychologist delights with a conversation with her inner self; A talk of Resolutions and how to get it right) - leave us a comment if this is relatable and share with someone!  Me: New year, new me! Cy: January confidence is loud, October habits are formed from consistency. Me: Cy, what's the deal with new year resolutions? Cy: Oh, they're just a recipe for disappointment. You promise yourself the world and by April, you're back to snoozing through alarms. Me: Harsh,but isn't it good to set goals? Cy: Goals are fine. It's the delulu of "I'll change overnight" that's the problem. Want real change?Not a flood of resolutions. Me: So what's the alternative? Cy: Ditch the hype. Pick one thing,do it gradually,do it daily. Me: Toorh. Sounds like a slow process but I want fast results! Cy: Fast results are overrated,think sustainability.  You want to run a...

Emotional Intelligence Explained: Why Intent Is Not Enough

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Emotional intelligence  is a concept many people hear about but do not fully understand, and that is completely okay. Emotional intelligence is not commonly taught in schools or homes, yet it plays a major role in our relationships, communication, mental health, and overall wellbeing. It is okay to miss it. It is also okay to want to grow, adjust, and become emotionally healthier. This article explains what emotional intelligence is, why it matters, and how it shows up in everyday life. My name is  Oluwafunke Ajoba , a Social Psychologist with  Echoes Foundation , and it is my pleasure to guide you through a practical understanding of emotional intelligence. What Is Emotional Intelligence? Emotional Intelligence (EI)  is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and respond to emotions both your own and those of others in healthy and constructive ways. Emotional intelligence affects: • Communication and listening skills • Conflict resolution • Empathy...

The difference between mental and psychological wellbeing

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A question people don’t ask is “what is the difference between mental and psychological wellbeing”! Well, let’s answer that. My name is Oluwafunke Ajoba, I am building up my space as an Experimental Social Psychologist in our world, it’s a tough, but good niche. And it answers questions like this. Mental wellbeing is a right now thing, psychology wellness is the depth of it. Mental wellness answers questions related to the state of your mind and how function on a daily basis. Like, how you cope with stress, deal with your environment and handle exhaustion before they convert to something else.  Mental health is often influenced by stress, workload, fatigue, sleep quality. Psychological wellbeing is identity, beliefs, values and unresolved problems that might influence your functionality and show up in your day-to-day life such that it influences your ability to live a fulfilling life. It’s buried in upbringing, experiences that had shaped you, trauma, life experiences.  Let’s ...

Our Social Experiments

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It’s easy to believe we’ve mastered certain habits or think we’d act a certain way because we’ve read the right books or learnt the “right” lessons. But the truth is, our real character often shows up when we’re tested—whether in moments of power, pressure, hardship, or even unexpected joy.     Social experiments peel back those layers, not just to watch others, but to help us all understand ourselves a little better. In a social experiment, individuals or groups are placed in everyday scenarios, and their reactions, decisions, and behaviors are observed revealing the individual as a mirror —not the polished version we show online, but the reflection of who we truly are in real situations.     HOW SOCIAL EXPERIMENTS HELP CONFIRM PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES   Psychologists often come up with theories about how people think, feel, and behave. But theories aren’t enough on their own—they need to be tested in real life to see if they hold true. That’s where social experi...

A SILENT EPIDEMIC THAT DEMANDS OUR URGENT ATTENTION

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Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. In Nigeria, the reality is stark and alarming. UNICEF reported in 2015 that one in four girls and one in ten boys in Nigeria had experienced sexual violence before the age of 18, now we believe this figure might have increased. According to a survey by Positive Action for Treatment Access, over 31.4 percent of girls there said that their first sexual encounter had been rape or forced sex of some kind. THE GRIM STATISTICS REVEALS DEEPER TRUTH 90% of abusers are known to the child and family and 84% of girls and 61% of boys don't know where to seek help. The incidence means that 15.8 million Nigerian children will be sexually abused before adulthood and 11 million of them will deal with the secrecy, trauma and long-term effects alone, without intervention. This staggering reality necessitates urgent systemic changes and a united front from society. It entails a range of acts, including unwa...

HABIT: How habit can heal emotional pain.

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Break free from trauma; How Habits can heal emotional pain  You! 🫵 yes Overcoming your trauma is possible. Wait🖐️! Let me reveal this to you before you scroll away. Of course, your healing journey may seem daunting, but it's essential to remember that every small step counts and the power of habits can be a game-changer. Emotional pains and trauma are something we can’t see, but they leave lifelong scars that impede our ability to experience joy and happiness.  The trauma can result from various types of experiences such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, or even the loss of a loved one. Habits shape our lives in profound ways, providing structure and stability. However, when it comes to trauma and emotional pain, habits can either be a lifeline or a trap. Understanding this relationship can empower you on your healing journey.   Positive habits that help heal faster. In response to trauma, the brain seeks ways to cope and regain a sense of safety. This is where h...

Goal setting: A path to Grwoth

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  Goal Setting: A Path to Growth Pablo Picasso once said “Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which We must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act”. As the year begins, you may have a vision of what you want to achieve by its end, but the path to get there might still feel unclear. That's where goal setting comes in. Importance of goal setting Goal setting is more than just a hopeful aspiration; it is a crucial first step in creating a roadmap for the future. Understanding the importance of setting effective and achievable goals is paramount for achieving long-term success. 1. Clarity and Focus: One of the primary benefits of goal setting is that it provides clarity and focus. When we know what we are working toward, distractions diminish, and we can concentrate our energy and resources on the steps necessary to achieve our objectives. 2. Skill Development: As we work towards our goals, we become more aware of the competencies we need to ...