Sorting the pop from the psychology

[ThatSoundAgain]

Hello there.

I'm sitting here doing some web searches on psychology topics that have some very loaded words in them. Basically, I wanted to research methods for molding and changing habits and thinking patterns. For instance, say I want to train myself to be less conflict-aversive.

I'm finding that the sort of language I try and punch into Google has been appropriated by the self-help industry, by Sunday supplement-style light journalism, and by religious or superstitious practitioners of all stripes. Mainly, they seem to all want to sell me some book, service, or borderline cult membership.

So, I turn to the knowledgeable JREF membership: How do I sort the superficial pop psychology from the self-help advice I find? Is there a source (online or offline) that is the standard of trustworthyness without being incomprehensible to the layman? I'm looking for self-help and behavioural advice that has plausible basis in empirical science and has less of an air of pseudo-religiosity.

In broader terms, I'd like to calibrate my psychology / neuroscience BS meter more accurately. I'm not averse to reading and studying, but for my specific needs in this case, a full on basic psych course seems overkill. Basically, I'm asking for a psychology-specific baloney detection kit.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Elaedith]

For changing 'habits and thinking patterns' you want cognitive behavioural therapy.

I don't know of any sites on psychology and pseudoscience, but two good books are 'How to think straight about psychology' (Stanovich) and 'Science and pseudoscience in clinical psychology (Lynn et al.).

 

[tesscaline]

My advice: Look for big (national/global) professional organizations made up of actual medical practitioners and psychologists. Also, look for government resources, and academic sites (universities and colleges).

For example:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
http://www.nami.org
http://www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.abct.org

And while I would never suggest using Wikipedia as a stand alone resource, it can sometimes be helpful in giving lay-understandable overviews of topics which include their history and who invented them. That can help you filter what you search for, and how, to gain additional vetted information.

 

[Dancing David]

For changing 'habits and thinking patterns' you want cognitive behavioural therapy.

I don't know of any sites on psychology and pseudoscience, but two good books are 'How to think straight about psychology' (Stanovich) and 'Science and pseudoscience in clinical psychology (Lynn et al.).

This, try CBT, and is your goal to engage in verbal conflict as opposed to staying quiet?

Then simple desensitization might help.

 

[ThatSoundAgain]

Thanks guys, for the resources and advice. I had hoped to return to this thread sooner -

CBT does sound like it fits the bill, and the WP article in any case seems a good jumping off point. It's free of the telltale sales pitches and too-good-to-be-true assertions about causes and remedies I see elsewhere. Balanced, in other words.

Now, I have considered therapy, but don't feel quite ready to take that step. That's why I'm starting by searching for methods and mental excercises to reinforce healthy mental / emotional patterns and habits. Maybe this - thinking that things like that even exist - is my mistake in the first place. Of course all sorts of cranks are willing to sell me easy solutions.

This, try CBT, and is your goal to engage in verbal conflict as opposed to staying quiet?

Then simple desensitization might help.

I chose conflict-aversion as an example of the types of searches I do that yields less than useful results. It is to some degree a problem I have, but I don't necessarily regard it as a huge one. But yes, something like that - speaking up when it counts.

ETA: To clarify, my interest in this is more general than that specific problem. I used that topic as an easy example.

 

[Dancing David]

Part of CBT is clear objective goal states, which behavior you would like to engage in more easily sort of thing.