The Nature & Nurture Podcast Nature & Nurture #144: Dr. Alexey Tolchinsky - Chaos Theory in Psychology & Neuroscience
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Jul 16, 2024 Dr. Alexey Tolchinsky, a licensed psychologist and adjunct professor at George Washington University, shares insights on chaos theory in psychology and neuroscience. He discusses how chaos can influence anxiety and personality traits, advocating for a nuanced understanding in clinical practice. The conversation dives into adolescent anxiety, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnoses. They also explore the intricate balance of chaos and order, cultural influences on psychology, and the need for clearer communication in therapy.
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Order Bias in Mental Health
- Mental health fields are biased towards order and against disorder, pathologizing it.
- This bias permeates language, models, diagnostics, and therapy, neglecting chaos's healthy role.
Libet's EEG Experiments Reinterpreted
- Libet's EEG experiments suggested unconscious brain activity precedes conscious intent.
- Reanalysis revealed initial brain spikes might be random fluctuations, not pre-conscious processing.
Importance of Scaling
- Defining phenomena at the correct scale is crucial; different scales reveal different properties.
- Going deeper doesn't always provide answers; focusing on the appropriate level is key.