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How computers can help process trauma

Science-Online.org reports:

A traumatic experience can haunt victims for a long time and affect their entire lives. New studies are investigating the effect of computer training, among other things, as an adjunct to therapy to treat trauma sequelae such as recurring stressful images and impressions of the traumatic experience. A team from the psychology departments of Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich reviewed the relevant research literature and concluded that computer-based cognitive training has yielded promising initial results. They report in the June 7, 2022, issue of the journal Behavior Therapy.

After a situation involving intense fear and perhaps even life-threatening danger, some sufferers continue to struggle with it for weeks, months, or even years later. Among other things, they suffer from so-called intrusions: They experience intense memories of the trauma that feel as if the trauma is happening again in the here and now. Such intrusions can be very overwhelming and are accompanied by strong negative emotions. If such symptoms persist for more than a month, experts speak of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “The cognitive models of post-traumatic stress disorder assume that the symptoms are based on altered and, above all, dysfunctional information processing,” explains Prof. Dr. Marcella Woud (A13), psychologist and psychological psychotherapist in the Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Unit at RUB.

The whole original article of science-online.org: >>

Scientific Paper: >>

New Year, New Me: The Facts

As the calendar turns to a new year, millions of people around the world commit to New Year’s resolutions, making promises to use the new year as a fresh beginning and an opportunity for transformation. In 2024, almost three-quarters of the British population set themselves New Year’s resolutions — that’s around 40 million people (or the entire population of Canada). This tradition was particularly strong among younger generations, with 96% of Generation Z (aged 18-27) planning resolutions, compared to just 35% of the Silent Generation (aged 79+).

Most common new years resolutions:

  1. Saving more money (52%)
  2. Eat healthier (50%)
  3. Exercise more (48%)
  4. Lose weight (37%)
  5. Spend more time with family/friends (35%)

How long do most resolutions normally last before being broken?

  • Data from America (2016) shows that 75% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first week. 
  • 64% of individuals maintain their resolutions through the first month. 
  • 46% of individuals in America keep their resolutions past the 6-month mark.

What makes resolutions stick?

Oscarsson et al. (2020) conducted research into what makes New Year’s resolutions stick. Biggest success rates depended on how people phrased their goals. Participants who set approach-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) than those with avoidance-oriented goals (trying to move toward or maintain a desirable outcome or state) were significantly more successful (58.9% vs. 47.1%) at sticking to their goals.

The study also investigates the effects of outside support. These participants received monthly follow-ups and emails with information and exercises for coping with hurdles when striving toward personal goals, and were also encouraged to set goals using the SMART technique and to set interim goals. The group that received some support was exclusively and significantly more successful compared to the groups who received a lot of support or no support at all. 

Additionally, you might feel more successful if you set goals that are measurable in numbers. While success for a person striving to quit smoking or lose weight could easily be measured in the number of cigarettes smoked or body mass index, the success for a person striving to “take better care of themselves” could be highly subjective and possibly impossible to measure.

So as we enter 2026, let’s remember to work with our brain’s natural learning system: Frame your goals positively, break them into manageable steps, and celebrate small wins along the way.