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| The Guide to Self-Help Books |
Self-Help Central Issue Number 13 |
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Putting your problems into words can soften the emotional impact of those problems. This notion, which is a psychological observation that may explain some of the usefulness of talking with friends, prayer, journaling, psychotherapy, and talking to "worry dolls", has been around a long time. As is often the case, scientific "proof" or research-based knowledge lags behind common sense or cultural wisdom. But it’s interesting anyway. Dr. Matthew Lieberman, a UCLA psychologist, has used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan the brains of research participants when they experienced situations that caused some physical pain. fMRI images can show the scientist what portions of the brain are being activated, moment by moment. It’s as if brain activity is indicated by different portions of the brain "lighting up". When physical pain is experienced, the anterior cingulate cortex lights up. Under research conditions persons whose right ventral lateral prefrontal cortex was also active reported feeling relatively less distress. This area of the brain is associated with language production and verbalizing thoughts. Brain activity in the amygdala is associated with emotional distress. Lieberman found that concurrent activity in the language area of the brain was related to lowered feelings of distress. He theorizes that verbalizing an emotion may activate the right ventral lateral prefrontal cortex, which then suppresses the areas of the brain that produce emotional pain. And you thought it just feels good to talk with a friend when you’re feeling a little down! More resources are listed in The Guide to Self-Help Books. Relevant sections of the Guide include Depression, Self-Esteem and Assertiveness , and Communication. David Yarian, Ph.D. is the creator of The Guide to Self-Help Books, http://www.Books4SelfHelp.com and co-author of Self-Help Central, an ezine to help you build a better life with self-help resources. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist in private practice in Nashville, TN. He writes self-help articles on stress relief. (c) 2005 Permission is granted to reprint this article in print or on your website as long as the paragraph above is included. |
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New Section: The Guide to Self-Help Books Top Twenty Self-Help Books These are currently the most-requested books by visitors to the Guide to Self-Help Books. Take a look and see what folks are ordering. In the What's New section for December 2006 we introduce a basket of wonderful books and DVDs on topics which include Gay and Lesbian Issues, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Intimate Relationships. Check it out and see what's new! Did you know that you can access an archive of past Self Help Central issues online? Be sure to check out David's Pick of the Month. Each month David posts a new review of a favorite book. All the reviews from previous months may be seen in the Archive. If you have not already done so, please visit our other new sites: That's all for this issue. We look forward to your comments,
questions or suggestions. |
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