Stress and The Brain: Evidence from Molecular Mechanisms to Interventions and Therapies is a comprehensive exploration of how stress affects the brain at a molecular level and its broader implications for mental and neurological health. The book delves into the mechanisms by which stress triggers changes in brain function, including the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, synaptic plasticity alterations, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It examines how these molecular processes contribute to conditions such as neurodegeneration, anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders. Furthermore, the book provides an in-depth analysis of current therapeutic interventions, both pharmacological and behavioral, as well as natural antidotes that aim to mitigate the adverse effects of stress on the brain. By synthesizing evidence from cutting-edge research, this book offers valuable insights for scientists, clinicians, and mental health professionals seeking to understand and address the complex interplay between stress and brain health.
Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, Volume 71 in a series that is considered the premier outlet for reviews of mature, high-impact research programs in social psychology covers a variety of topics, with this release containing chapters on Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Belief in Conspiracy Theories, Fostering Inclusion: A Model for Understanding the Factors that Enhance and Undermine Identity-Safety, Intellectual Humility: On Understanding Our Limits, Ideology, Motivation, and the Connection between Cognition and Behavior, The Psychology of Science Rejection, and more.Contributions to the series provide defining pieces of established research programs, reviewing and integrating thematically related findings by individual scholars or research groups.
The Whole Person explores the realms of theory and philosophy concerning minds and persons. This book presents models of the emergent realization of multiple mental processes, and of the constitution of social realities and social persons. Each chapter explores prevalent theoretical and philosophical assumptions that obstruct the acceptance of models depicting emergent realization, offering analyses of these barriers, and demonstrating ways to overcome them. Rooted in the framework of process metaphysics, this book models metaphysically genuine emergence, paving the way for a comprehensive model of multifarious normative emergences. These normative emergences include phenomena such as function-dysfunction, representational truth and falsity, rational-irrational, ethical-unethical, and others that shape our mental and social landscapes. The discussion extends to the macro-evolutionary culmination of mental processes in a model of reflective consciousness. The book then extends its exploration to the foundational role of mental processes in the emergence of social realities and persons, with language acting as a core element in these emergences. Addressing evolutionary aspects, brain processes, developmental processes, moral normativities, and self-consistency considerations, The Whole Person presents a holistic integration of decades of constructive work.Endorsements:"This ambitious, yet unpretentious, carefully constructed and argued book is a must read for anyone with serious interest in the nature of persons and the psychology of personhood. Mark Bickhard’s The Whole Person is a sustained and convincing narrative about our individual and collective evolution and emergence as the unique beings that we are. Of particular interest is his account of the emergence of persons as homo-socius. Here, Professor Bickhard captures key, but often overlooked, historical, sociocultural, and socio-developmental dynamics and processes that make us who we are—a species constantly interacting with each other and the world in a never-ending process of mutual co-constitution. By theorizing a process metaphysics replete with emergent normativity that does not clash with a naturalistic ontological psychology, Bickhard takes a giant step toward seeing ourselves as we are and as we might become." -- Jack Martin, Professor Emeritus, Simon Fraser University"A typical psychological theory offers narrow generalizations about data sets obtained by semi-proprietary empirical methods. The basic empirical research on which such theories have depended is in crisis: tremendous effort has gone into ill-motivated studies, applying statistics inappropriately to inadequate samples, too often generating irreproducible results. The kind of theory that psychology needs is broad and deep, pays no respect to boundaries between specialties, makes falsifiable predictions, and answers to arguments in principle. The Whole Person presents just such a theory; psychologists, whether their aim is to extend it and support it or to challenge it and refute it, will benefit from studying it closely." -- Robert L. Campbell, Professor (Emeritus), Psychology, Clemson University"There are three challenges that the discipline of psychology faces. One is to grapple with contemporary movements in evolution and science that challenge the way psychologists tend to do their research. Another is the challenge that comes from global interconnectedness, which is that we have to take into account how culture and cultural variance entwine with psychological phenomena. The third is that psychology is not really a discipline per se and it is fractured into many different silos, which means that it is rare to see much-needed work that is broad in scope. The brilliance of Mark's book: "The Whole Person" is that it engages with very sophisticated and cutting edge science to offer a broad account of human psychology that is exactly what we need in current psychological theorizing. The book generatively weaves together important ideas from evolutionary and biological thought with a sophisticated understanding of human sociocultural life. The result is a work of tremendous scope that will inspire researchers to revise their research programs and generate new lines of inquiry." -- Jim Cresswell, Professor at Ambrose University and Editor of the Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology (APA)."Mark Bickhard’s magnum opus, The Whole Person, is an exhilarating, comprehensive re-orientation of our methods, models and understanding of human being, behaviour and agency. His key question may be posed: How is any (re)presenting at all physiologically possible? Bickhard’s ‘Interactivism’ develops a sophisticated thermodynamic model of how (inter alia) biological organisms are at all possible, including how organisms can sense, perceive and behave effectively within their environs. Interactivism centrally addresses issues of physiological and psychological processes to understand (inter alia) how our physiology and psychology can subserve normative issues of validity, including reference, ascription, accuracy, truth and (cognitive) justification. The Whole Person is lucid, fascinating, penetrating and justifiedly heterodox; this landmark work should be widely and deeply read across the disciplines engaged in cognitive sciences, cognitive psychology and philosophy of knowledge." – Kenneth R. Westphal, M.A.E., Professor of Philosophy (ret.).
The Immune System: Mental Health and Neurological Conditions fully investigates how immune-related cellular, molecular and anatomical changes impact mental functioning. This book combines human and animal studies to reveal immunological changes related to mental-health problems. In addition, users will find comprehensive information on new research related to the microbial composition of the gut, aka, the microbiome, and how it influences brain function and mental health. Common comorbidities with mental illness and their inherent immunological or inflammatory components are also covered. New chapters and sections on peripheral and central mechanisms in relation to viral pathogens, RNA editing to treat diseases, and COVID-19 will be included. Written by leaders in the field, the book synthesizes basic and clinical research to provide a thorough understanding on the role of immunity in neuropsychiatry. This book covers both mental-health conditions and degenerative disorders of the brain, including depression, schizophrenia, autism-like spectrum disorders, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s-like dementia.
Understanding Autism: Perspectives, Assessment, Interventions, and the Journey Toward Inclusion is a compelling book offering a multifaceted examination, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of autism spectrum disorder from both biological and social perspectives. From the role of bioactive lipids in the pathobiology of autism to the challenges faced by individuals with autism within the criminal justice system, this book explores critical aspects of autism, assessment strategies, and innovative interventions. From a biological perspective, readers will be introduced to the gut-brain connection and the impact of vitamin D on the gut microbiota. Meanwhile, the social perspective sheds light on sensory processing, autonomic regulation, and socio-emotional development in autism, as well as the pressing issue of justice and representation. Through the assessment section, readers will explore the unique challenges faced by parents with autism spectrum disorder and delve into linguistic anomalies in autism. Finally, the interventions section introduces groundbreaking programs and strategies designed to improve the lives of individuals with autism. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, educator, or simply curious about autism, this book is an essential guide that offers diverse insights into this complex condition, ultimately fostering greater awareness, understanding, and support for individuals on the spectrum.
The Psychology of Learning and Motivation, Volume 81, the latest release in this ongoing series, features empirical and theoretical contributions in cognitive and experimental psychology, ranging from classical and instrumental conditioning, to complex learning and problem-solving. Chapters in this new release include Learning in the developing brain: interactions of control and representation systems, Cognitive mechanisms underlying individual differences in language comprehension, Speech processing from the perspective of hearing science and psycholinguistics, Social Episodic Memory, Affective influences of Uncertainty on Episodic Memory Formation, and More than a bump on the head: An overview of the long-term effects of concussion.
Neuroscience of Coffee, Volume 289 is a pioneering volume that delves into the intricate relationship between one of the world's most beloved beverages and the human brain. Offering a comprehensive exploration of the biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying coffee's impact on the nervous system, this groundbreaking book transcends traditional coffee literature by focusing specifically on the neurological aspects. Chapters in this new release include Coffee and Parkinson's Disease, Coffee and Alzheimer's Disease, Coffee and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Coffee and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Caffeine Consumption and Schizophrenia: A Review of Epidemiological and Clinical Studies, and much more.Additional chapters explore Coffee, Antioxidants, and Brain Inflammation, Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of Coffee Consumption, From Bean to Brain: Coffee, Gray Matter, and Neuroprotection in Neurological Disorders Spectrum, and Synaptic Modulation by Coffee Compounds: Insights into Neural Plasticity.
The Neuroscience of Coffee is a pioneering volume that delves into the intricate relationship between one of the world's most beloved beverages and the human brain. Offering a comprehensive exploration of the biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying coffee's impact on the nervous system, this groundbreaking book transcends traditional coffee literature by focusing specifically on the neurological aspects. From deciphering the molecular intricacies of caffeine to examining the complex interactions within the nervous system, the volume provides an unprecedented insight into how coffee influences brain function, mental health, and neurodegenerative diseases. It addresses the growing interest in understanding everyday dietary choices and their neurological implications, filling a crucial gap in accessible yet detailed resources. This book not only contributes to the evolving field of neuroscience but also serves as a valuable guide for professionals, students, and informed laypersons seeking a deeper understanding of coffee's effects on brain health and overall well-being.
Advances in Motivation Science, Volume Eleven, the latest release in the Motivation Science series, contains interesting articles that cover topics such as An Ecology of Meaning: An Integrative Framework for Understanding Human Motivations, Beer AMS Quest for Self Knowledge, Boundary conditions of the rational model Finding the limits of rationality, Growth goals: A review of the construct Predictors, Consequences, and Intervention, Pragmatic Prospection Theory, Research, and Practice, and The Quest for Self-Knowledge What Do We Want to Know (and not Know) About Ourselves.
The Advances in Experimental Social Psychology series is the premier outlet for reviews of mature, high-impact research programs in social psychology. Contributions to the series provide defining pieces of established research programs, reviewing and integrating thematically related findings by individual scholars or research groups. Topics discussed in Volume 70 include narrative transportation; group life and personal agency; victimhood and morality; goal pursuit and risk behavior; and identity fusion