Multiple Personality Disorder

In 1994, the term "Multiple Personality Disorder" was officially replaced with "Dissociative Identity Disorder" (DID). Initially, it was believed that individuals with DID hosted multiple distinct personalities. However, advancements in psychology have clarified that individuals possess a core self and develop different identities that diverge from this core. The misconception persists, as many continue to use the outdated term "multiple personality disorder," even in professional circles.

Truth Serum

You may have seen films depicting a scenario where a villain is administered a so-called "truth serum," compelling them to divulge secrets. In reality, these substances, primarily barbiturates, merely alter brain chemistry to increase suggestibility. Instead of revealing truths, they often lead to false memories and confessions.

In the video, "5 Psychology Terms You're Probably Misusing (Replay) | Freakonomics Radio," explore how these misconceptions permeate our language.

Closure

Consider this exercise: Which of the following uses the term "closure" correctly?

1. I need to speak with my ex to understand why she broke up with me just one week before our wedding; I need some closure.
2. Closure is essential for your mental health.

The correct use of "closure," derived from Gestalt psychology, refers to the brain's tendency to complete an incomplete image. It does not pertain to emotional resolution, a common misunderstanding in popular culture.

Denial

The phrase "He is living in denial" may or may not be accurate, depending on context. Sigmund Freud initially introduced denial as a psychological defense mechanism, indicating a refusal to acknowledge reality. For instance, a widow rejecting the reality of her husband's death exemplifies denial. However, downplaying an issue, such as alcohol dependency, does not equate to denial.

Acting Out

When children exhibit disruptive behavior as a response to stress, it is often labeled as "acting out." However, in psychology, this term refers to actions stemming from an internal conflict between the conscious and unconscious self. Not every act of rebellion qualifies as "acting out."

Fetish

A fetish, as defined in the DSM, involves sexual arousal from non-living objects or non-genital body parts. It is only classified as a disorder if it significantly disrupts a person's social or occupational life. Liking a specific color toothbrush does not constitute a fetish unless it serves as a source of sexual arousal.

Personality Type

The concept of personality types is frequently misrepresented, leading to rigid stereotypes. Personality is better understood as a spectrum rather than fixed categories, suggesting that individuals may exhibit traits of both introversion and extroversion.

Steep Learning Curve

Often misused, the phrase "steep learning curve" actually indicates that a task is easy to learn, contrary to the common belief that it represents a difficult learning process.

Traumatized

In psychology, trauma refers to a severe emotional response to an extraordinary distressing event. Experiences like natural disasters or violence constitute trauma, while minor embarrassments do not. It’s crucial to reserve the term for genuine traumatic experiences.

Depressed

The term "depressed" is often misapplied to describe temporary sadness. True depression is a profound emotional state that goes beyond mere sadness. For a detailed exploration of depression and its misconceptions, refer to my previous series.

Narcissist

The term "narcissist" is frequently used in media to describe anyone perceived as self-absorbed. However, to qualify for a diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder, an individual must exhibit extreme self-importance and a lack of empathy, which is a much higher threshold than mere self-admiration.