Psychology Fanatic Newsletter 92
Subject: Holiday Greetings and Exciting New Articles!
Dear Psychology Fanatic Subscribers,
As we embrace the warmth and joy of the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Your enthusiasm for exploring the depths of psychology fuels the passion behind this newsletter, and I am truly thankful to have you as part of our community.
In spirit of this festive time, I’m thrilled to announce three insightful new articles that have been added to our database:
- The Arrival Fallacy: Chasing Fulfillment in the Pursuit of Happiness – Discover how achieving specific goals may not lead to lasting happiness due to hedonic adaptation. This article encourages focusing on intrinsic values and enjoying life’s journey for genuine fulfillment.
- Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory: Motivating Employees in the Workplace – Delve into Herzberg’s theory that distinguishes between motivators and hygiene factors. Learn how understanding these elements can enhance employee engagement and retention within organizations.
- Commitment Escalation: Understanding the Sunk Cost Fallacy and Cognitive Biases – Explore why individuals often continue investing in failing projects due to prior commitments driven by emotions. Recognizing these biases can promote more rational decision-making both personally and professionally.
I invite you all to read these articles as they offer valuable insights into various aspects of human behavior, motivation, and decision-making—perfect topics for reflection during this season of introspection.
Thank you once again for being part of “Psychology Fanatic.” Wishing you all a wonderful holiday filled with joy, love, and meaningful connections!
Warm regards,
T. Franklin Murphy
Founder, Psychology Fanatic
P.S. Don’t forget to share your thoughts on these articles! Your feedback is always appreciated!
Highlighted Articles of the Week
December 16 – December 21, 2025
Published December 18, 2025
The Arrival Fallacy: Chasing Fulfillment in the Pursuit of Happiness
The arrival fallacy is the misconception that achieving specific goals leads to lasting happiness. While accomplishments can offer temporary joy, psychological research indicates that happiness levels typically revert to a baseline due to hedonic adaptation. Focusing on intrinsic values and enjoying the journey rather than mere achievements can foster genuine fulfillment.
Published December 19, 2025
Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory: Motivating Employees in the Workplace
Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory distinguishes between motivators, which drive job satisfaction, and hygiene factors, which prevent dissatisfaction. This insight is crucial for managers aiming to enhance employee engagement and retention. By addressing both elements, organizations can foster a motivated workforce that thrives in the workplace, leading to improved performance and satisfaction.
Published December 21, 2025
Commitment Escalation: Understanding the Sunk Cost Fallacy and Cognitive Biases
Commitment escalation describes the tendency of individuals and organizations to continue investing in failing projects due to prior investments, driven by emotions and cognitive biases. Recognizing this phenomenon can lead to more rational decision-making, encouraging flexibility and the willingness to cut losses, ultimately promoting healthier outcomes in both personal and professional contexts.
Recently Updated Articles of Interest:
Published December 1, 2018
Understanding Human Vulnerability: Living with Imperfection
This article on Living with Imperfection explores human vulnerability in the context of imperfection and perfectionism. It highlights the detrimental effects of denying flaws, which can stem from childhood experiences, and suggests that embracing imperfections fosters growth and connection. Acknowledgment of one’s limitations promotes self-compassion and healthier relationships, countering negative impacts of perfectionism.
Published December 1, 2018
Breaking Down Categorical Thinking: Exploring the All-or-Nothing Mentality
Categorical thinking, or all-or-nothing thinking, simplifies complex situations into binary categories, affecting perceptions and decision-making. While it aids quick judgments, it often leads to rigidity, bias, and misconceptions. Emphasizing flexibility and embracing nuances can enhance understanding and foster better interpersonal relationships, allowing for a more balanced view of life.
Published December 4, 2018
Unlocking the Power of Change: Easing the Path Forward
The article discusses the challenges of enacting change, emphasizing that success relies not just on willpower but on intelligent design of environments and social support. It highlights the importance of working smarter by minimizing obstacles and leveraging connections with goal-oriented individuals to conserve energy and enhance self-discipline, ultimately easing the path to change.
Published December 11, 2018
Child Abuse and Addiction: A Devastating Connection
Addiction affects individuals across various backgrounds, often exacerbated by childhood abuse, neglect, and socioeconomic disparities. Such traumas impair emotional regulation and increase vulnerability to substance use as a coping strategy. Society must address these root causes while providing accessible support resources to improve outcomes for affected children and families.
Published December 18, 2018
The Art of Integrating Emotions for Personal Growth
The text discusses the importance of integrating emotions for personal growth and well-being. It emphasizes the need to acknowledge and process emotions instead of suppressing or distancing oneself from them. Emotional integration fosters self-awareness, enhances relationships, reduces stress, and promotes resilience, ultimately contributing to overall health and personal development.
Published December 20, 2018
Expectation and Disappointment: Navigating the Complex Psychological Process
The content discusses how unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment and harsh self-judgment, stemming from perfectionism and social comparison. It emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, realistic goal-setting, and learning from experiences to cultivate a positive mindset. Overall, understanding these psychological processes promotes resilience in facing life’s challenges.
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