Dr. Padraic Gibson

Padraic Gibson is a psychologist, family therapist and supervisor. He works in Ireland, Italy and Malta. He is a Senior Research Associate and Lecturer at Dublin City University and founder of the OCD® and Anxiety Disorders Clinic .

The hope effect, also known as the placebo effect, refers to the phenomenon where a person's belief or expectation about a treatment or intervention can lead to a perceived improvement in one's condition, even if the treatment itself is inert or inactive. It highlights the powerful influence of our mindset and beliefs on our subjective experiences and outcomes, Gibson, P. (2022). The placebo effect has been observed throughout history, but its official documentation dates back to the late 18th century, Kirsch, I., et al. (2008). The term “placebo” comes from the Latin word meaning “I will please,” and the concept came to the attention of medical research through the pioneering work of doctors Benjamin Franklin and John Haygarth in the 18th century. Franklin and Haygarth conducted experiments with inert substances and observed their therapeutic effects on patients. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that the placebo effect began to be studied and analyzed more systematically in clinical trials and medical research. These experiments appear to demonstrate how the expectancy effect can influence different domains, including pain perception, sports performance, medical treatments and mental health. This highlights the importance of using the expected response and integrating it with our self-belief and hopes, which virtually invent our experiences of ourselves and the world around us, Geers, AL, et al . (2007).

Dr. Padraic Gibson

Padraic Gibson is a psychologist, family therapist and supervisor. He works in Ireland, Italy and Malta. He is a Senior Research Associate and Lecturer at Dublin City University and founder of the OCD® and Anxiety Disorders Clinic .

Infectious doubt

This article accompanies my post on paranoia, and the two can be read together as a whole. Human beings have a natural tendency to seek certainty and control over their lives. Doubt challenges this desire for certainty, because it introduces a feeling of ambiguity and unpredictability. When faced with doubt, individuals may experience discomfort and anxiety due to the inability to confidently predict or control outcomes. Doubt can create cognitive dissonance, which is a psychological discomfort that occurs when people have conflicting beliefs, ideas, or perceptions. We also tend to seek constancy and consistency in our thoughts and beliefs. When doubt arises, it can challenge existing beliefs or create inconsistencies, leading to a state of cognitive dissonance that we seek to resolve. This can be particularly destabilizing when it involves challenging deeply held beliefs, values, or personal identities. Our attachment to these beliefs and identities provides us with a sense of stability, meaning, and belonging. When doubt arises, it can threaten these core aspects of the self, triggering emotional reactions and a strong desire to protect and defend one's beliefs or identity. Doubt is often associated with the fear of making wrong decisions or choices. Human beings tend to avoid mistakes and strive for accuracy. Doubt introduces a feeling of vulnerability and fear of making mistakes, which leads individuals to experience anxiety and hesitation in decision-making processes.

Dr. Padraic Gibson

Padraic Gibson is a psychologist, family therapist and supervisor. He works in Ireland, Italy and Malta. He is a Senior Research Associate and Lecturer at Dublin City University and founder of the OCD® and Anxiety Disorders Clinic .

Self-esteem is the reputation we make for ourselves”.
Nathaniel Branden

Self-esteem is a fundamental aspect of human psychology that influences how we perceive and interact with ourselves and the world around us. One of the first psychologists to describe this concept was William James in 1890, who defined it as the relationship between the perceived self, i.e. "The one I think I am" and the ideal self "The one that I would like to be”; the greater the gap, the greater the dissatisfaction. This is why it is essential to have cohesion between one's successes and one's aspirations. Self-esteem shapes our beliefs, emotions, and behaviors, which has a huge impact on our overall well-being and mental health. In this article, we'll explore the psychology of self-esteem, understanding its definition, importance, factors that influence it, and strategies for cultivating a healthy sense of self-worth. Self-esteem refers to the overall assessment and perception of a person's worth, abilities and usefulness as an individual. It is how we perceive ourselves and how we think others perceive us. Healthy self-esteem involves having a positive and balanced view of yourself, recognizing your strengths and weaknesses while maintaining a sense of self-acceptance and self-respect.