Taj Mackinolty

Understanding Near Misses Near misses, events where success is just out of reach, strongly impact our emotions and behaviors. Research by psychologists shows that near misses often heighten motivation and performance. When people come close to a goal, like just missing a winning lottery ticket, they experience a mix of emotional arousal and frustration. This

What Is Compulsive Gambling? Compulsive gambling, or gambling disorder, refers to the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the negative consequences. This disorder affects 1-2% of the US population, according to the National Center for Responsible Gaming. Key Characteristics Diagnostic Criteria The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing

Understanding Dopamine Dopamine’s central to the brain’s reward system. It’s a neurotransmitter that transmits signals between nerve cells. When we experience something pleasurable, like winning a bet, dopamine’s released, reinforcing behaviors and making them more likely to be repeated. Several brain regions are involved in dopamine production and release. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) produces

Understanding Sunk Costs To grasp why people chase losses, it’s crucial to understand the concept of sunk costs and how they impact decision-making. Definition and Examples Sunk costs represent past expenses that can’t be recovered. Once incurred, these costs shouldn’t affect future decisions. For instance, if I’ve spent $50 on a non-refundable concert ticket but

Understanding Risk and Reward: The Psychology of Gambling People often engage in gambling seeking thrills and potential rewards, yet underlying psychological principles drive this behavior. Risk and reward form the core dynamics of gambling’s appeal. The anticipation of a reward activates the brain’s dopamine pathways. Brain imaging studies show dopamine release in response to uncertain