Beware! Pop goes the weaselly psychology …

Just as it can be dangerous to believe someone who has “twisted” Bible verses and then teach their twist, there’s a lot of sound, reliable psychology that has been mangled and twisted, and then promoted publicly. We refer to such good psychology that’s been mutilated and then popularized as “pop psychology.”

Put another way, “pop psychology” is simplified and often misrepresented ideas about the mind and human behavior presented as psychological fact. Think some self-help books, internet quizzes, and overly-quick and overly-generalized mental health tips. In such cases, be cautious – it’s not always (often isn’t) accurate!

THE POPULARITY OF POP PSYCHOLOGY
So, then, why is pop psychology so popular, and actually getting someone to see a competent counselor much more difficult?

The short answer is pop psychology “feels good” because it fits the narrative we want. John Ortberg expands our understanding regarding our underlying thinking that popularizes simplistic psychology like this:

“Psychologist David Burns notes that it is not another person’s compliment or approval that makes us feel good; rather, it is our belief that there is validity to the compliment. … We are not passive victims of other’s opinions. Their opinions are powerless until we validate them. No one’s approval will affect us unless we grant it credibility and status. The same holds true for disapproval” (from “The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People”).

Actually, there are several reasons why pop psychology holds such power and intrigue for the general public:

Accessibility and relatability. Pop psychology often presents complex psychological concepts in an easily digestible and relatable way. This makes it more accessible to individuals without a background in psychology, allowing them to understand and apply basic principles to their own lives.

Practical application. Unlike academic psychology, which can feel abstract and distant, pop psychology often focuses on offering practical advice and self-help tools for everyday issues. This can be highly appealing to individuals looking for immediate solutions to challenges in their relationships, careers, or personal well-being.

Sense of hope and empowerment. Pop psychology often emphasizes the potential for personal growth and positive change. This can be uplifting and empowering for individuals seeking to improve themselves and navigate life’s difficulties.

Emotional resonance. Pop psychology often taps into more “universal” human emotions and experiences, fostering a sense of connection and validation. This can be particularly appealing to individuals seeking to understand themselves and their place in the world.

Entertainment and entertainment value. Many forms of pop psychology, such as some self-help books, podcasts, and online articles, are presented in an engaging and entertaining way. This can make them enjoyable to consume, further contributing to their popularity.

SOME REAL EXAMPLES
Pop psychology phrases are catchy terms and concepts derived from psychology that gain widespread popularity through media, self-help books, and everyday conversations. While they can offer relatable insights and spark self-reflection, it’s important to remember that they often over-simplify complex psychological concepts and may not always be grounded in sound, rigorous scientific research. Here are some popular pop psychology phrases and their potential limitations:

1. “Inner child.”

Meaning: This phrase refers to a part of our unconscious mind that retains the emotional experiences and coping mechanisms from our childhood.

Potential limitations: The concept of an “inner child” can be helpful for understanding how early experiences shape our present behaviors, but it’s important to remember that it’s a metaphor, not a literal child trapped inside us. Overemphasizing the “inner child” can also lead to infantilizing ourselves or blaming past experiences for all our current problems. It can also lead to a spiritual problem of failing to mature. The Apostle Paul wrote, “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” So We should follow Paul’s example.

2. “Trigger.”

Meaning: A trigger is an event or stimulus that evokes a strong emotional response, often (certainly not always) related to a past trauma.

Potential limitations: While the concept of triggers is valid, overuse and misuse (which is widespread!) can trivialize genuine trauma responses and create a culture of hypersensitivity. It’s important to distinguish between healthy emotional responses and reactions that significantly impair daily functioning.

3. “Gaslighting.”

Meaning: “Gaslighting” is a form of emotional abuse where someone manipulates another person into questioning their own sanity or reality.

Potential limitations: The term “gaslighting” has become increasingly popular, but it’s important to use it accurately. Not every disagreement or instance of being wrong constitutes gaslighting. True gaslighting involves intentional and repeated manipulation with the goal of undermining someone’s sense of self.

4. “Love languages.”

Meaning: This concept suggests that people have different primary ways of giving and receiving love (e.g., words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time, physical touch).

Potential limitations: While understanding different communication styles can be helpful in relationships, “love languages” can create rigid categories and expectations. It’s important to remember that individuals are complex and may (usually do!) express and receive love in various ways. (ChurchLeaders.com recently had an article about a new research paper paper examining the veracity of the “five love languages – you can find that article by clicking here).

5. “Toxic people.”

Meaning: This is a wildly popular term that refers to individuals who are perceived as draining, manipulative, or harmful to be around.

Potential limitations: Labeling people as “toxic” can be overly simplistic and judgmental. Everyone has flaws, and complex dynamics contribute to challenging relationships. Focusing solely on identifying and avoiding “toxic” people might neglect personal growth opportunities and the possibility of navigating difficult relationships constructively. Further, the way ditching “toxic people” is many times encouraged today often contradicts what the Bible teaches us about interacting with “difficult” people.

CONCLUSION
Just as scripture encourages all Christians to study the Bible to learn truth directly, rather than believe everything they’re told, watch, or read, the same is true when it comes to the science of the human mind and human behavior. Such sound science can be of great benefit to us, but pop psychology could lead you to believe (and then act on) something that isn’t true or accurate.

Beware.

Scotty