Showing posts with label torture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label torture. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Brainwashing


 

Brainwashing is a term generally used to mean the process of controlling a person’s mind so that they think and act the way some other person wants them to act. Brainwashing is not a psychological science concept.

 

If the term “brainwashing” is used loosely, it can refer to using techniques of persuasion. However, even though people can be persuaded to believe certain things or act in a particular way, the strategies of persuasion have limited effects.

 

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, a journalist named Edward Hunter was the first to use the term “brain-washing” in reference to Chinese techniques reportedly turning people into robot-like Communists in 1950.

 

Sadly, nations and groups use harmful strategies in attempts to convince people to believe or act in various ways. Some people do act in order to avoid pain or the threat of pain. But there is no guarantee that what they say or do is anything other than attempts to escape torture.

 

To learn more about the science of persuasion, see “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini.

 

Entry by Geoffrey W Sutton www.suttong.com

 


Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

See Geoffrey Sutton’s books on   AMAZON       or  GOOGLE STORE

Follow on    FACEBOOK   Geoff W. Sutton    

   X  @Geoff.W.Sutton    


You can read many published articles at no charge:

  Academia   Geoff W Sutton     ResearchGate   Geoffrey W Sutton 

 

Dr. Sutton’s posts are for educational purposes only. See a licensed mental health provider for diagnoses, treatment, and consultation.