In Excess

Eating Disorders

Binge Eating on the Rise During Pandemic

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on April 15, 2022

Binge eating appears to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article looks at the psychology of binge eating and at the factors that may help explain the increase.

Binge eating appears to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article looks at the psychology of binge eating and at the factors that may help explain the increase.

Addiction

"Productivity Addiction"

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on August 22, 2020

The term "productivity addiction" has increasingly been used in the media as a type of "work addiction." This article looks at its relationship with addiction and whether it exists.

The term "productivity addiction" has increasingly been used in the media as a type of "work addiction." This article looks at its relationship with addiction and whether it exists.

The psychological literature has made occasional reference to "sleeping addiction" but this is arguably a misnomer for excessive sleep, clinomania, and hypersomnia.

Addiction

Problem Gambling vs. Gambling Addiction

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on March 11, 2020

Many media stories use the terms "problem gambling" and "gambling addiction" interchangeably, but they are not the same.

Many media stories use the terms "problem gambling" and "gambling addiction" interchangeably, but they are not the same.

Addiction

"Tattoo Addiction"

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on March 2, 2020

Stories in the national media featuring so-called "tattoo addicts" have become increasingly commonplace. But can getting body tattoos really be addictive?

Stories in the national media featuring so-called "tattoo addicts" have become increasingly commonplace. But can getting body tattoos really be addictive?

Nosebleed fetishism (sometimes referred to as epistaxiophilia) appears to be a rare type of sexual paraphilia. But what is the relationship (if any) between sex and nosebleeds?

Addiction

Addictive Sounds?

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on January 7, 2020

Many music fans claim that music is addictive. But is there any empirical evidence that individuals can really become addicted to music?

Many music fans claim that music is addictive. But is there any empirical evidence that individuals can really become addicted to music?

Education

Dark Tourism

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on December 9, 2019

'Dark tourism' involves visits to destinations that are associated with death, suffering, disasters and tragedies venues. But what is the psychological motivation for such visits?

'Dark tourism' involves visits to destinations that are associated with death, suffering, disasters and tragedies venues. But what is the psychological motivation for such visits?

Body tattoos have become increasingly popular over the past two decades and for some people they may the source of sexual arousal. This article looks at stigmatophilia

Addiction

Is "Comfort Addiction" Real?

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on October 15, 2019

Over the last couple of years, there have been claims in the media that "comfort" can be addictive. This article takes a closer look at the evidence.

Over the last couple of years, there have been claims in the media that "comfort" can be addictive. This article takes a closer look at the evidence.

Apart from scientific research into pheromones, the role of smell in sex has been relatively under-explored.

Fear

Why Are Clowns So Scary?

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on September 8, 2019

As the scary-clown film sequel "IT: Chapter Two" opens, a look at coulrophobia, or the fear of clowns.

As the scary-clown film sequel "IT: Chapter Two" opens, a look at coulrophobia, or the fear of clowns.

Objectum sexuality refers to those individuals who develop romantic attachments to specific inanimate objects or structures. This article looks at those in love with their cars.

Addiction

Computerized Solitaire “Addiction”: Fact or Fiction?

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on August 5, 2019

Anecdotal media reports have claimed that playing the computerized card game solitaire can be addictive. But is there any truth to such claims?

Anecdotal media reports have claimed that playing the computerized card game solitaire can be addictive. But is there any truth to such claims?

Media

Will Virtual Reality Replace The Need For Hallucinogens?

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on July 18, 2019

It has been claimed that virtual reality will soon replace the need for hallucinogenic drugs. This article looks at hallucinations in virtual reality applications.

It has been claimed that virtual reality will soon replace the need for hallucinogenic drugs. This article looks at hallucinations in virtual reality applications.

Play

Videogame Playing In Childhood And Adolescence

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on June 27, 2019

Most children and adolescents play videogames. But when does playing become a problem? Here's my handy guide for parents.

Most children and adolescents play videogames. But when does playing become a problem? Here's my handy guide for parents.

The mass media often portray serial killers as being addicted to killing but to what extent is serial murder addictive?

Video Game Addiction

Gaming Disorder, Revisited

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on June 7, 2019

Last week, Gaming Disorder was officially included in the World Health Organization's ICD-11. This article looks at some of the myths surrounding the decision.

Last week, Gaming Disorder was officially included in the World Health Organization's ICD-11. This article looks at some of the myths surrounding the decision.

Selfies have become a huge part of many young people's everyday lives on social media. But what are the underlying motivations and psychology behind selfies?

Compulsive Behaviors

"Cashing Out" In Gambling

Mark D. Griffiths Ph.D. on April 12, 2019

The "cash out" function in British sports betting has become very popular with gamblers. Should we be concerned?

The "cash out" function in British sports betting has become very popular with gamblers. Should we be concerned?