Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
06:42
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
The god within
1College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40507, USA. tmgodl1@uky.edu
Substance Use & Misuse
|June 23, 2011
Summary
This new feature explores historical and cultural associations of substances with deities, myths, and rituals. Understanding these connections offers insights into past cultural views and the functions of substance use across diverse societies.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- History of Medicine
Background:
- Throughout history, diverse cultures have linked specific substances to deities, myths, and rituals.
- These associations reveal societal perceptions and the roles substances played in various cultural contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new focus on the historical and cross-cultural dimensions of substance use.
- To explore the intricate relationships between substances, culture, and belief systems over time.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of historical texts and ethnographic records.
- Cross-cultural comparative studies of substance use patterns and their symbolic meanings.
Main Results:
- Identified diverse historical and cultural patterns in substance-ritualistic and mythological associations.
- Demonstrated how these associations reflect cultural values and societal functions of substance use.
Conclusions:
- Examining historical and cultural substance associations provides crucial insights into their societal roles.
- This approach enhances understanding of substance use beyond modern pharmacological perspectives, highlighting its deep cultural roots.
Related Concept Videos
01:02The Pineal Gland
The pineal gland, a diminutive endocrine structure named for its pinecone-shaped appearance, is situated atop the third ventricle within the diencephalon region of the forebrain. This gland, composed of secretory cells known as pinealocytes arranged in compact cords and clusters around dense particles of calcium salts, plays a pivotal role in hormonal regulation.
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
01:28Understanding the Self
The self is a central aspect of human identity, encompassing an individual’s beliefs, emotions, perceptions, and experiences. It is a cognitive and psychological construct that enables individuals to interpret their traits and behaviors, influencing how they perceive themselves and interact with the world. While personality consists of stable and enduring characteristics, the self is shaped by self-perception and social experiences. This distinction highlights the dynamic nature of the self,...
01:06Altered States of Awareness
Altered states of consciousness represent significant deviations from one's normal mental state. These deviations can range from subtle changes in awareness to profound transformations in perception, thought processes, and sensory experiences. Altered states of consciousness can be triggered by various factors, including drug use, meditation, hypnosis, illness, or even intense fatigue.
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...
01:28The Looking Glass Self
The concept of the looking-glass self describes how an individual's self-concept is shaped by their perception of how others see them. This psychological theory, first introduced by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley in 1902, posits that self-identity emerges in a social context and is influenced by the judgments—real or imagined—of others.Research suggests that individuals frequently overestimate how positively others perceive them. This is particularly evident in physical self-perception,...
01:23Jung's Analytical Theory
Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and former follower of Freud, eventually broke away from Freud's ideas to create his framework, analytical psychology. This approach emphasizes achieving a balance between the conscious and unconscious aspects of the mind and reconciling various experiences within an individual's personality. Jung believed that this process, which typically unfolds in the latter part of life, involves an ongoing journey of recognizing and incorporating unconscious elements into...
01:15Subconsciousness and No Awareness
The concept of subconscious awareness refers to the processing of information below the level of conscious thought, which significantly influences both behaviors and decisions. It is also known as waking subconscious awareness. This complex level of cognition operates without the direct awareness of the individual, facilitating rapid and simultaneous handling of multiple information streams.
An illustrative example of subconscious processing is its role in problem-solving. Often, individuals...
An illustrative example of subconscious processing is its role in problem-solving. Often, individuals...