Background: Many psychotherapy models emphasise symptom reduction, emotional regulation, or cognitive restructuring, yet less attention has been given to the somatic process through which unresolved physiological activation becomes tolerable, observable, and available for therapeutic change. This exploratory case series examined whether a brief autonomic charge-focused somatic intervention was associated with reductions in psychological symptoms and target-specific distress, alongside increased body awareness. Method: Five adult female clients aged 29–48 received three sessions of a somatic, regulation-based intervention targeting unresolved autonomic activation linked to relational, parental, occupational, or performance-related triggers. Outcomes were measured at each session using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS), and Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ). Data were analysed descriptively, with exploratory non-parametric repeated-measures tests used to examine within-subject change across sessions. Results: Across three sessions, participants showed consistent improvement across all measured domains. Mean DASS-21 depression scores decreased from 15.6 to 6.8, anxiety from 18.0 to 6.8, and stress from 26.8 to 11.6. Mean SUDS decreased from 78.2 to 21.6, representing a 72.4% reduction in target-specific distress. All participants ended Session 3 with SUDS scores below 30% of their initial distress scores. Mean BAQ increased from 50.0 to 70.8, suggesting improved body awareness and interoceptive engagement. Friedman tests indicated significant change across all measures, although inferential findings were interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size. Conclusion: Findings provide preliminary support for autonomic charge dissolution as a clinically observable process associated with reduced distress and increased body awareness. Rather than suggesting symptom suppression alone, the concurrent reduction in distress and increase in somatic awareness may indicate improved capacity to engage bodily activation within a regulated therapeutic context. These early findings warrant further investigation using larger samples, follow-up assessment, physiological measures, and controlled designs. Read more

Group music making is known to enhance emotional well-being, reduce stress, and strengthen social connections, and emerging evidence suggests these pathways may also shape menstrual health. Yet no study has directly examined whether choral singing influences menstrual symptoms or stress‑related hormonal activity. This pilot study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an 8‑week choral‑singing intervention on menstrual wellbeing among menstruating adults. Grounded in the Biopsychosocial Stress Model, Communal Music Making Theory, and Episto‑Musical Pedagogy Theory, the study explored how singing helps lower cortisol, supports emotional regulation, and fosters belonging. Using a mixed‑methods convergent design, 24 participants completed weekly 60‑minute choir sessions, menstrual and psychosocial measures, salivary cortisol and heart rate variability (HRV) assessments, and qualitative interviews. Recruitment, retention (92%), and attendance (86%) were strong. Participants reported reduced stress, decreased menstrual pain and fatigue, and modest improvements in cortisol and HRV. Findings confirm feasibility and provide effect‑size estimates for a future randomized trial. Read more

Although existing research has predominantly focused on external conflicts, intrapersonal conflicts, such as cognitive dissonance, affective dissatisfaction, and role tension, have received comparatively less attention. This study examined the impact of intrapersonal conflict on job satisfaction and productivity within a higher education institution, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of cognitive overload, emotional regulation, and self-efficacy. The study was guided by the cognitive dissonance, self-determination, and stress and coping theories. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 206 participants. Data were analyzed using one-sample t-tests and structural equation modeling. The findings show that although intrapersonal conflict directly, significantly, and negatively affects job satisfaction, its effect on productivity is insignificant and negative. The results further reveal that intrapersonal conflict significantly increases cognitive overload, which, in turn, negatively affects job satisfaction and productivity. The results additionally demonstrate that intrapersonal conflict improves staff emotional regulation and self-efficacy. However, emotional regulation and self-efficacy do not significantly mediate intrapersonal conflict on the one hand and staff productivity and job satisfaction on the other. These findings underscore the indirect mechanisms through which internal conflict shapes workplace experiences and suggest that additional mediators, such as emotional exhaustion and role ambiguity may be influential. This study challenges prevailing assumptions about the buffering role of self-regulatory resources in workplace stress and advocates for addressing cognitive load in conflict research. The study further recommends organizational interventions aimed at enhancing role clarity and reducing stress to improve staff satisfaction and productivity. Read more

This study explores the phenomenon of amygdala hijack, where the amygdala, a key brain structure involved in emotional processing, overrides rational thinking during intense emotional experiences. The objective of this study is to provide contemporary insights into the causes, correlates and consequences of amygdala hijack through a systematic literature review of various databases and selected articles. The study is organized into several sections and subheadings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the hijack phenomenon. These sections include understanding the causes of amygdala hijack, exploring its correlates, and examining its consequences. Intervention approaches are also discussed, along with implications for individuals, clinicians and researchers. The relevance of this study lies in its contribution to the understanding of emotional processing and decision making. By delving into the amygdala hijack phenomenon, this research enhances our knowledge of how emotions can override rational thinking and influence behavior. This has implications for areas such as psychology, neuroscience and psychiatry. Limitations of the study are acknowledged, and future research directions are proposed to further explore the complexities of amygdala hijack. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the amygdala hijack phenomenon, highlighting its impact on individuals and suggesting recommendations for future research and intervention strategies. Keywords: Amygdala Hijack, emotional regulation, neuroscience, correlate, consequences. Read more

This study investigated the extent to which the possession of certain basic emotional intelligence elements or potentials, such as self-awareness, self-regulation and self-motivation, enhance fresh Nigerian university students’ academic adjustment with a case study of Imo State University, Owerri year one students. The study adopted a correlation design. Four research questions were posed and four hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study population was all 2021/2022 academic session students, males and females of the Imo State University. The study sample size was 400 students of 2021/2022 academic session, males and females, drawn from four faculties of Imo State University, using stratified and proportionate sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was a researcher constructed 4-point rating scale titled, “Emotional Intelligence Variables of Fresh Nigerian Students’ Academic Adjustment Scale” (EIVFNUSAAS), with Cronbach r =0.78. Data were analysed using 2-tailed Pearson t-test to answer the research questions while multiple regression statistics was used to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed strong positive relationships among variables as all the null hypotheses were significant. The results revealed self-awareness, self-regulation and self-motivation as basic elements of emotional intelligence which together go a long way to enhance academic adjustment of first year undergraduates. The results further indicated that self-awareness and self-motivation enhance, to a larger extent, academic adjustment as well as self-regulation. On the basis of the results, certain recommendations were made. Read more