The Malicious Encouragement of Suicide A Recent Case Study On July 4th 2015, the M3 at Sunbury in Surrey had to be closed for two hours as police dealt with an incident involving a woman who was threatening to jump from a motorway bridge. Not long after the incident came to the attention of the police, various news outlets picked up the story. The headlines made for upsetting reading. “Anger as Distressed Woman Taunted on M3 Bridge,” “Police … [Read more...]
‘7 Days of Smiles’ Challenge
When was the last time someone made you smile? Whether it comes from a family member, a friend or a stranger, random acts of kindness can brighten even the darkest of days. This is the idea behind 7daysofSmiles, an online experiment which challenges us to show kindness towards others over a period of seven days, in an attempt to make them smile or laugh. Forgotten how to Laugh The project was created by Mike Correll, who lives near San … [Read more...]
Crowd Psychology: Why do we Behave Differently in a Crowd?
When you are part of a crowd do you feel any different than normal? Does the crowd bring out a usually-hidden side of you? Unusual feelings or behaviours? If so, you're certainly not alone. The psychology of crowd mentality is a particularly interesting area of research. A number of theories have been proposed as to why most people behave differently when we are part of a crowd. Crowd Psychology: Lack of Empathy and Sympathy In February … [Read more...]
What is Lent? A ‘The Green Rooms’ Guide
Lent is something that most of us have heard of. Maybe our friends are giving up chocolate for a few weeks, or maybe we have seen people with ash on their forehead and we're not quite sure why. Or maybe you are completely clued up on Lent and know what it's all about. Whatever your level of understanding, we hope you'll enjoy reading our guide to Lent, and sharing your thoughts with us in the comments section below. What is Lent? Lent is a … [Read more...]
Can We Control Falling in Love?
If you are a regular browser of the internet, you may have stumbled across an article written by Mandy Len Catron which was published in the New York Times in January of this year. The article was entitled “To Fall In Love With Anyone, Do This”, and was widely circulated on social media due to its claim that it is possible to fall in love with someone by simply asking them thirty-six specified questions, and staring into their eyes in complete … [Read more...]
Single on Valentine’s Day: A Survival Guide by The Green Rooms
Valentine’s Day can be a joyful celebration for many couples. On February 14th we are encouraged to spend time with our loved ones and show them that we love and appreciate them through purchasing gifts and cards. While the most romantic date in the calendar can be a time of celebration for those who have partners, how do we fare when we don’t have a special someone in our lives? Valentine’s Day can be a particularly difficult time of year if … [Read more...]
Why is Red is the Colour of Love? – A ‘The Green Rooms’ Analysis
Would you like us to tell you when we publish new research and articles? Email us. Images of Love With Valentine’s Day approaching, you may be starting to think about buying gifts and making plans with your loved ones. Valentine’s Day encourages us to celebrate love in all its forms, and when we think of love and romance, there are many images which seem to symbolize how we think of this. Hearts, roses, wedding dresses, Cupid with his bow … [Read more...]
When TV Characters die: Why does it affect us so much?
When Coronation Street actress Anne Kirkbride sadly passed away from cancer at the age of sixty, there was an outpouring of grief from those who knew her and those who had watched her character Deirdre Barlow on-screen for over forty years. Coronation Street cast members and viewers alike mourned the passing of the actress who had played one of the programme’s most iconic characters, and the sadness that we would no longer be seeing Deirdre … [Read more...]
Keeping our “Keep-Fit” Resolutions: The Benefits of Exercise
Returning to work after the festive celebrations, the adverse weather conditions, and the financial burdens of paying off any outstanding Christmas debts mean that January can feel like a very long month for many of us. As well as these pressures, January is also a month where we are encouraged to work off our Christmas excesses by eating more healthily and taking regular exercise. As February begins the temptation to give up the gym … [Read more...]
Robert Burns – Scotland’s Most Beloved Poet – A ‘The Green Rooms’ Celebration
''O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us! It wad frae monie a blunder free us And foolish notion: What airs in dress an' gait wad lea'e us, And ev'n Devotion!'' Robert Burns (1759-1796) On January 25th, people around the world will celebrate the life of the most beloved Scottish poet, Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. Burns' Night will see many people reciting Robert Burns’ poems, whilst dancing traditional Scottish … [Read more...]
New Year Resolutions: How to Achieve them and more
As we say goodbye to 2014 and our attention turns to the arrival of a new year, we may find ourselves thinking about what awaits us in 2015. For many of us, a big part of our New Year celebrations will include the consideration of what our goals are for the next year. As we reflect on the past year and begin to think about aspects of our lives that we would like to change or improve, our new year’s resolutions can help us to focus on what we … [Read more...]
Auld Lang Syne: Why is this Scottish Song so Integral to New Year Celebrations Worldwide?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my jo For auld lang syne. We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, For auld lang syne. As the clock hits midnight on Hogmanay and we celebrate the arrival of a new year, all over the world people will likely be joining hands and singing Auld Lang Syne. Written in 1788 by Scotland’s most … [Read more...]
The Office Christmas Party: A Survival Guide by The Green Rooms
Christmas is coming and along with negotiating the busy shops for some last-minute shopping and making sure there is enough food for everyone at Christmas dinner, the Christmas night out with colleagues can prove to be one of the more tricky parts of our Christmas traditions. The office Christmas party can be an enjoyable event if handled with care. Here is our survival guide to ensure your work’s night out is a success: Line your stomach: … [Read more...]
Christmas Traditions – Planned and Spontaneous
Christmas is a time for making memories with our loved ones, and many of these memories become part of our own personal traditions as we celebrate the festive season. Along with the food, songs, films and decorations we have become so accustomed to at this time of year, we will likely have our own Christmas traditions, our own personal festive routines which we share with our families and loved ones. Why are Christmas traditions … [Read more...]
Food and the Festive Season
Food was, is and always will be part of our lives, but the role it has in our lives, and the value that goes with this, is something that depends mostly on us. The Festive Season is upon us and simply thinking about it brings joy to many of us. There are many reasons why the Festive Season is so important to us and gives us much to look forward to. Spending time with family and friends, going on a holiday, shopping for presents, decorating the … [Read more...]
Is it important that Santa is real?
To most people, the answer to this question is obvious. In fact, the majority of people would instantly defend Santa and his magical world of flying sleighs and reindeer. There are others though, who will argue that it is wrong to lie to your children, even if it is only for fun. What do you think? It is RIGHT to tell your children Santa is real? If you believe that Santa is an important part of childhood, you may even reject the word … [Read more...]
Coping with Christmas Shopping Procrastination & Stress
Are you a lover of Christmas? Do you get excited when the Coca-Cola Christmas advert comes on the television? Do you long for the first flurry of snow? These are the signs that tell you it’s the ideal time to start shopping for the perfect Christmas gifts. Even though we know it’s usually sensible to start early, sometimes we leave Christmas shopping until the last minute. Why? Because we are procrastinating. ‘Christmas shopping … [Read more...]
Remember Remember the Fifth of November: Is Guy Fawkes still Relevant?
Halloween has been and gone for another year, and as the march towards Christmas begins, the next event on our calendars will be November 5th. Referred to as Guy Fawkes Night, Bonfire Night and Firework Night, we celebrate the fifth of November by attending firework and bonfire displays or by setting off our own fireworks. So what are we actually celebrating when we ooh and ahh at the firework displays? Who was Guy Fawkes? The story behind our … [Read more...]
Halloween Costumes – What do they say about us?
Whether it’s Trick or Treating, dooking for apples or watching our favourite horror films, as October 31st approaches we will be starting to prepare for our Halloween traditions. One of the most important of these traditions is picking out a Halloween costume. Choosing a Halloween Costume Dressing up in our costumes is a vital aspect of our Halloween celebrations, and with so many to choose from picking out the perfect costume can prove to be … [Read more...]
Smoking : Why should l quit?
Smoking and Health Smoking is the biggest cause of premature death in the UK, with approximately 100,000 people being killed in the UK through health issues caused by smoking. The effects of smoking do not only affect our own health, but can also affect those around us. The global annual death toll as a result of the use of tobacco products is estimated to be around 6 million. This includes those who have been exposed to second-hand … [Read more...]
Introvert or Extrovert – A Test of our Personalities
As we browse online and in various magazines and books about finding out about our true selves, it is difficult not to stumble across the range of personality tests available to those of us who enjoy discovering which categories we might fit into. Are you a leader or a follower? Do you make your decisions based on your heart or your head? Which character from your favourite TV programme are you most like? There is a rich amount of material … [Read more...]
Passions – Why are they so Important?
When you are asked to talk about yourself, what kind of things do you say? You may find yourself describing your physical appearance, where you live, the people who are important to you, your work, or, aspects of your personality. You may also describe your hobbies, interests and passions. Our passions are an important part of what defines us. There are many reasons as to why our passions are so important to our sense of well-being: Passions … [Read more...]
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the Changing Seasons – A ‘The Green Rooms’ Guide
Summer turns into Autumn As we move away from the summer months, we are likely beginning to notice the days getting shorter and the weather becoming colder. The arrival of autumn brings the reds and purples of falling leaves, foggy mornings and darker evenings. As we swap our summer t-shirts for woolly jumpers, hats and scarves, autumn can give us much to look forward to. Autumn brings us closer to celebrations such as Halloween, Guy Fawkes, … [Read more...]
Proud Glaswegians: The Legacy of the Commonwealth Games
Over the duration of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow has charmed the sporting world. We have watched as our city has welcomed some of the world’s best athletes. The star of the show, though, has undoubtedly been Glasgow, and the games have left behind a city full of proud Glaswegians. The Commonwealth Games opened in style with dancing teacakes, a Loch Ness monster sculpture and Scottie dogs. In a splash of colour and music we celebrated … [Read more...]
Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014
Thanks to Ina (10), one of the younger fans of our blog, for her drawing of ‘Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014’. … [Read more...]
