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Being a human lab rat for 30 years: what happens next
Being a human lab rat for 30 years: what happens next
Being a human lab rat for 30 years: what happens next
Saturday 13th April 2024
Journalist Susannah Breslin shares her life as a research subject in a 30-year psychological study. Discover how it shaped her identity and mental health.
29 minutes
Informative
Honest
Engaging
Thought-provoking
Compassionate
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Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
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Get the buttons here!Growing Up Under the Microscope: Susannah Breslin's 30-Year Psychological Study
Episode Overview
- Being part of a psychological study can significantly shape one's identity.
- The study offered both positive attention and immense pressure.
- Ethical considerations in long-term psychological research are crucial.
- The Observer Effect highlights how being watched influences behaviour.
- Reflecting on one's life through the lens of research can be both affirming and confusing.
I had a longer relationship with the study than I did with my father
Ever wondered what it would be like to be part of a psychological study for three decades? In this episode of 'All In The Mind', journalist Susannah Breslin shares her unique experience of being a research subject in a longitudinal study that began when she was just a baby. Researchers Jack and Jean Block aimed to understand whether personality traits remained stable over time, and Susannah was one of the 128 children they observed from childhood into adulthood.
Imagine growing up with scientists watching your every move, even knowing you better than your own parents. How would that shape your life and identity? Susannah's journey is both fascinating and unsettling, as she reflects on how the study influenced her behaviour, relationships, and mental health. She reveals the positive aspects, like feeling important and cared for, but also the negative impacts, such as pressure to perform and a lack of privacy.
Her story offers a rare glimpse into the life of a research subject and raises questions about the ethics of such studies. Whether you're interested in psychology, personal stories, or the long-term effects of research, this episode is a must-listen. Susannah's reflections will make you ponder the lasting impact of being under the microscope for so long. Don't miss out on this compelling tale that blends personal anecdotes with broader insights into human behaviour and scientific inquiry.