Why You Keep Repeating Old Patterns (And How to Break Them) Using Psychology.

You’re not broken. You’re repeating.
This video explores the psychology of why we fall into the same emotional loops and how to rewire them through awareness, self-compassion and neuroplasticity.

🧠 Topics:
Why your brain repeats behaviours that no longer serve you
How childhood patterns shape adult habits
What neuroplasticity really is (feat. mayonnaise)
Simple steps to break out of emotional autopilot

📚 Psychological Sources Referenced:

Based on peer-reviewed research and published psychological theory.
• Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Baumeister, R. F., Bratslavsky, E., Finkenauer, C., & Vohs, K. D. (2001). Bad is stronger than good. Review of General Psychology, 5(4), 323–370. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.5.4...
• Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders. International Universities Press.
• Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Volume 1 – Attachment. Basic Books.
• Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science. Viking Penguin.
• Freud, S. (1920). Beyond the Pleasure Principle. International Psycho-Analytical Press. Available via Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/beyondple...
• Gollwitzer, P. M. (1999). Implementation intentions: Strong effects of simple plans. American Psychologist, 54(7), 493–503. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.54....
• Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An Experiential Approach to Behavior Change. Guilford Press.
• Neff, K. D. (2003). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032
• Pascual-Leone, A. (2005). The plastic human brain cortex. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 28, 377–401. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro...
• Rogers, C. R. (1959). On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin.
• Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M. G., & Teasdale, J. D. (2002). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A New Approach to Preventing Relapse. Guilford Press.
• Wood, W., & Neal, D. T. (2007). A new look at habits and the habit-goal interface. Psychological Review, 114(4), 843–863. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.114...
• Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2003). Schema Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide. Guilford Press.

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📚 Book Recommendations.
(By actual psychologists + grounded in research)
1. The Body Keeps the Score

Author: Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
Why: Explores how trauma is stored in the body and brain. Beautifully readable and deeply healing.
Themes: Trauma, nervous system, healing
Great for: emotional patterns, survival behaviours or self-protection.
🔗https://amzn.to/4motSVf

2. Self-Compassion

Author: Dr. Kristin Neff
Why: The go-to book for understanding and building a softer inner voice. Research-backed but deeply human.
Themes: Inner critic, shame, emotional regulation
Great for: breaking patterns, rebuilding self-worth and quieting perfectionism.
🔗https://amzn.to/4jdxXbU

3. On Becoming a Person

Author: Carl Rogers
Why: A foundational text in humanistic psychology. Empowers readers to embrace who they are with unconditional acceptance.
Themes: Authenticity, self-concept, personal growth
Great for: inner identity, belonging or “coming home to yourself.”
🔗https://amzn.to/45phvC2

4. Attached

Authors: Amir Levine & Rachel Heller
Why: Offers a clear, psychologist-led explanation of attachment styles in adult relationships. Incredibly accessible.
Themes: Love, fear of intimacy, emotional availability
🔗 Great for: relationships, emotional cycles or why we keep choosing the same types.
🔗https://amzn.to/4j8t7N1

5. The Happiness Trap

Author: Dr. Russ Harris (based on ACT—Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
Why: Explains why chasing happiness often makes us feel worse—and what to do instead.
Themes: Avoidance, mindfulness, emotional flexibility
Great for: challenging toxic positivity, shame and forced productivity.
🔗https://amzn.to/3ZrUNp7

🌿 Gentle Reminder:
Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only.

I’m not a licensed psychologist or therapist. Just a psychology student sharing research and ideas that have helped me and might help you, too.

If you’re struggling with your mental health or need personal support, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional. You don’t have to figure it all out alone 💛

(Links used are affiliate).

#psychology