What do dreams mean? How important is childhood, really? Why do we forget this--and remember that? There's nothing more fascinating--or frightening--than the ins and outs of the human mind. But understanding the complex links between our brains, our emotions, and our behavior can be challenging. This book unravels even the most arcane mysteries of psychology, including: The human drive for food, sex, and other desires What happens when thinking and emotions go awry Why we fall in love with one person and not another How we can develop a strong sense of self When traumatic events can change who we are Scientific information is coupled with real-life examples to help you grasp the basic principles and theories of psychology. With The Essentials of Psychology , you'll be able to achieve a better understanding of yourself--and everyone else around you, too!