Attenders will be asked to take part in tests to see if they have become more open to views they do not agree withFestivalgoers sometimes report feeling they have a fresh perspective of the world when they make their…
Conversations are supposed to be two-sided – but all too often we come up against someone who’s passionately, exclusively in love with the sound of their own voice. Time to fight back …When I was in my early teens, I was…
Morgan Housel's The Psychology of Money emphasises the role of behaviour in financial decisions. It also highlights that intelligence alone doesn't ensure financial success.
In this episode of Science Weekly, recorded in front of an audience at the London podcast festival on 3 September, Ian Sample hears from Michael Safi, the host of the Guardian’s chart-topping podcast about artificial…
Feeling awkward about responding to birthday messages in an office WhatsApp group does not automatically indicate introversion, insecurity or poor relationships with colleagues. Sometimes it simply ...
Memories are dynamic, not fixed. Even if what you’re remembering about your own experience isn’t quite how it all happened, those memories serve important roles.
A 10-step skincare routine can serve different psychological purposes, from self-care and personal identity to habit, enjoyment and a sense of competence or control. For some people, it may also ...
Sibling relationships are distinctive because they are built around a shared past, familiarity and a relatively equal footing. Brothers and sisters often grow up experiencing many of the same family ...
Psychology says people who read reviews, watch trailer or check ratings before watching a movie aren't indecisive. They may be using information to manage risk, time and expectations before choosing a ...
Psychology says people who can't sleep with light on aren't necessarily afraid of the dark. The habit may relate to sensory processing, safety, control and the way the nervous system responds to ...
Tinnitus affects millions of people and it can take many different forms. But there are therapies that can help make it more bearableFor some it’s a high-pitched mosquito whine; for others it’s a low bass hum. It might…
We overestimate how much other people notice our own behaviour and any social missteps.
Why do some people push help away, even when they desperately want it? The psychology of hyper-independence and what it costs our relationships.
An office can provide environmental cues, routines, social accountability and physical separation from household activities. These factors may make it easier for some people to enter and maintain a ...
House parties are inherently social settings, and sharing food can make those interactions feel more natural and comfortable. Research by psychologist Robin Dunbar suggests that eating with others may ...
Having a favorite teacher is a fairly common experience. Students may naturally connect more strongly with certain teachers because their classroom experiences are influenced by more than the subject ...
Sunday evening can feel unusually short because the brain begins anticipating Monday, shifting attention from weekend freedom to work, responsibilities and the week ahead.
A CIA veteran explains that a polygraph campaign is not likely to eliminate leaks, but it may divert investigative energy from essential security priorities.
Having a vivid, detailed memory of a remarkable event like 9/11 can seem like a demonstration of patriotism and a connection with other Americans.
People who continue working despite being ill may be driven by a strong sense of responsibility, financial concerns, fear of falling behind, workplace expectations or a deeper difficulty with mentally ...
Feeling relieved once guests have left does not necessarily point to a psychological problem. For some people, it may simply reflect a natural need for privacy and personal space after prolonged ...
Without an education in emotions, we are left without tools and knowledge to regulate our nervous system, understand our emotional lives, and grow our emotional health.
Psychology suggests that this surprisingly common reaction may be influenced by social comparison, envy, perceived value, scarcity and psychological reactance. However, it does not necessarily mean ...
For many people, coming to terms with chronic illness feels impossible. What if psychology could make meaning of the loss?
Psychology suggests that an attraction to fancy stationery can fulfill several psychological needs at the same time, including self-expression, identity formation, creativity, aesthetic enjoyment and ...
A messy room isn’t usually created by one great act of mess-making. It results from hundreds of tiny behaviours.
Showcasing children's drawings and achievements brings about numerous psychological rewards. It conveys to youngsters that their contributions are important. This recognition nurtures a sense of ...
Lovon tops a 2026 review of on-demand tools built for adults managing ADHD-related focus lapses and emotional swings, as voice-based AI support becomes the fastest-growing category for after-hours ...
Who’s more likely to steal sweets from a child? According to science, it’s the rich. A study seemingly confirming our suspicions about the moral behaviour of the wealthy was one of the winners of the 2026 Ig Nobel…
Psychology says people who are highly relaxed at all times and do everything very slowly may not be lazy, unmotivated or less intelligent. Their pace can be linked to emotional regulation, mindfulness ...