Psychology

Can a trip to a museum help cure mental dullness? Here’s what the science has to say.

Technology is changing our perception of what time is for.

Study on antisemitic conspiracy theories shows they can make groups turn inwards for support and more fearful of others.

Hate is for the haters. Much of the thrill of posting toxic messages can come from the attention and social approval a poster gets from like-minded people.

If you’re worried someone has joined a high-demand group, it’s important not to shame or belittle them.

When we invest money, time or another resource we can’t get back, factoring that sunk cost into our future decisions can be a trap.

Doctor’s companions need to be open to new experiences, keep going in the face of adversity and be resilient.

Feminists are about as man-hating as men are.

Climate denial is passe. But why do so many of us know the climate crisis is upon us –and live like it isn’t?

A sad song coupled with a happy movie scene can become strangely memorable.

We use space to understand the passage of time, but don’t assume everyone thinks of the future as in front and the past as behind.

Understanding the traits of different customer groups can help shoppers and businesses serve their communities more ethically and effectively, especially in times of crisis.

Scientists measured the brain activity of people trying to discern real from synthetic faces.

Elite groups often become trapped in echo chambers.

Synchronizing your daily activities to your circadian rhythm could help you improve your performance on a variety of cognitive tasks − and even influence diagnosis of cognitive disorders.

One barrier to climate action has been our own psychology and reluctance to take action. But as the crisis intensifies, some of these barriers have evaporated.

How you respond is critical to their health and wellbeing. Here’s what to say to support someone who self-harms.

Psychologists have long focused on the importance of a secure attachment with a mother for healthy child development. A new look supports the value of attachment – but it doesn’t have to be with mom.

Time’s elasticity is part of how we process it.

Psychology researchers have focused on the idea that people form friendships with those who are similar, familiar and nearby. But how do individual people pick those who will become their friends?

Sometimes we can’t help but consider the beliefs of others.

Researchers are interested in whether who you’re communicating with and how you’re interacting affect how likely you are to lie.

You’ve tried everything to get some sleep, but nothing’s working. Here’s what not to do, and what works.

Being open to the possibility you could be wrong about your beliefs is an important part of learning about the world. But this trait is not enough on its own.

Addressing the emotional and behavioural drivers of hoarding through therapy is crucial. But sometimes, a harm-avoidance approach is best.

Community sport is supposed to be a safe space for children to play. But rates of abuse are too high, and new research shows the many Australian children never talk about their abusive experiences.

Half a million new mothers in the US suffer from postpartum depression every year, yet a lack of awareness and stigma toward the condition keep many from getting the help they need.

You do not have to be perfect in order to do a good job of raising a child. In fact, it may be better if you are not.

The psychology of disagreement offers insight into why there is such a strong polarisation in opinions surrounding London’s expanded Ulez.

The answers lie in early human evolution.