Could visiting a museum be the secret to a healthy life?
Can a trip to a museum help cure mental dullness? Here’s what the science has to say.
The Conversation > Psychology
Online 'likes' for toxic social media posts prompt more − and more hateful − messages
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.
The Conversation > Psychology
Doctor Who at 60: what qualities make the best companion? A psychologist explains
Doctor’s companions need to be open to new experiences, keep going in the face of adversity and be resilient.
The Conversation > Psychology
How movies use music to manipulate your memory
A sad song coupled with a happy movie scene can become strangely memorable.
The Conversation > Psychology
Why the future might not be where you think it is
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.
The Conversation > Psychology
What drives people to panic buy during times of crisis: A new study sheds light on the psychology of consumers
Understanding the traits of different customer groups can help shoppers and businesses serve their communities more ethically and effectively, especially in times of crisis.
The Conversation > Psychology
AI-generated faces look just like real ones – but evidence shows your brain can tell the difference
Scientists measured the brain activity of people trying to discern real from synthetic faces.
The Conversation > Psychology
Narcissism, immorality and lack of empathy: the dark psychology that can poison elites
Elite groups often become trapped in echo chambers.
The Conversation > Psychology
What's your chronotype? Knowing whether you're a night owl or an early bird could help you do better on tests and avoid scams
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.
The Conversation > Psychology
Our minds handle risk strangely – and that's partly why we delayed climate action so long
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.
The Conversation > Psychology
Someone has told you they're self-harming. Now what?
How you respond is critical to their health and wellbeing. Here’s what to say to support someone who self-harms.
The Conversation > Psychology
Secure attachment to both parents − not just mothers − boosts children’s healthy development
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.
The Conversation > Psychology
I've researched time for 15 years – here's how my perception of it has changed
Time’s elasticity is part of how we process it.
The Conversation > Psychology
Friendship research is getting an update – and that's key for dealing with the loneliness epidemic
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?
The Conversation > Psychology
How often do you lie? Deception researchers investigate how the recipient and the medium affect telling the truth
Researchers are interested in whether who you’re communicating with and how you’re interacting affect how likely you are to lie.
The Conversation > Psychology
Why do people with hoarding disorder hoard, and how can we help?
Addressing the emotional and behavioural drivers of hoarding through therapy is crucial. But sometimes, a harm-avoidance approach is best.
The Conversation > Psychology
Many Australian kids abused in sport won't ever speak up. It's time we break the silence
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.
The Conversation > Psychology
New treatment for postpartum depression offers hope, but the stigma attached to the condition still lingers
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.
The Conversation > Psychology
Parents make mistakes. So what does 'good enough parenting' look like?
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 Conversation > Psychology