Find articles on mental health, emotional well-being, psychological therapies, stress management and personal development in our Psychology section. Take care of your mind and achieve balance!
One of the easiest ways to boost a child’s focus, memory, and emotional awareness is an old-school game most parents and teachers already know: Simon Says. Research in child development shows that this activity strengthens attention, working memory, self-control, and emotional intelligence. Here, we’ll cover how Simon Says works, the benefits for growing brains, and … Read more
Where do people in Philadelphia feel the happiest? A team of psychology students at Drexel University set out to answer that question, and the result is a unique map of the city’s most joyful spots. Their work, guided by Drexel’s Happiness Lab, shows that happiness often comes from everyday places right in the neighborhood. The … Read more
Not everyone feels comfortable when it comes to starting, keeping, or wrapping up a conversation. Yet experts agree that these moments are a direct reflection of our social skills, which play a big role in how we connect with others. Being able to interact fluidly is more than just talking—it’s about creating balance, avoiding isolation, … Read more
According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness is the quality of our relationships. The nearly 80-year project has followed thousands of participants across different backgrounds, from Harvard undergraduates to inner-city residents and their families. The results consistently point to one truth: people who nurture close, supportive … Read more
Saying no to an invitation isn’t easy. You don’t want to hurt feelings, but you also need to set boundaries. Psychologists say there’s one phrase that works best when you need to decline without coming across as dismissive. Here, we’ll look at that phrase, why it softens rejection, and how you can use it in … Read more
One of the biggest misconceptions about long-term relationships is that conversation eventually runs dry. Partners assume they’ve said it all, so words shrink to calendar reminders, grocery lists, and household updates, but that’s not what strong couples experience. Mark Travers, PhD, a psychologist who studies relationships, explains that the happiest partners don’t stop talking about … Read more
Most people think they’re pretty good at talking to others, but conversations often fall flat. We interrupt, change the subject too quickly, or walk away before the exchange really gets going. Psychologists say one of the simplest ways to make a conversation click is also one of the most overlooked: asking questions that show you’re … Read more
After years of researching human nature, Gretchen Rubin has noticed that the small things often trip us up more than the big ones. The bestselling author of The Happiness Project has spent over a decade gathering what she calls “Secrets of Adulthood”, which are short truths that clarify why certain habits stick, why others fail, … Read more
After more than a decade researching happiness and human behavior, Gretchen Rubin has seen how small choices shape our daily lives. The bestselling author of The Happiness Project and host of the Happier podcast has gathered insights she calls “Secrets of Adulthood“—short truths that carry weight with time and practice. These lessons are practical reminders … Read more
Our brain constantly makes decisions shaped by scents and behavior, relying on both direct and indirect associations. While some links are obvious, others form in ways that aren’t immediately visible, influencing choices in surprising ways. Mistakes in these associations can even alter how we react to familiar experiences. A new investigation by the Cellular Mechanisms … Read more
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life, older adults were among those most at risk. Beyond the threat of infection, many faced strict isolation, loss of routines, and the challenge of staying connected while physically apart. Yet new research shows that many seniors not only endured these difficulties but also found ways to adapt and … Read more
As people age, both positivity and emotional richness tend to become more prominent, shaping how adults handle challenges and find satisfaction. Younger individuals may show more irritation or anger, while those in midlife and beyond often display greater calm and composure. A recent study led by Richa Nigam and Professor Bhoomika Rastogi Kar from the … Read more
Most couples fall into habits that feel normal and even healthy, but there’s one behavior experts warn can quietly poison relationships from the inside out. It feels harmless and usually goes unnoticed until resentment builds and communication breaks down. That habit is keeping score. Therapists say it’s one of the fastest ways to erode trust … Read more
Although in the United States the voting age is 18, lowering the voting age to 16 has been a recurring debate, often raising concerns about maturity, responsibility, and decision-making. Neuroscientist Dean Burnett argues that, far from being unprepared, teenagers have every reason to be trusted with the right to vote. His perspective directly challenges some … Read more
A raised eyebrow can change the entire tone of a conversation. When only one eyebrow goes up, it can signal from doubt and curiosity to a playful challenge. Subtle eyebrow movements can guide how we interpret what someone really means, even when their words sound straightforward. In the following sections, we’ll explore what a single … Read more
It sounds like something out of an old psychiatric hospital, yet it’s still being used today. Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, remains one of the most debated treatments in modern psychiatry, as as stated by Cambridge University. Some see it as lifesaving, while others as outdated and dangerous. Despite the stigma, psychiatrists continue to recommend it … Read more
Smartphones are now part of everyday life, but the age when kids first get one may matter more than parents think. Psychologists are raising concerns about the link between early smartphone ownership and long-term mental health. The question is no longer just about screen time—it’s about timing. Parents often wonder when is the “right” age … Read more
When most couples worry about their marriage, the focus usually falls on intimacy or communication breakdowns. Psychology suggests there’s another, often overlooked habit that can also impact long-term happiness. According to relationship therapist Mary Jo Rapini, the act of cuddling may be one of the strongest predictors of a lasting marriage. Tender touch creates a … Read more
Staying mentally sharp past 70 doesn’t involve only a healthy diet, exercise, or crossword puzzles. One of the strongest predictors of brain health in older adults is making meaningful connections. Research shows that strong social ties help protect against memory decline, dementia, and age-related cognitive changes. Here, we’ll explore the relevance of meaningful relationships for … Read more
Lying comes more easily to some people than others. For those with sharp social skills, deception can look effortless, even convincing. They can tell a story without stumbling, keep steady eye contact, and appear sincere enough to win trust. Psychologist Robert Feldman’s research shows that this talent often shows up early. Adolescents with higher social … Read more
Getting older brings many changes, and many of them aren’t easy. Retirement, health issues, or the loss of close friends and family can affect how you feel emotionally. Paying attention to your mental health is just as important as caring for physical health. There are clear, practical steps you can take to protect your mental … Read more
Olympic track and field champion Sanya Richards-Ross knows firsthand that reaching the top isn’t just about speed. The Jamaican-born American sprinter, who won gold in the 400 meters at the London 2012 Olympics, built her career on discipline, resilience, and lessons learned the hard way. Her journey shows that winning is about mindset, choices, and … Read more
Love doesn’t always arrive wrapped in big declarations. More often, it’s the subtle signs—psychology-backed behaviors—that reveal how deeply someone feels. When a woman loves you from the depths of her soul, her actions speak louder than words, showing up in ways that build trust, support, and connection. These signs may look simple from the outside, … Read more
Demi Moore is stepping into her 60s with a perspective that feels both grounded and forward-looking. At 62, the actor says she’s living through the most exciting stage of her life, balancing a thriving career, the joy of being a grandmother, and a mindset that prioritizes presence over pressure. Her outlook isn’t built on routines … Read more
Few treatments in psychiatry spark as much discussion as the use of stimulant medication in children. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is one of the most common childhood diagnoses, and stimulants like methylphenidate are often prescribed. For some, this approach represents an effective solution. For others, it raises questions about safety, fairness, and … Read more
Body language often says more than words. When someone is at ease, their gestures reflect it in subtle but telling ways. One of the clearest signs of comfort involves what people do with their hands, particularly if they rest them openly and in a relaxed way over a surface. According to communication experts, the way … Read more
What if the things you believe will finally make you happy—money, a new house, or even winning the lottery—aren’t the real answer? For decades, scientists have been studying what truly shapes human happiness, and the findings are not always what we’d imagine. Since the 1970s, large-scale studies in psychology have shown that no matter how … Read more
As people get older, it’s normal to notice changes in how quickly the brain processes information. Forgetting a name or taking longer to recall a word happens to most adults. Researchers emphasize that these shifts don’t mean cognitive decline is inevitable. One of the strongest protective factors is keeping the mind active, and everyday hobbies … Read more
Some people treat social media like a stage. They post updates, share photos, and jump into every thread. But others stay silent: they scroll, watch, and rarely post a thing. To outsiders, it may look like disinterest, but psychology says that silence often points to specific personality traits. These quiet users, sometimes called “lurkers”, are … Read more
When you feel mentally drained, two regions in your brain may quietly decide whether to keep going or give up. They assess the effort needed and weigh it against potential rewards. This process helps explain why tasks can feel overwhelming when your mind is fatigued. Understanding it could reveal how motivation influences mental endurance. Recent … Read more