PSYCHOLOGY

Want to Be More Productive? Stay Extra Busy

Busy people are better at rebounding from missed deadlines, a new study suggests.

Psychologists Say Macho Behavior May Help Explain Men’s Shorter Lifespans

Cultural expectations of “manliness” include not complaining—even to the doctor.

Paying Closer Attention to a Person's Face May Make It Seem More Attractive

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the saying goes.

Psychotherapy Can Make Some People Feel Worse, Study Finds

In a study of more than 14,000 people, 5 percent reported experiencing lasting negative effects from therapy.

Pictured: Lead author Michael Woodworth (not a manipulator). UBC Okanagan

We’re Better at Spotting Manipulators Online Than in Person

A new study shows that the absence of nonverbal cues better allows us to see through liars and scammers.

In Some Rare Instances, Brain Damage Can Lead to Joke Addiction

It’s called Witzelsucht, and it can make coming up with puns pathological.

Arachnophobia Makes Spiders Look Bigger, Study Finds

The study not only found that arachnophobes consistently viewed spiders as larger than non-arachnophobes, but that arachnophobes did not miscalculate the size of other insects and animals.

Children Can Tell the Difference Between Abstract Art and Kids' Paintings

Preschool-age children can tell professional abstract art from art made by children or animals, a new study finds.

Overconfidence Can Stunt Your Intellectual Growth, Study Says

Overconfident people are less likely to challenge themselves and therefore may miss out on opportunities to learn.

5 Sneaky Tricks Grocery Stores Use to Make You Spend More Money

It’s psychological warfare and your money is at risk.

A Pitcher’s Facial Expression Might Influence How Batters Hit

Participants in a recent study thought happy-looking pitchers would throw more accurately, and batters were more likely to swing in that situation.

Pretending You’re Creative Will Make You More Creative, Study Says

“Fake it til you make it” is great advice when it comes to creativity, a new study finds.

Inside the Dream World of History's Chattiest Sleep Talker

Researchers delved into the subconscious ramblings of noted sleep talker Dion McGregor to find out how weird his dream-like reveries really were.

What is Imposter Syndrome, and What Can You Do About It?

Convinced that one day you'll be exposed as a fraud? Read on.

Study Casts Doubt on Whether Seasonal Affective Disorder Is Real

A large study found no support for seasonal mood changes.

Smiles and Frowns Are Contagious for a Reason

Mimicking other people’s expressions helps us understand what they’re feeling.

Millennials Think They’re Narcissistic, Too (Thank You Very Much)

Young people and Baby Boomers rank Millennials' narcissism at similar levels. The difference? Boomers don't think they're narcissistic at all.

Why Multitasking Is Bad for Your Brain

Have you ever felt that you get less done when you multitask? You’re not imagining things. You’re actually hurting your brain by juggling several undertakings at once.