Psychology

Psychology

This scientist knows how to frighten you

Margee Kerr studies how and why people seek out frightening situations. She aims to use fear to help people lead happier and more empowered lives.

Psychology

Spending time in green spaces can provide big health benefits

Walking through a park or playing in a yard can make you feel better, both mentally and physically. Here’s how — and evidence it works for people at any age.

Psychology

Scientists Say: Neurodivergent

This often-misunderstood word describes someone whose brain works a little differently from most.

Psychology

Done right, online learning might be as engaging as face-to-face  

Measures of stress offer clues to how engaged students are during online lessons. This could help teachers design more effective classes.

Brain

Scientists Say: Addiction

Recovering from addiction is hard but possible. Encouragement of loved ones can improve a person’s chances of overcoming this disease.

Psychology

Supportive spaces help LGBTQ+ youth thrive in school and beyond

Schools are safer and more welcoming when their policies respect and affirm LGBTQ+ students. Clubs can push for changes that boost kids’ mental health.

Psychology

Procrastination may hurt your health — but you can change that

Scientists have linked procrastination to mental and physical health problems. But don’t be too hard on yourself — there are steps you can take.

Brain

Ingredients in popular snack foods can make them addictive

Researchers find that highly processed foods rich in sugar and added fat may be as addictive as tobacco.

Psychology

There’s a real upside to knowing you could be wrong

We’re often certain that what we believe is true. But questioning those beliefs, as Galileo did, can help us learn better — and even perform better on tests.

Humans

When it comes to dance, it’s all about the bass

During a concert, people danced more when they were bathed in sounds that were too low for their ears to hear.

Brain

Playing video games may improve your memory and attention

The biggest research study of its kind finds that video gamers perform better on some mental tasks than nongamers do.

Psychology

Why fandom feels good — and may be good for you

Psychologists and media scholars are looking into the who, why and how of becoming a fan.