Psychology

Leaving aside a cherished objective may benefit psychological and even physical health

People who engage in random acts of kindness may not fully recognize the impact of their behavior on others

Suppressing memories using an “amnesic shadow” could someday lead to a gentler therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder

People who prioritize “meaning” when they shop may unwittingly convince themselves to buy cheaper goods, services and experiences

When people argue, a kind of frustration called persuasion fatigue can cloud their judgment and harm relationships

Social scientists, using haunted houses to understand our experiences of fear, have learned that friends make things very scary

Going out of your way to get grossed out might seem to contradict human nature. But it serves a strong evolutionary purpose

Suppressing the flow of unwanted thoughts is possible and can help people cope with difficult memories

Researchers are perplexed as to why inner feelings about life and love predict our actions better than the best social science

New books reviewed on the power of doubt, 1970s science-fiction icons, consciousness, interstellar travel, and more

Gaslighting isn’t just between people in a relationship—it involves social power, too

Society’s stereotypes can slip into communication in subtle ways