The Latest Breaking News from Psychology

Psychology says being ignored can hurt more than criticism: Here’s why silence can affect you more than harsh words

Psychology suggests that uncertainty may be one reason being ignored can hurt more than receiving direct criticism. Experiences of social rejection and ostracism can threaten fundamental psychological needs, including the need to belong, maintain self-esteem, feel a sense of control and feel that one’s presence is valued.

The Economic Times · Sep 10

Psychology says you secretly compare yourself with old classmates and it is not jealousy

Encountering someone from school can bring old ambitions, expectations and possibilities back to the surface. You may not necessarily want the career or lifestyle they have built, but seeing their progress can prompt you to think about your own goals and the plans you once imagined but have yet to…

The Economic Times · Sep 10

Psychology says you may keep watching a TV series you no longer enjoy for one surprisingly simple reason

Watching a series is not always about experiencing individual episodes one at a time. Instead, it can become a goal-oriented activity in which viewers become invested in following the story, understanding the characters and ultimately finding out how the narrative unfolds.

The Economic Times · Sep 10

Grieving lost body function: What psychology teaches us about our chronic illness journeys

Body changes can raise disturbing feelings, such as looking in a mirror and seeing a reflection that may feel spiritually empty, unproductive, ugly or weak.

The Conversation · Sep 9

Psychology says people who check their horoscope daily may be trying to reduce an uncomfortable feeling

Someone who checks their horoscope every morning may not necessarily be looking for a glimpse into the future. The habit may instead provide a sense of certainty, reassurance, meaning, identity or simply a familiar moment to pause and reflect. Perhaps that is what makes the ritual so intriguing: the appeal…

The Economic Times · Sep 9

Psychology says people who buy beautiful notebooks and pens may be seeking more than just stationery

Psychology suggests that an attraction to fancy stationery can fulfill several psychological needs at the same time, including self-expression, identity formation, creativity, aesthetic enjoyment and nostalgia. The appeal is not necessarily a sign of materialism or impracticality. For some people, these objects offer a simple way to express a version…

The Economic Times · Sep 9

Psychology says people who prefer takeout over dining in may be valuing one thing more than food

Someone might enjoy dining at an elegant restaurant for a birthday or special occasion but still opt for takeout on an ordinary Tuesday. The reason may be less about the food itself and more about convenience: ordering in can give them greater control over their limited time, attention and mental…

The Economic Times · Sep 9

Psychology says people who never share their problems and fight alone may be protecting more than their privacy

Emotional disclosure can help people organize and process difficult experiences, and social support can reduce the impact of rumination. However, disclosure is not universally beneficial, and choosing the right person and context matters.

The Economic Times · Sep 9

Psychology says people who wear fancy clothes at home may be doing more than looking good

Psychology suggests that dressing up at home may have less to do with seeking approval from others and more to do with how people perceive themselves, express their identity, regulate their mood and respond to psychological cues in their environment. However, this habit alone does not indicate that everyone who…

The Economic Times · Sep 9

Psychology says people who love evening tea on their balcony or terrace may be protecting their mental space

That quiet cup of tea in the evening becomes a way of stepping out of the day for a while, for some people. It creates a familiar pause, a chance to sit somewhere comfortable, look beyond the horizon and let the mind slow down before the evening takes over.

The Economic Times · Sep 9