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Good news about Psychology
Positive stories about Psychology, gathered from the newsrooms Rally reads. Every headline links back to the publisher who reported it.
31 stories.
Hit a midlife wall? This test identifies your strengths and what matters to you
This episode explores how to rediscover flow—the state of deep engagement and fulfillment—through the experiences of a violinist and insights from a researcher. It offers practical guidance for anyone feeling stuck, helping them identify strengths and what truly matters. The science-backed approach makes it a valuable resource for personal growth.
NPR
I’m a psychologist who studies couples: The No. 1 way to end a fight before it escalates—it works ‘almost immediately’
A simple technique called a "partial yield" can help couples resolve conflicts faster. By acknowledging a partner’s point without fully agreeing, arguments lose steam almost immediately. This small shift can make disagreements more productive and less personal.
CNBC
4 ways to battle performance anxiety, according to a confidence coach
Performance anxiety can make high-stakes moments feel overwhelming, but psychologist Cindra Kamphoff offers practical ways to stay calm and confident. Her strategies help people face challenges like races or job interviews with more ease. It’s a reminder that nerves don’t have to hold us back.
NPR
The Disney generation: What unites Baby Boomers, millennials and Gen Z
A study shows Disney stories instill lasting values like friendship and resilience, shaping adults’ worldviews. These lessons bridge generations, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, offering a shared foundation of positivity. The findings highlight how childhood narratives can foster lifelong growth.
Euronews
Circuit Breaker Labs hopes to make AI safer for your kids (and you)
Circuit Breaker Labs is developing AI "crash-test dummies" to help prevent psychological harm from AI systems. The tools aim to make AI safer for kids and adults by identifying risks before they cause damage. It’s a step toward more responsible AI development.
TechCrunch
What Is the Meaning of Mystical Experience?
A new article explores the meaning of mystical experiences, offering insight into profound personal and spiritual encounters. The piece helps readers understand these experiences in a thoughtful, accessible way. It’s good news for anyone curious about the deeper dimensions of human consciousness.
The Atlantic
8 signs you're raising a resilient, emotionally mature child, says psychologist
Parents can spot emotional growth in their children by noticing how they handle feelings, relationships and challenges. A psychologist explains these skills help kids become adaptable, problem-solving adults. Learning to nurture this resilience early sets them up for lasting happiness and success.
CNBC
How To Protect Boys From the Manosphere, According to a Psychotherapist
Parents can help boys navigate harmful online ideas about gender and relationships by engaging in conversations rather than shutting them down. A psychotherapist explains how to respond constructively, offering practical ways to support young people. This approach fosters healthier discussions and reduces the influence of toxic ideologies.
Newsweek
Why reshaping memories may hold the key to raising self-esteem
Psychologist Marisa Franco's new book emphasizes the importance of self-esteem and presents a practical memory technique to help individuals improve their self-image. This approach could support many in cultivating a more positive self-view, which is essential for overall well-being. A printable worksheet is available to assist readers in applying this technique.
NPR
How our sense of beauty takes shape in the brain
An exploration of how our brains perceive beauty reveals the subtle elements that captivate us in art, such as color, balance, and composition. This understanding enriches our appreciation of artistic experiences, fostering a deeper connection to the beauty around us. Knowing what engages our senses helps us embrace and celebrate the art that resonates with our emotions.
Scientific American
I'm a psychologist who studies couples: Emotionally intelligent partners ask 1 question every morning—that most neglect
Employing a simple morning routine can enhance emotional connection between partners. A "capacity check" question allows couples to engage thoughtfully during their brief morning interactions. This practice helps build stronger relationships by fostering communication and understanding.
CNBC
The Case for Wonder: What Awe Might Teach Adults About Living Well
Adults can rediscover joy by embracing a child’s sense of wonder, therapists say. A simple moment—like spotting a rare bird—can deepen connections and enrich daily life. This small shift offers a path to greater well-being.
Newsweek
Elephants Just Passed a Classic Psychology Test – With More Restraint Than Many Humans
Elephants showed impressive self-control in a psychology test, resisting temptation better than many humans might. The discovery highlights their cognitive abilities and could deepen our understanding of animal intelligence. It’s a reminder that other species share complex mental traits with us.
ScienceAlert
Parents who are really good at handling tantrums do 5 things—their kids become more emotionally intelligent, says psychologist
Parents who respond effectively to tantrums help their kids develop emotional intelligence, making them better at handling setbacks and trying new things. This approach fosters independence and resilience, giving children tools to manage frustration in healthier ways. The skills they learn can last a lifetime.
CNBC
Part of Your Personality Is Encoded in Your Genes. Huge Analysis Links Characteristics to More Than 1,200 Common Genetic Variants
A massive study of over a million people has linked more than 1,200 genetic variants to the "Big Five" personality traits, offering new insights into how DNA shapes who we are. The findings could help researchers better understand the roots of behavior and mental health. It’s a step toward unlocking the complex ties between genes and personality.
Smithsonian Magazine
Not Money or Pleasure: Scientists Say They've Found The True Key to Happiness
Scientists studying well-being have identified a key to happiness beyond money or pleasure. Their findings suggest deeper factors contribute to lasting fulfillment, offering a new perspective on how to cultivate joy. This insight could help people focus on what truly matters for their happiness.
ScienceAlert
Lessons from Odysseus as we confront the monsters of complacency and despair
Facing life’s challenges requires inner strength, and this piece offers inspiration to harness that power for personal and collective change. By drawing on resilience, we can make a meaningful difference in our own lives and those around us. It’s a reminder that even small acts of courage can overcome despair.
Daily Maverick
When someone talks down to you, use Dolly Parton's simple trick to 'maintain your dignity and disarm' them, says expert
When someone talks down to you, communication expert Dorie Clark suggests a simple strategy: acknowledge the truth of their assumption, then reframe it in a way that shifts the dynamic. This "label upgrade" approach helps you maintain your dignity while disarming the other person, making it a useful tool for navigating workplace interactions.
CNBC
I'm a psychologist who studies couples: The happiest couples never fight about this 1 thing (it's not sex or money)
The happiest couples avoid fights over who does more, says a psychologist. By focusing on fairness and teamwork instead, they reduce conflict and strengthen their bond. This simple shift can make a big difference in long-term relationship happiness.
CNBC
How does your name taste? The strange science of synaesthesia
People with synaesthesia experience names as tastes, showing how perception varies. This insight helps us understand the diversity of human experience. The series highlights unique perspectives worth sharing.
Al Jazeera
How Relationships Can Change Your Personality
Love can reshape our personalities, altering how we think, feel, and behave. This insight reminds us that relationships have the power to bring out new, positive sides of ourselves. It’s a hopeful look at how connection can transform us for the better.
The Atlantic
A lot of casual friends, or only a few you’re really close with? New research questions that trade‑off
New research suggests people may prioritize emotional closeness in friendships when they feel less satisfied with their social connections. The findings highlight how our desire for deeper relationships can shift based on our current social well-being. Understanding this trade-off could help people nurture more meaningful friendships.
Rappler
Could Psilocybin Help Treat Anorexia? A Small Clinical Trial Suggests the Psychedelic May Make Patients More Open to Recovery
A small clinical trial suggests psilocybin, combined with therapy, may help people with anorexia become more open to recovery by loosening rigid thought patterns. Some participants even asked for food during sessions, offering hope for a condition that often resists treatment. Researchers stress it’s not a cure, but the results are promising.
Smithsonian Magazine
The Real Reason Group Decisions Beat Solo Ones (Hint: It's Not Averaging)
Group decisions often outperform individual ones, and new research reveals why. The jury system already relies on this wisdom, but understanding the mechanics can help teams make better choices. It’s a reminder that collaboration isn’t just about compromise—it’s about smarter outcomes.
ScienceAlert
What if Freud Was Right and Pharma Was Wrong?
A neuroscientist challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that psychoanalysis, not medication, may be the better path to treating mental illness. The idea offers hope for those seeking deeper, long-term solutions. It’s a reminder that sometimes, older approaches still hold value.
The Atlantic
THE CONVERSATION: Why you keep buying books you don’t read (and why it feels so good)
Buying books you haven’t read isn’t laziness—it’s a mood boost. The brain enjoys imagining future reading, making browsing and buying feel rewarding. This quirky habit turns guilt into a small, satisfying pleasure.
Daily Maverick
Eva Millet, writer: ‘The constant pursuit of perfection is a recipe for guilt, frustration and unhappiness’
A growing trend called "FAFO parenting" encourages letting children learn from their own mistakes rather than constant adult intervention. The approach aims to reduce pressure on parents and kids alike, fostering resilience and independence. It’s a refreshing shift away from the stress of perfectionism in child-rearing.
El País (English)
‘I’d found the missing piece to a puzzle’: How attachment theory is shaping modern dating
Attachment theory is helping people like Lizzy understand their relationship patterns and build stronger connections. By recognizing their own attachment style, individuals can improve how they approach dating and form healthier bonds. This insight offers a practical way to foster more meaningful relationships.
BBC News
THE CONVERSATION: Why does your mind wander? The tricks of staying on task
Mind wandering, often dismissed as a distraction, can actually enhance creativity and problem-solving. The key is balancing task difficulty to harness its benefits. This insight offers a fresh perspective on how to stay focused while unlocking mental potential.
Daily Maverick
Psychology researchers know why The Odyssey transcends time
Psychology researchers have uncovered why The Odyssey’s “hero’s journey” structure resonates across generations. The narrative helps people find meaning in their own lives, offering a timeless framework for personal growth. This insight highlights the enduring power of storytelling to connect and inspire.
Scientific American
Accidental mix-ups of sounds reveal how the brain produces speech
Even accidental sound mix-ups in speech, like spoonerisms, can help scientists better understand how the brain produces language. This research offers new insights for linguists and psychologists, improving our knowledge of how communication works. It’s a small discovery with big potential for uncovering the mysteries of speech.
Scientific American
