Our most recent emotion science articles here - hot off our imaginary, virtual presses.
Much research on video games shows there to be a negative impact on aggressive tendencies. But if we look beyond just games with violent content, are there any benefits to video gaming? Can prosocial video games make us more cooperative and empathetic? Read our article here to find out.
Positive psychology research gives us approaches that help us thrive and flourish. But misconceptions about how it is possible to be happy, optimistic, and compassionate all the time can be misleading, if not detrimental to our well-being. A more nuanced approach to appreciating findings from positive psychology involves understanding the dangers of excessive optimism and compassion. Read our article here on the perils and pitfalls of excessive optimism and compassion.
Are you courageous? Philosophers and scientists see courage as persistence in the face of fear and adversity. Long considered a virtue, it is also a psychological strength that we can cultivate in times of need. Check out our article here on how you can cultivate psychological courage.
Movement restrictions and self-isolation don’t have to spell boredom. Countless people have taken to using their leisurely hours in pursuit of things creative and inspiring. What does the psychological literature say about the importance of our non-work hours? And can cooking be good for your emotional well-being? Find out more about the science of leisure from our article here.
Crisis events demand leaders to recognize, empathize, and reflect the right emotions. We pay attention to leaders during times of crisis, but the types of emotions that a leader expresses – or fail to express, can determine their effectiveness. Check out our article here on the importance of appropriate emotions in leading during crises.
At times of crises, strife and when faced with difficult challenges, it is easy to neglect our own needs and well-being. Being self-compassionate does not mean being selfish, but rather, accepting and kind to yourself when you need it the most. Read our article here on how to be kind to yourself during difficult times.
What motivates individuals to take part in protests and rallies? Our article on the psychology of collective action sheds some light into an area that has received much scholarly attention in political psychology.
Love has seen many expressions over time, from the romantic and passionate, to the companionate and comfortable. Is love really a choice? If so, how can we keep love in our most valued relationships alive? Read our article on what psychological science says about what is arguably our most human emotion.
You are what you eat – but you are also what you feel. Check out our article here on stress – the diseases of adaptation – and how you can use positive emotions for better physical health.
We set ambitious, challenging goals for ourselves, and yet, fail to create a response to how we should act if (or when) we fail to meet those goals. A self-compassionate response takes the sting out of our failure and gives us a renewed sense of vigour to try again. Read our article on how to be more self-compassionate when purusing your goals.
Our emotions are strongly tied to our memories, but there are ways in which we can stretch our positive emotions so that they linger with us for just that bit longer. Check out our article here on how to craft, and subsequently savour days well-spent.
We grieve for loved ones lost, but the nature of grief – and our bereavement, is especially complicated when our loved ones choose to end their own lives. Read what guest author Hui Yen Ling has to share about the complex and deeply personal experience of bereavement from suicide.