A largely forgotten psychological concept helps explain the insidiousness of minor problems – and what to do about it. Read by Gina Rogers.

Psyche is a digital magazine from Aeon which examines the human condition, with articles that explore mental health, emotions, and new ideas.

Psyche

Why small annoyances can harm us more than big disruptions

How much the sexes differ psychologically depends on how fair and wealthy a country is. But, as professors Kåre Hedebrant and Agneta Herlitz explain, it’s not in the way you’d think. Read by Gary Furlong.

In more prosperous societies, are men and women more similar?

Some leaders are more likely to make morally hazardous decisions due to a focus on outcomes over processes. Psyche reflects on how holding people in power accountable to the process rather than just the outcomes can reduce this behaviour. Read by Gary Furlong.

How a ‘dominance’ mindset encourages leaders to put others at risk

As the treadmill of life speeds up, sublime outdoor spaces help us tap into longer timescales. Vincent Ialenti reflects on how these environments can remedy the relentless pace of modern life by encouraging reflection and long-term thinking. Read by Sean Crisden.

Do you find the 21st century overstimulating? Try ‘longstorming’

Traditional views of narcissism often fail to show that those with the disorder can seek help and improve. Therapists Giancarlo Dimaggio and Igor Weinberg emphasize how understanding the person behind the diagnosis can lead to positive changes. Read by Ron Butler.

Popular views of narcissism are distorted and too pessimistic

Influencers and self-help gurus are preaching a form of positivity that risks doing more harm than good. Lucas Dixon dives into the world of this psychology and shares research-backed suggestions to help navigate the fine line between effective and toxic positivity. Read by Ron Butler.

What makes ‘toxic positivity’ different from a healthy attitude

There’s a widespread assumption that old age is painful, lonely and unattractive, but this negative picture isn’t true. Rather than fearing getting old, Berit Lewis reveals how to embrace it. Read by Sean Crisden.

Rather than fearing getting old, here’s how to embrace it

Going beyond self-help solutions to burnout, Philosopher Alec Stubbs argues that society's obsession with productivity requires structural changes to embrace play as a fundamental, joyful part of life. Read by Michael Satow.

The achievement society is burning us out, we need more play

Why do we believe in UFOs?

Even when it’s not explicitly religious, humans do what they always have: raise their heads, shout questions to the stars, and wish for an answer. Francesco Dimitri reflects on how belief in alien visitors resembles our oldest ways of making sense of the world. Read by Jonathan Booth.

UFO belief is a modern outlet for ancient spiritual yearnings

Recent changes in political discourse have moved previously outrageous racist and conspiracist views into the mainstream. Jennifer Saul argues that it is vital that we understand the mechanisms that facilitate these changes. Read by Gina Rogers.

Beyond dog whistles – racists have a new rhetorical trick

Most TV viewers and filmgoers love a good 'baddie', but does anyone understand why? For starters, they can be very entertaining, but Ana Gantman and Jordan Wylie reveal research highlighting a more profound psychological reason viewers are drawn to the bad guys. Read by Marni Penning.

What is it about film and TV antiheroes that’s so captivating?

Mindfulness has become a big business. Chris Wheatley reflects on the Buddhist roots of mindfulness and argues the way it is often practised today strips it of its original meaning and purpose. Read by Gary Furlong.

When mindfulness meets capitalism, it loses its way

The curiosity that comes naturally to babies and young children can soon wilt – but there are ways to help it grow. Shayla Love reveals how we can help children use curiosity as a lever for learning. Read by Jennifer Jill Araya.

This is how to nurture curiosity in children (and yourself)

How we take in information has a significant effect on how intuitive or analytical we are in thinking about it. Janet Geipel and Boaz Keysar reveal how this insight could impact decision-making across law, medicine, and public policy fields. Read by Jennifer Jill Araya.

Do you think more clearly when reading or when listening?

Despite attempting various therapies, Chloe Faure found that cooking can offer a mindful escape where senses are engaged, time is forgotten, and stress is relieved. She reflects on how it's likened to mindfulness and childhood play, enabling positive sensory memories and a connection to the past, present, and future. Read by Emma Powell.

If you don’t fancy mindfulness, then try cooking instead

How does emotional pain change people? Kelsey Day reflects on the idea it is comparable to decomposition, and why it helps to begin a cyclic process that culminates in the potential for regrowth.

When emotions rot, they compost and transform into something new

Words matter. The language we use has the power to influence our behaviour. Therefore, Justin Kompf explores the important distinction between goals and commitments to help you on your path to success. Read by Ron Butler.

A commitment is different from a goal – here’s why that matters

The idea that you should love your enemies can seem contradictory at best. However, it appears across many different religious and ethical traditions. Alex Moran examines the philosophy behind this guidance to explain why following it serves your best interests. Read by Malk Williams.

Morality aside, there’s another good reason to love your enemies

When awaiting a stressful update or event, do you assume it won't go your way? Psychology research fellow Ella Moeck debunks the folk wisdom to expect the worst to present a new method: holding positive expectations. Read by Emma Powell.

Why it might not help – and could hurt – to brace for the worst

We need reassurance about all sorts of concerns and fears. But what happens when 'productive' reassurance-seeking becomes detrimental? Matt Huston provides simple steps to help you overcome this unproductive behaviour for a more lasting peace of mind.