Eating a delicious doughnut now seems more rewarding than the nebulous concept of “better future health”.
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People tend to value potential future rewards less than similar immediate rewards when they must choose between them. Psychologists and economists call this “delay discounting”.
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Anticipating a future event is just as good for you as the thing itself.
Playing violent video games doesn’t make kids more aggressive.
AP Photo/Paul Sakuma
For years, there have been questions about research showing connections between playing violent video games and aggressive behavior.
Pinker is touring his new book ‘Enlightenment Now’.
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The psychologist proposes reason as a solution to all our problems, but telling people they must do something can backfire.
The more you like someone, the more optimistic you are for them.
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Study challenges our understanding of optimism as being a self-centered phenomenon.
It’s likeness that makes the heart grow fonder.
Zediajaab
It’s a classic adage for those seeking love. The problem is that psychology research shows it’s just not true.
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Proof of time travel, false memories or a parallel universe? A look at the wacky world of the ‘Mandela Effect’.
Olympic skiers can top 90 miles per hour.
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When faced with chaos or danger, most people retreat. Not so for those who possess a certain personality trait.
Relationship science can weigh in on whether you’re with a winner.
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If there were a Keltner List for relationships – as for induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame – what would be on it? A relationship scientist draws on psychology research to help you assess your love.
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Flirting with danger with each trick, freeskiers and snowboarders must learn to manage the emotions of such a daredevil sport.
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LSD is far safer than alcohol or tobacco, so why don’t drug laws reflect it?
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ATMs, self-scan checkouts, automated calls, digital therapists … no wonder we’re all lonely.
Just because everyone else is doing it…
Shane Pope
Adolescents have important developmental work to do. Despite what worried grownups think, taking needless risks isn’t the goal for teens. Being risky is part of exploring and learning about the world.
Lil’ Kim performs during the 2015 BET Awards in Los Angeles, Calif.
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The longing for lighter skin remains a taboo topic in African-American communities.
Kurt Cobain’s song lyrics were loved by many.
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New research shows that people with depression use words such as ‘always’, ‘nothing’ or ‘completely’ more often than others.
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Suppressing thoughts about cigarettes, alcohol and chocolate are only going to make you crave them more.
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Increasing the public’s awareness of mental health issues rings hollow when vital services are crumbling.
EPA/Sascha Steinbach
Ingvar Kamprad’s Ikea revolutionised retail by popularising flat-pack furniture and building maze-like stores.
Some people have unusual attractions to specific age groups.
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Psychologists don’t know much about why people have age-based sexual attractions – such as pedophilia – or how best to help people not act on sexual interests in children.
It’s ok to let a little anger show in the workplace but you shouldn’t let it all out, research says.
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Anger can help you in negotiations but it might get you fired if you don’t learn your triggers and how to control it.