When we lust for riches, fear being left behind and identify strongly with some moral cause all at once, reason and willpower don’t really stand a chance.
Generosity boosts reward mechanisms in the brain.
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When we include someone (or something) in our moral circle we feel a sense of moral obligation for their treatment. But the factors determining who is in or out are more complicated than you may think.
Bad research techniques have called into question the results of many psychology studies. Fixing the problem starts with making sure students don’t pick up bad habits.
Heavy metal concert fans: there are striking differences in the emotional responses of fans and non-fans of death metal.
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For non-fans, listening to death metal is a negative experience. But research has found the music has the opposite effect on fans, giving rise to positive experiences such as power, joy and peace.
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”.
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.