
The neural reward that makes avoiding your fears feel so good
We’re told that facing our fears can help us overcome them – but this misses the other intoxicating part of the equation
by Muhammad Badarnee & Mohammed R Milad
Expert insights, perspectives and provocations to stimulate your mind

We’re told that facing our fears can help us overcome them – but this misses the other intoxicating part of the equation
by Muhammad Badarnee & Mohammed R Milad

Hope is indispensable. But when false hope blinds us to reality, a short bout of despair might be the antidote we need
by Juliette Vazard

A fresh investigation of vast numbers of young people from around the world has thrown up some surprising results
by Jakob Pietschnig & Sandra Oberleiter

Directed by Carla MacKinnon







Self-control, grit, growth mindset – trendy skills won’t transform children’s lives, but more meaningful interventions can
by Tyler W Watts

Many think the answer is obvious: we ought to cut immoral people out of our lives. But that isn’t necessarily the best option
by Yiran Hua

Conscientiousness is constantly touted as a virtue, so what’s life like for people with the opposite trait – disinhibition?
by Janan Mostajabi

Shame swamps any redeeming traits you might have thought you had. Slow down to interrupt the loops that cause self-hatred
by Troy Seagraves

New research reveals that physical attractiveness is more about personal compatibility than meeting universal standards
by Annett Schirmer

Like billions of people, I use caffeine. But there is a glaring double standard in the drugs we stigmatise or celebrate
by Jonathan Simone

ADHD is typically thought to be wired into the brain early. But many cases may be better seen as products of digital life
by Paul Kudlow, Karline Treurnicht Naylor & Elia Abi-Jaoude

A fresh investigation of vast numbers of young people from around the world has thrown up some surprising results
by Jakob Pietschnig & Sandra Oberleiter

Self-control, grit, growth mindset – trendy skills won’t transform children’s lives, but more meaningful interventions can
by Tyler W Watts

Many think the answer is obvious: we ought to cut immoral people out of our lives. But that isn’t necessarily the best option
by Yiran Hua

Conscientiousness is constantly touted as a virtue, so what’s life like for people with the opposite trait – disinhibition?
by Janan Mostajabi

AI could satisfy our deeply held desire to talk to other creatures. But the potential for harm might outweigh the benefits
by Virginie Simoneau-Gilbert & Leonie Bossert

Hard-to-diagnose illnesses aren’t ‘all in the mind’. But recognising their links to mental health can help reduce the pain
by Karina Waluk

Unemployed and isolated, the residents of a hikikomori rehab centre hold up a mirror to a society that’s failing them
by Alain Julian

Conscientiousness is constantly touted as a virtue, so what’s life like for people with the opposite trait – disinhibition?
by Janan Mostajabi

From scarcity to market architecture, luxury fashion is manipulating our tastes. But a vintage countermovement has begun
by Charlotte Wren

As a resident tutor, I’ve seen how students are using AI as more than a tool. It’s a psychological shift we’ll soon all make
by Rhea Tibrewala

The group at the heart of American origin stories had a complex relationship with despair – and a need to reckon with it
by Alexandra M Lord

The popular brain-disease model was meant to reduce stigma and explain addiction. It’s time to check whether it’s delivered
by Chrysanthi Blithikioti & Ioana Alina Cristea

ADHD is typically thought to be wired into the brain early. But many cases may be better seen as products of digital life
by Paul Kudlow, Karline Treurnicht Naylor & Elia Abi-Jaoude

Breathing was once a natural reflex. How did it become a high-stakes biohacking ritual taught by wellness celebrities?
by Oriana Walker

Like billions of people, I use caffeine. But there is a glaring double standard in the drugs we stigmatise or celebrate
by Jonathan Simone

Many think the answer is obvious: we ought to cut immoral people out of our lives. But that isn’t necessarily the best option
by Yiran Hua

We must escape the psychological trap where grave warnings about existential threats trigger ever more destructive behaviour
by M I Krueger

New research reveals that physical attractiveness is more about personal compatibility than meeting universal standards
by Annett Schirmer

Through tango, I sharpened attentional skills that make any moment richer. But these can be honed on or off the dancefloor
by Sara Melzer

Disclosing acts of kindness could encourage even more altruism – if we can find a way around the awkwardness
by Jerry Richardson