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Change and self-development

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AgeingChange and self-developmentChildhood and adolescenceCompassion and empathyConsciousnessDeath and dyingDecision-makingDisabilityEmotion regulationEmotionsFocus and attentionFreedom and choiceGenderGoals and motivationHabits and routinesHappinessHistory of emotionsHistory of ideasHuman evolutionHuman natureIdentityJoyKnowledge and reasonLearning and educationLife stagesMemoirMemory and nostalgiaMind and brainNeurosciencePersonalityResilience and flexibilitySex and sexualitySleep and dreamsSocial historyThe body and physical healthThe selfThinkers and theoriesThinking and intelligence
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Medieval painting of a woman writing by a window with a ship on the sea outside, wearing a dark gown and hood.

Change and self-development

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How to find inner peace like Saint Teresa of Ávila

The 16th-century ‘spiritual rock-star’ shows how seeing your soul as a castle can be a source of strength and consolation

by Skye C Cleary

A film still of a woman, Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games movie franchise, with a braid standing in a transparent elevator looking out with a thoughtful expression.

Film

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Hollywood’s fixation on the wrong stories won’t help our world

Today’s global problems are caused by broken systems, but the studios still feed us a diet of movies focused on individuals

by Namir Khaliq

Photo of a rainy motorway with heavy traffic and a sign warning of a stranded vehicle, speed limit 40 mph.

Decision-making

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Why small annoyances can harm us more than big disruptions

A largely forgotten psychological concept helps explain the insidiousness of minor problems – and what to do about it

by Shayla Love

Photo of three elderly male cyclists in gear sitting on chairs at an indoor track, helmets on, bikes visible behind them.

Ageing

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

Whether you are 20 or 90, each moment of life presents an opportunity to focus on what really matters to you

by Berit Lewis

Photo of people in colourful costumes at night outside a neon-lit restaurant.

Life stages

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Legal definitions aside – what makes you think you’re an adult?

Achieving adult status is a momentous part of life. Our research suggests getting there takes more than years or milestones

by Megan Wright

Photo of bare feet standing at the edge of a dock above green water, with a worn wooden surface beneath.

Fear and phobia

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To fear well is virtuous and more important than being brave

Fear is not the enemy, but a real and legitimate emotion. To truly support another in their fear, let them give it a voice

by Ami Harbin

Photo of two people in pink bunny costumes with carrot designs, holding drinks and standing by a tiled wall under a sign.

Personality

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To improve your life, consider changing your personality

New research supports the idea that intentionally developing certain traits is not only possible, but comes with benefits

by Christian Jarrett

Black and white photo of a hand holding a small portrait of a smiling girl wearing a polka dot dress with braided hair.

Change and self-development

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What can we learn from those who have a moral change of heart?

Stories of sharp adjustments in moral perspective show the potential of unusual experiences to open people’s minds

by Joshua May

Abstract painting of intertwined human figures with organic shapes and muted colours, creating a surreal and dynamic composition.

Sadness and sorrow

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When emotions rot, they compost and transform into something new

A self that fractures through loss or grief marks a psychological shift, beginning a cycle of regrowth through decomposition

by Kelsey Day

A man in a red jacket jogs near iconic London skyscrapers, including the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie, on a cloudy day. People walk in the background.

Goals and motivation

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

Whatever your aims in life, the words you use matter. Here’s an important distinction that will help you stay on track

by Justin Kompf

Photo of a child in a blue gingham shirt with yellow badges featuring positive messages and symbols on the chest.

Fairness and equality

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Teaching self-confidence can backfire and perpetuate inequality

It’s true that self-confidence is beneficial, but the way in which it’s often taught is misguided and can be harmful

by Eddie Brummelman & Kelly Ziemer

A vintage black and white photo of a biplane flying over a city with a castle on a hill and dramatic cloudscape.

Sleep and dreams

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Five ways to take control of your dreams

Lucid dreaming lets you shape your dreamscape, whether your aims are practical or fantastical. These tips can get you started

by Christian Jarrett