Matt Huston
Matt Huston is an editor and writer interested in psychology, mental health, and culture. Before joining Aeon+Psyche, he was on the editorial staff at Psychology Today for nearly a decade. He has written about a variety of topics in the realm of human behaviour, ranging from teletherapy to social perception to reproducibility in psychological science.
Written by Matt Huston
Emotions
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Some emotions seem to be more ‘elastic’ than others
New research findings suggest that guilt behaves like an on-off switch whereas anger is more elastic and dial-controlled
by Matt Huston
Beauty and aesthetics
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Why art seems more beautiful when you can see yourself in it
Research suggests that people find artworks more aesthetically pleasing when they’re personally relevant to them in some way
by Matt Huston
Cultural diversity
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Cultural differences are far more nuanced than East vs West
It’s simply not the case that ‘Eastern’ cultures are relationally-minded, while ‘Western’ societies are individualistic
by Matt Huston
Anxiety
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What to do when your urge for reassurance has gone too far
The need for constant reassurance can show up like a persistent itch. Follow these steps for a more lasting peace of mind
by Matt Huston
Personality disorders
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There’s a growing case for renaming ‘personality disorders’
The concept of personality disorders has been around for centuries but it’s flawed and needs both a rethink and a new name
by Matt Huston
Edited by Matt Huston
Mindfulness and meditation
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Here’s what to know about using meditation to be a better person
Meditating has long been thought to enhance morality. But the type of meditation – and the aspects of morality – matter
by Jakob Hohwy & Kevin Berryman
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
Sleep and dreams
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How to embrace being a lark or an owl
Skip the advice about training yourself to rise early or burn the midnight oil. Your natural rhythms are your best guide
by Shayla Love
Stories and literature
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What is it about film and TV antiheroes that’s so captivating?
They’re entertaining, of course – but research highlights a deeper psychological reason viewers are drawn to the bad guys
by Ana Gantman & Jordan Wylie
Happiness
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As a psychiatrist, I’ve seen how chasing happiness leads to misery
My clinical work has shown me that happiness is a ghost that’s not worth pursuing – there are far wiser goals in life
by Rafa Euba
Stigma and taboo
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The families of people who commit sex crimes need care and support
While they deal with a kind of grief, the relatives of those who harm others sexually are subject to blame and judgment
by Azadeh Nematy
Worry and rumination
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How to thrive amid ‘imposter syndrome’
Worries that you’re incompetent and undeserving could be holding you back. Try these steps to move toward the life you want
by Jill Stoddard
Worry and rumination
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If thinking is rational, what makes overthinking irrational?
A philosophical perspective on overthinking offers fresh insights into the mental processes involved in anxiety and OCD
by Pablo Hubacher Haerle
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
Freedom and choice
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Recognise free will is an illusion and reap the emotional benefits
The idea that all our choices are determined by past events may seem dispiriting – but it can be emotionally liberating
by Francis Merson
Habits and routines
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How to drink less alcohol
You don’t have an addiction, but you know you’re drinking too much. Learn to regain control and benefit your mind and body
by Michael Levy
Neurodiversity
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Adapting to the neurotypical world is not the same as conforming
As an autistic person, this is how I draw the line between adapting in a way that’s good for me and simple conformity
by Jack Ori