Mind & Behavior

Mind & Behavior

Study the science of how we think, feel, and act, with insights that help you better understand yourself and others.

For some people, there is only one thing to live for. They commit their entire being to that thing. They are dangerous.
Bolero Ida Rubinstein
Undiagnosed brain disease or divine inspiration? The origins of the French composer’s most provocative composition remain up for debate. 
psychosomatic
The brain appears to remember immune responses, and memories can trigger them to happen again. This might explain some psychosomatic illnesses.
A recent study offers new insights into the so-called marriage wage premium.
creative nap
Historical geniuses used the "creative nap" to give their minds a boost. Apparently, the "hypnagogic state" can help with problem solving.
Mental health, healing and pulling together were key themes of 2021, according to the world’s most popular search engine. Google processes billions of requests every day and its Year in Search […]
placebo effect
The placebo effect is not the "power of positive thinking." The fact that it is getting stronger is not a good development.
When we satisfy our curiosity, the brain has a particular way of rewarding us.
Are some of us simple destined for unhappiness?
New ideas inevitably face opposition. A new book called "The Human Element" argues that overcoming opposition requires understanding the concepts of "Fuel" and "Friction."
An elderly woman washing vegetables in a sink.
Research reminds us that mild cognitive impairment isn’t necessarily a prelude to dementia.
Family reconcilliation
Family relationships are on many people’s minds during the holiday season as sounds and images of happy family celebrations dominate the media. Anyone whose experiences don’t live up to the holiday […]
The gospels imply that Jesus became famous as much for his exorcisms as his ministry.
Just don't expect the apocalypse to look like it does in the movies.
Jean Paul Sartre summed up the existentialist idea of "bad faith" through a waiter who acted a bit too much like a waiter.
psilocybin
A small, Seattle-based study will look to see if the psychedelic can alleviate the pandemic’s mental health impact.
A young boy hanging a decoration on a Christmas tree.
For relatives who live far apart, holiday rituals may be the glue that holds the family together.