Psychology

Animals

What parrots can teach us about human intelligence

By studying the brains and behaviors of parrots, scientists hope to learn more about how humanlike intelligence evolves.

Science & Society

Most people say self-control is the same as willpower. Researchers disagree

Psychologists say self-control is about planning ahead to avoid relying on willpower in the moment. Laypeople see things differently.

Psychology

Here’s how to give a good gift, according to science

Gifting researcher Julian Givi outlines common mistakes gift givers make and how science can help us avoid those costly errors.

Psychology

Why scientists are expanding the definition of loneliness

Feeling detached from animals, places and routines can cause loneliness, researchers are learning, which may expand the list of interventions.

Psychology

An apology to Indigenous communities sparks a mental health rethink

The leading U.S. psychological association pledged to embrace Indigenous approaches to healing, which requires rethinking how to address mental health.

Psychology

Time in nature or exercise is touted for happiness. But evidence is lacking

A review of hundreds of studies finds limited strong scientific evidence to support many common recommendations for leading a happier life.

Psychology

‘Fires in the Dark’ illuminates how great healers ease mental suffering

Kay Redfield Jamison’s new book examines approaches used throughout history to restore troubled minds and broken spirits.

Psychology

Boys experience depression differently than girls. Here’s why that matters

Boys’ depression often manifests as anger or irritability, but teen mental health surveys tend to ask about hopelessness.

Humans

Race car drivers tend to blink at the same places in each lap

Blinking is thought to occur randomly, but a new study tracking blinks in racing drivers shows it can be predictable — and strategic.

Science & Society

Deliberate ignorance is useful in certain circumstances, researchers say

The former East German secret police, the Stasi, spied on people for years. But when given access to the Stasi files, most people didn’t want to read them, researchers found.

Health & Medicine

Pets and people bonded during the pandemic. But owners were still stressed and lonely

People grew closer to their pets during the first two years of COVID. But pet ownership didn’t reduce stress or loneliness, survey data show.

Psychology

Native language might shape musical ability

People who speak tonal languages, where pitch alters meaning, are better at perceiving melody but worse at rhythm than speakers of nontonal languages.