Why simply choosing to believe in something can be so powerful in psychology.

Some people will always anger, frustrate, or offend you, no matter what you do. If avoiding them completely isn't possible, these steps can help you stay calm and maybe even begin to heal.

While it's important to be aware of the emotional state of others, internalizing their distress can quickly overwhelm and incapacitate helpful action. Here's what to try instead.

Why do highly gifted individuals so often exhibit the traits of a sensitive person?

Perfectionists tend to feel, think, and act in ways that are likely to lead to depression. Here's how.

More muscles, less anxiety? Here's what new research finds about the relationship between physical strength and mental well-being.

"Days on earth are not easy, and everyone encounters their share of trials and sufferings. We must always keep hope, and above all, keep our childlike wonder of the world," says a 109-year-old pianist.

Emotions have long been associated with changes in brain activity, body function, and behavior. But what actually causes our feelings? Here's what we know.

Success won't make you happy for long. Here's why purpose, identity, and connection beat ambition nearly every time.

Deep thinking is like good cooking. Sometimes the answer to a hard question—about work, a relationship, a choice—may not be ready yet. Our job is to keep showing up, to keep the heat steady, to let time do its work.

People with low self-esteem might look like they have it all together on the outside, while on the inside, they struggle with feeling not good enough, like they don't measure up or belong. Here's what that does to their life.

Low self-esteem means someone likely has a negative internal dialogue, which they may not even be aware of. Changing the way they talk to themselves can make a big difference to their overall well-being. Here's how.

"Your person with ADHD has spent their waking time absorbing words like lazy, thoughtless, and unreliable into their skin. They call themselves even worse," explains Alise Conner, Ph.D. Here's what you can say that will make all the difference.

One of the great benefits of being in a committed relationship is knowing that a partner will always have your back—which is why statements like these four can be so painful.

What if depression isn't a disorder or disease at all but a healing mechanism in its own right? Perhaps we need to listen to what our depression is trying to say.

People with avoidant personality disorder retreat from reality to protect against shame, exposure, and the painful work of growing up. Here's how to recognize the unhealthy patterns.

A recent article about Julia Roberts made me think about the importance of resilience in handling career criticism | my new post for @psychologytoday.com #career www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind...

"Through trial and error, I discovered that there's no escaping grief; it waits for you, even if you try to bury it with work, friendships, or relationships."

Could neuroscience explain terminal lucidity—those startling episodes in which people suffering from severe dementia or brain damage suddenly regain coherent consciousness, memory, and personality just before death?

Many people stay in unsatisfying relationships because they assume that being alone would be even worse. New research suggests they've got it backward.

Resilience shouldn’t mean “cope with anything, no matter how unfair or unsustainable.” There’s a difference between managing stress and normalizing environments that create it unnecessarily. Here's what we need instead.

Narcissists aren’t interested in understanding opposing perspectives—they only care about winning. Here's how they manipulate others and stay in control.

Children who grow up with adverse experiences may lack the psychological resources needed for typical development—and that can look a lot like introversion. Here's what that means for their relationships.

“AI can gaslight, deceive, or churn out disinformation with no intent, no guilt, and no soul. That’s what makes it so dangerous."

The most resilient people don't "bounce back" after adversity—they adapt to a changed reality and find ways to thrive. Here are 9 findings from neuroscience research that can help you do the same.

"There are many ways to treat mental distress effectively, just look at history." A smart and hopeful piece by Susanne Paola Antonetta, author of THE DEVIL'S CASTLE, via @psychologytoday.com: bit.ly/4o9dit6. @jillgrinberglit.bsky.social @catapultbooks.bsky.social

Why is it so hard to stay calm and unshaken when someone criticizes, ignores, or insults us? The answer lies in how our brains are wired.

"Physical activity alone is an excellent adjunct to conventional therapy, and when you combine that with the element of enjoying the weather or scenery, you might be doing your mind a favor along with your body."

Tapping a keyboard does not stimulate the brain, mind, or body as effectively as handwriting does. This is why.

"The best self-help isn't in a book. It's in the moment you allow yourself to see the life you're living and decide whether it's the one you want."

Perfectionism may look like a strength, but at its core, it is anxiety demanding control or validation. Understanding its roots can help you let it go and heal.

When Dr. Bonnie Zucker met Dr. Bonnie Zucker, they were wearing the same shoes. Besides having great fashion sense, this duo can also help us with the anxiety we feel.

All your partner really needs to feel safe with you is to know you’re there for them, that you don’t judge them, and that you care about how they feel—even if you don’t entirely understand it. These phrases will leave them feeling dismissed instead.

Self-criticism doesn't make us stronger or more resilient. In fact, research finds it saps our self-esteem and sabotages our relationships. Here's how to overcome it and find connection.

Gaslighting doesn't just manipulate victims. Over time, it literally rewires their brains. Here's how it works—and how you can recover and reclaim your reality.

Here I cover in @psychologytoday.com 5 dating trends for 2026 identified by a Plenty of Fish survey of its members #psychology #socialpsyc #PsychSciSky #BehSci 🛟 🧪 😷 #AcademicSky🩺#HiSciSky #dating www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-fu...

Letting go means releasing aspects of our lives—such as a relationship, job, living situation, thought pattern, or habit—that aren’t working for us. Here's why it can be so hard, and how to do it anyway.

When it comes to personal change, most people focus on behavior—exercising more, eating healthier, and setting bigger goals. But real transformation starts with the way you talk to yourself.

Life after divorce can be a big, beautiful mess. Here’s how my ex came to love my husband, by PT Executive Editor Lybi Ma.

Dogs don’t dwell on the past or stress about the future. They don’t expect the worst, become filled with regret, or exaggerate the consequences of their actions. They live in the moment. Here's what happens when we think more like our canine friends.

Belatedly posting a @psychologytoday.com post. So much misinformation! www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/misi...

Real self-control isn't about forcing ourselves to do something we don't want to do. It's about choosing to act in ways that fit our values and setting things up so we're more likely to follow through, no gritted teeth required.

Cats are known for their independence, confidence, and unapologetic self-care. They remind us to treat ourselves with the same respect and compassion that we often only reserve for others.

People who are particularly high in narcissism are not only unpleasant to have around, but their behavior also negatively affects others. These suggestions can help you identify them early and limit the potential damage. t.co/5ONe3Ku8mM

Playful people are more optimistic, manage life's stresses better, and derive more joy from life in general. Here's how to embrace your playful side for your personal and professional benefit.

People who understand what they are feeling and why have increased resilience, a strong sense of self, and better mental health. Here's what we can learn from them.

Gratitude isn't about waiting for life to be perfect. It's about learning to see the good even—or perhaps especially—in hard times.

Cognitive empathy allows us to understand others’ perspectives without absorbing their emotions. We can then respond with compassion and wisdom without losing ourselves in the process. Here's how it works.

AI chatbots tell us what we want to hear, flatter us, and offer support for our impulses, even when they may be harmful. Here's how a human therapist, flaws and all, can be more genuinely helpful.

Brain fog is a common symptom of anxiety and is linked to the brain's natural threat response system. These 5 suggestions can help you break free and start thinking clearly.