Perfectionism is everyone’s favorite flaw. It’s easy to assume that our push to be perfect is what leads to academic, athletic and professional success. But psychologist Thomas Curran says perfectionism has a dark side, and that there are much healthier ways to strive for excellence. The post Escaping Perfectionism appeared first on Hidden Brain Media.| Hidden Brain Media
When tragedy strikes, it’s natural to be devastated. But psychologist George Bonanno finds that many of us recover from life’s blows more quickly than we might expect. This week, we talk with Bonanno about his research and why it has changed how many scientists think about trauma and resilience. Do you have follow-up questions or comments after […] The post The Trauma Script appeared first on Hidden Brain Media.| Hidden Brain Media
Have you ever fallen asleep in school or during a work meeting? What's missing from these classrooms and conference rooms is engagement: A state of being absorbed, alert, and eager to learn.| Hidden Brain Media
Aging isn’t just a biological process. Our outlooks and emotions also change as we age, often in ways that boost our well-being. The post The Best Years of Your Life appeared first on Hidden Brain Media.| Hidden Brain Media
Why do some people risk their own lives to help another person, or give away their fortunes for the benefit of strangers? This week, we talk with psychologist and neuroscientist Abigail Marsh, who studies the science of altruism. We’ll explore what’s known about the brains of people who perform acts of remarkable selflessness, and how the […] The post Radical Kindness appeared first on Hidden Brain Media.| Hidden Brain Media
Fear is a normal and healthy response to things that may harm us. But fear can also hold us back from doing the things we want to do.| Hidden Brain Media
What should you do with your life? This week, researcher Victor Strecher explores the science of creating a life full of meaning.| Hidden Brain Media
Holding a grudge can feel like a form of justice, a way of punishing those who have wronged us. But psychologist Fred Luskin says that more often than not, grudges don't hurt the targets of our anger. Instead, they only hurt us. This week, we explore the lingering effects of long-standing animosities, and how to let them go.| Hidden Brain Media
A recent episode of Hidden Brain podcast (NPR), Spoiler Alert! The Psychology of Surprise Endings, was a fascinating dive into why we love plot twists and we actually derive satisfaction from being fooled. It discusses two long-time favorite films, The Sixth Sense and The Unusual Suspects, and gives us insight into the ever-popular unreliable narrator.| Shannon Turlington
