Members in the Media
From: U.S. News & World Report

Washing the Body ‘Cleanses’ the Mind

U.S. News & World Report:

There may be some truth to the expression “cleanliness is next to godliness” after all, finds a new review of previously published studies.

University of Michigan researchers found that showering and hand-washing help people rid themselves of bad feelings, such as guilt, sadness or doubt.

“Cleansing is about the removal of residues,” said researcher Spike W.S. Lee. “By even just thinking about washing themselves, people can rid themselves of a sense of immorality, lucky or unlucky feelings, or doubt about a decision.”

The review was published in the latest issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science.

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