-
Don’t Shut Down Your Anger. Channel It.
There is an upside to feeling angry. According to research published this week in the “Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,” anger is more helpful at motivating people to overcome obstacles and meet their goals than a
-
Want to Believe In Yourself? ‘Mattering’ Is Key.
Gordon Flett came across the term “mattering” as a psychology graduate student. Sitting at his desk in 1987, poring over a textbook, “I immediately knew what mattering was,” he said. He remembered visiting his grandmother
-
In the “I” of the Beholder: People Believe Self-Relevant Artwork is More Beautiful
Our feelings about art may be more personal than previously realized, causing us to prefer art that speaks to our sense of self.
-
Want to Make a Change? Conjure Your ‘Possible Selves.’
Years ago, as a young business reporter, I interviewed an advertising executive who ran a fast-food chain account. I was there to ask about the latest campaign. But when I sat down, he wanted to talk
-
People in the U.S. Think They Are Better Than They Actually Are. People in Asia Don’t
How competent are you, compared with your colleagues? When psychologists approach teams of coworkers with variations of this question, an interesting pattern emerges. If people have a truly realistic perspective of their abilities, then their
-
How to Forgive Ourselves for What We Can’t Change
When we regret our past, it can feel like we’re incapable of changing our future. But it may be our past “mistakes” that help us realize there is room to evolve. In the finale episode
