2024 · 03. October 2024
Research shows pessimism is often seen as wise and insightful, while optimists can be viewed as naïve and ignorant. My latest column explains why it's important not to mistake pessimism for wisdom or to see optimism as shallow.
2024 · 08. August 2024
Imagine you’re in a relationship with someone who is usually brilliant, funny and loving. However, this same partner is sometimes the exact opposite, engaging in screaming rages that leave you crushed and bewildered. Do you stay in the relationship, or do you leave? Psychology professor Roy Baumeister was in this position when he was young. Unsure what to do, he kept track of the days spent with his partner, recording which were good, bad and neutral. A few months of data showed they enjoyed...
2024 · 27. June 2024
The American comedian Stephen Colbert once said that cynicism ‘masquerades as wisdom, but it is the furthest thing from it. Research shows he's right - there really is nothing smart about cynicism.
2024 · 21. March 2024
Anyone who has cycled a bike knows what it’s like to cycle into a strong wind, and how you focus on how hard it is to be blown back. Unfortunately, we don’t take the same notice if a tailwind pushes us forward; instead, it’s quickly forgotten. It’s human nature to react this way. Our brains have a built-in negativity bias which means we notice and focus on the headwinds, but often forget or barely notice the tailwinds. My latest column looks at how we can overcome this negativity bias.
2023 · 19. October 2023
We’re generally quick to spot when someone behaves badly towards us, because our brains are wired to be alert to threats of all kinds. Unfortunately, we’re not quite as good at taking note of the little kindnesses of daily life. My latest column explores how it will help your mood and well-being if you train yourself to spot and savour these moments, which are more common than you may think.
2022 · 03. November 2022
Do you ever look back on something that once seemed important to you and wonder: wow, why did I think that was such a big deal? My latest Southern Star column explores why "nothing in life is as important as you think it is, when you are thinking about it".
2018 · 23. August 2018
You might receive dozens of compliments and a single critical comment, but that one negative comment is the one you remember. Why so? In last week's Southern Star, I explored how we have a built-in negativity bias and why "bad is stronger than good, as a general principle". The column is below. Imagine this scenario. You’ve done a job you’re happy with you’re with and everyone says you did great. Well, almost everyone. There was one one semi-critical comment. Which will you remember –...