AllPsych Psychology Articles

The AllPsych Blog is focused on the science and real world application of psychology. Read or browse all Blog posts below. With nearly 800 posts, what will you learn today? 

View Psychology Article Archive

Optimism Predicts Healthy Aging

Optimism Predicts Healthy Aging

If you expect that the future holds good things, you might be right. It’s a common idea that optimism can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and psychology research has tended to back up ...
Read More
/ / Developmental Psychology, Health Psychology, Older Adults, Optimism, Positive Psychology
How Much of Self-Control Is Genetic?

How Much of Self-Control Is Genetic?

We each strike a different balance between following our impulses and second-guessing them. The amount of self-control we have can factor into how well we do in school, or how likely we ...
Read More
/ / Biopsychology, Personality, Self-Control
Awe, the Unknown and Science

Awe, the Unknown and Science

Think of an experience you’ve had that inspires awe – seeing the night sky or a stunning landscape, for example. Part of that feeling is probably a sense of wonder at the ...
Read More
/ / Awe, Media Psychology & Technology, Positive Emotions, Positive Psychology
People Care More About Climate Change After Experiencing a Hurricane

People Care More About Climate Change After Experiencing a Hurricane

Climate change is an interesting psychological case study. It’s a big, scientifically unambiguous problem, but we’re more or less content to ignore it and go on with our lives as usual. Part ...
Read More
/ / Behavioral Psychology, Climate Change, Politics, Stress & Trauma
Mental Imagery Can Enhance Motivation

Mental Imagery Can Enhance Motivation

A lack of motivation can put to ruin the greatest plans – or the smallest ones for that matter. Getting the motivation to do something is a complex process that takes place ...
Read More
/ / Cognitive Psychology, Mindfulness, Motivation, Performance Psychology, Positive Psychology
Biking Can Boost Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Biking Can Boost Cognitive Function in Older Adults

For better or worse, pedaling around on a two-wheeled vehicle seems to effect people’s cognition, as I’ve written about before. Being bicyclists apparently makes people better drivers but also gives them a ...
Read More
/ / Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Exercise, Health Psychology, Older Adults
Communication Is Key for Sexual Satisfaction

Communication Is Key for Sexual Satisfaction

You might not think to look through the scientific literature to spice up your sex life, but it turns out that psychology researchers have some ideas about what makes good sex – ...
Read More
/ / Communication, Sex, Social Psychology
Feeling Grateful vs. Feeling Indebted

Feeling Grateful vs. Feeling Indebted

"Thanks! I owe you!" Maybe you’ve said that when someone has done a favor for you. Feeling thankful and feeling like you owe someone are related to each other, but it turns ...
Read More
/ / Gratitude, Positive Psychology, Relationships
Quitting Smoking Can Set Off a Chain Reaction of Positive Mental Health Changes

Quitting Smoking Can Set Off a Chain Reaction of Positive Mental Health Changes

There are obvious physical health benefits that come with giving up tobacco, but it turns out there are some mental health benefits too. Researchers have consistently found a link between quitting smoking ...
Read More
/ / Anxiety, Behavioral Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Depression, Smoking
6 Predictors of Relationship Satisfaction

6 Predictors of Relationship Satisfaction

Happy Valentine’s day! Or is it? That might depend on how satisfied you are with your relationship. It’s hard to define what makes a good relationship, but scientists have a few ideas ...
Read More
/ / Emotion-Affective Psychology, Mindfulness, Relationships, Sex, Social Psychology