Christian Jarrett

Christian Jarrett

Dr Christian Jarrett is a cognitive neuroscientist, science writer and author. He is the Editor of Psyche, the sister magazine to Aeon that illuminates the human condition through psychology, philosophy and the arts. Jarrett also created the British Psychological Society's Research Digest blog and was the first ever staff journalist on the Society's magazine, The Psychologist. He is author of Great Myths of The Brain and Be Who You Want: Unlocking the Science of Personality Change.

Recent articles by Christian Jarrett
Young woman smiling.

Does your name affect your physical appearance?

What's in a name? A lot, actually
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Man opening curtains

Early risers versus night owls: A neuroscientist explains who is happiest

Does early to bed and early to rise really make you healthy, wealthy and wise?
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A woman with lines running around her head showing confusion

What is a collapsed narcissist?

A certain type of narcissist carries extra risk with a rage not seen elsewhere.
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A woman looking through glasses of water, an illusion

Is having déjà vu unhealthy?

Wait... have I read this before? Is déjà vu unhealthy, or just a normal brain function? We're sure we already told you...
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A person stood looking confused about which decision to make in front of a bright blue cartoonish background.

What is decision paralysis and how do I deal with it?

You'll never be stuck deciding which washing detergent to buy ever again
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Illustration of runners on an athletic track running in one direction except one competitor who runs in the opposite direction

Why do I self-sabotage so much?

Actions which hurt your chance of success can come from low self-esteem – here are a few tips to break the habit
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High-functioning anxiety is an issue hiding in pain sight © Getty Images

How to stop high-functioning anxiety from ruining your life

There’s nothing wrong with struggling with anxiety, but many successful, high-achieving people are suffering in silence
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A rock with the shape of a face seemingly protruding from the rock face.

Why do I keep seeing faces in everything?

Spotting faces in clouds and toast? It could mean you're a creative genius.
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A person giving feedback to a colleague.

How do I stop taking things personally?

Try not to take it to heart.
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Human brain with cognitive decline concept.

The 6 best habits to keep your brain fit as you age, according to neuroscience

What can you do to stave off cognitive decline? Neuroscientist Christian Jarrett explains the six habits that can keep your grey matter fit.
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Woman doing breathing exercises

8 techniques all anxious people should use, according to a psychologist

Whether in the short- or long-term, there are lots of different techniques that can help you deal with anxiety.
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Woman during a lie detector exam.

Are psychopaths really that good at lying?

Are psychopaths really that good at lying? The research is clear
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Why do I always walk into a room and forget what I’m doing? © Daniel Bright

Why do I always walk into a room and forget what I’m doing?

Cognitive neuroscientist Dr Christian Jarrett explains the bizarre memory quirk
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Kaleidoscope portraits of female looking up, representing personality change.

The simple ways you can change your personality, according to a cognitive neuroscientist

Want to become more confident, extroverted or assertive? Science shows that with a few simple changes, you can unlock your best self.
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Dissolving multi coloured cubes flying to the human brain.

It’s time to change your relationship with dopamine

Going on a ‘dopamine detox’ probably isn’t going to boost your mood and focus.
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A brightly coloured graphic showing someone meditating on the the right hand side.'The power of thought' is written on the left.

'Active' optimists live longer, happier lives. Here's how to become one

Is manifestation pure pseudoscience or could there be something to it?
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Baby sleeping on dad's shoulder

How many fathers are unknowingly raising children that aren't theirs?

A surprisingly common issue that is occurring around the world.
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Female portrait with collaged face parts

How does my brain create my sense of self?

Each of us experience profound changes across the course of our lifetime and yet, we still have a sense of being the same person
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A person holding a peeled banana which has been pixelated

Here's what 'porn addiction' actually is (and how to manage it)

While a source of shame for some, there’s little hard evidence that X-rated sites are harmful or even addictive to regular users.
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People forming better habits.

4 simple, science-backed ways to build habits that stick

Baby steps can make a big difference
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Christmas, home and couple with stress, tired and exhausted with burnout, speed and headache. Xmas, man and woman on couch, tradition and tension with pressure, festive season and relationship

Why Christmas with family overwhelms your brain (and how to cope)

Affective labelling and scheduled escapes: the psychological tactics you need for a merry (and sane) Christmas.
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How stable is my personality?

Various studies have looked at how personality changes over our lives
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Joyful businesswoman dancing with coworkers

How to beat social anxiety and actually enjoy your office Christmas party

A festive survival guide for those who’d rather hibernate
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A boy and his dog in a loving embrace.

How should you talk to someone who has just lost a pet?

Just as with human bereavement, losing a pet can cause intense grief
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