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

The 6 most important questions about anxiety, answered by a psychologist

Here are the simple, science-backed ways of reframing your inner demons.
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Photo of a group of people enjoying a house party

How can I make myself more attractive?

It turns out the most magnetic people all share a few simple habits
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An illustration of a dolls' house in the shape of a person's profile

6 science-backed ways to protect and improve your memory

Forgetfulness doesn't have to be an inevitable part of life
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Multiple exposures woman.

The best technique for spotting a liar, according to psychologists

What’s different about the minds and personalities of prolific liars?
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Illustration of woman doing multiple things at once

The genius tricks that make any new habit actually stick, according to a psychologist

Our lives are filled with habitual behaviours, both good and bad, but how do they form and how can we build better ones?
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Upset man and woman hugging.

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

When a loved one is processing grief, don't assume you know how they feel
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People participate in a Spaced-Out competition on Jamsu Bridge over Han River in Seoul, South Korea

How long can you do nothing for?

Becoming the master of nothing is harder than it seems
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Group of people with confidence.

Is confidence contagious?

Can you catch the bug?
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Illustration of a brain that appears like a tree, towering above a person looking down on the ground

How to change your personality for lasting happiness, according to a psychologist

Here's how to measure (and fix) your neuroticism score
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What does narcissistic baiting look like?

Love bombing and idealisation, gaslighting, criticism and sabotage – all signs you could be dating a narcissist
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Illustration of two people locked in an arm wrestle, both look smug trying to one-up each other

What happens when a narcissist crosses a narcissist?

Expect some fireworks
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Young man playing table tennis in workplace, having fun

What are some ways to overcome the intermediate plateau when learning a skill?

Struggling to make that next step? Psychology tells us how to break through that pesky plateau
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A human brain model made by needle felting

Do we really remember an event, or just the memory of an event?

Will you remember this article accurately?
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Illustration of a person walking up to Heaven in a dreamlike state.

What is it like to die? The reassuring science of near-death experiences

They leave their bodies, witness a bright light and return forever changed. But do survivors of near-death experiences truly glimpse into the great beyond? New research into the brain's final moments could decode these visions at life's edge.
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Blonde woman holding man in arms.

The one conversation all couples need to have about cheating, according to a psychologist

There is more than one way to be unfaithful to your partner
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Illustration of a brain wearing a ruff and accompanying old-timey hat

Does my brain live a little in the past?

Does your brain live in the past? Here's how the brain processes and smooths over out-of-date sensory information
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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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