Emotions

The main characters in the 2015 Pixar movie Inside Out were all emotions; Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust. The film is a great introduction to psychology. And it's funny. Emotions are an even more complex area than consciousness, and they have more of an impact on our behaviour. Neuroscientists want to understand how hormones (such as oxytocin) affect our emotions and why people with autism often have difficulty identifying emotions.

The top 10 happiest countries in the world 2024

One ticket to Luxembourg, please.
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Here’s what makes your emotions more infectious to others

Can your friend catch your bad mood, or can your partner infect you with happy one?
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Here’s why you get a lump in your throat when you’re about to cry

Strong emotions cause physical responses in the body, and it's not always pleasant. A doctor recommends how to deal with this common sensation.
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Here's why musicians pull such weird faces

Those strange expressions actually serve a purpose.
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Why do I go red when I’m embarrassed or have been drinking?

Blushing is a physiological response which is triggered when we are stressed.
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Anemoia: Why am I nostalgic for a time I didn’t know or a place I’ve never been?

Do you find yourself longing for the magic of yesteryear, even when you’ve not been there yourself? You’re not alone - a psychologist explains why.
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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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Are there any benefits to using a daylight SAD lamp? A GP explains

They're a non-invasive and drug-free treatment for seasonal depression - here's what a GP thinks of them.
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Does having children actually make you happy? A neuroscientist explains

Some parents say having kids is the best thing they've ever done... others would quite like some time to themselves. So, overall, does having kids make you happier?
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How much money do you need to be happy?

A rollover lottery win? A nice windfall that won’t trouble the tax man? Or just enough for a bag of chips on the way home? Helen Russell finds a figure that’s scientifically guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
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Why do we fall in love?

Is it companionship, procreation or something more? Dr Anna Machin reveals what makes us so willing to become targets for Cupid’s arrow.
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