Anger, sadness, boredom, anxiety – emotions that feel bad can be useful

Lots of people will do a lot to avoid feeling negative emotions. But researchers are figuring out how these unpleasant feelings actually have benefits.

Heather Lench, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University • conversation
Feb. 8, 2024 • ~9 min

Rust out: why boredom at work can be harmful and what employers can do about it

Occasional boredom at work is normal and healthy, but if you’re stuck in it long term it can damage your wellbeing.

Valerie van Mulukom, Assistant Professor in Cognitive Science, Coventry University • conversation
May 22, 2023 • ~8 min

'Are we nearly there yet?': why long car journeys are so excruciating for your kids

Car journeys combine many of the factors that make time pass so agonisingly slowly for children.

Ruth Ogden, Reader in Experimental Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University • conversation
Aug. 26, 2022 • ~6 min

Five ways boredom could be changing your behaviour, for better or worse

Boredom can make you angry, impulsive or find meaning in life.

Wijnand Van Tilburg, Lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of Essex • conversation
Feb. 24, 2021 • ~7 min

Five ways 'bad' behaviour can benefit you – and others

Drinking, swearing and social transgressions can lead to good things.

Richard Stephens, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Keele University • conversation
Jan. 28, 2021 • ~7 min

Porn use is up, thanks to the pandemic

Online pornography is one business that's booming during the coronavirus pandemic. A psychology researcher explains its pull and whether there are likely to be longer-term effects of this surge in use.

Joshua B. Grubbs, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Bowling Green State University • conversation
April 8, 2020 • ~8 min

Fighting boredom with banjos and Russian grammar – tips from polar explorers for surviving months of isolation

A strong mind was key to surviving the monotony faced by Antarctic explorers enduring the isolation of long, remote winters.

Daniella McCahey, History Lecturer, University of Idaho • conversation
March 30, 2020 • ~7 min

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