Christian Jarrett
BBC Focus Magazine
United Kingdom
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Past articles by Christian:
7 must-read psychology books to help you better understand yourself and your potential
Psychologist Dr Christian Jarrett recommends seven of the best books on psychology. → Read More
The 6 best habits to keep your brain fit, 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. → Read More
Researchers were surprised to find bungee jumpers' cognition was enhanced after a jump
Intense emotion and an adrenaline rush can affect your ability to think straight, but maybe not in the way you'd expect. Researchers have found that, contrary to expectations, bungee jumpers' cognition is enhanced after a jump. Compared to the control group, the jumpers reported positive and intense feelings — is this the key to performance? → Read More
Microdosing psychedelics can be beneficial, but not always in the way users expect
Advocates of microdosing psychedelics, like LSD and magic mushrooms, claim it improves their "creativity, focus, happiness, productiveness, and wellbeing." But new research shows that microdosing doesn't always have the benefits that users expect, and that it can also increase neuroticism. → Read More
People with greater intellectual humility have superior general knowledge
People with superior general knowledge may be more humble about their intelligence, researchers say. A study found that those with greater intellectual humility were less likely to exaggerate what they knew or claim to have knowledge they didn't have, but also underestimated their ability to perform well on cognitive tests. → Read More
Neurotic people have noisier, more chaotic minds, say researchers
Neuroticism is one of the main personality traits. People who score high in neuroticism tend to be impulsive, struggle with mood swings, and may worry a lot. Researchers examined four studies and found that neurotic people may also have "noisier, more chaotic minds." However, this has no correlation to a lower IQ or poor job performance. → Read More
Why do people with depression like listening to sad music?
We all know the powerful effect that music can have on mood. You might be feeling rather chirpy, but then a tear-jerker comes on the car radio and you arrive home feeling morose (conversely, of course, happy tunes can lift our spirits). → Read More
To boost your self-esteem, write about chapters of your life
Lacking confidence? Need an ego boost? Take a leaf out of the autobiographer’s book and write about chapters of your life → Read More
"The self is not entirely lost in dementia," new study argues
In the past when scholars have reflected on the psychological impact of dementia they have frequently referred to the loss of the "self" in dramatic and devastating terms, using language such as the "unbecoming of the self" or the "disintegration" of the self. → Read More
The bad news on human nature, in 10 findings from psychology
Rotten to the core: 10 findings from psychology that reveal the bad news about human nature and show us how to do better → Read More
Acting like an extravert has benefits, but not for introverts
Fake it till you make it? Acting like an extravert for a week makes most people feel happier – unless you’re an introvert → Read More
What are we like? 10 psychology findings that reveal the worst of human nature
It's a question that's reverberated through the ages – are we humans, though imperfect, essentially kind, sensible, good-natured creatures? → Read More
Psychotherapy is not harmless: on the side effects of CBT
Psychotherapy is not harmless: 100 therapists reveal that 43 per cent of clients have unwanted side effects from CBT → Read More
Psychology’s 10 greatest case studies – digested
These ten characters have all had a huge influence on psychology. Their stories continue to intrigue those interested in personality and identity, nature and nurture, and the links between mind and body. → Read More
What are the psychological effects of losing your religion?
For many, their religion is a core part of their identity, the meaning they find in life, and their social world. Changing this crucial aspect of themselves will have significant psychological consequences. → Read More
Why more highly educated people are less into conspiracy theories
Two studies, summing up almost 5,000 participants, point to an interesting link between education and conspiracy theories. → Read More
Five Ways to Benefit from Embracing Spontaneity and Disorder
These days it’s hard to avoid the admonishments of self-titled productivity gurus that we should take more control over our lives, calendars, and in-boxes. But there are countless examples of creative and entrepreneurial minds soaring to their greatest heights through the exact opposite approach. → Read More
True Grit: How to Build Up Your Resilience
Three steps that you can take to increase your ability to persevere. → Read More
Science shows eye contact is so powerful, it can make you lose connection with reality
Eye contact is an powerful psychological device, and science keeps uncovering new impacts it has on the human mind. → Read More
How to Beat the Imposter Syndrome Feeling
Approximately 70 percent of us will experience a period of self-doubt at least once in our lives. Rebuild your confidence using these five strategies. → Read More