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Perfectionism: 11 Studies Reveal Its Origins, Costs & How To Cope (P)

The drive to be perfect is rising. So is the damage it causes. Find out what research says — and how to break free.

Perfectionism involves being highly self-critical, constantly striving to meet the standards set by others — typically parents or mentors — and doubting whether one's own efforts are ever good enough.

Unfortunately, striving to appear flawless and achieve perfection in everything can damage both mental and physical health.

Despite having higher IQs, perfectionists can suffer psychologically and physically because they are under continuous stress.

These 11 studies explore how the relentless pursuit of impossible standards often masks deep-seated anxieties -- and how perfectionists can cope with them.

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16 Ways Sleep Deprivation Affects Your Mind (P)

From planning to eating and connecting with others, sleep deprivation affects far more than most people realise.

In January 1964, American teenager Randy Gardner set what was then the record for the longest scientifically documented period of intentional sleep deprivation.

Without the aid of stimulants, he managed to stay awake for 264.4 hours, or 11 days and 24 minutes.

Part of his motivation was to show that the symptoms of sleep deprivation were not as severe as people thought.

He was wrong: he experienced paranoia, hallucinations, mood swings and a range of psychological problems, many of which are described below.

But he didn’t notice many of these problems himself -- which is part of how sleep deprivation catches people out.

Here are 16 of the most striking ways a lack of sleep affects the mind and brain.

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24 Proven Techniques To Be More Creative (P)

Creativity is not just talent, it is also technique. Here are 24 ways to boost innovation.

Creativity can feel like magic: ideas may come at the edge of sleep, while in the shower or when we least expect.

Sometimes they spring up after we stop trying, other times they hide behind a sarcastic remark or a second guess.

But, psychologists have found we can help along these seemingly random or natural processes in a number of ways.

Comprehensively updated in May 2026, here are 24 techniques for increasing creativity: both the generation and selection of innovative ideas.

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16 Studies Reveal The Causes & Cures Of Addiction (P)

These psychology studies uncover the causes of addiction and the mindsets that can help people break free.

Addiction is often explained in simple ways: weak willpower, bad habits or the desire to escape painful feelings.

But decades of research across psychology, neuroscience and behavioural science has transformed what we know about addiction -- from the thoughts and feelings that drive it to the traits and mindsets that can help people recover.

Here are 16 psychology studies that shed light on the causes of addiction and the factors that aid recovery.

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20 Memory-Enhancing Hacks That Work Like Magic (P)

These 20 memory hacks involve nutrition, smells, specific types of exercise, drawing and even changing location.

What if improving your memory didn’t require endless repetition or exhausting study sessions?

The good news is that psychological research has uncovered a range of techniques that can help you enhance your memory in surprising -- and often enjoyable -- ways.

Whether you want to ace a test, remember new names, or hold onto life’s everyday details, these scientifically backed methods can give your brain the boost it needs. (updated May 2026).

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10 Reasons Napping Is The Ultimate Power Move For Your Brain, Heart & Mood (P)

From “aha” moments to a 50 percent lower stroke risk, science proves that napping isn’t lazy — it’s a biological necessity for peak performance.

For most of us, the afternoon nap carries a faint whiff of guilt; it feels indulgent, unproductive, a little too close to giving up on the day.

While napping too much can be a bad sign in the elderly (1, 2), for healthy people, psychological research tells quite a different story.

These 10 studies reveal what napping really does to your brain, your mood, your cognitive performance, and even your long-term physical health.

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10 Psychological Traits That Shape How Long You Will Live (P)

Ten psychological markers — from handling stress to sense of purpose — that predict a longer life.

While diet, genetics and medical care all matter in longevity, there is more to it than cholesterol levels, step counts and kale salads.

Certain mental and personality factors consistently predict who thrives, stays physically resilient and survives the longest.

The way people process setbacks, use language, interact with others and their overall approach to life all hint at who will make it to 90.

Are you psychologically wired to go the distance? Here's the evidence from 10 psychology studies.

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Happiness Hacks: 28 Simple Strategies For A Brighter, Joy-Filled Life (P)

Here are 20 simple tweaks to mindset, habits and lifestyle to enhance everyday life.

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10 Studies Reveal What Phones Are Doing To Our Minds (P)

How everyday phone habits shape our mood, trust, relationships and well-being in ways most people rarely notice.

People now spend a staggering three to six hours per day on their smartphones -- not including work-related time.

So, what psychological effects is all this phone use really having?

One study conducted in association with Google finds there is little evidence that smartphone usage is inherently bad for adults.

Another study has found that moderate amounts of screen time help people recover from daytime stress.

But even if smartphone use is not inherently bad, there may be better ways to spend that time.

Here are 10 studies that reveal how everyday phone habits shape attention, emotion, relationships, trust, social interaction and well-being.

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How Psychopaths Deceive And Dominate: 16 Essential Studies (P)

Forget Hollywood portrayals of cunning masterminds – psychopaths on average are not that smart, although they can be surprisingly subtle, especially when female.

Are psychopaths born or bred? Can they ever change? How clever are they really? And can they ever be 'successful' in society?

The answers matter because some estimates suggest that almost one in twenty people are psychopaths, while as many as one in three have at least some psychopathic traits.

This article, revised and updated in April 2026, draws on 16 studies to explore how psychopathic tendencies develop, how they affect the mind, emotions and behaviour, as well as how they survive 'in the wild'.

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