Psychology Today

We may think we know what drives human behavior. But psychologists continue to discover unexpected, non-intuitive explanations for why we do what we do, starting with these 10.

Our experience of time, research proves, is highly flexible and subjective but it does tend to speed up as we age. There's a simple reason why—and a simple way to fix it.

When you already feel pushed to your limit, each additional stressor can feel like it's just too much to handle. But there are ways to find stability in the midst of chaos. Start here.

Playing with a dog, new research shows, causes the release of the mood-elevating hormone oxytocin, an effect that's particularly strong in children. Here's what else we've learned.

Cutting someone off can wreak unexpected havoc on your social life, as research shows that a single estrangement can easily lead to dozens of others. Here's how to limit the damage.

"Just because we’re alive doesn’t mean we always feel full of life," writes psychologist Juliana Breines. Fortunately, small tweaks, like these, can help you start recapturing your vitality.

Listening is the hard part of being in a conversation, because doing it right demands focus, empathy, and curiosity. How do the best listeners manage it? They draw on these 5 skills.

Fifteen percent of U.S. men say they have no close friends—and some experts think widespread deficits in social initiation skills are to blame. The good news? These skills can be learned.

"I’ve interviewed many older people," researcher Sam Carr writes; often, "I'm struck by the sincerity with which some feel their life is completed." Why have so many grown tired of life?

No, psychologists don't analyze everyone they meet, and they aren't just "friends for hire." But if you thought otherwise, you wouldn't be alone. Here's the truth.