Can you tell at first glance if someone is likely to be a good partner or parent? New research suggests that observers can identify the most nurturing and socially sensitive people, just by watching their behavior for 20 seconds …
Emotion
Twitter Knows What You’re Feeling
Most of us use Twitter to a) self-promote, b) find out what Kim Kardashian is up to, or c) freak out over the news. But for social scientists, a 24/7 global stream of constantly updated status messages is a rich vein for research …
5 Ways to Let Go of a Grudge
Getting angry is one thing. Holding a bitter grudge is another. Over the long term, chronic feelings of resentment can harm your physical health, according to the authors of a new book, Embitterment.
Study: Crying Won’t Make You Feel Better
There’s something cathartic about having a good cry and “letting it all out,” even if you don’t have anything in particular that’s bringing you down.
Why Your Embarrassment Causes Me So Much Pain
Ever find yourself physically cringing as you watch those hopeful contestants on American Idol who have no clue that they can’t sing? If so, you’re probably a highly empathetic person, according to new study published in the …
Is It O.K. to Feel Happy About Osama bin Laden’s Death?
How is one supposed to react to the violent end met by one of the world’s most violent men? Some people took to the streets cheering and chanting, “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” Others experienced quiet relief that a terrorist had been …
Study: Botox Users Have Trouble Reading Emotions in Others
We all know that Botox injections paralyze facial muscles — which is why it’s used between the brows to iron out frown lines — and can therefore make users appear less emotional. Now a new study finds that the cosmetic toxin …
Why the Pain of Romantic Rejection Feels Like a Punch in the Gut
There are only a lucky few among us who can’t relate to the intense pain of being rejected by a significant other. If a breakup is unexpected, it’s all the more painful — it can hurt with such intensity that you can’t …
Where Does Fear Come From? (Hint: It’s Not the Creepy Basement)
To the average observer, it would seem that 44-year-old patient “SM” was just another typical mother of three: she scores normally on IQ tests, has good language skills and a decent memory.