The Asymmetric Brain

Stress

The Healing Power of Touch: New Scientific Insights

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on April 14, 2024

Many people feel better if a loved one hugs them when they feel down. A new study investigated how touch benefits physical and mental health.

Many people feel better if a loved one hugs them when they feel down. A new study investigated how touch benefits physical and mental health.

Relationships

Is It OK to Have a Crush on Someone Other Than a Partner?

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on February 21, 2024

Many people in relationships develop a crush on somebody outside their relationship. A new study investigated whether such crushes are harmless for the main relationship or not.

Many people in relationships develop a crush on somebody outside their relationship. A new study investigated whether such crushes are harmless for the main relationship or not.

Stress

New Findings on the Stress-Relieving Power of Hugs

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on February 19, 2024

What helps you feel better in a stressful situation? For many people, a heartfelt hug provides stress relief. A new study provides some insights into why.

What helps you feel better in a stressful situation? For many people, a heartfelt hug provides stress relief. A new study provides some insights into why.

Loneliness

Are You Ready to Hug a Robot?

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on February 18, 2024

Hugging others can bring powerful benefits—but not everyone can get a hug whenever they want one. Could hugging robots be a solution?

Hugging others can bring powerful benefits—but not everyone can get a hug whenever they want one. Could hugging robots be a solution?

Health

Why People Lie About Being Sick: 5 New Scientific Facts

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on February 11, 2024

Sometimes, people lie about being sick to avoid being excluded from work or social events. A new study investigated the psychological motivations behind concealing sickness.

Sometimes, people lie about being sick to avoid being excluded from work or social events. A new study investigated the psychological motivations behind concealing sickness.

Scent

5 New Findings About Why People Sniff Themselves

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on January 12, 2024

Self-sniffing is a typical behavior, but its psychology is not well understood. A new study now gives insights into the different reasons why people smell themselves.

Self-sniffing is a typical behavior, but its psychology is not well understood. A new study now gives insights into the different reasons why people smell themselves.

Deception

5 Ways Lying Can Destroy Self-Esteem

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on January 8, 2024

People lie for many different reasons. New research shows how lying has negative effects on self-esteem and leads to negative emotions.

People lie for many different reasons. New research shows how lying has negative effects on self-esteem and leads to negative emotions.

Left Brain - Right Brain

Why Some People Have “Two Left Hands”

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on January 7, 2024

Some people are ambidextrous and can use both hands equally well. But what about people who struggle to use either hand quickly? Here's what we know about "ambisinistral" people.

Some people are ambidextrous and can use both hands equally well. But what about people who struggle to use either hand quickly? Here's what we know about "ambisinistral" people.

Relationships

8 New Findings on Love and Its Fragility

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on December 30, 2023

Love is a highly complex and personal emotion. A new large-scale study now yields interesting insights into a love and how it fades away.

Love is a highly complex and personal emotion. A new large-scale study now yields interesting insights into a love and how it fades away.

Left Brain - Right Brain

The Difference Between Mixed-Handedness and Ambidexterity

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on December 27, 2023

Left-handedness and right-handedness are not the only forms of handedness. What are the differences?

Left-handedness and right-handedness are not the only forms of handedness. What are the differences?

Social Life

Afraid of Saying No to an Invitation? Don’t Be

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on December 22, 2023

New research finds people don't care if you decline an invitation as much as you think.

New research finds people don't care if you decline an invitation as much as you think.

Left Brain - Right Brain

Which Country Has the Lowest Percentage of Left-Handers?

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on October 22, 2023

Which countries have the highest percentage of left-handers and which countries have the lowest? A new study provides the answer.

Which countries have the highest percentage of left-handers and which countries have the lowest? A new study provides the answer.

Health

How Many People Fake Being Sick?

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on September 3, 2023

A new study finds that a surprising number of people have pretended to be sick to achieve a selfish goal.

A new study finds that a surprising number of people have pretended to be sick to achieve a selfish goal.

Relationships

Our Partners Think About Leaving Us More Often Than We Expect

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on July 15, 2023

Have you ever wondered about how often your partner thinks about breaking up with you? A new study shows that people underestimate how often their partners think about breaking up.

Have you ever wondered about how often your partner thinks about breaking up with you? A new study shows that people underestimate how often their partners think about breaking up.

Diet

Obesity and Mental Health: A Surprisingly Strong Connection

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on July 9, 2023

Physical and mental health are linked, and a new large-scale study of millions of people shows that obesity increases the risk for many mental-health disorders.

Physical and mental health are linked, and a new large-scale study of millions of people shows that obesity increases the risk for many mental-health disorders.

Neuroscience

Left-Handedness: What Is Right-Hand Bias?

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on July 5, 2023

Many tools, objects, and social conventions are centered around using the right hand. This right-hand bias could negatively affect left-handers and reduce the quality of research.

Many tools, objects, and social conventions are centered around using the right hand. This right-hand bias could negatively affect left-handers and reduce the quality of research.

Animal Behavior

Does Owner Left-Handedness Influence Which Paw Their Dogs Use?

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on July 1, 2023

Have you ever wondered why some dogs are left-pawed? A new study found that the handedness of the owner may play an important role in dogs’ pawedness.

Have you ever wondered why some dogs are left-pawed? A new study found that the handedness of the owner may play an important role in dogs’ pawedness.

Attachment

How Many Children Are Securely Attached to Their Parents?

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on June 11, 2023

Four attachment styles between children and parents exist: secure, avoidant, resistant, and disorganized. A new study investigated which style is the most common.

Four attachment styles between children and parents exist: secure, avoidant, resistant, and disorganized. A new study investigated which style is the most common.

Shyness

Millennials or Gen Z: Who Shows Greater Shyness?

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on May 13, 2023

Have you ever wondered whether Millennials or Generation Z are shyer? A new scientific study provides an answer.

Have you ever wondered whether Millennials or Generation Z are shyer? A new scientific study provides an answer.

Depression

Getting More Hugs Is Linked to Fewer Symptoms of Depression

Sebastian Ocklenburg, Ph.D. on April 30, 2023

Can getting hugged make us feel better? A new study investigated the association between positive touch and depression, stress, and anxiety.

Can getting hugged make us feel better? A new study investigated the association between positive touch and depression, stress, and anxiety.