Christian Jarrett

Christian Jarrett

Dr Christian Jarrett is a cognitive neuroscientist, science writer and author. He is the Editor of Psyche, the sister magazine to Aeon that illuminates the human condition through psychology, philosophy and the arts. Jarrett also created the British Psychological Society's Research Digest blog and was the first ever staff journalist on the Society's magazine, The Psychologist. He is author of Great Myths of The Brain and Be Who You Want: Unlocking the Science of Personality Change.

Recent articles by Christian Jarrett
Young man playing table tennis in workplace, having fun

What are some ways to overcome the intermediate plateau when learning a skill?

Struggling to make that next step? Psychology tells us how to break through that pesky plateau
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A human brain model made by needle felting

Do we really remember an event, or just the memory of an event?

Will you remember this article accurately?
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Illustration of a person walking up to Heaven in a dreamlike state.

What is it like to die? The reassuring science of near-death experiences

They leave their bodies, witness a bright light and return forever changed. But do survivors of near-death experiences truly glimpse into the great beyond? New research into the brain's final moments could decode these visions at life's edge.
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Blonde woman holding man in arms.

The one conversation all couples need to have about cheating, according to a psychologist

There is more than one way to be unfaithful to your partner
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Illustration of a brain wearing a ruff and accompanying old-timey hat

Does my brain live a little in the past?

Does your brain live in the past? Here's how the brain processes and smooths over out-of-date sensory information
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Young woman smiling.

Does your name affect your physical appearance?

What's in a name? A lot, actually
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Man opening curtains

Early risers versus night owls: A neuroscientist explains who is happiest

Does early to bed and early to rise really make you healthy, wealthy and wise?
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A woman with lines running around her head showing confusion

What is a collapsed narcissist?

A certain type of narcissist carries extra risk with a rage not seen elsewhere.
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A woman looking through glasses of water, an illusion

Is having déjà vu unhealthy?

Wait... have I read this before? Is déjà vu unhealthy, or just a normal brain function? We're sure we already told you...
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A person stood looking confused about which decision to make in front of a bright blue cartoonish background.

What is decision paralysis and how do I deal with it?

You'll never be stuck deciding which washing detergent to buy ever again
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Illustration of runners on an athletic track running in one direction except one competitor who runs in the opposite direction

Why do I self-sabotage so much?

Actions which hurt your chance of success can come from low self-esteem – here are a few tips to break the habit
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High-functioning anxiety is an issue hiding in pain sight © Getty Images

How to stop high-functioning anxiety from ruining your life

There’s nothing wrong with struggling with anxiety, but many successful, high-achieving people are suffering in silence
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A rock with the shape of a face seemingly protruding from the rock face.

Why do I keep seeing faces in everything?

Spotting faces in clouds and toast? It could mean you're a creative genius.
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A person giving feedback to a colleague.

How do I stop taking things personally?

Try not to take it to heart.
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Human brain with cognitive decline concept.

The 6 best habits to keep your brain fit as you age, 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.
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Woman doing breathing exercises

8 techniques all anxious people should use, according to a psychologist

Whether in the short- or long-term, there are lots of different techniques that can help you deal with anxiety.
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Woman during a lie detector exam.

Are psychopaths really that good at lying?

Are psychopaths really that good at lying? The research is clear
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Why do I always walk into a room and forget what I’m doing? © Daniel Bright

Why do I always walk into a room and forget what I’m doing?

Cognitive neuroscientist Dr Christian Jarrett explains the bizarre memory quirk
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Kaleidoscope portraits of female looking up, representing personality change.

The simple ways you can change your personality, according to a cognitive neuroscientist

Want to become more confident, extroverted or assertive? Science shows that with a few simple changes, you can unlock your best self.
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Dissolving multi coloured cubes flying to the human brain.

It’s time to change your relationship with dopamine

Going on a ‘dopamine detox’ probably isn’t going to boost your mood and focus.
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A brightly coloured graphic showing someone meditating on the the right hand side.'The power of thought' is written on the left.

'Active' optimists live longer, happier lives. Here's how to become one

Is manifestation pure pseudoscience or could there be something to it?
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Baby sleeping on dad's shoulder

How many fathers are unknowingly raising children that aren't theirs?

A surprisingly common issue that is occurring around the world.
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Female portrait with collaged face parts

How does my brain create my sense of self?

Each of us experience profound changes across the course of our lifetime and yet, we still have a sense of being the same person
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A person holding a peeled banana which has been pixelated

Here's what 'porn addiction' actually is (and how to manage it)

While a source of shame for some, there’s little hard evidence that X-rated sites are harmful or even addictive to regular users.
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