emotions

woman in face mask walking down the street during a coronavirus lockdown

What COVID has taught us about sharing our emotions – and why now’s a good time to share again

01 Dec 2022

It seems like no-one is mentioning the dark days of lockdowns. But it’s worth sharing our feelings as we look to an uncertain future.

Woman sitting on bed pressing her head in pain

Chronic pain might impact how the brain processes emotions

27 Jul 2021

Chemical ‘messengers’ called neurotransmitters help regulate our emotions – but scientists have noticed a disruption to their levels in people with chronic pain.

iPod shuffle and earphones with the word bias written on a sticky-note

Music to my fears: stereotypes prejudice our musical tastes

19 Nov 2020

The way we feel about music is shaped not only by the music itself but by our mindset, a new study shows.

Can't resist that breakup ice-cream? There's a science behind your splurge

24 Apr 2019

Bad news, emotional eaters: food doesn't deal with the underlying problem you are reacting to. But there are reasons for your choices.

How should we feel about climate change?

24 Sep 2015

Where do emotions fit into the work of scientists who study climate, asks Sarah Perkins

Rising stars

08 Sep 2015

They’re young, smart and forging new frontiers in the science of the mind. Meet psychology’s emerging research leaders.

With thanks: Gratitude can win you new friends

27 Aug 2014

Old-fashioned good manners and a simple thank you are among the best ways to establish new relationships, UNSW research shows.

Can a mathematical equation really be the formula for happiness?

08 Aug 2014

While we know much about the consequences of happiness, much less is known about its causes, let alone how to guarantee its appearance, writes Brock Bastion.

Computer writes its own fables

01 Aug 2014

Researchers have devised a computer program with the artificial intelligence to write its own fables.

Happily disgusted? It could show all over your face.

01 Apr 2014

A computer algorithm that can identify complex emotions from facial expressions is a step towards improving the human-machine interface, write Lisa Williams and Eliza Bliss-Moreau.