The Psychology of your 20s

428. The truth about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is one of the most famous theories in psychology. We've all seen the pyramid. We've all been told that before we can become our best selves, we need to climb through five levels of human needs, from food and safety all the way to self-actualisation. But what if that's not actually what Maslow believed? In this bonus episode, as part of our series myth-busting psychology, we're uncovering the surprising truth behind one of psychology's most iconic ideas, including: * Why Maslow never actually drew a pyramid * The forgotten sixth level of the hierarchy * The Indigenous Blackfoot origins of the theory * Whether self-actualisation is really the highest human goal * Why the hierarchy isn't as rigid as we've been taught * What modern psychology says about the evidence behind Maslow's ideas Happy listening! Watch on Netflix: HERE [https://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s] Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg [https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#] Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#] Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s [https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s] For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

427. What to do when a 9-5 doesn't fulfil you?

Most of us will spend the majority of our adult lives working. So why does the traditional 9–5 leave so many people feeling exhausted, trapped, unfulfilled, or quietly wondering: is this really it? In this episode, we explore the psychology behind why the 9–5 can feel so unnatural for some people, why work often becomes the centre of our identity, and what to do when the life you've been told should make you happy simply doesn't. This includes: * Why the 9–5 often feels so draining * The psychology of role engulfment and losing yourself to work * The personality traits that predict whether you'll enjoy traditional employment * The importance of hobbies, purpose, novelty, and community * When it's time to consider a different path * Practical advice for anyone dreaming of working for themselves Happy listening! Watch on Netflix: HERE [https://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s] Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg [https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#] Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#] Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s [https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s] For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

426. The psychology of superstition

Superstitions can seem irrational on the surface, but beneath them is something incredibly human - the need for meaning, comfort, and a sense of control in an uncertain world. In this episode, we explore the psychology of superstition - why the mind creates these beliefs, why they can feel so reassuring, and what they reveal about anxiety, ritual, hope, and the stories we inherit. We explore: •        Historical origins of common superstitions •        The role of pattern recognition and gut feelings •        How rituals soothe anxiety and create a sense of certainty •        When superstitions become self-fulfilling and shape performance •        How magical thinking overlaps with OCD and anxiety •        Why it's important to create our own magic in our 20s  Watch on Netflix: HERE [https://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s] Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg [https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#] Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#] Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s [https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s] For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  Our favourite sources:  https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/everyday-magic-superstition [https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/everyday-magic-superstition] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610372631 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610372631] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/abs/magical-thinking-in-obsessivecompulsive-disorder-and-generalized-anxiety-disorder/AAA4404A26637024E2E5D01B3F133928 [https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/abs/magical-thinking-in-obsessivecompulsive-disorder-and-generalized-anxiety-disorder/AAA4404A26637024E2E5D01B3F133928] The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

425. Why we want people who don't want us back

Why do we become obsessed with people who don't want us back? Even when we know it will never work? Even when we know there's no convincing them? In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind unrequited love, limerence, longing, and the irresistible pull of unavailable people, including: * The neuroscience of craving, attraction, and obsession * How intermittent reinforcement keeps us emotionally hooked * Jacques Lacan's "object of desire" theory * Why high achievers often struggle with unrequited love * The role of limerence, fantasy, and idealisation * The Zeigarnik Effect and our need for closure * Practical strategies to finally move on and let go * Creating your own closure when none is given * Plus so so much more  If you've ever found yourself unable to stop thinking about someone who doesn't feel the same way, this episode is for you. Together, we'll explore why it happens, what it reveals about us, and how to break free from the cycle Watch on Netflix: HERE [https://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s] Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg [https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#] Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#] Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s [https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s] For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

424. How to ACTUALLY change your bad habits ft. Harvard Behavioural Scientist, Julia Dhar

We all have something about our behaviour or our lives we really want to change. But every time we go to try, we find we lose motivation very quickly and end up back where we started with the behaviour still in tact. Whether it's quitting smoking, exercising more, wanting to eat healthier, sleep better, stop gossiping, be a better partner; bad habits usually all have the same psychology.  In today's episode we invited on Harvard-trained behavioural scientist & BCG Managing Director, Julia Dhar, to give us the step by step guide to changing bad habits. We talk about:  * Where bad habits come from?  * Why bad habits stick? * What's happening in our brain when we can't quit a bad habit? * The 3 principles of behaviour change you need to know to change  * How to help OTHERS change when they don't want to? * Why your approach to failing will determine if you're successful  * Plus much more!  Happy listening!  Buy Julia's book here: How Change Really Works [https://www.bcg.com/capabilities/people-strategy/how-change-really-works] Watch her TedTalk here: How to Disagree Productively [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phgjouv0BUA]  Watch on Netflix: HERE [https://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s] Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg [https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#] Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#] Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s [https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s] For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.