The New Psychology

An in-depth look at some of the newest issues in psychology and how they can shape our lives, at home and at work - from AI and eco-psychology, to the great resignation, Zoom fatigue, and the psychology of social media.

Psychologists have always shone a torch, and often a spotlight, into many dark corners of the human mind. They study everything, from art preferences to altruism, coaching to criminality, jokes and humour to justice and honesty. But in our hyper-connected, post-pandemic world, new issues are emerging that are less understood, and which can be unsettling for people who are trying to get to grips with the changes that are happening around them.

The language of psychology can offer clear descriptions and explanations for all sort of phenomena, including many of these more modern conditions. Ultimately, knowing more about how these conditions manifest themselves and how they can be treated, can help people to feel happier and better able to identify and realise their full potential. Many of them relate specifically to our work lives (Zoom fatigue and hybrid working, for example), allowing for a reassessment of the pressures faced at work and how to identify and pursue a better work/life balance.

Written as a follow-up to the highly successful Psychology 101, Adrian Furnham takes a closer look at 50 of the emerging concepts in modern psychology, and what exactly they mean for us in terms of both our personal and professional lives.