BRAIN WAVES
Shhhh. Next time you see a couple sitting in silence at a restaurant, don’t assume they’ve run out of things to talk about. New research looked at three different types of silences: intrinsic silences (those that happen naturally and feel comfortable), introjected silences (those anxious ones when you might feel shy or confused), or hostile silences (the ones that happen when one partner shuts out the other). Researchers asked people to write and reflect on these types of silences in their current relationship (and in some cases, a past relationship) over a two-week period. After measuring their experiences and feelings, the researchers found that the type of silence the person experienced had a big impact on their mood — if it was a hostile silence, they probably weren’t going to feel too happy about it. But a more surprising finding was how pleasurable the intrinsic silences seemed to be. People reported feeling peaceful and relaxed. “We don’t always need to fill up the space with conversation,” psychologist Netta Weinstein told Scientific American. “Silent moments can be powerful ways to connect.”
Money, please. Researchers have long been interested in whether money can indeed buy happiness. A new study adds to the discussion by looking at the connection between money and well-being in small, rural communities that rely on nature (agriculture, fishing, pastoralism, and foraging) rather than money for their livelihoods. Some of these communities were Indigenous, and most were located in Africa, South America, and Asia. The study found that even with incredibly low incomes, people in these societies reported higher life satisfaction than people in wealthier, industrialized nations. While individual wealth did have a slight effect on happiness, other factors — like strong social ties, connection to nature, and minimal inequality — seemed to matter more. It’s a good reminder that we might overestimate the role of money when it comes to our well-being.
Say more. Just because we’ve been doing something for a long time doesn’t mean we’re doing it right. This may be particularly true when it comes to our conversations with others. Listen to learn more.
ON THE HIDDEN BRAIN PODCAST
Marching to Your Own Drummer: What would you have done? It’s one of the most enduring questions in psychology. We all like to think that in a moment of crisis, we’d rise to the occasion and show courage. And yet many of us have had experiences where we followed orders and did what we were told to do. This week, we talk with psychologist Sunita Sah about the reasons why many of us silence ourselves and follow orders, and how we can align our words and actions with our values.
ON THE MY UNSUNG HERO PODCAST
Paul Cotter’s Story: More than 40 years ago, Paul's father began to show signs of cognitive decline. As a result, he lost job after job. When his father was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a small local firm made him an offer that helped restore his dignity.
Don’t forget to send us the story of your unsung hero! Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
MIND GAMES
A man goes out for a walk during a storm with nothing to protect him from the rain. He doesn’t have a hat, a hood or an umbrella. But by the end of his walk, there isn’t a single wet hair on his head. Why doesn’t the man have wet hair?
LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
What do the letter "t" and an island have in common?
Answer: They're both in the middle of water.
A MOMENT OF JOY
Anyone up for a cursor dance party?
Have an idea for Hidden Brain? A story you want to share with us? Send an email to ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Listen to us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or your favorite podcast platform.