science communication – Emma Palmer-Cooper

mental wellbeing, mental-health, science communication, Social connection

Good Gossip, Bad Gossip: The Science of Social Storytelling

As featured in PopSugar 9/09/2025

I was asked to comment on the role of gossip, and how this might be a positive tool and exchange of information after a wedding, so here’s what I found:

What is gossip really?

Gossip is often dismissed as trivial or overtly negative, but it has actually served a longstanding social purpose. Gossip is how we exchange information, reinforce social norms, and strengthen interpersonal bonds.

It does this by fostering connection between individuals and also wider social groups. Gossip acts as a form of social currency. The exchange of social information supports social cooperation in large groups (when done in a positive way) can build trust. As people share positive gossip they bond and strengthen ties within a group.

Is wedding gossip good?

In the context of a wedding, positive gossip serves to strengthen group identity as attendees, and as important people in the lives of the newly married couple. Gossip also spreads social information, meaning people who weren’t able to attend, or missed particular parts of the wedding, are able to catch up through sharing stories. It might even help the newlyweds, who can’t be everywhere all at once, enjoy more aspects of their wedding.

Why do we gossip?

Research has shown that people who are more central to a social groups with are more likely to share positive gossip, and also more likely to be the subject of positive gossiper. Negative gossip tends to be about people who are less central to a group, and can lead to them being shut out further.

Overall, positive gossip builds connection whereas negative gossip can negatively impact a group and its individual members.

When can gossip go bad?

While gossip can foster connection, it’s important to acknowledge that it can also cross boundaries, especially when the consequence is to undermine others. Research shows that negative gossip tends to focus on people with lower social status or fewer connections within a group, which can lead to exclusion. In these cases, gossip becomes less about bonding and more about reinforcing hierarchies or putting someone in a negative light.

How to stay positive with gossip

To keep gossip positive and constructive, it is context and intent that matter. Gossip that celebrates others, shares joyful updates, or reinforces shared values is good for a group. But when gossip veers into criticism or speculation, especially without a person’s presence or consent, it risks becoming a form of social undermining.

In private scenarios, expressing concerns or frustrations can be valid and even necessary. In these situations it’s best to speak with empathy, and focus on behaviours rather than a person’s character. You can also think about the purpose of such a conversations, is it looking for advice? And ideally it should be done with someone trusted who won’t let the conversation lead to any unintended harm.

Encouraging positive storytelling and sharing helps ensure gossip remains a force for connection, not exclusion.

British Psychological Society, Psychology students, science communication

What does creativity mean to me

The 2025 Voices in Psychology prompt for The Psychologist was ‘what does creativity mean to me?’Here are my thoughts:

Creativity is most traditionally associated with artistic expression, especially when it results in something that is striking in a tangible or obvious way. But from a scientific perspective, creativity is this and more, and it is this broader understanding that I find truly exciting.

To me, creativity represents a mental and emotional space where we are free to explore, to experiment, to fail, and to grow. Creativity is strongly linked to wellbeing, but this is not because artistic individuals are inherently happier. An ability to think creatively helps us to navigate difficult situations more adaptively. It supports emotional regulation, tolerance of ambiguity, and intrinsic motivation. It helps us remain open and flexible when facing uncertainty, and offers outlets for processing negative emotions, which in itself is a form of problem-solving. It reflects resilience, our capacity to try, to persevere, and to approach challenges in novel ways. While outwardly creativity may appear as a perceptible output or innovation, inwardly, it is more about how we think, how we process complexity, and how we respond to uncertainty.

In our own research on creativity, we used questionnaires asking participants to rate themselves on traditional forms such as painting, music, and the culinary arts. However, what proved most interesting to me was a final open-ended question that invited people to describe any other ways in which they saw themselves as creative. Every response was different. Participants shared examples from fields as varied as carpentry, sports, farming, accountancy, and broadcasting. In other studies, asking students to engage with simple creative activities led to significant reductions in stress and how they perceived stressful situations. What has emerged is a strong sense that creativity is, at its core, our unique ability to approach and solve problems in a positive way.

This is why I encourage students to reflect on their own personal expressions of creativity. Recognising and engaging with it can reveal a lot more about your strengths and abilities than you may see on the surface.

In my own work, writing and creating content about my teaching and research has helped me think about what I do in different ways. I’ve since found that it’s become a very useful tool, finding new angles for my teaching, new research ideas, and new ways of doing work. This freedom to engage with my work in different and creative ways helps me overcome problems and enjoy the process.

My personal creative practice of yarn craft has also led to new and exciting opportunities. From developing research ideas, innovating my teaching methods, and delivering science communication events, creativity in one area of my life has influenced my ability to deliver ideas in the other.

As Psychologists, creativity is not limited to what we produce in research, education or practice. Creativity is a dynamic, internal process that shapes how we experience and respond to the world, and how we approach our diverse and vibrant field.

Book Review, mental wellbeing, Psychology students, science communication, self-reflection

Braintenance – Review

Braintenance: How to Create Healthy Habits and Reach Your Goals – Dr Julia Ravey

If you’re looking for a practical and engaging guide to beating procrastination and building happier habits, I highly recommend Braintenance by Dr Julia Ravey.

One of the things I really like about this book is its clear structure of Why, Sci, Try. For each topic, Dr Ravey first explains why something happens, then shares the science behind it, and finally gives simple, practical steps so you can try new techniques for yourself. It’s a great way to connect research with everyday life, and is written very clearly.

The advice focuses on topics like how to direct your focus, prioritise processes over outcomes, and beat procrastination. Dr Ravey also uses personal insights to make examples more tangible and accessible.

I recommend Braintenance for anyone looking for science-backed advice on how to improve their habits. I think it’s particularly interesting for students to see how scientists can write about their area of expertise for wider audiences.

Buy here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

emotional-wellbeing, mental wellbeing, mental-health, science communication, stress

Coping Creatively: Resilience Building Workshops

On Thursday 12th July, we hosted our very first Coping Creatively workshop at Newbury Cancer Care.

The event involved a brief introduction to wellbeing, resilience, and why creativity and creative activities can support our wellbeing, even during difficult times. We then got stuck into crafting.

Whatever their experience, everyone who attended left having tried something new, or renewing skills they already had! Whether it was knitting, colouring or mosaic gem art, creativity flowed, and moods were improved.

These workshops aren’t just a nice idea, there’s plenty of evidence to support the benefits of creative activity, especially for those navigating unexpected challenges. Particularly for our attendees who were navigating chemotherapy, studies have shown that engaging with creative activities can help reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, stress and anger during cancer treatment (Archer et al., 2014). These activities give us something many of us are missing in a fast-paced world: time and space to breathe.

In fact, research has shown that even something as simple as colouring can make a real difference. During chemotherapy, participants who took part in art classes reported feeling more relaxed, describing the sessions as ‘breathing spaces’ in an otherwise difficult time (Bar-Sela et al., 2007). In another study, people who coloured during hospital visits reported less stress, with many saying they would do it again (Barnes et al., 2019). In other medical contexts adult colouring books have been linked with reduced anxiety, such as in emergency hospital settings (Rajendran et al., 2020).

These benefits are not limited to one age group. While we often associate creative play with childhood, adults of all ages can benefit just as much from reconnecting with their creativity. Creative activities have been shown to support mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan, helping to reduce loneliness and depression, while improving physical and emotional health (Gorny-Wegrzyn & Perry, 2022). For children and young people, arts activities have been linked to increased self-esteem, better social connection, and improved resilience (Zarobe & Bungay, 2017). Our work on colouring found students experienced less stress after 2 weeks of colouring regularly (3 time per week; Palmer-Cooper et al, 2024)

Resilience is something we can all build, at any age, and not just during hard times. Creative practices help us express ourselves, regulate our emotions, and connect with others, all essential ingredients for building resilience. When we engage in creative activity regularly, we’re building habits that support our wellbeing. These habits become resources we can draw on when things feel overwhelming or uncertain.

This growing body of evidence points supports what many people already feel instinctively: creative activity is good for us. So whether you’re facing a specific challenge or looking to improve your wellbeing, creative activities might be for you! You don’t need to be an artist or have expensive materials. Just a bit of paper, some colours, and a willingness to begin.

We’ll be running more Coping Creatively workshops soon, and we’d love for you to join us.

Getting started: simple craft supplies for wellbeing

(Paid links)

Felt Tips and Crayons

These are (in my opinion) the best felt tips ever:

Adult Colouring Books

Dot colouring books

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emotional-wellbeing, mental wellbeing, mental-health, science communication

Why you should pick up a cosy hobby

Featured in Good Housekeeping here and here

Research has shown that there are several pathways to happiness and good mental wellbeing. One of the most effective is simply doing activities that bring us joy and a sense of fulfilment. But this becomes more effective when we combine our favourite hobbies with other key ingredients for happiness.

Take knitting, for example. Engaging in activities we truly enjoy helps build resilience—the ability to adapt to challenges and manage stress. When we are fully absorbed in a creative task, we can enter a state of “flow,” where we focus entirely on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This level of engagement leads to greater life satisfaction and productivity.

Social connection is another key ingredient. Feeling supported and a sense of belonging helps us manage stress more effectively. Hobbies like knitting and crochet provide wonderful opportunities to build friendships based on shared interests, and doing so strengthens our social network. Even better, helping others is another way to achieve happiness, so supporting your network adds to the personal benefits as well!

Having a sense of meaning and accomplishment are other great ways to boost wellbeing. Setting personal goals to work towards in any area of life, including cosy hobbies, provides purpose to our pleasures. Whether you’re learning a new craft or challenging yourself with a new pattern, working towards goals and feeling accomplished boosts self-esteem, positive emotions, and overall wellbeing.

The joy of cozy hobbies is that they naturally incorporate many of these ingredients. You can enjoy them alone, or as part of a community. Whether you connect with others in person or online, the benefits remain the same: a greater sense of joy, engagement, purpose, accomplishment, and shared connection support your wellbeing.

So, if you’re looking for a scientifically-backed way to increase your happiness, picking up a cozy hobby might be the perfect place to start!

mental wellbeing, science communication

Mindful Colour Walks

As featured in Marie Claire, 03/03/2025

As featured in Woman & Home July 2025

What is a colour walk?

A colour walk is a mindful way to way to connect with your surroundings by focusing on specific colours while walking outdoors. This simple practice encourages awareness of the present moment, which can enhance wellbeing.

How does a colour walk work?

Many of us go through the day on autopilot, disconnected from where we currently are in the world. A colour walk shifts focus to the present moment, helping you feel grounded and engaged with nature. Choose one or two colours and actively seek them out as you walk. If you find your mind wandering, gently bring your attention back to your chosen colours.

What are the benefits of trying a colour walk?

Paying mindful attention to nature can cultivate positive emotions and a deeper sense of connection—to nature, others, and life itself. Noticing details and colours in the moment can also help set aside past, present and future worries.

If mindfulness is something you find challenging, a colour walk offers a simple, structured way pay attention and stay present in your surroundings.

How can we be more mindful on a walk to reap more benefits?

As you walk, reflect on how your surroundings and the colours make you feel. Paying attention to the emotions you experience during these moments can increase the effects.

How often should be doing mindful walking

Research shows that regular mindful practice, such as colour walks, builds resilience by improving psychological wellbeing and reducing stress.

The key is engagement, choosing a colour you love, or walking in a space that brings you joy makes commitment easier. If you need more focus, try taking photos and reflecting on why this was a particularly pleasant or meaningful place or moment in time to really feel the impact. Regular practice can turn this into a regular, happy habit.

Reference:

Passmore, H. A., & Holder, M. D. (2016). Noticing nature: Individual and social benefits of a two-week intervention. Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(6), 537-546.

mental wellbeing, science communication

How a mindful hobby could help you break your after-work ‘doomscrolling’ habit

Knitting is one hobby that can help you focus your attention and be present in the moment. Yavdat/ Shutterstock

Emma Palmer-Cooper, University of Southampton

It’s a familiar picture for many of us: after a long day at work, we find ourselves glued to the couch, phone in hand. Maybe even for hours at a time. What starts as a way to mentally unwind or catch up on the news quickly becomes hours spent compulsively “doomscrolling” – the act of spending an excessive amount of time on social media scrolling through overwhelmingly negative content. A fear of missing out is what drives many of us to continue our repetitive scroll.

While it might feel like doomscrolling helps you to stay informed, research shows that this habit often results in considerable psychological distress. This ultimately leads to lower mental wellbeing, poorer life satisfaction, and reduced engagement at work.

The good news is there are many ways to break this bad habit – and one way people have successfully replaced time on their phones is with a hobby.

By making a conscious decision to change a habit – such as picking up your phone and doomscrolling for hours – you can replace it with one that’s more fulfilling.

Having an after-work hobby is linked to better wellbeing and may play a part in reducing work-related stress.

Creative activities in particular are known to encourage a sense of personal fulfilment through developing new skills. Personal fulfilment is important for emotional resilience.

Some of the most beneficial hobbies to try in order to break your doomscrolling habit are those that encourage mindfulness. Doing a hobby mindfully simply means paying attention to what you’re doing and being in the moment – whether that’s colouring, knitting or sewing.

Mindfulness is the practice of focusing your attention on the present moment and experiencing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s not necessarily about clearing your mind, but about engaging in an activity with your full attention, and not being distracted by other thoughts.

Here are just a few ways that mindful hobbies can help you break your doomscrolling habit.

1. They hold positive attention

When you’re focused on a craft, your hands are busy, so you’ll be too engaged to reach for your phone. Creative hobbies that require attention, such as knitting or colouring, can also act as a “flow activity”, where you lose track of time and feel fully immersed in what you’re doing. This can be a great antidote to losing hours doomscrolling.

2. They’re calming

Many people who have a creative hobby say the physical repetitive actions are meditative and calming.

A woman colours on a page with coloured pencils. — Hobbies can help you relax and unwind. Jacob Lund/ Shutterstock

Crafts can also support healthy emotion regulation – our ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences. Soothing your nervous system can counteract tension triggered by doomscrolling.

3. They provide a sense of achievement

Doomscrolling can leave people feeling a loss of control, whereas mindful hobbies provide a sense of control along with tangible results: a colourful drawing, a knitted scarf or perhaps an embroidered trinket.

Achievement is considered one of the core ingredients of psychological wellbeing – and is a key remedy to distress.

4. They reduce stress and anxiety

Mindful crafting offers a break from ruminating. Just ten minutes of regular mindful colouring – at least three times a week for two weeks – can reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of low mood, alongside improving quality of life.

Creative hobbies can also significantly lower levels of our stress hormone, cortisol, which promotes a sense relaxation.

5. They offer a sense of belonging

By engaging in a new hobby you also join a community of people with similar interests. This opens you up to more positive social interactions, and a sense of belonging is linked to better wellbeing.

Choosing the right hobby

Activities such as colouring, knitting, sewing and crochet are a good place to start as they involve repetitive, soothing movements along with a sense of achievement. Of course, you should choose a hobby you think you’ll enjoy, as you won’t build new habits doing activities you don’t want to do.

Here are some other things you can do when getting started to give you the best chance of success.

Start small. Actively setting a small and achievable change in behaviour can increase your success in building new, positive habits. So to begin with, choose a simple project that’s not too hard to complete – such as colouring a single page or knitting a small square. Or, set a goal to spend 10-20 minutes a day on your hobby after work before reaching for your phone. Early, achievable wins lead to a sense of achievement, and keep you motivated.

Set boundaries around phone use. Create a “no phone zone” and make time for your hobby. This will help remove temptation to scroll and make a more calm environment for you to craft in.

Be present. Notice the colours, textures and movements involved in what you’re doing. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to your activity.

Join a community. Whether online or in person, connecting with others who do the same hobby can increase your sense of belonging and make it even more enjoyable. This can also promote more positive online interactions.

Breaking your doomscrolling habit doesn’t mean you have to abandon social media entirely. But swapping scrolling for mindful hobbies in your free time allows you to set meaningful boundaries and build positive habits. By prioritising your wellbeing and engaging with information in a balanced way, your brain gets a “mental break” from all the negative content.

Emma Palmer-Cooper, Lecturer in Psychology, Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

science communication

Guess Who: Women of the World Festival 2014

In March 2014, I took part in the Women of the World Festival at Southbank in London. I was delighted to be involved in such an exciting and important event!

The theme of the day was ‘Guess Who’, where 7 professionals (2 men and 5 women) stood on stage and gave only their name. The announcer, a presenter from Cbeebies no less(!), then read out the 7 professions and a piece of information about each professional, such as favourite colour or hobby, and from this one hundred 10 year olds had to guess which person matched each profession.

The professions were; Plumber, Artist, Dancer, Scientist, Champion Athlete, Railway Engineer and Lighting Technician.

The idea of the event was to break down gender stereotypes surrounding profession and show children than men and women can do ANY job they want, hurrah! At the beginning of the day the stereotyped beliefs shone through. Both men were most likely to be voted Plumber and Athlete, because they were men. I was voted Dancer and Artist by over half of the groups, with only 10 out of 100 guessing I was a scientist.

After the children voted they then had two interactive sessions, a panel or a workshop, where professionals demonstrate their trade in a fun and engaging way.

I was asked to do a workshop. I designed an interactive experiment that the kids took part in, spelling out how science as a whole works and how psychology fits into this. As science is about asking questions and designing experiments to test them I had a bit of fun, explaining that psychology is the science of people and behaviour.

Research question:

Will you get round an obstacle course faster, when blindfolded, if a friend or someone else is giving you instructions?

I asked the kids which group they thought would be faster and got some great responses!

Hypotheses:

H₁‘Friends might try to trick you so that group will be slower’

H₂ ‘You might not listen as hard to someone who’s not your friend because you don’t like them’

H₃‘Friends are always silly so it will take longer’

H₄ ‘Friends trust each other more, so that group will be quicker’.

One group had boys and girls so we also looked into gender differences

H₅‘Boys are lazy so girls will be quicker’.

The kids were split into ‘best friends’ and ‘classmates’ pairs and each took it in turn to guide and be guided round a basic obstacle course (made with chairs and masking tape! Very professional I know) and were timed when doing it. After they all had a turn we plotted the average times of each group on a bar chart:

Though I’m not sure the results would stand up to peer review scrutiny, it was great to see the kids engaged and really get into trying to figure out why each group behaved differently.

The Big Reveal!

After the workshops we all gathered back on the main stage to find out which professional was which!

Dancer; Male (Lee)

Artist; Male (…)

Champion Athlete (weight lifter); Female (Monique)

Plumber; Female (Petra)

Technician; Female (Roz)

Railway Engineer; Female (Keely)

Scientist; Female (ME!)

It was great to hear some of the reasons why the children assigned professions to each person:

Lee got Athlete because he wore trainers and running shorts, I got Artist because of the headband I was wearing and Monique got Dancer because of her slender figure. We then asked them do they think they were perhaps incorrect in judging people’s jobs on what they look like or what gender they are? The kids agreed.

The first group was all girls so I really drilled home how girls can do anything they want; one girl said I’d inspired her to be a scientist ‘but not in brains, because they’re gross’. I’ll take that win! The second group said I was the most fun session they’d done, which I’m also delighted with.

This event has made me realise even more how ingrained the stereotypes are for male and female jobs; we have to work harder to put an end to these so girls can pursue any career rather than one society deems normal.

I had a great time, I’d love to do more things like this, so if anyone knows of any opportunities please put in a good word! Also, I’ve got the name of a great Plumber who won’t make sexist remarks when I ask questions about my kitchen! Double Win.