Podcasts · The Psychology of your 20s

456. Why does feeling sad sometimes feel so good?

· 32 min

Episode 456. Why does feeling sad sometimes feel so good?

0:00 31:50

Why does feeling sad sometimes feel... so good? Whether it’s putting on the saddest song you know, rewatching a movie that always makes you cry, indulging in a little self-pity or finally letting yourself have a good sob, there is something strangely satisfying about sadness. And psychology may be able to explain why.

In this episode, we explore the surprising psychological value of sadness, including:

• Why sadness can sometimes feel pleasurable • The psychology of sad songs and sad movies • The tragedy paradox • Why a good cry can feel so cathartic • Emotional suppression and why it exhausts us • Hedonic adaptation and why happiness loses its intensity • The surprising appeal of self-pity

Watch on Netflix: HERE

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

Subscribe on Substack: @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 for privacy information.

The episode on the publisher’s site (opens in a new tab)

Transcript

    Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.