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

An episode of [The Psychology of your 20s](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1573710078), 10 Sep 2026, 32 min.

Audio: https://pdrl.fm/f842d9/podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/bc44988a-a82a-4291-ab8b-afdd01187fa8/42a0b0e7-f6c3-41da-9b67-b4c0010ecca2/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=39e2f432-53df-43b8-a7b9-afdd01187fc4

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.

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