Skip to content
TrackPodcasts
healthSep 10, 202631:50pending

456. Why does feeling sad sometimes feel so good?

Get every episode summarized

Each time The Psychology of your 20s publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.

Email me new episodes

Free for 3 shows. No card needed.

About this episode

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: [email protected]

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.

Hosts & guests

No transcript yet

This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.

456. Why does feeling sad sometimes feel so good?

The Psychology of your 20s

0:00
31:50

More episodes

More from The Psychology of your 20s

View all episodes →