PlatPhorm Podcasts

The Psychology of your 20s

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now. Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @ thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

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Episodes

11/18/2025

355. Why don't I enjoy sex that much? artwork

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355. Why don't I enjoy sex that much?

The Psychology of your 20s

Our 20s are sold to us as the decade of peak desire - full of passion, spontaneity, and effortless intimacy. But for so many of us, that isn’t the reality. When libido dips or fluctuates, it can feel confusing, isolating, and even shameful. In this episode, we ask why it is so common to struggle with libido in our 20s, what’s actually happening beneath the surface when desire feels distant, and how to make sense of the emotional and physical shifts that come with it. We explore: • How it feels when our libido fluctuates • Why so many of us struggle with this in our 20s • The dual control theory of sexual response • Libido as a reflection of safety • The role of hormones, stress and mental health • Identity development and the impact of shame • Tips to reconnect with pleasure If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t feel the same drive as others seem to, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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11/16/2025

354. How to break a toxic habit artwork

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354. How to break a toxic habit

The Psychology of your 20s

We all have habits we wish we could change - patterns we repeat even when we know they’re hurting us. So why is it so hard to stop? In this episode, we explore the psychology behind toxic habits. How they form, why they become automatic, and what they’re actually doing for us emotionally. We explore: • How habits become wired through repetition and reward • Why some people are more vulnerable to toxic habit loops • The role of emotional regulation and self-soothing • The four key mistakes that keep us stuck • Practical tools to implement positive habits If you’ve ever thought, ‘I know better… so why don’t I do better?’, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Watch on Youtube Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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11/13/2025

353. The psychology of perfectionism artwork

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353. The psychology of perfectionism

The Psychology of your 20s

We’ve all heard someone say, “I’m such a perfectionist”, like it’s a badge of honour. But what does perfectionism really mean - and what’s hiding beneath it? In today’s bonus episode, we unpack the psychology of perfectionism: the fear, the origins, and how to finally let go of “never good enough”. We explore: • The three types of perfectionism - self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed • Why perfectionism often disguises itself as discipline • How it’s linked to procrastination, burnout, and anxiety • Where it develops - from conditional love, insecurity, and need for control • Real-world costs on relationships, wellbeing and creativity • Tools to reframe perfectionism Listen now! ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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11/10/2025

352. How to deal with someone who is ALWAYS the victim artwork

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352. How to deal with someone who is ALWAYS the victim

The Psychology of your 20s

Have you ever met someone who always seems to see themselves as the one who’s been wronged - or maybe noticed that pattern in yourself? The sense that life is happening to you, not for you? It might not just be negativity - it could be a victim mentality, a learned way of seeing the world that often begins as a form of protection. In this episode, we take a look at the psychology behind the victim mindset - why it develops, how it impacts our relationships, and what it really takes to move from powerlessness to self-trust. We explore: • What exactly is the victim mentality? • How trauma, learned helplessness, and chronic fear shape this mindset • The overlap between victimhood and covert narcissism • Why relationships with ‘perpetual victims’ can feel draining or triggering • How to support someone without losing yourself • When compassion becomes enabling, and when to let go If you’ve ever struggled to understand why some people - or even parts of yourself - stay stuck in stories of unfairness or defeat, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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11/6/2025

351. How gratitude changes your brain artwork

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351. How gratitude changes your brain

The Psychology of your 20s

We’re always told that gratitude is the route to happiness – that we should be grateful for every experience we have. But when life feels like it’s falling apart, gratitude can feel less like a comfort and more like pressure. In reality, gratitude and pain often have to coexist. In this episode, we ask whether gratitude actually does make us happier - what it really is, how it rewires the brain, and why it sometimes feels impossible. We explore: • What makes gratitude so powerful • The cognitive and neuroscientific mechanisms behind gratitude • Toxic gratitude when life simply feels hard • The gratitude paradox • The guilt associated with not being grateful enough • Some alternatives for when gratitude feels inaccessible If you’ve ever struggled with the idea that you ‘should’ be thankful for the hard times in life, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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11/4/2025

350. When should you move in with someone? artwork

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350. When should you move in with someone?

The Psychology of your 20s

It sounds simple. Split the rent, share space, maybe finally stop packing an overnight bag. But living together is one of the biggest relationship transitions of our twenties, and it brings with it some very real psychological, emotional, and even social shifts. In this episode, we unpack the questions around living with your partner in your 20s - what it means, what it changes, and what it reveals. We explore: • The pros and cons of moving in together • Why living together can feel like forming a ‘chosen family’ • The pressure of societal and family expectations to hit the next milestone • The hidden dynamics of cohabitation • Why fairness, communication, and space matter more than perfection • The five questions to ask yourself before you take the leap Whether you’re moving in with your partner, thinking about it, or reflecting on a past experience, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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11/2/2025

349. The psychology of flow states artwork

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349. The psychology of flow states

The Psychology of your 20s

You know that feeling when time disappears, your focus sharpens, and everything just clicks? That’s what we often call ‘flow state’ - a powerful experience of total immersion where effort feels effortless. In today’s bonus episode, we uncover what flow really is, how it works, and why finding it might just change how you think about focus and fulfilment. We explore: • What the flow state actually is • The history and psychology behind the concept • What it feels like, and how to know you’ve reached it • Why some people find it easier to access than others • What’s happening in your brain during flow • Practical ways to find it in your own life Listen now! ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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10/30/2025

348. The psychology of 'skinnytok' artwork

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348. The psychology of 'skinnytok'

The Psychology of your 20s

Extreme thinness is back in trend (again) so today, we explore the psychology behind why and the impact its having? In this episode, we'll discuss the rise of skinnytok and how this so-called ‘wellness’ version of thinness convinces us to be smaller, neater, cleaner, more controlled. What to expect: • How to tell whether content is skinnytok aligned • Links to orthorexia and the demonisation of food groups • What does this say about politics? • The role of weight loss drugs • Why female bodies are so policed • How to counteract the impact of skinnytok If you’ve ever felt smaller after scrolling – physically or emotionally - this episode is for you. For professional help: The Butterfly Foundation National Eating Disorder Organisation Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com ORDER MY BOOK 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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10/28/2025

347. The psychology of revenge artwork

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347. The psychology of revenge

The Psychology of your 20s

Have you ever felt that urge for payback? Revenge is one of the oldest, most universal human instincts. It seems like it promises justice, balance, or even peace. But why does it so often leave us feeling worse, not better? In this episode, we dive into the psychology of revenge - what drives it, what it costs us, and why our brains find it so hard to let go. We explore: • Why revenge feels so intoxicating • The difference between impulsive and planned revenge • Who might be more prone to act out revenge • The negative effects of seeking it out • Why acting on our need can leave us feeling worse • The push and pull behind human morality • Empathy, success and silence as alternatives If you’ve ever replayed an argument in your head or imagined getting even, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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10/24/2025

346. How to avoid settling in your 20s artwork

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346. How to avoid settling in your 20s

The Psychology of your 20s

Everyone is secretly searching for the perfect relationship, but what if your relationship is just 'good enough'? What if you feel secure, or fine about the person you're with but secretly want more? In today's episode we break down what it means to settle in your 20s, including: The pressure to be 'coupled up' during your 20s How milestone anxiety creates unfulfilled relationships What settling looks and feels like How to tell if it's just relationships anxiety 3 questions to ask yourself if you're thinking about leaving Listen now! ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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10/21/2025

345. How to fall in love with failure artwork

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345. How to fall in love with failure

The Psychology of your 20s

We think of failure as a terrible thing or something to be avoided. But when you learn to fall in love with failure, a whole new level of growth occurs that will have you seeing progress faster than ever. In our 20s, the so called failure-decade, we talk about how you can learn to fail, including: The reasons we fear failure Why our definition of success is inaccurate and socially conditioned The relationship successful people have with success Why grit matters more than IQ Why your fear of failure is keeping you behind 5 ways to ritualise failure in your daily life + more Listen now to change your entire mindset towards setbacks! ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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10/19/2025

344. Sociopathy artwork

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344. Sociopathy

The Psychology of your 20s

We’ve all heard the term thrown around – in books, in TV dramas, in news articles – we’re taught to be scared of it. But rarely do we consider what it actually means. In today’s bonus episode, we take a look at sociopathy. We explore: Differentiating sociopathy and psychopathy Common misconceptions Early origins of the term The role of self-awareness and masking in sociopathy Whether all sociopaths are bad Treatments and management for sociopathy Listen now! ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/book Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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10/17/2025

343. The psychology of saturn's return artwork

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343. The psychology of saturn's return

The Psychology of your 20s

Have you ever felt like everything in your late twenties is suddenly up for grabs - your relationships, your career, even who you thought you were? It might be your Saturn return - a period of upheaval, self-reflection, and big life questions that’s as much psychological as it is astrological. In this episode, we look at the psychology behind Saturn returns - why this age feels so turbulent, what’s happening in our minds and lives. We explore: • The astrological background of Saturn returns • Why humans are drawn to these kinds of explanations • Dynamic shifts of our relationships, friendships and family dynamics • Uncertainty and mismatches in our 20s • Why upheaval can be good for us • Strategies to navigate this period If you’ve ever wondered why the end of your twenties feels like some huge cosmic challenge, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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10/14/2025

342. The psychology of dissociation artwork

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342. The psychology of dissociation

The Psychology of your 20s

Have you ever felt like the world around you isn’t quite real, or like you’re watching your life from the outside? Have you ever driven somewhere and suddenly wondered how you got there? It might be dissociation - a surprisingly common psychological experience that can be both protective and, at times, unsettling. In this episode we look at the psychology behind dissociation – what is going on in our bodies and brains during this state, what triggers us and how it interacts with wider factors in our lives. We explore: • The science of why we freeze in this state • How it can help us cope, and when it becomes maladaptive • Interactions with ADHD, trauma and survival mode • Why it feels so unsettling • Strategies to pull you back in • Reminders for when we don’t feel real If you’ve ever felt like you were living on autopilot, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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10/9/2025

341. The 5 types of toxic friendships artwork

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341. The 5 types of toxic friendships

The Psychology of your 20s

Friendships should be a source of joy – people who just make life lighter. But not all friendships feel that way. Some leave us drained, insecure, or questioning our worth. And it can be hard to admit when a friendship has become toxic. Learning to recognise when a friendship is no longer healthy, and how to navigate that shift, is a crucial part of protecting your well-being and building a life that feels aligned. In this episode, we unpack the psychology of toxic friendships: why we hold onto them, what they cost us, and how to create relationships that support rather than drain us. We explore: • Why good friendships are so crucial in our 20s • The 5 types of toxic friendships • Warning signs of toxicity • How to recognise positive friendship dynamics • Why we stay in toxic friendships • How to manage friendship breakups and the emotional fallout If you’ve ever felt trapped in a friendship that leaves you more exhausted than supported, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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10/7/2025

340. The 10 regrets I have about my 20s (so far) artwork

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340. The 10 regrets I have about my 20s (so far)

The Psychology of your 20s

Today I'm reflecting on some of the lessons I've been taking from my early 20s. We all have regrets about things we wish we'd done differently or not done at all, and I'm hoping you can learn from mine. We talk about everything from bad financial decisions, ghosting friends, staying in relationships farrr too long, to impulse buying, ignoring gut feelings and fighting with family. Listen now to hear all ten! ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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10/2/2025

339. The psychology of rock bottom artwork

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339. The psychology of rock bottom

The Psychology of your 20s

Hitting rock bottom is one of the most painful human experiences - when the future is blurry, the past feels heavy, and you barely recognize the person staring back in the mirror. Maybe it’s the end of a relationship, losing your job, battling addiction, or simply feeling like everything you built has crumbled. In this episode, we explore what those lowest points really feel like, why we sometimes end up there, and how, against all odds, they can become the very place where healing and transformation begin. We explore: • What rock bottom feels like • The role of identity collapse and self-concept clarity • Passivity, external locus of control, and addiction as routes to rock bottom • Our dark night of the soul and searching for meaning • Why rock bottom can motivate change • 5 tips climbing out and rebuilding self-concept If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost control, lost yourself, or lost your way - this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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10/1/2025

I Am Not Here To Manage Other People's Emotions artwork

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I Am Not Here To Manage Other People's Emotions

The Psychology of your 20s

In this bonus release, I am sharing an episode of my other podcast, MANTRA. This week's mantra is I Am Not Here to Manage Other People’s Emotions. It's a common trap to feel responsible for the feelings of those around us, often at the expense of our own emotional well-being. But true empathy means holding space for others without taking on their emotional burden or feeling obligated to fix their feelings. In this episode of Mantra, we'll explore how to set healthy emotional boundaries, distinguish between compassion and co-dependency, and prioritize your own inner peace. Releasing the need to manage others' emotions isn't about being uncaring; it's about empowering yourself and allowing others to navigate their own emotional landscapes. This Mantra will help you reclaim your energy, honor your boundaries, and cultivate healthier, more authentic relationships. Mantra is an OpenMind Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. For ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to OpenMind+ on Apple Podcasts. Don’t Miss out on all things Mantra! * Instagram: @mantraopenmind | @OpenMindStudios * TikTok: @OpenMind * Facebook: @OpenMind * X: @OpenMindStudios * YouTube: @OpenMind_Studios Follow Mantra on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Listen here: https://link.podtrac.com/qg9b5fjl See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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9/30/2025

338. The psychology of borderline personality disorder (BPD) artwork

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338. The psychology of borderline personality disorder (BPD)

The Psychology of your 20s

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, clouded by stigma and misinformation. In this episode, we take a compassionate, research-based look at what BPD really is, where it comes from, and how people living with it can find healing and stability. From exploring the biological underpinnings and role of trauma, to the impact on relationships and the remarkable effectiveness of treatments like DBT and SCM, we look at both the challenges and hope. We’ll explore: • What BPD feels like and the key symptoms • The biosocial model: how biology and the environment intertwine • The impact BPD has on relationships and attachment • Stigma, myths, and gendered assumptions around diagnosis • Why loneliness is high, and support is essential • How DBT and Structured Clinical Management help people adapt • The encouraging truth about recovery and long-term prognosis If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about this misunderstood condition, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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9/28/2025

337. Are personality tests legit? artwork

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337. Are personality tests legit?

The Psychology of your 20s

From Myers-Briggs to the Big Five, almost all of us at some stage have done a personality test. Whether it labelled you an introvert or extrovert, a big thinker or a small details individual, it's easy to get swept up in the idea that these tests can tell us all we need to know about our personality and identity. But are they legit, and what is the science behind them? In today's episode, we break down: The scientific basis for personality tests The interesting, feminist history behind personality tests Reliability vs. validity vs. relatability Why we end up believing what we read How to actually use personality tests to your advantage Listen now! ORDER MY BOOK Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast 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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