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The Psychology of your 20s
The Psychology of your 20s

456. Why does feeling sad sometimes feel so good?

32 min•10 september 2026

Om avsnittet

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

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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. 

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