In the latest blog post for Psychology Today, Raquel Tatar, Caitlin Iverson and Tammi Kral give a scientific perspective on curiosity.
The trait of curiosity is not just reserved for children—psychologists and neuroscientists from around the world have found that curiosity is a driving force for exploration and critical for healthy development and learning. Practicing curiosity is associated with enhanced psychological well-being, grit, subjective happiness, and meaning in life, as well as lower rates of depression and fewer negative emotions.
KEY POINTS
- Curiosity is a key component of well-being, and cultivating it is a skill that can be learned.
- Well-being practices supported by meditation can help one cultivate curiosity about the distortions coloring one’s thoughts.
- Granting oneself compassion can increase the likelihood of forming a new habit.
You can start training your mind with the Healthy Minds Program App, freely available thanks to the generosity of our donors wherever you get your apps.
