Trouble in Mind

A psychologist-turned-novelist muses on what we can learn from reading novels

Imagination
Why We Read Novels

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on September 28, 2026

So you love reading novels, but would you like to go more deeply into the characters’ heads, enhance your mental and physical health, and discover new ways to solve your own issues?

So you love reading novels, but would you like to go more deeply into the characters’ heads, enhance your mental and physical health, and discover new ways to solve your own issues?

Career
Moving On

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on September 28, 2018

After seven years of blogging, I have decided it is time to say goodbye so I can dedicate more time and passion to writing fiction.

After seven years of blogging, I have decided it is time to say goodbye so I can dedicate more time and passion to writing fiction.

Play
Now That Was a Moment

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on August 28, 2018

On rare occasions we will experience a Moment, something more than a great performance, more than a standing ovation; a performance that is unexpected, unscheduled, and shared.

On rare occasions we will experience a Moment, something more than a great performance, more than a standing ovation; a performance that is unexpected, unscheduled, and shared.

Attention
The Thailand Cave Rescue: A Real-Life Suspense Story.

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on July 10, 2018

Four boys and their coach are still trapped in the Thailand cave. As the world waits for good news, thousands of children from Yemen die. Why is that story not as riveting?

Four boys and their coach are still trapped in the Thailand cave. As the world waits for good news, thousands of children from Yemen die. Why is that story not as riveting?

Career
Find Yourself a Mentor for Life

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on June 25, 2018

Finding a mentor is much more than a good career move; it can lead to a lifelong, two-way relationship bringing multiple benefits to your own life and those of your mentees.

Finding a mentor is much more than a good career move; it can lead to a lifelong, two-way relationship bringing multiple benefits to your own life and those of your mentees.

Happiness
Playing the Game; Do You Care If You Win Or Lose?

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on May 13, 2018

New research finds happiness expands when we play infinite games where all are invited and no-one wins, over finite games, where membership is restricted and winning is the goal.

New research finds happiness expands when we play infinite games where all are invited and no-one wins, over finite games, where membership is restricted and winning is the goal.

Relationships
Why Do Many of Us Love Quiet Novels?

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on April 22, 2018

In today’s hectic, noisy, and stressful world we need to make time for quiet. Reading quiet books can provide this and give us an island of rest and happiness.

In today’s hectic, noisy, and stressful world we need to make time for quiet. Reading quiet books can provide this and give us an island of rest and happiness.

Politics
Family Festivities Are All About Family, Not Politics

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on December 20, 2017

You can’t prevent others getting into fraught discussions when everyone has gathered for the annual celebrations, but you can stop yourself being drawn into them!

You can’t prevent others getting into fraught discussions when everyone has gathered for the annual celebrations, but you can stop yourself being drawn into them!

Fear
Wean Your Kids and Yourself Off Fear

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on November 16, 2017

The obsession of iGen teens with safety is one cause of their unhealthy levels of anxiety and there's something adults can do something about.

The obsession of iGen teens with safety is one cause of their unhealthy levels of anxiety and there's something adults can do something about.

Career
Reading Minds Is a Skill We All Need to Work On

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on October 20, 2017

No one can read minds, but we can improve our ability to guess what people are thinking and feeling, and to know when what they say is not what they think.

No one can read minds, but we can improve our ability to guess what people are thinking and feeling, and to know when what they say is not what they think.

Career
Seek Your Whys and Find Happiness.

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on September 17, 2017

Simon Sinek’s mission to encourage us to find the work that makes us happy can be extended to everything we do.

Simon Sinek’s mission to encourage us to find the work that makes us happy can be extended to everything we do.

Mindfulness
Wilderness Psychology

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on August 27, 2017

Camping in the wilderness is an experience unlike any other. It has its downsides, especially in the Australian Outback, but the upsides include therapeutic bird watching!

Camping in the wilderness is an experience unlike any other. It has its downsides, especially in the Australian Outback, but the upsides include therapeutic bird watching!

Bias
Money and a Room of One’s Own

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on July 20, 2017

The Bank of England has unveiled a ten pound note celebrating Jane Austen. Virginia Woolfe also has some insightful messages, still relevant today, about money and women writers.

The Bank of England has unveiled a ten pound note celebrating Jane Austen. Virginia Woolfe also has some insightful messages, still relevant today, about money and women writers.

Sport and Competition
What’s the Best Age to Be?

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on May 31, 2017

Anecdotal evidence suggests that enjoyment of life is a common ingredient in those who still excel either physically or cognitively into their very old age.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that enjoyment of life is a common ingredient in those who still excel either physically or cognitively into their very old age.

Memory
Fatigue, the Brain and Therapists

Jenni Ogden Ph.D. on April 26, 2017

Studies have found that debilitating fatigue is a common symptom of many types of brain damage and disorders, from mild head injury to benign pituitary adenoma to dementia.

Studies have found that debilitating fatigue is a common symptom of many types of brain damage and disorders, from mild head injury to benign pituitary adenoma to dementia.

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Magazine
September 2026 magazine cover
September 2026
The Power of Enough

We’re all holding onto something we’re sure we can’t give up on, but research shows that letting go can boost our happiness a lot more than we might think.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
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