Everyone is driven by human psychology and learning about the field is not only interesting, it can also impact our well-being and development. Getting to grips with psychology is a way to understand ourselves and others better, whether through a primary connection or a deeper dive into the psyche. We’ve put together a list of the 22 best psychology audiobooks to help you discover the workings of the human mind and keep your thinking sharp, insightful, and aware. Discover this selection of the best psychology books available in audio format on Audible that will get you thinking and potentially change your life.
A Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences, Daniel Kahneman is a psychologist and an economist by trade, and his audiobook Thinking, Fast and Slow compiles decades of his studies. Kahneman has delved into questions concerning cognitive biases, prospect theory, decision making, and happiness. In this listen, all three fields work together to form the central idea that we all possess two systems of thought. The first system is instinctive, emotional, and fast. The second system is deliberative, logical, and slow. Kahneman’s work has influenced famous big thinkers, including Steven Pinker and Malcolm Gladwell. While the ideas discussed in Thinking, Fast and Slow can be intricate, Patrick Egan’s narration makes challenging ideas flow quickly and clearly. This audiobook is arguably one of the best psychology books for beginners; this audiobook takes a deep dive into positive psychology ideas that can be applied to your everyday life.
Talking to Strangers is New York Times best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell’s 2019 hit. Narrated by Gladwell himself, this psychology book outlines his career as a journalist, linking stories—from a traffic stop gone wrong to the costly deceptions of Bernie Madoff—that at first may seem unconnected. Eventually, listeners will understand that each story revolves around how our lives can shift if we change our perspective on strangers around us. In this audiobook, Gladwell delivers these stories in new and innovative ways. He inserts clips from original interviews with subjects and adds audio effects, merging a podcast with an audiobook to create a unique, heightened listening experience.
The idea seems simple: If we change our habits, we can change our lives. However, most people will agree that changing habits is easier said than done. In The Power of Habit, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Charles Duhigg explains the science behind habits and how changing them is possible when we know them and how they play into our lives. Delivered in narrator Mike Chamberlain’s earnest tone, the scientific aspects of this audiobook are instantly approachable. Duhigg has expertly distilled insightful information, helping listeners quickly glean habit and decision-making inspiration from some of the most efficient people— Olympic athletes, civil rights activists, and CEOs.
In his New York Times bestseller, investigative reporter David Epstein debunks the myth that focusing on one specific talent or ability from an early age is the best way to become a specialist. Based on his extensive, original study of the world’s most successful musicians, athletes, artists, and scientists, he demonstrates that most found their talents later in life. At the same time, they spent most of their formative years learning and trying as many diverse things as possible. Some of these revelations may seem shocking, especially since we live in an expertise-driven society. Audie Award-winning narrator Will Damron is easy to listen to, leaving you feeling stress-free. So, if you still feel like you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up, don’t worry—this audiobook is an excellent source of inspiration and guidance.
The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman is centred around unleashing a part of you that you probably didn’t know you had and almost certainly didn’t know you needed. Narrating his work, Herman explains his belief that we can trick ourselves into being the person we always wanted to be simply by finding our alter ego. Our alter egos aren’t fake versions of ourselves; they are merely parts of us that need to be cultivated. For more than 20 years, Herman has been teaching athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyone how to tap into their alter egos. This audiobook allows you to learn from Herman’s experiences and expertise, and coming directly from him, the listening experience feels like tuning into a particularly impactful motivational speech.
Is there genuinely a reward in living by the “Golden Rule”? Is it true that money can’t buy happiness? In The Happiness Hypothesis, best-selling author Jonathan Haidt puts the validity of 10 widely accepted “Great Ideas” to the test. Each chapter focuses on one idea that has been espoused by revered thinkers of the past such as Plato, Buddha, and Jesus, and explores whether it remains relevant today and can be used as an influential purveyor of fulfilment and meaning in your everyday life. Ryan Vincent Anderson’s narration is clear, inviting, and delivered with an insightful tone. Combining philosophical wisdom with scientific research, The Happiness Hypothesis is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book that is well worth listening to, again and again.
Brené Brown is a social worker and research professor at the University of Houston. For years, she has studied some of our most nebulous emotions, including vulnerability, empathy, shame, and courage. Spoiler alert: they’re all connected, constantly ebbing and flowing throughout every one of us. The Power of Vulnerability is a self-narrated masterclass that brings together her most important findings. For fans of the author’s lectures or TED Talks, this social psychology book serves as an extension of her widely shared short-form videos. Brene’s humour, clarity, and savvy for research are evident and welcomed, not unlike listening to a brilliant, kind friend.
Introverts are often mislabelled as followers simply because they make less noise. Susan Cain’s Quiet is a defence of introverts and the critical role they play in society. She offers scientific material that will help listeners understand the difference between introverts and extroverts, many examples of successful introverts, and practical self-help ideas for how to make the most of being one. Kathe Mazur, a prolific audiobook performer and an accomplished actor, is the perfect narrator for Quiet. She invites listeners to learn about introverts while speaking in a soft voice. However, her gentle speech pattern still manages to command attention, reflective of the very subject of this listen.
The successes of historical figures like Mozart, Henry Ford, and Charles Darwin may seem out of reach for most of us, but in his New York Times bestseller Mastery, Robert Greene begs to differ. He believes that we all can achieve greatness nestled inside of us. Greene’s research of history’s most successful people shows that most of them followed their most basic interests. According to his theory, this helped them achieve success in the long run because doing something that inherently interests you is one of the most basic ways to be successful. Narrator Fred Sanders adds weight and persuasion to Greene’s thoughts without overselling the findings. This self-help audiobook gives listeners pause to consider that maybe it’s not all as complicated as you once thought.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone is the autobiographical story of a psychotherapist who seeks out therapy for herself. With striking honesty, the renowned Lori Gottlieb shares her most intimate experiences as a clinician and patient, unearthing taboos from each side and offering a gentle challenge to listeners to examine themselves a little more closely. Brittany Pressley does a flawless job of bridging the anecdotal and psychological aspects of the audiobook with her versatile narration. Listening to her talk is like speaking to a friend or maybe even your therapist, making this non-fiction book a relatable and personal experience. This truly illuminating listen reminds us that we are not alone and that when we embrace our mental health journey without judgement, we can become our strongest advocates.
Talking about depression and anxiety can be understandably difficult. New York Times best-selling author Johann Hari’s Lost Connections offers a hopeful reimagining of the often stigmatised but prevalent mental health struggles we all face. He argues that depression and anxiety have less to do with chemical imbalances in the human brain and more to do with how we live our lives. As he narrates this must-listen title, Hari shares his experiences, research, and critical solutions and tackles misconceptions about mental health. He is earnest, heartfelt, and poignant, whether speaking about his own experiences or his empathy for others. A unique look at mental health treatment, Lost Connections is a gentle reminder that the power to heal is always within us.
Feeling Good is another excellent audiobook for anyone looking to combat depression. Psychiatrist David Burns takes a deep dive into the human mind as he explores the factors that affect our mental health and lead to depression, including anxiety, low self-esteem, and guilt. The good news is that he believes that all of those symptoms can be treated without medication. Burns uses his training in psychiatry to call out misconceptions and pinpoint the best methods and techniques that listeners can apply to their own lives. Bolstered by George Newbern’s calm, pleasant narration, the tools outlined in this positive psychology book provide listeners with accessible methods for easing the pain of depression. The audiobook's success spurred a very successful Feeling Good podcast and blog curated by Burns, and their large audiences are demonstrative of the effectiveness of his psychotherapy theories.
Dave Grossman is a leading expert in the psychology of killing. Before he was a professor of psychology at West Point, he was a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. Since he retired from battle, he has been working to understand the psychological cost of fighting in wars. In On Combat, he narrates his psychology research and experience concerning the mental and biological consequences of being in combat. He adds his hard-earned experience and advice on dealing with those consequences in your everyday life. Grossman teams up with Loren W. Christensen, a military policeman, to give a more rounded approach. Grossman’s authenticity, empathy, and strength shine through so that only someone who has experienced the events themselves can convey them.
At its most basic, Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jethá is about the history and social science of human sexual relationships. Learning from philosophers like Charles Darwin, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Steven Pinker, Ryan and Jethá gleaned key insights into evolution, monogamy, and the condition of human beings. The team of authors is nicely mirrored by the team of narrators, Allyson Johnson and Jonathan Davis. A unique introduction by Christopher Ryan adds a deeper understanding of why the authors chose to undertake this project and, as a result, helps listeners have a more well-rounded perspective as they delve into this psychology book.
Prominent psychiatrist Brian L Weiss narrates his own experiences with a former patient named Catherine, who, under hypnosis, was able to recall her past lives and make psychological breakthroughs. The psychology book exhibits how this experimental treatment, as surprising as it was, was exactly what the doctor ordered. Through his narration of this fascinating real-life case study, Weiss exhibits his genuine nature and passion for his innovative research, making the retelling of his experience captivating and exciting. It’s not often that listeners can hear directly from an expert without parsing a dense research paper, and this audiobook makes it all the more accessible.
Bruce D. Perry, psychiatrist and Senior Fellow at the Child Trauma Academy in Houston, and Maia Szalavitz, award-winning author and journalist, team up to share some of the stories of their most vulnerable patients: children who have experienced trauma. The human brain is fragile, especially when developing, and trauma can create lasting psychological problems. Narrator Chris Kipiniak performs this urgent and profound subject matter with the sense of calm and delicacy that it so deserves. Through Perry’s case studies and Szalavitz’s colourful documentation, this audiobook shares how children’s traumas are unique and how even the most traumatised children can be treated effectively with psychotherapy. This insight into the fabric of young human minds may help you understand your older brain better and even change your life.
Why do we do the things we do? Robert M. Sapolsky’s Behave attempts to answer that widely asked, frequently confounding question. Narrator Michael Goldstrom guides listeners as Sapolsky looks at the question from almost every angle. By using specific examples of certain human behaviours, he further queries: what neurological processes were in place before, during, and after the behaviour? What senses were triggered and implemented to cause or react to the behaviour? What cultural aspects played into the occurrence of the behaviour? Behave is a tour-de-force of introspection, external observation, and storytelling. This intriguing audiobook looks at decision-making through a neuroscience lens, prompting listeners to think about why they do the things they do, make sense of their behaviour, and perhaps start to do things differently.
In a fast-evolving world with endless options for how to live, how to spend your time, and what to spend your money on, life can feel more overwhelming than ever. In The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz looks at the psychology behind everyday decision-making and how more can mean less in a world of unlimited options. Narrator Ken Kliban talks you through Schwartz’s philosophy to achieve a more simple and fulfilled life, which can help you catch your breath, slow down, and feel more in control, especially in the face of the unexpected. American psychologist Barry Schwartz is a big name in the psychology space—he has written several insightful books and even presented a TED Talk on The Paradox of Choice.
The foundational and wildly popular go-to resource for influence and persuasion—a renowned international bestseller, with over 5 million copies sold—now revised, adding: new research, new insights, new examples, and online applications.
In the new edition of this highly acclaimed bestseller, Robert Cialdini—New York Times bestselling author of Pre-Suasion and the seminal expert in the fields of influence and persuasion—explains the psychology of why people say yes and how to apply these insights ethically in business and everyday settings. Using memorable stories and relatable examples, Cialdini makes this crucially important subject surprisingly easy. With Cialdini as a guide, you don't have to be a scientist to learn how to use this science.
You'll learn Cialdini's Universal Principles of Influence, including new research and new uses so you can become an even more skilled persuader—and just as importantly, you'll learn how to defend yourself against unethical influence attempts. You may think you know these principles, but without understanding their intricacies, you may be ceding their power to someone else.
Cialdini's Principles of Persuasion:
- Reciprocation
- Commitment and Consistency
- Social Proof
- Liking
- Authority
- Scarcity
- Unity, the newest principle for this edition
Understanding and applying the principles ethically is cost-free and deceptively easy. Backed by Dr. Cialdini's 35 years of evidence-based, peer-reviewed scientific research—including a three-year field study on what leads people to change—Influence is a comprehensive guide to using these principles to move others in your direction.
American psychologist Dr. Robert Cialdini lends his wealth of experience to this audiobook about the power of persuasion. Written and narrated by Cialdini himself, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion introduces you to six principles of persuasion: reciprocation, commitment and consistency, social proof, liking, authority, scarcity, and unity. With 35 years of research behind him, Cialdini explores the intricacies of human behaviour and gives you the tools to be more successful and influential in your life, career, and relationships. A must-listen for anyone looking to improve their social skills or get a better understanding of how people think and respond to each other.
Dan Ariely’s Predictably Irrational is a smart, intriguing look at the not so logical patterns and habits that shape human nature. Ariely cuts to the heart of our strange behaviour, demonstrating how irrationality often supplants rational thought and that the reason for this is embedded in the very structure of our minds. He analyses the way in which human behaviour takes the less-than-logical route in our everyday lives, as we humans routinely choose the irrational, or unexpected choice over the ones based purely in sound logic. Fascinating, informative, and engaging, this cognitive psychology audiobook is a surprising look at the unpredictable nature of humans, and why we think and act the way we do.
What defines psychopathy, and how do we know who is being real and who is faking it? These are just some of the intriguing questions Jon Ronson asks in his thought-provoking and surprising audiobook, The Psychopath Test. This candid and eye-opening listen dives into all aspects of sanity, from interviewing expert neurologists to those diagnosed to the creator of the infamous ‘Psychopath Test’ itself. As he investigates, educates, and questions the way we define sanity, Ronson also begins to apply these tools to people around him— including many prominent figures—to discover if there are more mentally unstable people in power than we might think. Truly thought provoking and interesting, The Psychopath Test is a humorous and informative look at psychology applied in the real world.
From authors Chip and Dan Heath comes this straight-forward and clear cut approach to switching your mindset towards success. Switch looks at the way we see problems, hurdles and challenges—and, more often than not, allow these to stop us—instead of seeing the goals, wins, accomplishments, and solutions we are aiming for. Switch uses a simple approach to teach us how to rethink challenges in our life, alter our focus, and, ultimately, see amazing results. Switch has topped book recommendations for individuals and businesses looking for a clear, easy-to-follow guide to successful thinking. Whether you are tackling corporate problems, setting personal goals, or simply want to learn how to attack obstacles in a positive, productive manner, this audiobook is for you.
