The Expectation Effect cover art

The Expectation Effect

How Your Mindset Can Transform Your Life

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The Expectation Effect

By: David Robson
Narrated by: John Sackville
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About this listen

A SUNDAY TIMES BEST PAPERBACK OF 2023
A BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK
A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST BOOK OF 2022: HEALTH AND WELLBEING
A WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF 2022: POPULAR SCIENCE

People who believe ageing brings wisdom live longer.
Lucky charms really do improve an athlete’s performance.
Taking a placebo, even when you know it is a placebo, can still improve your health.
Welcome to The Expectation Effect.

In this book David Robson takes us on a tour of the cutting-edge research happening right now that suggests our expectations shape our experience. Bringing together fascinating case studies and evidence-based science, The Expectation Effect uncovers new techniques that we can all use to improve our fitness, productivity, intelligence, health and happiness.

Of course, you can’t just think yourself thinner, happier or fitter, but using this book you can reframe many different facets of your life, and in so doing start real physiological change. These easy-to-use skills will help you on your way to becoming the person you want to be, living the life you want to live.

Listen now to an additional piece by David Robson 'How Your Mindset Shapes Your Love and Sex Life'

©2022 David Robson (P)2022 Canongate Book Ltd Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Inspiring Health Mental Health

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Critic reviews

"As David Robson makes plain in this compelling book, the way we think about the world can profoundly shape how we navigate it. Based in science and packed with smart advice, The Expectation Effect will expand your mind – and maybe even extend your life" (DANIEL H. PINK)
"Mind-changing science . . . One of Robson’s many strengths as a chronicler of science is to take what might seem familiar and show – to his own evident excitement, as well – just how much deeper the rabbit hole goes . . . Compelling" (OLIVER BURKEMAN)
"This is an utterly riveting and transformative book. You can’t afford not to read it!" (NIGELLA LAWSON)
All stars
Most relevant
Relentlessly fascinating.

Working In health care it has helped me bring new meaning to my work and helped me reflect greatly on my attitudes towards so many aspects of life.

One of the best books I’ve read (heard)

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This is popular science at its best, not only putting forward a fascinating thesis about the mind-body connection but also offering practical advice to apply these ideas to one's own life. The narration is exceptionally good too.

Intriguing

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heavy on anecdote took a while to get to very interesting stuff...all would have been well if I had liked the narrator's reading but didn't thinkI've been spoilt by Ballerini and Sam West.it was OK but not to my taste.

Interesting

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Love Every part of it , So unbelievable fleeting to a completion ☀️ understanding the mind and what it predicts for us becomes of a such astonishing importance

Wow

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This is a fascinating subject and I lever that he not only have helpful information but he also mentioned the various studies that support it or not.
Understanding the mind can be challenging, but his explanations were clear and easy to grasp. The techniques he gives so we can apply a more positive and effective mind set were really helpful.
Highly recommend it

Time well spent

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