For most people, psychology might not be something they believe they come directly into contact with every day, however, it certainly plays a role in everything they do, and what everyone they meet does.

Simply because you are not a qualified psychologist, nor know much about psychology, does not mean it does not impact your life.

Similarly, you may not be a heart surgeon, but you know enough to understand the importance of your heart.

This leads us to a common trait in which people have a greater sense of what their physical organs mean to them regarding their health and at the extreme, in their staying alive.

However, when it comes to psychology, the understanding of its importance is somewhat vague. This is probably why so many myths have developed concerning psychology.

These are the myths that have somehow developed into what many believe is how their psychology works, and where they subsequently take action or develop a mindset that is contrary to what most psychologists will tell you is the case.

Below we outlined seven of these psychology myths, along with the reality.

Myth #1 – Power Posing Boosts Confidence: Amy Cuddy, a Harvard psychologist planted this myth in people’s minds during a TED talk. She claimed that how you stand or sit can lower stress and boost your confidence.

The Truth: Subsequent research could not find any correlation with power posing or any other pose for that matter and confidence.

Examples of those who report feeling more confident by power posing are said to be a placebo effect.

Myth #2 – Venting Helps You Reduce Your Anger: We are told that ‘letting off steam’ is a great way to reduce our anger and allow ourselves to calm down in certain situations.

The Truth: Expert research shows the opposite is the case, whereby, venting is seen to reinforce the feelings of frustration and anger, not reduce them.

The advice is to reduce anger you should take a time out, not shout out.

Myth #3 – The Majority Of People Have A Mid-Life Crisis: We are told when we hit the ‘Big 4-0’ a midlife crisis is inevitable and that we decry our lack of life goals being achieved and yearn for our younger years which in turn can lead to some unusual behaviours such as buying clothes more suited to teenagers.

The Truth: Whilst around 10% of people may well go through some form of a mid-life crisis, the vast majority do not and continue to act rationally throughout our forties and into our fifties.

Myth #4 – Group Brainstorming Aids Creativity: Whether at college or work we are often encouraged to go into group sessions to brainstorm for solutions as it is believed that in groups, individuals become more creative.

The Truth: It has been proven time and again that when an individual is given a chance to air their ideas, these can be just as, if not more creative, than in group settings.

Myth #5 – Opposites Attract And Have Better Relationships: This is often cited when dating is being discussed whereby you are encouraged to seek someone completely different from you in almost every way.

The Truth: A ton of research into relationships shows there is absolutely nothing to indicate that opposites are any more likely to have successful relationships than those who are similar.

Myth #6 – Smiling Will Make You Happier: You will have surely heard people say, “If you want to be happier, simply smile more”.

The Truth: Whilst it would be nice if this were true, unfortunately, you cannot trick your brain into believing you are happy simply by baring your teeth in a false smile.

Myth #7 – When You Reach Adulthood Your Personally Stabilises: It is purported that when you reach adulthood all your personality traits are more or less set in stone for the rest of your life.

The Truth: Numerous studies show this not to be the case. We can become more cooperative, less neurotic, and more conscientious, to name but three ways our personality changes as we age.