In this bonus episode, we’re looking at the placebo effect - what it is, how it became an important part of medical research, and why an inactive treatment can sometimes produce genuine changes how we feel, and what this tells us about the relationship between the brain, body and experience of receiving care.
The FULL Debunking Psychology playlist: HERE
We explore:
• How placebos became an important part of scientific research
• Some of the earliest placebo experiments
• Why our expectations can change the way we experience symptoms
• Whether the placebo effect produces real, biological changes
• Why the ritual of receiving care may itself influence how we feel
• Whether placebo effects represent genuine, lasting change
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s
For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

464. The psychology of cults
56:21

463. The 5 reasons you’re not as behind as you think
48:27

462. The truth about the Stanford Prison Experiment
29:04