Book excerpt: A FASCINATING INSIGHT INTO WHAT MAKES US TICK The bestselling Understand Psychology explains basic psychological processes and how they influence us in all aspects of everyday life. It explores why we are the way we are, how we came to be that way, and what we might do to change seemingly fundamental traits. The book puts psychology in context, using non-technical language to analyze everyday situations. It is a comprehensive introduction that shows how human experience can be understood on many levels. Understand Psychology takes you through every aspect of the subject, from child development and social influences to the role of memories and emotions. You will discover how we interact with each other, why we dream, what motivates us, why children need to play and whether watching TV is bad for you. Now fully revised and updated, this 6th edition of the bestselling guide includes brand new material on mindfulness, social living, focusing in particular on shyness and loneliness and social media, coping with stress, decision making and forensic psychology, addiction and modern drugs, cognitive neuropsychology, and the psychology of learning, including teaching, exams and exam stress. The clear structure, packed full of practical examples, makes it easy to learn the essentials you really need to know. ABOUT THE SERIES People have been learning with Teach Yourself since 1938. With a vast range of practical, how-to guides covering language learning, lifestyle, hobbies, business, psychology and self-help, there's a Teach Yourself book for whatever you want to do. Join more than 60 million people who have reached their goals with Teach Yourself, and never stop learning.