Did It Replicate?
A single study is a starting question, not a proven fact. A finding “replicates” when other labs, running it carefully, get the same result. Some of psychology’s most famous emotion findings held up — and one famous one did not.
Name it to tame it
held up partly“Putting a feeling into words makes it smaller.”
What we know now: Naming a feeling does lower its heat — but by a SMALL amount, and the effect is clearer in a scanner than in everyday life.
Talk to yourself by name
held up partly“Saying "You've got this, [your name]" beats saying "I've got this".”
What we know now: Distanced self-talk gives people a bit more calm and steadier performance under stress — a small-to-moderate effect.
The pen in your teeth
did not hold up“Holding a pen in your teeth (a forced smile) makes things feel funnier.”
What we know now: This is the famous one — and when 17 labs ran it carefully in 2016, the effect DID NOT show up. The headline did not survive.
Nerves are excitement
held up partly“Telling yourself "I'm excited" beats "calm down" before something big.”
What we know now: Reframing the SAME racing heart as excitement (not fear) tends to help — your body's energy is the same, the story you tell about it isn't.
Your granularity index
held up well“People who use more precise feeling words cope better.”
What we know now: Higher granularity (using precise, distinct words — not more words for the sake of it) is linked with steadier coping. It is a skill you can grow, not a score you are stuck with.