460. The psychology of 'good girl' syndrome

460. The psychology of 'good girl' syndrome

Author: iHeartPodcasts September 21, 2026 Duration: 44:16

Many of us are conditioned to believe that being described as kind, nice, accommodating and generous are the key to overall happiness. But when these traits veer into Good Girl Syndrome, we can be left with a pathological need to please others, be hypervigilant towards others’ emotions, and ultimately suppress how we really feel. In this episode, we explore the origins of Good Girl Syndrome, understand the mental and physical cost of emotional suppression, and learn how to challenge this early social conditioning. 

Watch on Netflix: HERE

We unpack:

  • Why women are particularly vulnerable to Good Girl Syndrome
  • How trying to be liked shows up personally and professionally
  • The link between a high score on the Silencing the Self Scale and depression
  • Why it can be harder to break Good Girl habits as we get older
  • The ways we can challenge Good Girl Syndrome traits

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

Our favourite sources:

https://reachlink.com/advice/general/good-girl-syndrome-why-compliance-destroys-mental-health/ 
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/a34642791/good-girl-complex/  
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362662346_Appendix_A_The_Silencing_the_Self_Scale 

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. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Navigating your twenties can feel like a constant, bewildering experiment where you're both the scientist and the subject. The Psychology of your 20s, hosted by Jemma Sbeg, treats this unique decade with the thoughtful analysis it deserves. Released every Tuesday and Friday, each episode picks apart a specific thread of the modern twentysomething experience-whether it's the anxiety of mapping out a career, the complexities of dating apps, the strain on friendships, or the stress of managing money for the first time. Jemma grounds these universal themes in psychological research and science, offering clarity on why this period feels so tumultuous. The conversations move beyond simple advice, instead providing a framework for understanding the mental and emotional underpinnings of decisions big and small. This isn't a lecture; it's a companionable exploration of the growing pains that define adulthood's first chapter. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining a new lens on your own life, one that transforms confusion into comprehension. It’s produced by iHeartPodcasts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Psychology of your 20s
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