The psychology of uncertainty

The psychology of uncertainty

Author: iHeartPodcasts July 30, 2026 Duration: 35:44

Uncertainty is the defining emotion of our 20s. Career paths, relationships, identity, purpose ... so much of this decade is marked by not knowing. Does that have to be as uncomfortable as we think it does? In today’s episode, we unpack the psychology of uncertainty: why our brains fear it, how it triggers anxiety and avoidance, and why trying to “figure it all out” might be doing more harm than good.

We explore:

  • The neuroscience behind our discomfort with the unknown
  • Why perfectionism is often a mask for our fear of uncertainty
  • The cultural myths that make us believe we need a step-by-step life plan
  • How to assign meaning to uncertainty and build resilience through it
  • Practical strategies to take action even when the future feels unclear

If you've never felt more confused than you do now, and are unsure 'what's next', this episode is for you. 

Watch on Netflix: HERE

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.

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
Podcast Episodes
462. The truth about the Stanford Prison Experiment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
The Stanford Prison Experiment is one of the most famous studies in psychology, but also one of the most controversial. In this bonus episode, we look at what actually happened in the basement of Stanford University in 1…
461. 10 things I NEEDED 21 year old me to know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:59
If I could sit down with my 21-year-old self, there are a few things I would definitely want to say. Today, I'm going to say them, like 'don't even THINK about moving in with that guy, use your savings account, care less…
460. The psychology of 'good girl' syndrome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 pathologica…
459. I'm so tired of being ambitious [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:14
Ambition feels like my entire personality and I'm trying to fix that. Who are we beyond our ambition? In a world that only cares about success, output and productivity, what do we feel like we'll lose when we slow down?…
458. Can embracing stress actually help us? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:38
Stress has a reputation for burning us out, torching our relationships and even causing our lives to end prematurely. But not all stress is created equal. In this episode, we explore the difference between eustress - goo…
457. The psychology of 'false' memories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:28
We treat our memories like a reliable recording of the past. We remember what happened, how we felt, where we were, and what was said. But what if our account is more like a subjective recollection of events? In this epi…
456. Why does feeling sad sometimes feel so good? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:50
Why does feeling sad sometimes feel... so good? Whether it’s putting on the saddest song you know, rewatching a movie that always makes you cry, indulging in a little self-pity or finally letting yourself have a good sob…
455. Why does time start flying in our 20s? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:03
It’s a known fact that time moves faster as we get older, but what does this really mean, and can we slow it down? In this episode, we’re going to try to make sense of why flies as we enter our 20s - from memory, to nove…
454. The oedipus complex [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:14
The Oedipus complex is one of Freud’s most renowned and shocking ideas. In this episode, we dive into the origins of the theory and whether anything really remains once its gendered assumptions and controversial sexual c…
453. 7 facts you need to know about your brain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:35
There are a surprising number of myths and misconceptions about the brain, particularly with regards to its development in our 20s. In this episode, we unpack a number of surprising facts and studies about the brain so t…