In the original dustsheet. Black binding with gilt title on the spine.

A BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK

A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST BOOK OF 2022: HEALTH AND WELLBEING

A WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF 2022: POPULAR SCIENCE

People who believe ageing brings wisdom live longer.

Lucky charms really do improve an athlete’s performance.

Taking a placebo, even when you know it is a placebo, can still improve your health.

Welcome to The Expectation Effect.

In this book David Robson takes us on a tour of the cutting-edge research happening right now that suggests our expectations shape our experience. Bringing together fascinating case studies and evidence-based science, The Expectation Effect uncovers new techniques that we can all use to improve our fitness, productivity, intelligence, health and happiness.

Of course, you can’t just think yourself thinner, happier or fitter, but using this book you can reframe many different facets of your life, and in so doing start real physiological change. These easy-to-use skills will help you on your way to becoming the person you want to be, living the life you want to live.

David Robson is an award-winning science journalist. His first book, The Intelligence Trap, has been translated into 15 languages. Previously an editor and senior journalist at BBC Future, Robson is now a freelance journalist; his writing has appeared in The Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Atlantic, Washington Post and more.

Reviews

This book is entertaining, eye-opening, extremely useful and best of all, evidence-based — CLAUDIA HAMMOND

As David Robson makes plain in this compelling book, the way we think about the world can profoundly shape how we navigate it. Based in science and packed with smart advice, The Expectation Effect will expand your mind – and maybe even extend your life — DANIEL H. PINK

Mind-changing science . . . One of Robson’s many strengths as a chronicler of science is to take what might seem familiar and show – to his own evident excitement, as well – just how much deeper the rabbit hole goes . . . Compelling — OLIVER BURKEMAN ― *Guardian

This is an utterly riveting and transformative book. You can’t afford not to read it! — NIGELLA LAWSON

A revelatory pop-science book on the idea that it’s not so much what happens to us as what we expect to happen that determines our health and wellbeing ― * Guardian *

Intriguing . . . Extraordinary stories of the brain and its power to control the body ― * Sunday Times *

I have not been able to stop thinking about it . . . Jaw-dropping . . . So many studies in the book left me speechless — PANDORA SYKES ― * Doing It Right *

Already threatening to be book of the year – visionary, original and exciting — WILL STORR

Interesting . . . Robson marshals a huge range of diverse evidence here and describes it very well. I learned a lot and enjoyed the book hugely — TIM HARFORD

An intriguing account of the role of expectation (and perception in general) in a wide panorama of experience. Beautifully written, science-based and a gripping read. I loved it! — DR MITHU STORONI, author of STRESS-PROOF