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Ellen Langer, PhD

Ellen Langer, PhD

Ellen J. Langer, PhD, is a professor in the psychology department at Harvard University. The studies mentioned here are discussed in her latest book, Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility (Ballantine 2009). A movie based on the book is in the works, with Jennifer Aniston playing Ellen Langer.

Article Archive

How Do Thoughts Affect Health?

January 21, 2010

When Shakespeare wrote โ€œthinking makes it so,โ€ he meant that our thoughts guide our actions and often become self-fulfilling prophecies. Few of us realize, however, the extent to which our thoughts can have effects beyond just our actions. All of our research on aging shows that psychologists and medical professionals overlook the enormous influence our minds can have over our health and well-being. To a very large extent, our thoughts control our healthโ€”and as we age, the consequences of our thinking can be profound.

Putting Mind and Body Back Together

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If You Donโ€™t Mind, It Really Does Matter

January 1, 2010

When Shakespeare wrote โ€œthinking makes it so,โ€ he meant that our thoughts guide our actions and often become self-fulfilling prophecies. Few of us realize, however, the extent to which our thoughts can have effects beyond just our actions. All of our research on aging shows that psychologists and medical professionals overlook the enormous influence our minds can have over our health and well-being. To a very large extent, our thoughts control our healthโ€”and as we age, the consequences of our thinking can be profound.

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