The Expectation Effect

How Your Mindset Can Transform Your Life

By: David Robson

Narrated by: John Sackville

A SUNDAY TIMES BEST PAPERBACK OF 2023
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.

Listen now to an additional piece by David Robson 'How Your Mindset Shapes Your Love and Sex Life'

©2022 David Robson (P)2022 Canongate Book Ltd

Critic reviews

"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)

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

Well read and easy to follow. Well structured and useful.

This audiobook is in line with current research and based on scientific studies. It is concise and, by avoiding vague psychologising, is presenting a convincing case for thinking about the brain as a prediction machine and the consequences this has for our mindset and our lives.