Michael Bernstein

In this engaging discussion, Michael Bernstein, an experimental psychologist and Assistant Professor at Brown University, explores the intriguing world of the nocebo effect and how negative expectations can manifest as real health issues. He recounts a mysterious outbreak in a 1960s U.S. textile factory, illustrating the power of belief on the body. Bernstein also delves into the ethical nuances of placebo use and shares insights on leveraging these effects to combat the opioid crisis, emphasizing the complex relationship between psychology and health.