There is one key factor affecting health and long life that is more important than any other: social connection.

When we form meaningful bonds with others, our wounds heal faster, our blood pressure drops and we are less likely to have Alzheimer’s, heart attacks or strokes. We perform better on tests of mental focus, memory and problem solving. Strong social connection can even fuel creativity, increase our financial stability and enhance our work productivity. But making friends can also be daunting.

In The Laws of Connection, David Robson unpacks the science behind this effect and introduces us to simple strategies to promote instant rapport and sustain lifelong, meaningful relationships.

When we form meaningful bonds with others, our wounds heal faster, we shake off infections more quickly and our blood pressure drops. We are less likely to have Alzheimer’s, heart attacks or strokes. When people feel that they have strong social support, they perform better on tests of mental focus, memory and problem solving. Greater connection can fuel creativity, increase our financial stability and enhance our work productivity. But making friends can also be daunting.

In The Laws of Connection, David Robson does two important things: he takes us through the fascinating science behind the effects of social connection and he unpacks the research that shows that we are all better at being social than we might think. We meet ideas such as ‘the liking gap’ and ‘the gratitude gap’, learn to recognise ‘frenemies’ and discover a powerful conversational strategy known as the ‘fast-friends procedure’ that promotes instant rapport. Being social doesn’t have to mean having dozens of friends, it can also mean having one true, deep connection with another person. As Robson shows, we can all benefit from the laws of connection.

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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.

David Robson takes us on a tour of the cutting-edge research happening right now that suggests our expectations shape our experience. 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. 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.

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.