Is your Facebook feed full of stories about the royal family? Are you confused about why the whole world suddenly seems so obsessed with the British monarchy? Well, science (specifically psychology) might just have the answer.
RELATED STORY
The world has always been a stressful, sometimes depressing and anxiety-inducing place to exist, but for many those negative feeling have intensified in recent years (particularly since November 8, 2016). Even if you never really cared about the royal family in the past and even if you're perplexed or even a little annoyed by their omnipresence in your social feeds, you probably don't go into a panic when you see stories about them, either.
And there's a reason stories about the royal family are so calming, even compared to other celebrity stories and fluffy non-news you might encounter. According to Dr. Donna Rockwell, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist who specializes in celebrity and fame, the royal family's strict adherence to procedure and tradition is key. Even just reading about it can trigger the same comforting feeling that a child finds in boundaries and rules.
"It's comforting to see a structure where that structure seems to create a semblance of order," she told Glamour. "So in the same way, I think that when an adult is feeling a sense of inner chaos, it's comforting, even neurologically speaking, to be able to observe something of structure. We see structure, and we feel comforted. So it's actually a neurological response of relaxation that occurs in us in seeing the queen, and the [grand]daughters-in-law, and the line [of heirs]."
Yep. Neurological. As in, your brain actually reacts in a positive way to these stories.
"The universe is profoundly chaotic," Rockwell explained. "So whenever we can anchor ourselves into a sense of order and safety, really, we tend to relax. And that generates the reward center of the brain. Ahhhh, is the reaction."
So, the next time someone rolls their eyes at your royal family obsession, you can explain that it's officially good for your mental health.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Princess Diana Revealed to a Royal Author the Real Reason Why Her Marriage to Prince Charles Ended Not Long Before She Died in 1997
And no, it apparently wasn’t Camilla Parker-Bowles.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Princess Martha Louise of Norway Sets Wedding Date with Fiancé Shaman Durek Verrett After a Two Year Engagement
Already billed as “one of the most beautiful high society weddings of the year,” the celebration will last for four days.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Heidi Gardner Opens Up About Viral Moment She Broke Character During ‘Saturday Night Live’ Beavis and Butt-Head Sketch
“I just couldn’t prepare for what I saw.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published