
How to Stop Being a People Pleaser: The Science Behind Why We Do It and How to Stop
From PRODUCTIVITY by Brandon White
May 5, 2026 · 5 min · Season 1 · Episode 278
About this episode
This episode explores the concept of people pleasing, its psychological roots, and offers strategies to overcome it for better personal well-being.
People pleasing: what being a people pleaser is, why the science says we do it, and 3 ways to stop people pleasing and start protecting your own time and sanity so you can be happier with yourself. STUDY CITATIONS Crocker, J., & Park, L. E. (2004). The costly pursuit of self-esteem. Psychological Bulletin, 130(3), 392–414.Canlı, D., & Karaşar, B. (2021). Predictors of major depressive disorder: The need for social approval and self-esteem. Alpha Psychiatry, 22(1), 38–42. CONNECT WITH...
People in this episode
Host: Brandon White
Topics covered
- people pleasing
- self-esteem
- mental health
- personal development
- time management
Keywords
- people pleasing
- self-esteem
- mental health
- personal development
- time management
- psychology
- happiness
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