Press release
June 16, 2026
Tax money goes to waste – psychology researcher examines the waste of millions in new book.
In the new book “Psychobusiness,” researchers Mattias Lundberg and Magnus Lindwall attack what they describe as a multimillion-dollar industry built on simplifications, pseudoscience, and big promises. “Psychobusiness – about self-proclaimed experts, quick solutions, and expensive illusions” will be published on September 1.
Every year, Swedish municipalities, regions, authorities and companies spend millions on personality tests, motivational concepts, leadership models and other psychological products that lack scientific support. This despite repeated criticism from experts in the field. "Psychobusiness" examines methods that have long dominated working life, sports and personal development, including DISC, Myers-Briggs, NLP and the law of attraction.
– We are all just a really good lecture away from starting to believe in something questionable. What fascinates us most is how this can be allowed to continue, year after year, despite the collective body of researchers condemning both methods and costs. Here we line up both facts and names in the matter – simply because someone has to. We speak plainly, name examples and do not duck uncomfortable questions, says Mattias Lundberg.
– The problem is bigger than individuals risking being deceived. It is about organizations making decisions about, for example, recruitment and development efforts based on models that lack a scientific basis. When tax money is used for such things, it becomes a societal problem, says Magnus Lindwall.
A recurring theme in the book is how pseudoscientific products are given a scientific appearance through advanced concepts, fake certifications, proprietary training systems, and references to research that often does not exist or is misinterpreted. The authors believe this is particularly problematic in organizations where time, resources, and expertise for qualified reviews are limited.
– The most inconvenient thing here is that no one is completely outside the problem. Even organizations that should know better have purchased or used products like this. It shows how strong the attraction is of simple solutions and big promises, says Magnus Lindwall.
About the authors:
Mattias Lundberg is a licensed psychologist and associate professor of psychology, as well as the author of several professional and popular science books, primarily in the field of work and organizational psychology. As a public debater, he has been on the front line against pseudoscience in psychology for many years.
Magnus Lindwall is a professor of psychology, one of Sweden's most established researchers in motivation, physical activity and mental health and has also published several non-fiction books on these subjects. With his extensive knowledge, he is often asked as an expert in the media.
ISBN 978-91-88387-15-8| Published September 1
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For interview requests, please contact the authors directly:
Mattias Lundberg, 070-3154078, mattias@aplato.se
Magnus Lindwall, 070-9603545, magnus@magnuslindwall.se
For previews and other press matters, contact:
Yellow PR:vilhelm@gulpr.se | 073-6907409
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/mattiaslundberg/pressreleases/skattepengar-gaar-till-flum-psykologiforskare-granskar-miljonsloeseriet-i-ny-bok-3453827
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