Norms Matter

Relationships

5 Strategies for Stronger Relationships

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on February 4, 2023

Was building stronger relationships on your list of New Year's resolutions? Try these simple—and scientifically-proven—strategies.

Was building stronger relationships on your list of New Year's resolutions? Try these simple—and scientifically-proven—strategies.

Identity

Psychological Factors Help Explain the January 6th Insurrection

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on October 13, 2022

Like most Americans, I watched the events of January 6th in horror. But, as I explained to the January 6th Select Committee, psychological factors help explain the insurrection.

Like most Americans, I watched the events of January 6th in horror. But, as I explained to the January 6th Select Committee, psychological factors help explain the insurrection.

Stress

The Psychology of Understanding and Managing Uncertainty

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on September 21, 2021

Are you feeling worn out from the ongoing stress of COVID? Understanding why uncertainty is so stressful—and what you can do to manage it—can help.

Are you feeling worn out from the ongoing stress of COVID? Understanding why uncertainty is so stressful—and what you can do to manage it—can help.

Health

A Bystander Training Intervention Could Save a Life

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on August 21, 2021

Should I say something? Training students to intervene when they recognize a friend is struggling may play an important role in reducing the college student mental health crisis.

Should I say something? Training students to intervene when they recognize a friend is struggling may play an important role in reducing the college student mental health crisis.

Conformity

Why COVID Vaccination Rates Are So Low in College Students

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on July 8, 2021

In a federal report released last week, just over one-third of US adults between the ages of 18 and 39 report being vaccinated against COVID-19 — despite free access across the country. Why?

In a federal report released last week, just over one-third of US adults between the ages of 18 and 39 report being vaccinated against COVID-19 — despite free access across the country. Why?

Psychology

Why Donuts, Beer, Lotteries, and Celebrities Help Reduce COVID

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on June 3, 2021

How can we increase vaccination rates so we can return to normal life? Celebrity influencers and specific incentives can make a real difference.

How can we increase vaccination rates so we can return to normal life? Celebrity influencers and specific incentives can make a real difference.

Groupthink

Social Psych and Social Stocks

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on March 4, 2021

Does social psychology help explain the unusual trading behavior associated with the rise and fall of GameStop, AMC, Blackberry, and other stocks?

Does social psychology help explain the unusual trading behavior associated with the rise and fall of GameStop, AMC, Blackberry, and other stocks?

Stress

3 Ways to Connect During COVID—and Why You Should

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on February 7, 2021

Finding ways to connect during these times of COVID is important for psychological and physical well-being. Here are three easy strategies that can make a big difference.

Finding ways to connect during these times of COVID is important for psychological and physical well-being. Here are three easy strategies that can make a big difference.

Happiness

Feeling the Holiday Blues Due to COVID? Plan a Future Trip!

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on December 20, 2020

Research from positive psychology suggests a great strategy for feeling happier.

Research from positive psychology suggests a great strategy for feeling happier.

Anxiety

4 Ways to Feel Happier—Even During Challenging Times

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on September 27, 2020

Many people find it hard to feel happy these days, between fear of COVID and intense anxiety about the upcoming election. But there are specific things we can do to feel better.

Many people find it hard to feel happy these days, between fear of COVID and intense anxiety about the upcoming election. But there are specific things we can do to feel better.

Resilience

How College Students Can Find a Silver Lining in a Pandemic

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on August 24, 2020

There's so much focus on the challenges students face this fall, with a new normal of remote learning. But there's a real potential for the pandemic to create positive changes.

There's so much focus on the challenges students face this fall, with a new normal of remote learning. But there's a real potential for the pandemic to create positive changes.

Empathy

Why Some People Are Willing to Challenge Bad Behavior

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on June 26, 2020

What do ⁦Mitt Romney, Ashley Judd, and whistleblowers all have in common? A willingness to do the right thing, even when it comes at a cost.

What do ⁦Mitt Romney, Ashley Judd, and whistleblowers all have in common? A willingness to do the right thing, even when it comes at a cost.

Environment

Wear a Mask—For Mom

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on May 8, 2020

Sixteen years ago, my mother spent what would turn out to be her last Mother’s Day in a hospital, recovering from the effects of yet another failed round of chemotherapy.

Sixteen years ago, my mother spent what would turn out to be her last Mother’s Day in a hospital, recovering from the effects of yet another failed round of chemotherapy.

Bystander Effect

Mike Pence and the Bystander Effect in Action

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on May 3, 2020

Why did Mike Pence fail to wear a mask at the Mayo Clinic—and why did those around him stay silent? Understanding the psychology of inaction can help us step up and act.

Why did Mike Pence fail to wear a mask at the Mayo Clinic—and why did those around him stay silent? Understanding the psychology of inaction can help us step up and act.

Happiness

Why Are the Finns So Happy? Three Lessons We Can Learn

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on April 25, 2020

Aren't we all trying to find more happiness, especially during these trying times? Here are three lessons we can learn from Finland - the world's happiness country.

Aren't we all trying to find more happiness, especially during these trying times? Here are three lessons we can learn from Finland - the world's happiness country.

Media

Social Media in a Pandemic: The Good News and the Bad News

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on April 19, 2020

Is spending time on social media these days helpful or harmful? For most of us, it can be both. So, figure out how best to avoid the bad and take the good.

Is spending time on social media these days helpful or harmful? For most of us, it can be both. So, figure out how best to avoid the bad and take the good.

Stress

5 Great Reasons to Adopt a Dog During the Pandemic

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on April 12, 2020

In search of a way to reduce stress and loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic? Take a trip to your local shelter to adopt or foster a dog.

In search of a way to reduce stress and loneliness during the coronavirus pandemic? Take a trip to your local shelter to adopt or foster a dog.

Health

5 Ways to Give—and Feel Happier—During This Pandemic

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on April 3, 2020

Want to feel happier and healthier during this stressful time? Here are five strategies for giving that will make you feel better.

Want to feel happier and healthier during this stressful time? Here are five strategies for giving that will make you feel better.

Health

Changing Social Norms in the Time of a Pandemic

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on March 18, 2020

Rapid norm change is possible, and can save lives. Here are strategies we can use.

Rapid norm change is possible, and can save lives. Here are strategies we can use.

Persuasion

Why Norms Matter

Catherine A. Sanderson Ph.D. on March 2, 2020

How do social norms influence us, for better and for worse?

How do social norms influence us, for better and for worse?