Evidence-Based Living

Conspiracy Theories

How to Change the Minds of Conspiracy Theory Believers

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on September 2, 2026

A new approach uses an innovative tool to convince people to abandon conspiracy beliefs: Artificial intelligence.

A new approach uses an innovative tool to convince people to abandon conspiracy beliefs: Artificial intelligence.

Dementia

How to Keep Older Adults in Care Facilities Safe From Abuse

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on August 19, 2026

Abuse between residents is common in long-term care facilities.

Abuse between residents is common in long-term care facilities.

Politics

How to Ease Polarization Using Science

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on August 13, 2026

New research suggests that a surprisingly simple intervention—reminding people of their shared values—can nudge them toward less extreme views.

New research suggests that a surprisingly simple intervention—reminding people of their shared values—can nudge them toward less extreme views.

Depression

Can a Journaling Exercise Help Depressed Young Adults?

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on July 16, 2026

A new study finds that reflective journaling, in which young people think about their motivations and goals throughout their lives, may alleviate symptoms of depression.

A new study finds that reflective journaling, in which young people think about their motivations and goals throughout their lives, may alleviate symptoms of depression.

Cognition

Why Smart People Still Fall for Misinformation

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on July 9, 2026

A large global study identified the reasons people believe misinformation — and which tools work best to counter it.

A large global study identified the reasons people believe misinformation — and which tools work best to counter it.

Social Media

When Scrolling Becomes a Problem

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on June 30, 2026

While recent verdicts have set legal precedents, growing evidence has documented the health risks of problematic social media use among youth.

While recent verdicts have set legal precedents, growing evidence has documented the health risks of problematic social media use among youth.

Ethics and Morality

Why Do Our Moral Views Keep Changing?

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on June 22, 2026

Are our moral views easily overridden by our own interests? Not necessarily. Decades of research offer an evidence-based theory of why moral views shift.

Are our moral views easily overridden by our own interests? Not necessarily. Decades of research offer an evidence-based theory of why moral views shift.

Perfectionism

The Perils of Perfectionism for Young People

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on June 3, 2026

Research demonstrates a rise in perfectionism among adolescents; evidence-based interventions can help.

Research demonstrates a rise in perfectionism among adolescents; evidence-based interventions can help.

Adolescence

For Teens, Purpose Isn't Just About Passion

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on May 21, 2026

A new study suggests that teens who experience purpose consistently over time — not just intensely — may benefit most from it.

A new study suggests that teens who experience purpose consistently over time — not just intensely — may benefit most from it.

Cognition

Is Listening to an Audiobook as Good as Reading?

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on May 7, 2026

Americans are increasingly listening to audiobooks, but many people don't believe listening to an audiobook is the same as reading. Here's what the research says.

Americans are increasingly listening to audiobooks, but many people don't believe listening to an audiobook is the same as reading. Here's what the research says.

Adolescence

Beyond Crisis Mode: Positive Youth Development Aids Teens

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on April 27, 2026

Rather than treating problems as they emerge, positive youth development (PYD) focuses on nurturing strengths and creating environments where young people can thrive.

Rather than treating problems as they emerge, positive youth development (PYD) focuses on nurturing strengths and creating environments where young people can thrive.

Adolescence

Knowing Themselves Helps LGBTQ+ Teens Thrive

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on April 17, 2026

New research looks at the changes that occur for both LGBTQ+ and cisgender heterosexual high school students during their first years of high school.

New research looks at the changes that occur for both LGBTQ+ and cisgender heterosexual high school students during their first years of high school.

Sleep

Teen Sleep Is Worsening, and Screens Aren't the Whole Story

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on April 7, 2026

Modern life creates a perfect storm of sleep difficulties for teens.

Modern life creates a perfect storm of sleep difficulties for teens.

Social Media

How Social Media Really Impacts Teen Mental Health

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on March 25, 2026

Social media is a double-edged sword which can both support and harm youth mental health. What matters most, according to the evidence, is how teens use it.

Social media is a double-edged sword which can both support and harm youth mental health. What matters most, according to the evidence, is how teens use it.

Education

Does Technology in the Classroom Actually Help Kids Learn?

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on March 11, 2026

A large body of evidence demonstrates the use of technology in schools is nuanced, with more downsides to technology use than most people expect.

A large body of evidence demonstrates the use of technology in schools is nuanced, with more downsides to technology use than most people expect.

Punishment

What Really Happens When Parents Spank Their Kids

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on February 25, 2026

Even years later, more aggression and acting out in kids.

Even years later, more aggression and acting out in kids.

Child Development

Why Play Matters More Than Ever for Child Development

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on February 15, 2026

In an era of packed schedules, screen time, and intense focus on school readiness, many children are playing less than in previous generations, which harms development.

In an era of packed schedules, screen time, and intense focus on school readiness, many children are playing less than in previous generations, which harms development.

Health

Why So Many People Don't Get Flu Shots

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on February 4, 2026

New research finds vaccination decisions aren't primarily driven by weighing facts, but by what researchers call "gist"—the feelings people have about vaccination.

New research finds vaccination decisions aren't primarily driven by weighing facts, but by what researchers call "gist"—the feelings people have about vaccination.

Depression

For Depression, Exercise Can Be as Effective as Medication and Therapy

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on January 27, 2026

Starting small and recruiting friends can help build a routine.

Starting small and recruiting friends can help build a routine.

Adolescence

Why Confidence About Puberty Matters for Teens

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on January 21, 2026

Teens who feel confident in managing the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with puberty report fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Teens who feel confident in managing the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with puberty report fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.