Life in the Intersection

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Hate Is a Virus

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on May 6, 2020

Asians have been scapegoated for COVID-19. Here's what you can do to flatten that curve.

Asians have been scapegoated for COVID-19. Here's what you can do to flatten that curve.

Education

Why Is There So Little Faculty Ethnic Diversity?

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on April 17, 2019

Higher-education faculty are less diverse than the general population. Increasing contact with diverse colleagues can provide access to a more diverse pipeline.

Higher-education faculty are less diverse than the general population. Increasing contact with diverse colleagues can provide access to a more diverse pipeline.

Bias

When Birds of Different Feathers Flock Together

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on January 22, 2019

People tend not to associate with others unlike themselves. But intergroup contact can reduce prejudice and has other benefits.

People tend not to associate with others unlike themselves. But intergroup contact can reduce prejudice and has other benefits.

Genetics

DNA Is Not Destiny

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on October 23, 2018

DNA tests can identify a person's multiracial ancestry. But multiracial identity is far more complex than a genetic test.

DNA tests can identify a person's multiracial ancestry. But multiracial identity is far more complex than a genetic test.

Health

Getting It Right the First Time

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on August 28, 2018

Fast and accurate diagnoses can relieve suffering in psychotherapy. Psychological tests can help.

Fast and accurate diagnoses can relieve suffering in psychotherapy. Psychological tests can help.

Media

Enjoy “Crazy Rich Asians”—But Don’t Stereotype

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on August 22, 2018

"Crazy Rich Asians" is a box office success. But it's important for viewers to remember that its depictions of Asians are not typical.

"Crazy Rich Asians" is a box office success. But it's important for viewers to remember that its depictions of Asians are not typical.

President Donald Trump

Immigrant Attitudes: 75 Years of Change?

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on June 22, 2018

Current immigration policies are reminiscent of World War II internment camps. But it is possible to change our attitudes toward outgroups.

Current immigration policies are reminiscent of World War II internment camps. But it is possible to change our attitudes toward outgroups.

Depression

What Does Culturally-Adapted Therapy Look Like?

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on May 29, 2018

How do psychologists make therapy culturally-relevant? New evidence indicates that psychologists in the U.S. and Japan incorporate social contexts in therapy with Asian clients.

How do psychologists make therapy culturally-relevant? New evidence indicates that psychologists in the U.S. and Japan incorporate social contexts in therapy with Asian clients.

Narcissism

Is Narcissism the Cost of Being an American?

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on April 24, 2018

Why is narcissism a particularly American trait? Americans focus more on themselves than others and it's not Donald Trump's fault.

Why is narcissism a particularly American trait? Americans focus more on themselves than others and it's not Donald Trump's fault.

Self-Esteem

Representation Matters

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on March 27, 2018

Asian Americans are largely invisible to the public. But learning about one's ethnic heritage can increase self-esteem.

Asian Americans are largely invisible to the public. But learning about one's ethnic heritage can increase self-esteem.

Wisdom

Will Wisdom Die With You?

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on March 6, 2018

Many older psychologists delay retirement. But retiring can create opportunities to diversity the psychology workforce.

Many older psychologists delay retirement. But retiring can create opportunities to diversity the psychology workforce.

Race and Ethnicity

What Psychologists Do and Don't Look Like

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on February 13, 2018

A new survey indicates that psychologists are not as diverse as the clients they serve. But the cultural relevance of psychotherapy is more important than psychologist ethnicity.

A new survey indicates that psychologists are not as diverse as the clients they serve. But the cultural relevance of psychotherapy is more important than psychologist ethnicity.

Depression

It's the Journey, Not the Destination—or Is It?

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on January 30, 2018

People in the United States tend to focus on the present. People in East Asia tend to focus on the past and future. A balance between the past, present, and future is needed.

People in the United States tend to focus on the present. People in East Asia tend to focus on the past and future. A balance between the past, present, and future is needed.

Bias

Discrimination: Is It Me or Is It Them?

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on January 5, 2018

It is common to blame yourself for discrimination. But discrimination is not your fault.

It is common to blame yourself for discrimination. But discrimination is not your fault.

Bias

Why Did Diversity Become a Bad Word?

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on December 20, 2017

"Diversity" is one of the seven words banned by the Trump administration. But research indicates that diversity can benefit everyone.

"Diversity" is one of the seven words banned by the Trump administration. But research indicates that diversity can benefit everyone.

Persuasion

What’s In a Name?

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on December 5, 2017

Changing your name can help you be accepted, but there are costs and benefits.

Changing your name can help you be accepted, but there are costs and benefits.

Stress

Navigating the Holidays

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on November 21, 2017

Holiday gatherings are a mixture of joy and stress. People planning can reduce stress and increase joy.

Holiday gatherings are a mixture of joy and stress. People planning can reduce stress and increase joy.

Relationships

Is the Grass Greener on the Other Side?

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on October 31, 2017

Moving to a new place can be alluring. But social connectedness is more important for your health than where you move.

Moving to a new place can be alluring. But social connectedness is more important for your health than where you move.

Compassion Fatigue

The Long-Lasting Effects of Compassion Fatigue

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on September 20, 2017

News of disasters can be overwhelming. But practical ways of helping others can be energizing.

News of disasters can be overwhelming. But practical ways of helping others can be energizing.

Bias

Thresholds for Racism

Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D. on August 20, 2017

Some people have high thresholds for racism. But subtle racism is more widespread than blatant racism. An awareness of history can improve accuracy in detecting racism.

Some people have high thresholds for racism. But subtle racism is more widespread than blatant racism. An awareness of history can improve accuracy in detecting racism.