The Five Percent

Finding solutions to seemingly impossible conflicts

Leadership
The Mathematics of Conflict Intelligence

Peter T. Coleman Ph.D. on March 4, 2026

Conflict intelligence is a learnable, dynamic capacity: leaders adapt, regulate emotions, understand systems, and manage tension to keep conflict productive.

Conflict intelligence is a learnable, dynamic capacity: leaders adapt, regulate emotions, understand systems, and manage tension to keep conflict productive.

Politics
The Hidden Keys to Building Bridges in an Exhausted America

Peter T. Coleman Ph.D. on September 19, 2025

America’s divides won’t heal with one-size-fits-all appeals. Recent research reveals the hidden keys—hope, action, and fit—that truly mobilize people to build bridges.

America’s divides won’t heal with one-size-fits-all appeals. Recent research reveals the hidden keys—hope, action, and fit—that truly mobilize people to build bridges.

Media
Study: The U.S. May Be Much Less Peaceful Than We Think

Peter T. Coleman Ph.D. on July 3, 2025

Traditional peace indices can overlook America's fragile social cohesion. A new analysis shows that U.S. media portrays intergroup relations as overwhelmingly negative, signaling risks.

Traditional peace indices can overlook America's fragile social cohesion. A new analysis shows that U.S. media portrays intergroup relations as overwhelmingly negative, signaling risks.

Night and Day
Leadership
The Trump Administration's Theory X Dilemma

Peter T. Coleman Ph.D. on May 16, 2025

A Theory X leadership style depends on fear and control. But what if trust and collaboration—Theory Y—held the key to a stronger, more democratic future?

A Theory X leadership style depends on fear and control. But what if trust and collaboration—Theory Y—held the key to a stronger, more democratic future?

Clashing Comedians
Media
Talking With the Enemy

Peter T. Coleman Ph.D. on May 4, 2025

Dialogue across our deep divisions is crucial today. Yet, we must distinguish carefully between authentic peace building and public displays that empower divisive figures.

Dialogue across our deep divisions is crucial today. Yet, we must distinguish carefully between authentic peace building and public displays that empower divisive figures.

Media
The Power of Negativity

Peter T. Coleman Ph.D. on April 3, 2025

Our susceptibility to fear, threats, and negative information is being weaponized against us daily. It's time to say no.

Our susceptibility to fear, threats, and negative information is being weaponized against us daily. It's time to say no.

Teamwork
The Science of Teamwork

Peter T. Coleman Ph.D. on June 14, 2018

What can teams do to avoid catastrophe and learn to thrive? Here are 5 top insights from research.

What can teams do to avoid catastrophe and learn to thrive? Here are 5 top insights from research.

Media
Tired of Feeling Divided?

Peter T. Coleman Ph.D. on November 9, 2017

If you are tired of the dysfunction shackling our country and interested in promoting reasonable conversations with citizens from the other side, here are a few pointers.

If you are tired of the dysfunction shackling our country and interested in promoting reasonable conversations with citizens from the other side, here are a few pointers.

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Magazine
July 2026 magazine cover
July 2026
26 Keys to Thriving

From the power of pausing to the ability to ignore, we’ve culled 26 simple, actionable measures for gaining a sense of control and living a meaningful life.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
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