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Academic Leadership
Over the years, I have been surprised by the number of my friends or acquaintances in psychology who have become deans, provosts, and even university presidents. One of those individuals is Peter Salovey, whom I
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Why Don’t Boom-Times Make People Happier?
The Atlantic: We know what effect recessions and booms tend to have on our bank accounts. But what about our feelings and wellbeing? The equation should be simple, right? Recession = sad. Economic boom =
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Spotted at last: “Homo economicus”?
Discover Magazine: Economists like to say that, to a first approximation, we are. In other words, that we tend to seek to maximize our own rewards, in a more or less rational manner. The trouble
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Hey, Impulse Spenders: Here’s a Solution to Your Bad Habit
TIME: A study recently published in Psychological Science shows that an attitude of gratitude tempers impulsive urges. In the study, participants had the option of receiving $54 now or $80 in a month. The researchers then induced
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How Feeling Grateful Improves Your Decision Making
Forbes: Ancient wisdom traditions have long held that gratitude is a prerequisite for fulfillment. Focusing on what we have, instead of what we think we need, fortifies the mind against rampant desire that ultimately leaves
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Why Behavioral Economics Is Cool, and I’m Not
The Huffington Post: Here are some of my favorite surprising studies. What do they have in common? • People are more likely to buy jam when they’re presented with 6 flavors than 24. • After
