Behavioral Health | Penn Today

Melissa G. Hunt is the associate director of clinical training in the Department of Psychology in the School of Arts & Sciences. She is also author of the book “Reclaim Your Life from IBS: A Scientifically Proven Plan for Relief without Restrictive Diets.”

A more effective at-home treatment for IBS

In a randomized control trial, researchers found that after eight weeks, participants with irritable bowel syndrome who used an app focused on cognitive behavioral therapy experienced better health-related quality of life, fewer GI symptoms, and less anxiety.

Wharton professor Katy Milkman (Image: Peter Murphy)

Katy Milkman on the science of change

The Wharton professor and co-director of the Behavior Change for Good Initiative discusses her new book aimed at helping individuals and managers inspire meaningful, lasting shifts in behavior.

A person standing in the front of a classroom holding a pointer, smiling. Blurry water bottles appear in the foreground.

Behavior Change for Good unveils effective strategies to boost vaccination rates

Texts with “reserved for you” messaging boosted flu vaccine rates by up to 11%.

Close-up of a smiling person in a black V-neck shirt, standing outside near marble pillars.

When the message matters, use science to craft it

An interdisciplinary initiative called the Message Effects Lab aims to understand, tap into, and develop communication around what motivates specific behaviors for specific populations. Its first projects center around COVID-19 testing and vaccines.

Outline of a human brain made up of healthy, nutritious food.

Dietary adherence and the fight against obesity

While eating less and moving more are the basics of weight control and obesity treatment, finding ways to help people adhere to a weight-loss regimen is more complicated.

Young person sitting at a table, leaning chin on crossed arms, wearing a mask. There are books, colored pencils, an abacus, a notepad and more scattered around.

Children, the pandemic, and long-term mental health consequences

New work from Penn Nursing and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia describes the importance of recognizing COVID-19’s psychological effects on young people and the pivotal role pediatric nurses in all settings can play.

Public psychiatry’s mission: Providing mental health care to those who need it the most

Rachel Talley on public psychiatry, the impact of COVID-19 on community mental health, and how she went from an internship at the White House to championing public health at Penn’s department of Psychiatry.

A blurred hand holding a stack of dollar bills, pushing them toward the camera.

Money matters to happiness—perhaps more than previously thought

Research from Wharton’s Matthew Killingsworth shows that contrary to previous influential work, there’s no dollar-value plateau at which money’s importance lessens. One potential reason: Higher earners feel an increased sense of control over life.

Stock image of a person staring out the window, with greyed out images of other people illuminated as if the first person is thinking about them.

The link between perceptions of autonomy and global views of income inequality

Research from the Center for Social Norms & Behavioral Dynamics finds that people who feel independent think that most others are, too. They also underestimate the level of poverty in the United States.

Person running outside in warm weather, wearing a tanktop, running pants, and earbuds.

Self-awareness can drive behavior change, reprogram the brain’s reward system

Most people break New Year’s resolutions within a few weeks. Neuroscientist Vera Ludwig offers six tips to move mindfully through this process, leading to a greater chance for success.

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