Psychology | Penn Today

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.

What is trypanophobia? How to cope with a fear of needles so you can get the COVID-19 vaccine

Thea Gallagher of the Perelman School of Medicine offered tips for overcoming fear of needles in order to get the COVID-19 vaccine, starting with just making the appointment. "More doing and less thinking is an important way to overcome your fear," she said.

You’ve seen many images from the Capitol riot. Here’s why it’s okay to take a break

Thea Gallagher of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about the effects of exposure to violent media imagery. “You don’t have to be there,” she said. “You can still be traumatized by watching things, hearing about them.”

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.

Finding joy this holiday season

Karen Reivich and James Pawelski of the School of Arts & Sciences offered tips for staying happy and resilient over the holidays, in spite of the pandemic.

Ethics lesson may hold outside the classroom

Nina Strohminger of the Wharton School commented on a study that explored how classroom discussions about ethics and meat consumption affected student meal-purchasing behaviors. “It's an awesome data set,” said Strohminger.

Two pairs of socked feet, up on a bench next to a steaming mug of hot liquid. In the background is a fireplace with a fire.

Four strategies to find joy in a very different holiday season

Experts from Penn’s Positive Psychology Center suggest tweaking traditions, acknowledging the situation’s highs and lows, and seeking help from people in your life.

A person in a suit and button-down shirt sitting on a stairwell landing, smiling. The intricate white stairwell and a brick wall behind it are to the person's right.

A modified game of ‘chicken’ reveals what happens in the brain during decision-making

Research from the Platt Labs found that in rhesus macaques, two regions of the brain mirror those of similar regions in humans, broadening the understanding of what unfolds, neurologically, when people interact and cooperate.

A person sitting in front of a computer and a machine that tests vision.

One step closer to a clinical fix for the side effects of monovision

Monovision counters the deterioration of the ability to see up close but also causes dramatic visual distortions. New research confirms that a solution that successfully works with trial lenses—the special lenses used by eye doctors—also succeeds with contact lenses.

A lesson in grit from Angela Duckworth

Her new Grit Lab course, part of the Paideia Program, teaches Penn undergrads how to develop more passion and perseverance for long-term goals.

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