Behavioral Health | Penn Today

Social media may be affecting your mental health. Here’s how to tell

A quoted study by Melissa Hunt of the School of Arts & Sciences and colleagues suggests that limiting social media use to 30 minutes a day can improve well-being.

How to make your workout as fun as a video game, according to behavioral scientists

Mitesh Patel of the Perelman School of Medicine discusses how to apply gamification techniques to everyday fitness routines for motivation and enjoyment.

Two people standing in front of a wall of art. One of them is holding up a second piece of art in gloved hands. The other gestures toward the art, holding a computer or clipboard in the other hand.

Do art museums prioritize visitor well-being enough?

Research from the Humanities and Human Flourishing Project in Penn’s Positive Psychology Center reveals that the people working in these institutions want to see greater emphasis on human flourishing, but they feel ill-equipped to make it happen.

How ‘microbreaks’ can improve your workday—and help prevent burnout

Lily Brown of the Perelman School of Medicine says that powering through work leaves people prone to poor physical and emotional health, with most workers prone to benefit from microbreaks.

Student-led organization hosting event aimed at raising mental health awareness at University of Pennsylvania

In a video interview, third-year Maeve Stiles in the College of Arts and Sciences speaks about her journey with mental health and her experience with Cogwell, a student-run mental health organization hosting events on Penn’s campus.

Struggling to stay cool at night? Try these tips

Phillip Gehrman of the Perelman School of Medicine provides tips to stay comfortable while trying to sleep in the heat, including cooling down extremities and getting out of bed to do something relaxing.

Predisposition to alcohol abuse is inherited, needs personalised treatment: Addiction expert

A study by Henry Kranzler of the Perelman School of Medicine suggests that treatment for excessive drinking should be tailored according to individual genetic makeup, with predisposition to alcohol abuse partially inherited from relatives.

Deep brain stimulation shows promise against binge eating disorder

A study by Casey Halpern of the Perelman School of Medicine suggests that the impulse control associated with binge eating disorder stems from brain neurology, not a moral failing.

Breaking bad habits: Routines trump willpower

A study co-authored by Asaf Mazar of the Wharton School finds that routines matter far more than willpower or conscious choices when it comes to breaking bad habits.

Debt is bad for mental health. Relief from Biden’s student loan forgiveness could take time

Courtney Boen of the School of Arts & Sciences says that debt contributes to higher stress levels and worse health, and that Black and Hispanic Americans carry more of it.

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