Psychology | Penn Today

Want to make your resolution stick this year? Behavioral science has the answers

Katy Milkman of the Wharton School explains why most New Year’s resolutions fail and shares how science-backed strategies can build habits that last.

Here’s how to make resolutions stick, according to a behavior change scientist

Katy Milkman of the Wharton School talks about “temptation bundling” to develop and reinforce desirable habits by coupling something we enjoy with something we might otherwise skip.

Can a simple reminder actually help you save more money?

Katy Milkman of the Wharton School led a study showing that consistent email reminders increased the likelihood of people saving money.

Willpower doesn’t work. This does

In an opinion essay, Angela Duckworth of the School of Arts & Sciences writes that “successful people rarely rely on inner fortitude to resist temptations. Instead, many exercise situational agency, arranging their lives to minimize the needful willpower in the first place.”

Addressing the psychological impacts of inflammatory bowel disease

In a collaborative study, Psychologist Melissa Hunt and gastroenterologist Chung Sang Tse showed that cognitive behavioral therapy reduced disability for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and that psychologists with no prior gastrointestinal experience could learn to deliver IBD-informed CBT effectively.

3 min. read

Five books to help you through a breakup

Cory Newman of the Perelman School of Medicine says there isn’t one set psychological reaction to romantic loss.

What causes the feeling of ‘butterflies’ in your stomach?

Melissa Hunt of the School of Arts & Sciences says that millions of neurons send information from the gut to the brain.

Hard work beats talent when it comes to success, UPenn psychologist says: ‘Effort counts twice’

Angela Duckworth of the School of Arts & Sciences says that effort is twice as important as talent for success.

‘Great parenting’ often comes down to this simple habit, says Ivy League psychologist: It helps you raise determined, resilient kids

Angela Duckworth of the School of Arts & Sciences says guiding children to activities they are interested in can help them find their passions.

Alan Charles Kors (left) and Philip E. Tetlock.

New members of American Academy of Sciences and Letters

Alan Charles Kors and Philip E. Tetlock have been invested as members of the American Academy of Sciences and Letters, a nonprofit that promotes scholarship and honors achievement in the arts and sciences.

2 min. read

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