Psychology

Sandy Capaldi of the Perelman School of Medicine defines agoraphobia and explains what distinguishes it from other anxiety disorders in the context of the pandemic.

Russel Ramsay of the Perelman School of Medicine is quoted on the notion of uncertainty as an anxiety generator.

Phillip Gehrman of the Perelman School of Medicine says that California’s new school start time laws are a good idea from a circadian-rhythms and mental health perspective, though challenges exist for younger students forced to wait for the bus in the dark.

Dani Bassett of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and Desmond Oathes of the Perelman School of Medicine are quoted on the contrast between brain imaging and the tried-and-true, low-tech clinical interview.

Adam Grant of the Wharton School says that letting people work outside the office frees them from group think and micromanagement, allowing them to generate more and better ideas.

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.

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

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.

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.

Angela Duckworth of the School of Arts & Sciences outlines how fundamental attribution error, the mistaken assignation of observed behavior to a person rather than their circumstances, can play out in education.