Psychology | Penn Today

Communication experts reveal tips for navigating sensitive topics in the new workplace

A new book by Edward Brodkin of the Perelman School of Medicine and therapist Ashley Pallathra explores how strong communication skills can bring people together. The authors offered tips for navigating the social aspects of returning to in-person work.

In the foreground, a blurred out student holding a pencil over a notebook watching a math lesson on a computer screen. In the background are blurred out plants, table and chairs.

Remote learning affected high schoolers’ social, emotional health

Research from Angela Duckworth and colleagues found that teenagers who attended school virtually fared worse than classmates who went in person, results that held even when accounting for variables like gender, race, and socioeconomic status.

How to get things done when you don’t want to do anything

Damon Centola of the Annenberg School for Communication authored a 2016 study that found competition can motivate behavioral change.

Olympians face 'overwhelming' mental pressure—especially this year

Jeremy Tyler of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about the pressure faced by Olympic athletes. “Imagine going into the most important moment of your present lifetime, the world watching, having the knowledge that everyone expects you to live up to your reputation of being the best … and you’ve got go into it completely alone, without any social or emotional support,” he said. “I can’t think of a higher pressure or more daunting task to go through.”

Damian Pang standing, smiling, in a suit.

Damian Pang may have discovered a new type of memory

The Penn LPS Online Certificate in Neuroscience let Pang gain additional knowledge and skills while still working full time as an airline pilot out of Hong Kong.

In Trump’s Jan. 6 recast, attackers become martyrs, heroes

PIK Professor Dolores Albarracín spoke about how conspiracy theories persist, even when countered with facts. “The belief contains a device that protects it,” she said. “Nothing can invalidate the conspiracy theory. Trying to refute the theory proves the theory and signals you as a conspirator.”

'It's not you. It's your strategy': How to use science to stamp out your bad habits and make a change

Katy Milkman of the Wharton School spoke about taking a strategic approach to changing behaviors. “If you haven’t built a system that makes it fun to do whatever it is that’s good for you, you won’t persist. And persistence is what makes us successful when it comes to change,” she said.

Dolores Albarracín appointed Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor

Albarracín will be the Alexandra Heyman Nash University Professor, with joint appointments in the Annenberg School for Communication and the Department of Family and Community Health in the School of Nursing.

A person standing on a stairwell, being photographed from above.

A link between childhood stress and early molars

Penn researchers discovered that children from lower-income backgrounds and those who go through greater adverse childhood experiences get their first permanent molars sooner.

In countries where vaccines are available, offers of free airline tickets and apartments for the fully inoculated

Emily Largent of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about tactics to incentivize COVID-19 immunization, such as lotteries and giveaways. “I’m generally optimistic that we will see some increase, but it’s not going to get us to the high levels of vaccination” needed, she said. “Incentives are not going to move everyone who is holding out over the finish line.”

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