Nurturing Resilience

Happiness

Why Are Americans Less Happy Than People in Other Countries?

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on March 24, 2024

The 2024 World Happiness Report says rates of happiness are dropping in the United States and Canada, with young people becoming increasingly pessimistic.

The 2024 World Happiness Report says rates of happiness are dropping in the United States and Canada, with young people becoming increasingly pessimistic.

Career

Working From Home Is Not Working for Everyone

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on February 26, 2024

Working from home can bring with it risks to mental health and productivity, unless one is intrinsically motivated.

Working from home can bring with it risks to mental health and productivity, unless one is intrinsically motivated.

Workplace Dynamics

The End of Workplace Mindfulness Training?

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on January 26, 2024

Research shows that individually focused interventions in the workplace have almost no impact on well-being, but collective action does.

Research shows that individually focused interventions in the workplace have almost no impact on well-being, but collective action does.

Parenting

The Best Gift I Ever Gave Was an Empty Cardboard Box

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on December 18, 2023

When we give gifts that demonstrate emotional attunement, the gift can help improve our lives and the lives of those we love.

When we give gifts that demonstrate emotional attunement, the gift can help improve our lives and the lives of those we love.

Education

Happy Teachers Create Successful Students

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on November 1, 2023

Educators who are financially and emotionally well-supported, as well as safe from violence, are likely to be more effective in the classroom.

Educators who are financially and emotionally well-supported, as well as safe from violence, are likely to be more effective in the classroom.

Terror Management Theory

The Roots of Terrorism Start With Divided Communities

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on October 16, 2023

There are 14 questions we can use to assess a person’s likelihood of becoming a terrorist. People need socially just communities that encourage diverse and empathic relationships.

There are 14 questions we can use to assess a person’s likelihood of becoming a terrorist. People need socially just communities that encourage diverse and empathic relationships.

Parenting

How Many Activities Are Good for a Child's Mental Health?

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on September 12, 2023

Children often signal us when they are too busy. Paying attention to a child's body language can help parents offer a child the right amount of structured play.

Children often signal us when they are too busy. Paying attention to a child's body language can help parents offer a child the right amount of structured play.

Stress

Why Is Our Children’s Mental Health Getting Worse?

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on August 16, 2023

Despite social programs improving kids’ lives, children are likely experiencing increased stress from climate anxiety, social media, and other problems beyond their control.

Despite social programs improving kids’ lives, children are likely experiencing increased stress from climate anxiety, social media, and other problems beyond their control.

Stress

Coping During a Heat Dome

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on July 27, 2023

Staying cool, mentally and physically, during a heat wave demands solutions that include both individual change and changes to our community and workplace.

Staying cool, mentally and physically, during a heat wave demands solutions that include both individual change and changes to our community and workplace.

Relationships

The Summer Family Road Trip Can Help Build a Better Family

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on June 21, 2023

Most young people want a family. Despite our belief in the power of family, creating family cohesion requires strategic time together. Summer road trips can help.

Most young people want a family. Despite our belief in the power of family, creating family cohesion requires strategic time together. Summer road trips can help.

Resilience

Why Does Russia Keep Fighting Wars It Can’t Win?

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on May 16, 2023

Russia’s war of aggression can be understood as an expression of a national search for resilience in a globalized world that doesn't see Russia as a superpower.

Russia’s war of aggression can be understood as an expression of a national search for resilience in a globalized world that doesn't see Russia as a superpower.

Spirituality

Children Thrive in Neighborhoods With Safe Amenities

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on April 7, 2023

To raise a successful child who is hopeful about the future, communities need to create plenty of safe spaces for their children.

To raise a successful child who is hopeful about the future, communities need to create plenty of safe spaces for their children.

Relationships

The Danger of Raising Children Without Consequences

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on March 8, 2023

Personal Perspective: When a school basketball coach was fired for making his team run drills, the team refused to play without him.

Personal Perspective: When a school basketball coach was fired for making his team run drills, the team refused to play without him.

Relationships

Does Watching Romantic Movies Help Your Love Life Flourish?

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on February 4, 2023

Couples who share a romantic movie are more likely to have positive attitudes toward romance in their relationships.

Couples who share a romantic movie are more likely to have positive attitudes toward romance in their relationships.

Motivation

The Best Way to Make, and Keep, a New Year's Resolution

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on January 2, 2023

Few people succeed at making the changes they want to make unless they find the support they need to sustain the change.

Few people succeed at making the changes they want to make unless they find the support they need to sustain the change.

Loneliness

Are You Lonely This Christmas? You’re Not the Only One

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on December 19, 2022

Loneliness isn’t just a state of mind. Changing where and how we live our lives can help create meaningful connections.

Loneliness isn’t just a state of mind. Changing where and how we live our lives can help create meaningful connections.

Stress

Managing Holiday Expectations Amid High Inflation

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on November 27, 2022

Sharing with kids the truth about our finances, while focusing on holiday traditions, can make a financially stressful season easier on our mental health.

Sharing with kids the truth about our finances, while focusing on holiday traditions, can make a financially stressful season easier on our mental health.

Anxiety

Too Many Kids Are Waiting Years for Mental Health Treatment

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on October 25, 2022

Mental health care professionals and parents can help children with anxiety cope better using a few simple techniques.

Mental health care professionals and parents can help children with anxiety cope better using a few simple techniques.

Aging

Living Longer Requires Making Lots of Small Changes

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on September 20, 2022

Recent research shows that a series of relatively small lifestyle and health related changes can dramatically increase physical and cognitive functioning by years.

Recent research shows that a series of relatively small lifestyle and health related changes can dramatically increase physical and cognitive functioning by years.

Health

Our Kids Are Using a Lot More Drugs

Michael Ungar Ph.D. on August 29, 2022

A new report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that the rate of cannabis use among young adults is rising dramatically. There is reason to be worried.

A new report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that the rate of cannabis use among young adults is rising dramatically. There is reason to be worried.