Science & the Big Questions

A Neuroscientist on Love and Learning

Richard Davidson is the William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He founded and directs the Center for Healthy Minds there.

On Being

Topics: Compassion Education Emotion Neuroplasticity Resilience Richard Davidson

How to Be More Resilient

Some people are just genetically tougher. But you can train your brain to better handle stress.

The New York Times

Topics: Meditation Resilience Self-Control

Religion Is About Emotion Regulation, and It’s Very Good at It

Its true value lies in its therapeutic power, particularly its power to manage our emotions.

Aeon

Topics: Coping Emotion Resilience

Resilience Is the New Happiness

Psychologists say resilience is a developed skill, not a talent of unique people blessed with a special character.

Quartz

Topics: Compassion Coping Meditation Resilience

Pride Has Gotten a Bad Rap. Here’s How It Can Help Kids Develop Grit and Resilience

“Authentic pride” — the deep personal satisfaction of hitting a valued goal — can encourage the kind of self-discipline and hard work it takes to stay motivated, overcome challenges, and achieve.

The Washington Post

Topics: Grit Pride Resilience Success

Special Package: Resilience

A series of articles examines ways of coping with natural disasters, war and displacement, and climate change — not to mention resilience tactics in nature.

Science

Topics: Coping Nature Resilience

Finding Purpose for a Good Life. But Also a Healthy One

Happiness has little to do with it. Research suggests meaning in your life is important for well-being.

The Upshot, The New York Times

Topics: Meaning Purpose Resilience

Psychologists Have Found That a Spiritual Outlook Makes Humans More Resilient to Trauma

Spirituality should be taken seriously as a way of building resilience, say psychologists.

Quartz

Topics: Coping Resilience Spirituality

How People Learn to Become Resilient

Resilience is a set of skills — and psychologists know how you can learn them.

The New Yorker

Topics: Flourishing Resilience