Should I Stay or Should I Go? When Is the Right Time to Seek Divorce
Why Do Couples Divorce? Soft vs. Hard Reasons There are several commonly reported contributors to divorce. Research reported in the Journal of Divorce and Remarriage distinguishes between “soft” reasons – not being able to talk to each other, high levels of conflict and arguing, feeling lonely within the relationship – and ‘“hard” reasons such as […]
Your Happiness Calendar for Educators for September 2025
Our monthly Happiness Calendar for Educators is a day-by-day guide to building kinder, happier schools where everyone belongs. This month, cultivate empathy in yourself and your school community with daily tips from the Greater Good Science Center. Registration is now open for our 2025–2026 Greater Good Educators program! Join a community of educators from around […]
The Trouble With Self-Love | Greater Good
Scientists have a problem studying self-love. Research abounds on Self-compassion, self-esteem, self-care, and even unconditional positive self-regard. Scholars have published definitions of these concepts, established scales for measuring them, and explored their practice and impact on people’s well-being. But self-love, on its own, not so much. One of the few scholars who published a definition […]
Why Lay Management of Medication Withdrawal Is Dangerous
A March 17, 2025, article in the New York Times (updated March 24) by Ellen Barry worried me and should be read by all with an interest in Mental health care. The article on Laura Delano’s national movement—that lay coaches supervise the taper and discontinuation of psychoactive medications in vast numbers of patients—encourages an overly […]
Social Work Expects More From Us
I teach psychology, social work, and public administration. It’s an interesting combination. Recently, I commented on an intro social work student’s assignment saying, “Honestly, I think social work expects more from us.” What did I mean? Differences Between Disciplines I’m not saying one discipline is better than the other. I’m not saying one is harder […]
Mindfulness-Oriented Therapy Reduces Craving for Opioids
Mindfulness is an approach to living with greater conscious attention, intention, and skill based on specific practices that facilitate this experience. These practices help people cultivate present-centered awareness of their internal and external experience—whether painful or pleasurable—with acceptance, and without judgment. Mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, chronic pain intensity, trauma symptoms, […]
Our Vulnerability Becomes Our Children’s Strength
Every parent wants their child to be happy, confident, and resilient. But in a world where youth anxiety, depression, and social media pressure are rising fast, the question isn’t just “How do I help my child?” — it’s “How can I become the kind of parent my child feels safe turning to, no matter what?” […]
A Skill to Help Soothe Teens’ Back-to-School…
It’s back-to-school season, and if you have a teen or even know one, they’re probably feeling a little anxious. New class schedule, new classmates, new expectations. These days, when anxious teens turn to us as parents, teachers, and coaches for help, we might encourage “mindfulness,” or paying attention to the present moment with openness and […]
The Lie of Packaged Healing and the Truth About Feeling
“Emotions are not problems to be solved. They are signals to be felt.” ~Vironika Tugaleva We’ve been taught to package our emotions like fast food—served quick, tidy, and with a smile. Americanized feelings. Digestible. Non-threatening. Always paired with productivity. If you’re sad, journal it. If you’re angry, regulate it. If you’re overwhelmed, fix it with […]
How to Stop Measuring Your Body Against Others
Seventeen-year-old Marina walked down a crowded street in her hometown. Soon to be a senior in high school, she found herself surrounded by college students who had just returned for the fall semester. They filled the sidewalks, shopping for dorm supplies, chatting in groups, and moving confidently through the town. For Marina, however, this scene […]