Dept. of Psychology

woman sitting on black chair in front of glass-panel window with white curtains

A vicious cycle: Mental disorders cause the very stress that fuels them

UBC researchers showed that many mental disorders perpetuate themselves by generating stress and identified factors that put people at risk of getting caught in this cycle.

Jul 13, 2023

Some screen time better than none during children’s concussion recovery

Too much screen time can slow children’s recovery from concussions, but new research from UBC and the University of Calgary suggests that banning screen time is not the answer.

Oct 17, 2022

UBC expert on how politicians like Trump use hubris to achieve power

UBC psychology professor Jessica Tracy examines the role of pride in shaping our minds, and how pride helps politicians like Donald Trump attain power.

Sep 27, 2016

From Antarctica to outer space: studying the impact of isolation

Antarctica has more in common with outer space than you think.

Mar 8, 2016

Friends matter: Babies use group size to determine social dominance

A new study finds that infants as young as six months figure out that a person with more friends will be more dominant than someone with fewer companions.

Feb 23, 2016

Holiday season 2015: UBC experts available for comment

The festive season is upon us and researchers at the University of British Columbia are available to comment on various topics related to the holidays.

Dec 14, 2015

Toys for girls and boys? Not so fast

UBC developmental psychologist Andrew Scott Baron cautions the gifts children receive can send stifling messages about gender roles and stereotypes.

Dec 16, 2014

Check less to reduce email stress

New UBC research suggests that easing up on email checking can help reduce psychological stress.

Dec 3, 2014

New centre to analyze problem gambling

Probing the psychology of gambling, helping problem gamblers and enhancing gaming policy are key goals for the new Centre for Gambling Research.

Nov 12, 2014

Opening of the Centre for Gambling Research at UBC

Event: The official opening of the Centre for Gambling Research at UBC and tour of its “Casino lab” Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Location: […]

Nov 10, 2014

Trying to fool a kindergartener? Not so fast

New research finds that children as young as five can be critical of adults who make overly-confident claims.

Oct 8, 2014

Chalk it up to experience

Psychology instructor’s stop-motion animations bring blackboard to life.

Oct 1, 2014 - by Jessica Werb

Chemical signals in the brain help guide risky decisions

A gambler’s decision to stay or fold in a game of cards could be influenced by a chemical in the brain, suggests new UBC research.

Sep 11, 2014

Bye bye privacy

UBC research on eye-tracking devices sheds light on the implications of wearable technology like Google Glass.

Aug 6, 2014 - by Jessica Werb

Job interviews reward narcissists, punish applicants from modest cultures

A University of British Columbia study finds that narcissistic applicants are more successful in job interviews than equally qualified candidates who act more modestly.

Jun 12, 2014

Dads who do chores bolster daughters’ aspirations

Fathers who help with household chores are more likely to raise daughters who aspire to less traditional, and potentially higher paying, careers.

May 28, 2014

Twin psychology

Sisters’ achievements a combination nature and nurture.

May 20, 2014

Mom’s brain is different

As Mother’s Day approaches, a UBC expert discusses ‘baby brain’ and other ways that motherhood changes a woman’s brain chemistry.

May 2, 2014

Women leaders may reduce Wall Street risky business

Could the global financial market meltdown of 2008 have been avoided if Wall Street had more women executives?

Apr 1, 2014

Want to get happy? Science tells you how

Ahead of International Happiness Day on March 20, UBC’s Mark Holder sheds light on what you can learn from science about being content.

Mar 17, 2014