Department of Psychology

Smoke and fog shrouded the Puget Sound region as fires continued to burn throughout the West Sunday morning, adding a new layer of anxiety and distress to a summer of pandemic, civil unrest and economic decline. Jane Simoni, professor of psychology at the UW, is quoted.

As a kid growing up in Kennewick, Danielle Reed (BA, Psychology, 1984), was drawn to eating kale, dandelion and other sharp-flavored greens—but their bitter taste repelled most of her friends. That made her wonder why. When she was a student at the UW in the 1980s, she learned about the study of physiological psychology, or the biological explanations for how our minds work. Next came the opportunity to conduct research that examined animals’ food intake and what drove their approach to food.

Emeritus research psychologist Michael D. Beecher discusses the complex calls of song sparrows.

Some of Washington's elderly and immunocompromised have made tough choices about what is “essential” travel. Cheryl Kaiser, professor of psychology, is quoted.

In this emotional equivalent to an ultramarathon, it’s key to have some stress-reducing strategies available. Marsha Linehan, professor emeritus of psychology, is quoted.

Brands are starting to make colorful masks for children. Child psychologists see this as a positive step toward “normalcy.” Shannon Dorsey, professor of psychology, is quoted.

Gizmodo Australia reached out to a number of animal experts, including David Barash, professor emeritus of psychology, to understand which animal kills the most humans.

Seattle’s known as a city of icy introverts. The pandemic proved otherwise, even as we socially distanced. Jonathan Kanter, research associate professor of psychology, is quoted.

Natalie Colich, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology, explains how her new research suggests violent or traumatic experiences in childhood can accelerate biological signs of aging.

David Gire, an assistant professor of psychology, Lauren Poyer, assistant teaching professor in Scandinavian studies explain the Kraken.

Four UW psychologists explain how to keep and build relationships during the pandemic.

David Gire, an assistant professor of psychology, explains the psychology of the "real-life Kraken."

Emma PeConga and Gabby Gauthier, doctoral students in psychology, are interviewed about the importance of resilience and how we can work toward it amidst the current pandemic.

Jane Simoni, professor of psychology, explains why the virus response in the U.S. has been slowed by a population that doesn’t appear to agree on even basic mitigation measures.

NW Asian Weekly discusses the UW's and other schools' response to Trump's policy towards international students.