Departments Department of Applied Psychology

Illustration by Gregory Grinnell/Northeastern University

The person walking past you isn’t wearing a mask. What should you say?

It’s best to avoid hostility and communicate with empathy when it comes to helping people understand why covering their faces can slow the spread of the virus, say Northeastern researchers.

by Roberto Molar Candanosa May 15, 2020

‘Zoom fatigue’ is real. Here’s why you’re feeling it, and what you can do about it.

Video calls have become a crucial way to stay in touch from afar, but they can be exhausting. That’s because we're missing many of the nonverbal cues that we typically rely on during in-person conversations, says behavior analyst Laura Dudley.

by Molly Callahan May 11, 2020

Lauren Vollor, left, 5, and her sister Anne Larkin Vollor, 8, chalk their driveway on in Meridin, Miss., on March 25, 2020. Children in the neighborhoods are writing new messages each day for inspiration to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. AP Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star

‘We’ll never forget spending so much time together’

We’re in a time of crisis, but it is also a time of opportunities to help your kids get along better. Will it involve a lot of conflict? Perhaps, but there are ways to manage that, says psychology professor Laurie Kramer.

by Roberto Molar Candanosa April 7, 2020

Illustration by Hannah Moore/Northeastern University

Help your children get along (while keeping your own sanity intact)

Conflict between siblings may be unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing that parents can do about it, says Laurie Kramer, a professor of applied psychology at Northeastern.

by Khalida Sarwari February 21, 2020

Psychology professor Craig Ferris, Praveen Kulkarni, and their team oversaw the discovery of a rat that could see, hear, smell, and feel just like its peers, even though it was walking around with basically no brain. Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

This rat gives ‘no-brainer’ a whole new meaning

Many scientists subscribe to the idea that, even though the brain can grow and develop, specific parts are meant only for specific functions, says Northeastern professor Craig Ferris. What if there were an animal that proved them wrong? I smell a rat.

by Aria Bracci January 22, 2020

Instagram ‘likes’ are disappearing. You might like it.

Rachel Rodgers, an associate professor of applied psychology at Northeastern, says this change could have a positive effect on the mental wellness of users of the social media platform.

by Khalida Sarwari November 15, 2019

Mike McLaughlin looks on during a Northeastern men's hockey practice at Matthews Arena on Feb. 9, 2018. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University

Former player provides key assist in Northeastern’s Beanpot quest

Mike McLaughlin has experienced the Beanpot from both sides: the thundering applause after scoring a goal in the tournament finals, and the early morning silence while analyzing hours of video as Northeastern’s director of hockey operations. Here, he reflects on the ultimate battle for Boston bragging rights.

by Bill Ibelle February 12, 2018

Rather than attempting to eliminate all forms of conflict, Kramer suggests doing what you can to ensure that arguments “don’t escalate into greater expressions of anger or contempt or other forms of negative behaviors and emotions.” Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University

How to handle stressful conversations during the holidays like a pro

We love our families. But sometimes they drive us crazy. Laurie Kramer, professor of applied psychology, offers advice for how to navigate emotionally-charged conversations during the holidays—without losing your cool.

by Allie Nicodemo December 20, 2017

Faculty Expert

Rachel Rodgers

Associate Professor of Applied Psychology

Tina Turner posed the question in 1984. This Valentine’s Day, we asked applied behavior analysis expert Laura Dudley for some answers. Photo via iStock.

What’s love got to do with it?

Tina Turner posed the question in 1984. This Valentine’s Day, we asked professor Laura Dudley, director of Northeastern’s Applied Behavior Analysis program, for some answers.

by Molly Callahan February 14, 2017