Barbara Fredrickson

Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D., is the Kenan Distinguished Professor of Psychology and the principal investigator of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Lab at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is also the author of Positivity: Top-Notch Research Reveals the 3 to 1 Ratio That Will Change Your Life.

Stories by Barbara Fredrickson

Are You Getting Enough Positivity in Your Diet?

June 21, 2011

Positive emotions don’t just make us feel good, explains Barbara Fredrickson. They transform our minds, our bodies, and our ability to bounce back from hard times. Learn Dr. Fredrickson’s research-tested formula for flourishing in life.

Four Ways Happiness Can Hurt You
May 3, 2012
Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.
How to Foster Group Creativity
April 11, 2012
In the second of a two-part conversation, Imagine author Jonah Lehrer explains how science can help teams become more creative.
You’re Never Too Old to Build Emotional Intelligence
April 24, 2012
A recent study suggests we can learn to regulate and manage our emotions even after we’re reached adulthood.

Four Ways Happiness Can Hurt You
May 3, 2012
Can feeling good ever be bad? New research says yes—and points the way to a healthier, more balanced life.
Five Lessons in Human Goodness from “The Hunger Games”
April 18, 2012
The plot of the new film sounds cynical. But it reveals a surprising amount about the science of human goodness.
Lessons in Creativity from Caine’s Arcade
May 1, 2012
The latest viral video sensation is more than a portrait of a cute and creative kid. It's a guide to how we can nurture kids' imagination.

The GGSC is Hiring!
April 1, 2012
We're looking for an education program director.
Being Human 2012: The Science of Human Experience
March 24, 2012
Generation Wii… or Generation We?
May 22, 2012
In this commencement address, Dacher Keltner asks today's graduates to look for the best in themselves and in humanity.