Self determination theory: how to use it to boost wellbeing

A foundational idea in self-determination theory is that we have three basic psychological needs: for autonomy, competence and relatedness.

Mark Fabian, Reader of Public Policy, University of Warwick • conversation
yesterday ~7 min

At Antarctica’s midwinter, a look back at the frozen continent’s long history of dark behavior

Antarctica is a harsh continent, which in both history and fiction can trigger disturbing behavior and even madness.

Daniella McCahey, Assistant Professor of History, Texas Tech University • conversation
June 20, 2025 ~11 min


1 in 4 children suffers from chronic pain − school nurses could be key to helping them manage it

Chronic pain in children is common. Effective solutions exist − and training community providers is one way to get treatment to kids who need it.

Natoshia R. Cunningham, Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Michigan State University • conversation
June 4, 2025 ~7 min

Our trans health study was terminated by the government – the effects of abrupt NIH grant cuts ripple across science and society

The losses include millions of dollars the NIH has already spent on research that will no longer generate results, and the next generation of scientists whose work has been cut short.

Paz Galupo, Professor of Sexual Health and Education, Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
June 2, 2025 ~10 min

Millions of US children have parents with substance use disorder, and the consequences are staggering − new research

Children of these parents are more likely to have mental health issues − and ultimately suffer from substance use disorder themselves.

Ty Schepis, Professor of Psychology, Texas State University • conversation
May 30, 2025 ~5 min

Britain’s net zero construction workforce is already at risk of burn out

Workers ‘on the tools’, building and upgrading transmission infrastructure, are struggling.

Jing Xu, Associate Professor in Enterprise Management, UCL • conversation
May 16, 2025 ~7 min

Britain’s net zero construction workforce is already at risk of being burnt out

Workers ‘on the tools’, building and upgrading transmission infrastructure, are struggling.

Jing Xu, Associate Professor in Enterprise Management, UCL • conversation
May 16, 2025 ~7 min

Britain’s net zero construction workforce is already at risk of burnt out

Workers ‘on the tools’, building and upgrading transmission infrastructure, are struggling.

Jing Xu, Associate Professor in Enterprise Management, UCL • conversation
May 16, 2025 ~7 min


Teachers and librarians are among those least likely to die by suicide − public health researchers offer insights on what this means for other professions

Nationally, about 11 male educators die by suicide for every 100,000 people, compared with a rate of almost 23 for all Americans.

Taylor Cox, Program Coordinator, School of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Arizona State University • conversation
May 5, 2025 ~10 min

What makes people flourish? A new survey of more than 200,000 people across 22 countries looks for global patterns and local differences

A global study seeks insights into what helps people feel happy, healthy and satisfied – and what holds them back.

Tyler J. VanderWeele, Professor of Epidemiology, Harvard University • conversation
May 1, 2025 ~10 min

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