Faculty

Dec 10, 2015

Psychologists ask: What motivates older adults to stay active?

As we age, it can be harder to do what’s good for the mind. While research shows that regularly exercising the brain, for instance, can help older adults mitigate normal declines in cognition, that effort comes with costs — such as mental fatigue — that typically increase as we get older. Psychologists at NC State University want to know how those increased costs affect our motivation to engage in cognitively-rewarding tasks. 

Dec 7, 2015

Study: Mental Health Courts Reduce Repeat Offenses, Jail Time

Research from NC State psychologists shows that mental health courts can reduce repeat offending, and limit related jail time, for people with mental health problems — especially those who also have substance use problems. 

Nov 18, 2015

Experiencing Major Stress Makes Some Older Adults Better Able to Handle Daily Stress

New research from NC State psychologists suggests that dealing with a major stressful event can make some older adults better able to cope with the ups and downs of day-to-day stress. Results of the study, led by a Ph.D. candidate in NC State's lifespan development psychology graduate program, shows that people who had experienced major stressors responded differently to daily stress than people who had not experienced such stressful life events. 

Oct 7, 2015

Study Finds Violence Among Young, Black Men Associated With Sense of Powerlessness

New research from North Carolina State University and Palo Alto University finds that young black men who are most likely to be victims or perpetrators of violence are also those who feel that they have the least power to effect social change – highlighting the importance of ensuring that young black men do not feel alienated by society and social programs. 

Sep 18, 2015

Psychology Professor Serves on White House Team to Help Government Better Serve the American People

Psychology professor Lori Foster was tapped to serve on the White House Social and Behavioral Sciences Team, a multi-disciplinary group of experts that is helping federal agencies streamline access to their programs and improve how they communicate with constituents. President Obama has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to use behavioral science insights to better serve the American people. 

May 21, 2015

In Memoriam: Slater Newman

Slater Edmund Newman, professor emeritus of psychology, passed away on May 13, 2015. Newman joined NC State’s psychology faculty in 1957, and remained active within the college long after retiring in 2003. At NC State, he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in cognitive psychology, conducted research on human learning and memory and mentored hundreds of students who remember him fondly for his encouragement, high expectations and fairness. He was well known for his love of singing, his sense of humor, and his commitment to human rights and peace.