Psychological Sciences

Working mothers who feel in control of schedule more likely to embrace healthy habits

A present-focused mindset made mothers more likely to maintain a feeling of control as demands on their time increased.

NSF-backed ‘team of teams’ raises stakes for master’s students

Four institutions will share an NSF grant of nearly $5 million to support scholarships for students seeking master’s degrees in engineering and related fields.

People, papers and presentations for Aug. 16, 2021

The Baker Institute for Public Policy’s Kelsey Norman, fellow for the Middle East and director of the Women’s Rights, Human Rights and Refugees Program, has been awarded the 2021 Emerging Scholars Policy Prize

Rice sociologist Rachel Tolbert Kimbro named dean of School of Social Sciences

HOUSTON – (March 24, 2021) – Rachel Tolbert Kimbro, an award-winning educator and prolific researcher in the field of children's health, has been named the newest dean of Rice University's School of Social Sciences effective July 1.

Leaders who embrace on-job learning and listen to employees have more resilient teams

Leaders who encourage their employees to learn on the job and speak up with ideas and suggestions for change have teams that are more effective and resilient in the face of unexpected situations, according to new research from Rice University and the University of Windsor.

Bad romance: Negative relationships linked to worse physical and mental health in postpartum women

HOUSTON – (June 3, 2021) – Postpartum women in bad romantic relationships are not only more likely to suffer symptoms of depression, they are also at greater long-term risk of illness or death, according to new research from Rice University, Ohio State University and the University of California, Irvine.

Body chemistry can predict severity of depression after death of spouse

A new study from researchers at Rice University has found that bodily inflammation after the death of a spouse can predict future depression.

Lost sleep after death of a spouse can damage health of survivor

HOUSTON – (May 17, 2021) – The death of a spouse is a devastating event that can affect many aspects of the surviving partner's life. Sleep loss that often follows can have a negative long-term impact on the health of the widowed spouse, according to new research from Rice University.

Record number of psychology undergraduates earn honors

Sixteen Rice undergraduates majoring in psychology — a record for the department — earned honors recognition, which requires completing an independent, mentored research project over the course of the academic year.

Social Sciences in the summer: Timely issues on tap for upcoming courses

Summer will be here soon, but Rice's School of Social Sciences isn't taking a vacation from learning. A variety of classes focusing on timely social, political and economic issues are being offered during the summer term.

Touchless temperature made simple

Getting around during the pandemic often requires getting your temperature taken to check for COVID-19. A team of seniors at Rice’s Brown School of Engineering wants to make that practice more practical for facilities around the world.

Undergraduate research showcase returns to Rice in hybrid format April 21

New teamwork model could improve patient health care.

Fagundes named fellow of Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research

Books outline what it takes to put astronauts in space

A new set of books edited by a Rice University psychologist provides an overview of the research necessary to put astronauts in space, what is needed to keep them safe on future missions and practical applications for space exploration teams.