FURTHER READING

Our research draws across psychology, neuroscience, education, conflict resolution, and community organizing. If a topic resonates with you, these books and articles are a great place to continue learning.

Resources by Topic

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Understanding Yourself

Lisa Feldman Barrett

The Theory of Constructed Emotion
(
2017
)

Learn how emotions are constructed by the brain and why distinguishing between physical sensations, emotions, and interpretations can help you respond more intentionally in difficult conversations.

Jon Kabat-Zinn

Wherever You Go, There You Are
(
1994
)

A timeless introduction to mindfulness and cultivating greater awareness of the present moment.

Dennis Greenberger & Christine A. Padesky

Mind Over Mood
(
2016
)

A practical workbook grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy that helps identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns.

Kristin Neff

Self-Compassion
(
2011
)

Research-based practices for responding to yourself with kindness instead of self-criticism, especially during moments of failure or discomfort.

Steven C. Hayes, Kirk D. Strosahl, & Kelly G. Wilson

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change
(
3rd ed., 2023
)

An introduction to psychological flexibility and living according to your values rather than your fears.

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Listening and Communication

William R. Miller & Stephen Rollnick

Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change
(
3rd ed., 2013
)

A foundational resource on reflective listening and how curiosity and empathy reduce defensiveness while encouraging meaningful conversations.

Julia Minson, Frances S. Chen, & Catherine H. Tinsley

"Why Won't You Listen to Me? Measuring Receptiveness to Opposing Views"
(
2020
)

Explores how acknowledging uncertainty and accurately representing another person's perspective makes conversations across disagreement more productive.

Michael Yeomans, Julia Minson, Hillary Collins, Frances Chen, & Francesca Gino

"Conversational Receptiveness: Improving Engagement with Opposing Views"
(
2020
)

Shows that small shifts in language can significantly improve how open and receptive we appear during conversations.

J. Håkansson Eklund & Martina S. Meranius

"Toward a Consensus on the Nature of Empathy"
(
2021
)

A comprehensive review of empathy research that explores what empathy is—and what it isn't.

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Curiosity And INtellectual Humility

Mark R. Leary and colleagues

"Cognitive and Interpersonal Features of Intellectual Humility"
(
2017
)

Explores how recognizing the limits of our own knowledge supports curiosity, learning, and stronger relationships.

Dan Rothstein & Luz Santana

Make Just One Change
(
2011
)

Introduces the Question Formulation Technique (QFT), a simple framework for generating better questions and becoming a more curious learner.

Melissa Summers and colleagues

"Undergraduate Students Develop Questioning, Creativity, and Collaboration Skills by Using the Question Formulation Technique"
(
2024
)

Demonstrates how practicing question-asking strengthens creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Richard M. Ryan & Edward L. Deci

"Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation from a Self-Determination Theory Perspective"
(
2020
)

Explains how autonomy, competence, and connection foster lasting motivation and engagement.

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Stories, Dialogue, and Connection

Danny Kessler, Despoina Dimitrakopoulou, & Deb Roy

"Hearing Personal Experiences Improves Social Evaluations Compared to Personal Opinions"
(
2024
)

Shows that sharing personal experiences often builds greater trust, empathy, and understanding than simply sharing opinions.

Marshall Ganz

People, Power, Change
(
2024
)

Introduces the Public Narrative framework, showing how stories of self, us, and now help transform individual experiences into collective action.

Brené Brown

Daring Greatly
(
2012
)

Explores how vulnerability—when chosen intentionally and shared within trusting relationships—creates deeper connection and belonging.

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Belonging, Identity, and COmmunity

Resmaa Menakem

My Grandmother's Hands
(
2017
)

Examines how trauma is carried in our bodies and how healing can strengthen relationships and communities.

Deb Dana

Anchored
(
2021
)

An accessible introduction to understanding and regulating your nervous system through Polyvagal Theory.

Adrienne Maree Brown

Emergent Strategy
(
2017
)

Invites readers to think about change, relationships, and community through the lens of adaptation, interdependence, and collective care.

Sahaj Kaur Kohli

But What Will People Say?
(
2024
)

Explores mental health, identity, family expectations, and belonging through the experiences of South Asian communities while offering lessons that resonate broadly across cultures.

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Expanding Your Perspective

Devon Price

Laziness Does Not Exist
(
2021
)

Challenges cultural beliefs about productivity, worth, and burnout while encouraging more compassionate ways of understanding ourselves and others.

Devon Price

Unmasking Autism
(
2022
)

Offers insight into neurodiversity, masking, and creating environments where people can show up more authentically.

Jane McGonigal

Imaginable
(
2022
)

Introduces practical exercises for imagining multiple possible futures and building resilience in the face of uncertainty.