Updated: 1/16/25
Dr. Titova and two former members of the lab attended the annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology in Denver, CO.
Cheryl Tan (former lab member, now a lab manager at Duke University) presented a poster, Enjoying the Moment of Joy: Culture and Self During Emotional Experience, highlighting her research conducted in the lab.
Arina Stoianova (former lab member, now a PhD student at Syracuse University) presented a poster, Autonomy Support and College Major Decision-Making: Impact on Well-Being, showcasing the work she carried out while in the lab.
Dr. Titova was interviewed about the concept of 'saving the day', which became popular on social media.
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Is my joy, your joy? Former lab member Cheryl Tan and lab director Milla Titova explored how people from different cultural backgrounds experience joy, focusing on the connection between personal identity and cultural influences.
Contrary to previous research, gift-giving might not always impact relationships negatively. Lab director Milla Titova and lab member Sharise Love looked into the effects of "motivated gifts" (gifts given with the intention of asking a favor) on recipients' satisfaction and willingness to help.
Lab member Sharise Love presented her research on "Motivated gifts: A self-determination perspective" at the 2023 UW Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Dr. Milla Titova says focusing on making your space homey can improve your mental health during the final stretch of the so-called "the big dark".
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Truth is a valued commodity, and the phrase "gaslighting" seems to be the pistol we hold behind our backs, waiting to fire when ready. Dr. Milla Titova's take on "gaslighting": Start overusing the name, and it takes that power away. [link]
"Most people don't look for evidence; if a test is popular, it must be good, especially if it's monetized." says Dr. Milla Titova.
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The studies were conducted among university students in the mid-western United States, where they were trying to find if the individuals reported a greater boost in well-being after trying to make another individual happy vs. making themselves happy. [link]
It seems bizarre to study something that seems so subjective. What makes me happy isn’t the same as what makes you happy. But if you’re looking for more of it, there are a few tried-and-true things that will get you a little bit closer. [link]
Maya Oledzka and Bella Reynolds presented posters at SPSP 2022 convention. Maya's poster was titled "Connection Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Career Preferences as a Young Adult", and Bella's poster was titled "Thwarted Attempts at Helping Others: Mood Effects and the Role of Beneficence"
Gift of gratitude: fight holiday perfectionism by focusing on the best aspects of your home. [link]
Dr. Titova's take on Happiness & Well-Being, interviewed by Maya Hsu.
A new study suggests that kindness & generosity may increase happiness.
And it's not what you think. [link]
Our selfish striving for happiness seldom get us there. what if selflessness is the key to happiness? Here are 7 steps towards the goal. [link]
Jun. 1, 2021: Dr. Titova was a guest on Growth Island podcast.
Apr. 29, 2021: Dr. Titova was a guest on Top of Mind with Julie Rose.
Dr. Titova's research has been featured by Forbes.
Undergraduate student Maddie Wilkerson applied findings from research in positive psychology to Elon University’s community. She invited all students, faculty, and staff to practice gratitude via a Gratitude Board. Everyone who participated took a moment to reflect on what or who they are grateful for and share their gratitude on a sticky note on the board.
A new article about Dr. Titova's research: