Women Rule

The psychology behind the pandemic: Angela Duckworth

Episode Summary

Angela Duckworth, a Penn psychology professor and host of "No Stupid Questions," on the coronavirus pandemic and the unseen psychological reasons that explain why we act the way we do.

Episode Notes

Angela Duckworth, a Penn psychology professor and host of "No Stupid Questions" from Freakonomics Radio, on the coronavirus pandemic and the unseen psychological reasons that explain why we act the way we do.

Duckworth is known for her research on “grit” and self-control — both of which are important characteristics to have when you’re living through times like these. She’s aware that we’re all struggling with those traits right now. And she knows that understanding that — as well as having the self-control to extend empathy to those who, for instance, ignore expert advice in the middle of a global pandemic — will make life a little bit easier for everyone.