Media Coverage

Can Video Games Actually Teach Kids Empathy? New Study Says Yes

Sep 10, 2018

Researchers from the Center for Healthy Minds have discovered a video game designed to teach children empathy can change young brains and improve social behavior.

Can A Video Game Build Empathy? UW Researchers May Have Found A Way

Aug 10, 2018

Center founder Richard Davidson discusses the groundbreaking discovery that a video game can build empathy skills in adolescents.

Arts Program Gives Kids with Incarcerated Parents a Stigma-Free Space to Create and Learn

Jul 28, 2018

Center faculty Julie Poehlmann-Tynan are partnering with Cultural Connections, a program aiming aims to provide self-empowerment and confidence for these kids with incarcerated parents.

Meditation Changes The Brain In Different Ways In Veterans And Beginners

Jul 25, 2018

In a new study published in the journal NeuroImage, a team of psychologists at the Center for Healthy Minds at UW-Madison reports that brain activity in veteran meditators, new meditators, and non-meditators varied significantly.

Looking at Depression Through an Evolutionary Lens

Jul 23, 2018

Psych Congress cochair and Center faculty member Charles Raison, MD, gave attendees a “10,000-foot view” of what depression is at the Psych Congress Regionals meeting, and will explore the idea more at the upcoming Psych Congress 2018 preconference.

Cycles of Incarceration Hit African Americans, Children Especially Hard

Jul 14, 2018

Citing the research of Center faculty Julie Poelhmann-Tynan, this article explores the impact of incarceration on children and families, as well as the racial disparities of incarceration rates in Wisconsin.

Mindfulness and Meditation: An Expert Explains the Background of This Ancient Practice

Jul 14, 2018

Center faculty Charles Raison explains how meditation can be helpful for people in stressful situations.

Chad McGehee: "With Mindfulness Students Feel More Secure, More Comfortable and Accepted"

Jul 12, 2018

Chad McGehee, Learning and Program Development Manager at Healthy Minds Innovations, discusses the power of meditation in the classroom.

How Meditation's Physical and Spiritual Benefits May Have Helped Thai Soccer Team Survive

Jul 12, 2018

Citing research from the Center for Healthy Minds, this article explains how meditation can benefit people in stressful situations.

The Thai Cave Football Coach Taught His Team to Meditate to Help Them Through 17-Day Ordeal, Reports Say

Jul 11, 2018

Citing research from the Center for Healthy Minds, this article describes how meditation can help us cope.

The Thai Soccer Coach Taught His Team to Meditate in the Flooded Cave — And it May Have Played a Powerful Role in Keeping Them Alive

Jul 10, 2018

Research from the Center for Healthy Minds shows how meditating can reduce stress and how that may have played a powerful role in the rescue of the 12 trapped Thai soccer players.

Why You Need to Add 10 Minutes of Meditation into Your Day

Jun 27, 2018

Citing research from the Center for Healthy Minds, Glamour magazine explores how just ten minutes of meditation a day can have major health benefits.

Why You Need to Add 10 Minutes of Meditation into Your Day

Jun 26, 2018

Citing research from the Center for Healthy Minds, Vogue Australia explores how just ten minutes of meditation a day can have major health benefits.

Don’t Buy into the Backlash – the Science on Meditation Is Clear

Jun 25, 2018

Center Founder Richard Davidson and Arianna Huffington discuss the science of meditation and its value in the workplace.

Staying Innovative in Madison

Jun 21, 2018

Center Founder Richard Davidson is featured as a leading scientific innovator in Madison Magazine.

Empathic People Use Social Brain Circuitry to Process Music

Jun 18, 2018

Research from the Center for Healthy Minds shows that compassion can be trained like a muscle, and perhaps music can be a tool for learning compassion.

Reconsidering Mindfulness: ‘I Love Stress’

Jun 15, 2018

Teacher David Cutler explains how stress helps him be better at his job, citing Center research.

Compassion is Like a Muscle that Gets Stronger with Training

May 23, 2018

A study conducted by the Center for Healthy Minds found that loving-kindness meditation and compassion training boost empathic resilience.

Why You Should Stop Being So Hard on Yourself

May 22, 2018

Center Founder Richard Davidson says that self-criticism can take a toll on our minds and bodies and it’s time to ease up.

Training Compassion 'Muscle' May Boost Brain's Resilience to Others' Suffering

May 22, 2018

A study conducted by the Center for Healthy Minds found that loving-kindness meditation and compassion training boost empathic resilience.

How to Tell if Babies Are Happy Before They Can Smile

May 08, 2018

Babies communicate their feelings by crying and fussing. To know what’s going on in their heads requires extensive research in brain science.

Everyone is Meditating. Is it Changing the World?

Apr 22, 2018

Center founder Richard Davidson and meditation skeptic Theodore Zeldin discuss whether meditation truly makes the world a better place.

Mindfulness in Education with Chad McGehee

Apr 11, 2018

Well-being expert Chad McGehee shares the impact of mindfulness in education on The Kindness Podcast.

There’s New Evidence that Silicon Valley's Favorite Mindfulness Habit May Help Defeat a Key Problem of Aging

Apr 05, 2018

A growing body of evidence suggests regular meditation is linked with benefits including lower stress and better focus — a key trait that dissipates with age.

Why Self-Love is Important and How to Cultivate it

Mar 23, 2018

For many people, the concept of self-love might conjure images of tree-hugging hippies or cheesy self-help books. But, as many psychology studies attest, self-love and -compassion are key for mental health and well-being, keeping depression and anxiety at bay.

How to Master and Control Your Emotions Based From Thirty-Plus Years of Brain Research

Mar 13, 2018

Center Founder Richard Davidson identifies six emotional styles which refer to your consistent way of responding to what happens to you.

Mindfulness Is Going Mainstream Because of Science

Mar 03, 2018

Center Founder Richard Davidson discusses pioneering mindfulness research and pushing mindfulness-based practices into the mainstream.

How to Train Your Brain to Stay Focused on Important Things that Give Results

Mar 01, 2018

Citing Center Founder Richard Davidson, this article explores how to train your brain to focus better.

Can Meditation Change Your Genes?

Feb 27, 2018

A study from the Center for Healthy Minds suggests that meditation may reduce the expression of genes involved in inflammation.

Running Away or Righting The Way: Is Psilocybin a Viable Psychiatric Treatment?

Feb 15, 2018

Center faculty member Charles Raison discusses the history and future of psychedelics as treatment for mental health.

How Photography Can Help Cultivate Mindfulness and Gratitude

Feb 13, 2018

The Greater Good Science Magazine discusses the Center for Healthy Mind's five-week mindful photography curriculum for elementary students.

Arianna Huffington: Through My Lens

Feb 06, 2018

Arianna Huffington reflects on Center Founder Richard Davidson's research on well-being.

Four Tips To Help You Feel Less Anxious About The Future

Jan 29, 2018

Research from the Center for Healthy Minds shows why humans experience anxiety about the future and how humans can experience less anxiety.

How Do You Teach Kindness To Your Children?

Jan 26, 2018

The Kindness Curriculum from the Center for Healthy Minds provides a framework for teaching compassion and kindness skills in children.

Nurturing Kindness in Young Children

Jan 25, 2018

Center Founder Richard Davidson talks with Edutopia about fostering altruism, kindness, and compassion in children.

Left Behind: Who Looks Out for Children when Their Parents Go to Prison?

Jan 25, 2018

Center faculty member discusses her groundbreaking research investigating how incarceration affects children.

Pre-schoolers Learn Kindness, Mindfulness

Jan 17, 2018

Pre-kindergarten students at Jackson Heights, Queens are being taught kindness. They are one of the first public schools in New York City to introduce the Center Healthy Minds' Kindness Curriculum, a mindfulness-based curriculum for pre-K students.

Healthy Habits of Mind Bring Happiness and Can Be Learned – Even by the Busy

Jan 09, 2018

Center Founder Richard Davidson says research into how mental training like meditation affects our health throws light on what constitutes a healthy mind.

Go On, Get Happy: A Path to Well-Being in 2018

Jan 03, 2018

Center Founder Richard Davidson, who works with specialized electronic instruments, says that self-reported happiness correlates closely to objective data collected through brain scans and heart and breathing measurements.

Exploring Misconceptions of Mind-Training Methods

Dec 27, 2017

Center Founder Richard Davidson joins Wisconsin Public Radio to discuss the scientific research behind what meditation can really do for us.

The Science of Meditation

Dec 27, 2017

In this episode of the Waking Up podcast, Sam Harris speaks with Daniel Goleman and Center Founder Richard Davidson about the current scientific understanding of meditation practice.

There’s a Method to Mind Over Matter. A New Book Shows the Way.

Dec 24, 2017

Instead of focusing on the pop applications of meditation, Daniel Goleman and Center Founder Richard Davidson focus on its capacity to free the mind of negative emotions.

Want a More Altruistic Brain? Try Daily Gratitude Journaling.

Dec 18, 2017

Citing an fMRI study from the Center for Healthy Minds, the author writes that gratitude journaling cultivates "pure altruism" in the brain.

Can Kindness be Taught?

Dec 14, 2017

The Kindness Curriculum from the Center for Healthy Minds is part of a growing global movement to teach emotional intelligence in schools.

Medical Minds

Nov 30, 2017

Knowing that your doctor is under stress may not be comforting, but it might put you more at ease to know that mindfulness — the practice of training your brain to cultivate well-being — is now being taught in medical school.

Officer Zen-dly

Nov 29, 2017

In an interview with Dan Grupe, an assistant scientist at the Center for Healthy Minds, discusses the pilot study examining the effects of mindfulness-based training on a small group of Madison police officers

How a Consistent and Stable Meditation Practice Leads to Altered Traits

Nov 03, 2017

Daniel Goleman and Center Founder Richard Davidson explain the benefits of a stable practice that go beyond relaxation and focus in this excerpt from their book "Altered Traits."

Meditators Under the Microscope

Nov 03, 2017

Mindful Magazine dives into the science and philosophy behind Daniel Goleman and Center Founder Richard Davidson's new book, "Altered Traits."

Good News in Time for Giving Season: Volunteer Hours are Great for your Health, too

Nov 02, 2017

Center Founder Richard Davidson explains how acts of generosity lead to positive emotions that ultimately have an enduring impact on our well-being.

Here’s what Mindfulness is (and isn’t) Good For

Nov 01, 2017

Daniel Goleman, co-author of "Altered Traits," explains what mindfulness can and cannot do, citing the research of Center Founder Richard Davidson.

How Does Meditation Work?

Oct 28, 2017

While meditation is popularly presented as a panacea for the world’s ailments, Daniel Goleman and Center Founder Richard Davidson's new book "Altered Traits" is a highly approachable work based on solid clinical evidence.

Why Doing Good is Good for the Do-Gooder

Oct 26, 2017

Center Founder Richard Davidson explains how acts of generosity lead to positive emotions that ultimately have an enduring impact on our well-being.

How Meditation can Make Hong Kong Healthier and Happier, from Two of the World’s Happiest People

Oct 24, 2017

Center Founder Richard Davidson and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche explain how meditation practitioners can benefit whether they are children in school or adults in the workplace.

Actually, We Don’t Need More Empathy

Oct 21, 2017

Leading psychologist Daniel Goleman explains why empathy alone rarely leads to action–and proposes a simple meditation exercise to change that, citing Center research.

'Healthy Minds' professor Richard Davidson elected to National Academy of Medicine

Oct 16, 2017

New members are elected by the current active members, based on their accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care and public health.

This ‘Kindness Curriculum’ is Free and Should be Used in Every Classroom

Oct 16, 2017

The Center for Healthy Minds created a mindfulness-based curriculum for preschoolers that will bring kindness into the classroom.

Whole-Body Hyperthermia Can Improve MDD Outcomes

Oct 13, 2017

A new study from Center faculty member Charles Raison suggests that whole-body hyperthermia might decrease depressive symptoms.

How to Change Your Brain With Mindfulness, With Daniel Goleman

Oct 09, 2017

Daniel Goldman and Center Founder Richard Davidson reveal the latest results from Davidson’s own lab: data that point to what the future of mind-training methods should be.

Meditation May Help the Heart, but not at the Expense of Other Healthy Habits

Sep 29, 2017

The American Heart Association (AHA) released a report from a group of scientists include Center Founder Richard Davidson that suggests that meditation may help the heart, though not at the expense of the usual heart-healthy strategies.

Here’s What Mindfulness is (and isn’t) Good For

Sep 28, 2017

Daniel Goleman, co-author of "Altered Traits," explains what mindfulness can and cannot do, citing the research of Center Founder Richard Davidson.

Can Meditation Lead to Lasting Change?

Sep 25, 2017

Daniel Goleman and Center Founder Richard Davidson's new book, "Altered Traits," reveals how long-term meditation can lead to profound improvements in our mind, brain, and body.

Being Empathetic is Good, but it Can Hurt Your Health

Sep 25, 2017

Is there a healthier way to empathize? Along with other neuroscientists, Center Founder Richard Davidson explores how empathy impacts the brain and how we can do it better.

At One Preschool, the ABC’s and K, for Kindness

Sep 23, 2017

A Madison-area preschool is teaching youngsters kindness using the Center for Healthy Minds' Kindness Curriculum, made free to preschools a month ago.

'Kindness Curriculum' Shown to Improve Grades and Relationship Skills

Sep 20, 2017

Scientists at the Center for Healthy Minds want to make their newly-released Kindness Curriculum as integral to the curriculum as reading or math.

Here's What a 'Kindness Curriculum' Looks Like

Sep 20, 2017

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Healthy Minds have created a "kindness curriculum" which they have tested in six schools in that city. The curriculum is available online for free.

Richard Davidson and Daniel Goleman Live at LinkedIn headquarters

Sep 19, 2017

Scott Shute, LinkedIn's VP Global Customer Operations, sits down with Daniel Goleman and Center Founder Richard Davidson to discuss new research showing what meditation can really do for the brain.

UW-Madison 'Kindness Curriculum' Nurtures Emotional Awareness in Preschoolers

Sep 18, 2017

Thousands of teachers have requested the Kindness Curriculum from the Center for Healthy Minds, including Sesame Workshop.

Richard Davidson and Daniel Goleman Live at Facebook Headquarters

Sep 18, 2017

At Facebook HQ, Richard Davidson and Daniel Goleman answer some of the most common questions about personal or professional growth and talk about their new book, Altered Traits.

UW-Madison Teaching Kindness, From Preschools To 'Sesame Street'

Sep 18, 2017

In preschools, kindness is encouraged. But can it be taught? Wisconsin Public Radio chats with Chad McGehee from the Center for Healthy Minds about the Kindness Curriculum.

UW’s Davidson Teams with Famed Science Writer to Dive Deep into the Science of Meditation

Sep 12, 2017

Center Founder Richard Davidson and science writer Daniel Goleman collaborated on a new book that explores a simple, yet transformational, idea: Good mental hygiene.

"Kindness Curriculum" Available For Teachers

Sep 08, 2017

Using the Kindness Curriculum from the Center for Healthy Minds, teachers can start out kids early in life on a positive developmental trajectory.

Dr. Richard Davidson, Daniel Goleman, 'Altered Traits'

Sep 07, 2017

Center Founder Richard Davidson and psychologist and science writer Daniel Goleman talk about their cutting-edge research in their new book, "Altered Traits."

What Science Says About How Meditation Changes You Over Time

Sep 06, 2017

Center Founder Richard Davidson and psychologist Daniel Goleman discuss findings from and implications of their new book, "Altered Traits."

Does Mindfulness Really Work? What the Science Tells Us

Sep 06, 2017

Center Founder Richard Davidson and Daniel Goleman answer questions about the science of mindfulness.

How Meditation Can Make Us More Civil to Each Other

Sep 05, 2017

Meditation isn’t primarily about improving oneself — its actually for the benefit of others

When Kindness is in the Curriculum

Sep 01, 2017

How the Kindness Curriculum developed by the Center for Healthy Minds can teach emotional intelligence, or EQ, a strong predictor of one’s success academically and professionally.

Mindfulness-based 'Kindness Curriculum' Showing Promising Results

Aug 30, 2017

If your preschooler struggles with sharing toys or sitting still, the Kindness Curriculum from the Center for Healthy Minds could offer a surprising solution.

Bells and Belly Buddies: Kindness Curriculum

Aug 29, 2017

The Kindness Curriculum developed by the the Center for Healthy Minds touts the benefits of teaching mindfulness and empathy in the classroom.

Meditation Expert Tells Us What the Science Really Says — and Why Multitasking is a ‘Myth’

Aug 28, 2017

Citing research from the Center for Healthy Minds, science has proven that meditation can induce healthy and important physical improvements, such as lowering your blood pressure, decreasing relapses into depression and managing chronic pain--though more research is required and some studies are less rigorous.

Our Favorite Personal Development Books, September 2017

Aug 25, 2017

6 books to read this month to boost your performance, including "Altered Traits," the new book from Center Founder Richard Davidson and Daniel Goleman.

Silicon Valley is Obsessed with Meditation, and There’s New Evidence it Changes the Brain for the Better

Aug 24, 2017

Citing research from the Center for Healthy Minds, evidence suggests regular meditation is linked with benefits including lower stress and better focus.

How Emotional Intelligence Can Drive Success

Aug 21, 2017

Cortland Dahl, a research scientist at the Center for Healthy Minds and Healthy Minds Innovations, discusses the power of emotional intelligence.

Human Potential and Happiness: An Interview with Richard Davidson

Jul 12, 2017

Center Founder Richard Davidson answers questions about resilience, meditation, positivity, and controlling our attention.

Demystifying Meditation: Five Practical Benefits & How You Can Get Started

Jun 27, 2017

Citing research from the Center for Healthy Minds, here are five very practical benefits from meditation practices.

Mindfulness-Based Childbirth Classes May Ease Pain, Depression

Jun 20, 2017

Center faculty Larissa Duncan's research suggests that when birthing classes include mindfulness-based education instead of focusing only on the biology of having a baby, women may have an easier time coping with labor pain and a lower risk of postpartum depression.

Mindfulness Could Improve School Performance

Jun 14, 2017

Breathing could be the key to unlocking better performances for kids in school. It's part of mindfulness--a practice Milwaukee Public Schools and many others have started using.

Mindful Policing: The Future of Force

Jun 14, 2017

With police violence—and public scrutiny— on the rise, cities turn to mindfulness to help officers deal with the stress of the job. A study from the Center for Healthy Minds will gauge the impact of mindfulness practices on police officers.

Oscar the Optimist?

Jun 06, 2017

Sesame Street, one of the most beloved children’s television shows, is emphasizing kindness in its current season with the help of the Center for Healthy Minds, which studies the science of well-being and how it can be nurtured.

Can Mindfulness Reduce Fear of Labour and Postpartum Depression?

Jun 05, 2017

Anxiety about labour – and what might come afterwards – causes stress for expectant mothers and increases risk in childbirth. Center faculty Larissa Duncan hopes to use mindfulness as a natural solution.

The Benefits of a Mindful Pregnancy

May 31, 2017

Research from Center faculty Larissa Duncan suggests Postpartum Depression may be prevented when mindfulness is part of childbirth education.

UW Initiative Aims to Close Disparities by Supporting Brain Development in Young Children

May 30, 2017

Center faculty Larissa Duncan and Julie Poehlmann-Tynan have worked to bring representatives from 45 of Wisconsin's 72 counties to the Prenatal to Five Initiative, a collaborative effort among teachers, researchers, practitioners and communities across the state to enhance brain development in order to reduce racial disparities in poverty and achievement.

When Did Pop Culture and Nature Part Ways?

May 17, 2017

Ever since the 1950s, our books, movies and songs have contained fewer and fewer references to flowers, birds, trees and the outdoors. What does it all mean? Center researcher Pelin Kesebir is finding out.

SPECIAL REPORT: Kindness in the Classroom

May 12, 2017

An ongoing study at the Center for Healthy Minds is working to incorporate mindfulness techniques into everyday activities for elementary students.

Kindness Makes Us More Successful ...

Apr 24, 2017

Research from Center Founder Richard Davidson suggests that meditation, kindness, and compassion can make us more successful.

Turning Negative Thinkers into Positive Ones

Apr 03, 2017

Neuroscience research from the Center for Healthy Minds shows how the brain is "plastic" and can be trained for better regulation and recovery from strong emotions.

The Basis of a Healthy Brain is Goodness, and it Can be Trained

Mar 27, 2017

Center Founder Richard Davidson discusses his path to studying meditation as well as the impact of training our brains with kindness and compassion.

Pitt Study: Abuse in Childhood Can Lead to Misbehavior Later

Feb 28, 2017

Most children develop the ability early on to link good behavior with positive outcomes. Good grades, for example, can lead to parental praise and opportunities later in life. But children physically abused at home have that ability impaired, often leading to patterns of misbehavior. A study written by a newly appointed University of Pittsburgh assistant professor found that physical abuse during childhood can result in the child’s inability to associate good behavior to positive outcomes