The Science of Motivating Young People
Acclaimed developmental psychologist Dr. David Yeager reveals new science on motivating young people ages 10 through 25.
Tuesday, September 22
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Imagine a world where Gen Xers, millennials, and boomers interact with young people in ways that leave them inspired, enthusiastic, and ready to contribute. That world may be closer than you think. Drawing on cutting-edge research, best-selling author of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, psychologist David Yeager explains how to stop fearing young people’s brains and hormones and start harnessing them.
Neuroscientists have discovered that around age ten, puberty spurs the brain to crave socially rewarding experiences, such as pride, admiration, and respect, and to become highly averse to social pain, such as humiliation or shame. As a result, young people subtly read between the lines of everything we say, trying to interpret the hidden implications of our words to find out whether we are disrespecting or honoring them. Surprisingly, this sensitivity to status and respect continues into the mid-twenties. David’s research helps adults develop an ear for ways to respect young people and avoid frustrating patterns of miscommunication and conflict.
David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the cofounder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. He is best known for his research conducted with Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and Greg Walton on short but powerful interventions that influence adolescent behaviors such as motivation, engagement, healthy eating, bullying, stress, mental health, and more. Before his career as a scientist, he taught middle school and coached basketball. He earned his PhD and MA at Stanford University and his BA and MEd at the University of Notre Dame.
