Category Archives: Media

Shared media that is related to our research!

Megan and Patty Write Featured Article on International Society for the Study of Existential Psychology (ISSEP)’s website!

Lab Members, Media

We are beyond thrilled to share that an article written by our BABLab P.I. Patty Van Cappellen, PhD, and Postdoctoral Researcher Megan E. Edwards, has been featured on the International Society for the Study of Existential Psychology (ISSEP) website (read the article here!)

The article is titled “Where There is Hope There is Meaning” and expands on the idea that hope is a meaning-making emotion with great existential significance, as it helps us to persevere or take action during times in which we are suffering.

To demonstrate this, Megan and Patty highlight the history of the study of hope and highlight findings from both qualitative and quantitative studies of hope.

Congratulations, Megan and Patty, on this achievement!

Dr. Patty Van Cappellen Featured on David DeSteno’s How God Works Podcast

Media

This past January 2026, Dr. Patty Van Cappellen was featured on David DeSteno’s How God Works Podcast on an episode titled “Mattering.”

Episode Description: Feeling that our life is meaningful – that we add value to the world and are valued by the people around us- isn’t just a good feeling, it’s a fundamentally necessary one. In fact, the need to matter is a universal human motive, second only to the needs of food and shelter.  On this episode, we’ll talk to author Jennifer Wallace about her new book on the topic of mattering, why we’re in a “mattering deficit,” the worrying impact this is having on our physical and emotional health, and what we can do to change that. And Duke researcher Patty Van Cappellen will share studies showing how spirituality and religious community can instill a deep sense of meaning in life that contributes to true human flourishing.
Listen to this episode, out now on Spotify!

Patty Van Cappellen’s “Science of Happiness” Course Featured in Duke Mag

Media, Student Opportunities

We’re excited to share that Dr. Patty Van Cappellen’s course, “The Science of Happiness,” was recently featured in Duke Mag. The article highlights how the class blends psychological research and practical exercises to help students explore what truly contributes to well-being. Through lectures, discussions, and evidence-based activities, students learn how scientific insights can be applied to cultivate meaning, gratitude, and joy in their daily lives. The feature also underscores Dr. Van Cappellen’s commitment to helping students connect rigorous academic research with personal growth. Read more about the class and its impact in the full article on Duke Mag’s website.

Dr. Patty Van Cappellen Receives APA Div. 36 Mentoring Award!

Awards, Media

We’re thrilled to celebrate Dr. Patty Van Cappellen for receiving the Virginia Sexton Mentoring Award from the Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (APA Division 36)! This award honors her outstanding dedication to mentoring and supporting others in the field of psychology of religion.

Congratulations, Patty, on this well-deserved recognition!

 Read the full announcement on the SSRI website ›

Article: Is Online Research Losing Its Edge? The Case for In-Person Research in the Age of AI

Media

The landscape of research has been profoundly transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic, propelling a mass transition to online research methodologies. However, the advent of sophisticated AI technologies capable of mimicking human responses has introduced new complexities, potentially undermining the authenticity of data collected through online surveys.

How can researchers best address this phenomenon in a growing digital age? What of the value of in-person research? Read Dr. Van Cappellen’s article, published by the Duke Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) here: The Case for In-Person Research in the Age of AI.

Research Feature Makes Most Popular ‘Greater Good’ Articles of 2023

Media

In April 2023, Dr. Van Cappellen’s research on the embodiment of emotions was featured in an article by Jill Suttie for the Greater Good magazine: How Your Body Posture Communicates Feelings to Others. Greater Good is published by the Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) at the University of California, Berkeley, whose mission is to share the science of a meaningful life. We are excited to announce that this feature has made the Top 25 most-read and highly-rated articles of 2023 at Greater Good!

Check out our Embodiment page for more on our research about postures, emotion, and religion!