My conversation in this episode is with Professor Peter Harris. Peter is a professor of Psychology at the University of Sussex.
His academic research investigates how people can be encouraged to respond less defensively to important information – especially about their lifestyles or behaviour. This can be particularly important when trying to get people to make positive changes to their lives - including stopping smoking, tackling climate change or just learning more effectively. In other words, it could help to achieve social change on a range of issues.
In this conversation with Peter we explore the idea of 'self affirmation' and how it can help to change people's behaviour. We also discuss where the research has got to and what the challenges are in turning it from an interesting academic idea into a real-world solution.
It's a fascinating topic and I hope you enjoy the episode! Please subscribe to the podcast and share it with everyone!