Catherine types at her desk in a brown sweater

Media & Press

Psychology Expert Featured in National Media on Happiness, Leadership, and Moral Courage

Dr. Catherine Sanderson is frequently featured in national media as an expert on happiness and well-being, emotional intelligence and leadership, moral courage and bystander behavior, social norms, and close relationships.

Her work bridges psychological science and everyday life, helping audiences understand why people think and act the way they do—and how small changes can lead to healthier, more ethical, and more connected communities.

Catherine's expertise has been sought by leading news outlets including:

Television and Public Radio

CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley
Discussed the science of happiness: Trading money for happiness

Live with Kathie Lee and Hoda
Shared research-based insights on happiness and well-being: Expert: Intelligence, income don’t bring happiness

NPR
Discussed the psychology of bystander inaction: 'Why We Act': What Makes People Decide To Speak Up Or Stay Silent : NPR

Ralph Nader Radio Hour
Discussed moral courage and bystander behavior: Do The Right Thing! - Ralph Nader Radio Hour

CBS Sunday Morning

'Why We Act': What Makes People Decide to Speak Up or Stay Silent

Finding Joy: What Really Makes Us Happy

Ralph Nader Radio Hour: Do The Right Thing! We We Act.

Catherine’s Expertise in the National Media

The secret to happiness? She teaches it

Boston Globe

The secret to happiness? She Teaches it

Our Favorite Relationship Advice for 2026 - Times

New York Times

Setting Healthy Boundaries &
Favorite Relationship Advice

Why do so many people fail to do what they know is right?

THE ECONOMIST

Why do do many people fail to do what they know is right?

The New York Times: The psychology of giving and receiving criticism

The New York Times: Smile? The Results From the 2020 World Happiness Report Are In

The Atlantic: What Becoming a Parent Really Does to Your Happiness

The Washington Post: Religion is a Sure Route to Happiness

Huffington Post: Men Are More Likely To Exhibit This 1 Behavior When Other Men Are Creepy. The Reason Is Telling.

The Times: The Bystander Effect by Catherine Sanderson review — what makes us brave

Catherine's Essays & Op-Eds in the National Media

When Police Fail to Act in a Crisis by Catherine A. Sanderson

The Wall Street Journal

When Police Fail to Act in a Crisis

What Is the 'Bystander Effect' and How Do People Overcome It? by Catherine A. Sanderson

Discover Magazine

What Is the Bystander Effect

Reform after Derek Chauvin convicted: Doing the right thing is contagious, even for police

USA Today

How Shame and Norms Can Help Police Reform

USA Today: Stopping the Next George Floyd Killing

USA Today: Philadelphia Train Rape: Why Witnesses Didn’t Help

The Conversation: Are heroes born or made? Role models and training can prepare ordinary people to take heroic action

The Conversation: Here’s why some people are willing to challenge bullying, corruption and bad behavior, even at personal risk

Selected Podcast Appearances

How to Get into a POSITIVE MINDSET for SUCCESS + TIPS!

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Podcast #478: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity

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Strategies to Counter Negativity

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Podcast #122: The science of happiness (and why we get it wrong) with Professor Catherine Sanderson

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Retire Happy

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Podcast #378 Interview with Dr. Catherine Sanderson, Professor Psychology

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Media Inquiries

For speaking engagements, media appearances, or press requests, click below — Catherine responds personally to every message.