Discover the Best Books Written by Ellen J. Langer
Ellen Langer is an American social psychologist, professor, and author. She is best known for her research on mindfulness and its effects on decision making, problem solving, and creativity. She is currently a professor of psychology at Harvard University and has been teaching there since 1977.
Langer's research focuses on the concept of mindfulness, which she defines as "a flexible state of mind that is open to new information and different perspectives." Her work has shown that mindfulness can lead to improved decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity, as well as better physical and emotional well-being.
One of Langer's most well-known studies, published in 1979, found that older adults who were given more autonomy and control over their physical environment experienced improvements in memory, problem-solving, and overall cognitive functioning. This research was one of the first to demonstrate the impact of mindfulness on cognitive functioning. It provided evidence for the importance of autonomy in maintaining cognitive health in older adults.
Langer's work has been widely recognized and respected in the field of psychology. She has received several awards for her contributions to the field, including the American Psychological Association's Lifetime Achievement Award and the Society for Experimental Social Psychology's Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to her academic work, Langer has also written several popular books on mindfulness and its applications, including "Mindfulness" (1989) and "Counterclockwise" (2009), which explain the psychological and practical benefits of mindfulness and explain how to cultivate it in everyday life.
Overall, Ellen Langer is a prominent social psychology and an expert on mindfulness, with her research and writing have had a significant impact on our understanding of how mindfulness can be used to improve decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity.