What does it take to create spaces where everyone belongs?

Inspired by Kurt Lewin's words, our lab aims to understand social-psychological concepts by applying them to current social problems. We focus on the immediate circumstances that shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, recognizing that each situation is uniquely experienced by individuals. By exploring the dynamics of the "here and now," we try to uncover the root causes of social issues and enhance our understanding of human interaction.

 

Over the past 30 years, our lab has leveraged the “power of the situation” to create timely, tailored interventions that alleviate threats to self-worth and belonging in schools, workplaces, healthcare, political debates, and other arenas. These “wise” interventions are often brief, but under certain conditions, they can yield large and lasting benefits, improving outcomes such as performance, health, learning, and well-being. The interventions turn fraught encounters across lines of difference into occasions for growth. We refer to this science and art of creating transformative experiences as situation-crafting.