Beyond Willpower: Social Psychology, Identity, and Behavior Change

For too long, efforts to change behavior - both individually and societally - have relied heavily on willpower, persuasion, and punishment, often resulting in blame, shame, and stigma. This course introduces a social psychological approach: the idea that our actions stem from the meanings we create: about who we are, who we could become, what we believe others think, and how we interpret situations. We will study 'wise interventions', a powerful toolkit of techniques developed by Stanford psychologists that strategically shifts identity and interpretation to catalyze large-scale change. Using adolescent substance use as a core case study, we will explore why traditional behavior-control tactics often fail, how stigma generates identity threat and prevents help-seeking, and the conditions under which identity-based strategies are most effective. Students will engage with harm-reduction experts and collaborate with Know Drugs, a national organization, to develop a "social psychological playbook" of strategies designed to support adolescents facing substance use challenges. No prerequisites are required. This course is ideal for students committed to creating effective and real social change.