Dacher Keltner

Dacher Keltner

Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and a renowned expert in the study of emotions, particularly compassion, awe, and gratitude. He is the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center and has authored several influential books and research papers on the science of human emotions.

Early Life and Education

Dacher Keltner was born in . He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in . He then pursued his Ph.D. in social psychology at Stanford University, where he conducted research on the biological and evolutionary bases of human emotions.

Academic Career

After completing his Ph.D., Keltner joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before moving to the University of California, Berkeley. At Berkeley, he has been a prominent figure in the Department of Psychology, where he teaches courses on emotion, social interaction, and the science of happiness.

Research and Contributions

Keltner's research focuses on the social functions of emotions, particularly how emotions like compassion, awe, and gratitude contribute to human well-being and social connection. He has conducted extensive studies on the role of emotions in moral judgment, the biological underpinnings of emotional expression, and the impact of positive emotions on health and relationships.

Compassion and Altruism

Keltner has explored the evolutionary roots of compassion and altruism, arguing that these emotions are fundamental to human survival and social cohesion. His work has shown that compassion can lead to increased prosocial behavior and stronger social bonds.

Awe

Keltner has also studied the emotion of awe, examining how experiences of awe can lead to a sense of connection to something larger than oneself and promote well-being. His research suggests that awe can reduce stress, increase creativity, and enhance overall life satisfaction.

Gratitude

In his research on gratitude, Keltner has demonstrated that expressing gratitude can improve mental health, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of community. He has developed interventions to help individuals cultivate gratitude in their daily lives.

Greater Good Science Center

As the founding director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, Keltner has played a key role in promoting the scientific study of positive emotions and their impact on human flourishing. The center provides resources, conducts research, and offers educational programs to help individuals and communities thrive.

Publications

Keltner has authored several books, including Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life and The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence. He has also published numerous articles in leading academic journals and contributed to popular media outlets.

Personal Life

Dacher Keltner resides in with his family. He is an avid supporter of initiatives that promote mental health and well-being.

See Also

• Emotion
• Positive psychology
• Social psychology
• Compassion
• Awe
• Gratitude