All Posts
Back to school is the perennial Fall topic that is well worth the attention it gets.
Original WNDU news story: Back To School The new school year is the childhood New Year with all the pristine hopes and excitement adults often bring to their January 1 celebrations and resolutions. Children are at their best in the fall, open and ripe for new routine and skills. With a little forethought and timing, […]
Dr. Petersen Interviewed by South Bend Tribune on Gun Violence Threats
South Bend Tribune Court and Public Safety writer Lincoln Wright interviewed law officials, me, and another psychologist about the recent uptick in threats of gun violence in high schools. See the link to the article below. I appreciate him considering the psychological factors of social belonging and personal agency in the school community as protective […]

Violent threats at South Bend area schools surge after Florida shooting
The message "Friday, 2/23 all souls will be cleansed," was written on a bathroom stall at South Bend's John Adams High School Tuesday.
Is the Family Meal Worth the Work?
It is becoming common knowledge that the family meal is correlated with all kinds of ridiculously good things in child development. Here is a useful review of the research by the Washington Post, research that informs my foundational recommendations to parents who are frazzled by mealtime struggles. To claim all the good of this family […]
The most important thing you can do with your kids? Eat dinner with them.
Good for mind and body.
How to Respond to the Texas Shooting
I was very glad to take time with WSBT reporter Heather Black about the mass shooting in LasVega, a new low for our country as we risk becoming resigned to death by firearms as an acceptable part of our culture. Off camera, Ms Black and I shared concern about the tension inherent in the need […]

Psychologists speak on how people respond differently to tragedy after mass shootings
Experts say shootings can wear on people's emotional well-being, especially after seeing two mass causalities events in just the past month.This isn't easy for some people.Everyone responds to things like this a little differently. Some find a way to prote
Focus Your Conflict
In this video, Esther Perel is a fresh and honest voice pointing out a common trap in relationship conflict. Stick to the topic! Focus. Go for depth, not breadth in your conflict. This is one of the top three rules of doing conflict well and Esther Perel is right on the money here. Enjoy the […]

Fight Smarter: Put Escalating Fights on Ice - YouTube
Have you ever been in a fight that started with something small, and devolved into a full-on attack on every single thing your partner has ever done wrong? T......
Two of the most robust predictors of failed marriage
I almost passed on this phone interview because it isn’t the kind of press that usually contacts me. But I was very impressed Lemuel Monterro was writing about divorce in a regional wedding magazine. So much romanticized aesthetic and ceremonial work goes into a wedding, supporting an entire industry. Often neglected is a financial investment […]

Two Questions that Reveal If You'll Be Happily Ever After
The perennial Fall topic that is well worth the attention it gets
The new school year is the childhood New Year with all the pristine hopes and excitement adults often bring to their January 1 celebrations and resolutions. Children are at their best in the fall, open and ripe for new routine and skills. With a little forethought and timing, children and families can find a new […]







