UZH Magazin "Under Pressure" – Insights from our professors
Stress and crises affect us all. But what enables us to deal with life’s pressures, both on a personal level and as a society? Researchers at UZH are exploring this question from a variety of perspectives. Some of their findings are presented in the latest issue of the UZH Magazin. Below are articles written by professors and researchers from our Faculty.
Chronic stress is one of the hallmarks of our time. Around one quarter of people in Switzerland say they often feel stressed. On top of our everyday pressures, there are other factors that can weigh us down, including the uncertainty in today’s global political and economic landscape. Or the gloomy prospect of increasing natural disasters, such as the landslide that devastated the small village of Blatten in the Valais.
Prof. Michel Maréchal: "Helping feels good"
According to the traditional view of humans as Homo Economicus, we only help others if we hope to gain something for ourselves in return. However, behavioral economics research shows that people do not act solely out of self-interest.
Prof. Christian Ruff: "Walking on a tightrope"
Chronic stress throws the body and mind out of balance, and has serious consequences for health. An interdisciplinary team at UZH is investigating how this happens. It is also researching what makes us resilient to stress.
Prof. Thorsten Hens,Prof. Steven Ongena andProf. Ralph Ossa: "Trump's wrecking ball"
The Trump administration aims to bolster the U.S. economy and revive industrial jobs. However, it is actually doing the opposite of what makes an economy strong and resilient.
Prof. Ulf Zölitz: "Think in a more networked way"
It doesn't always have to be the usual lecture: In innovative, interdisciplinary teaching formats, students at UZH seek solutions to conflicts in public spaces, support children, or try their hand at starting a company. In this article, Ulf Zölitz discusses the "Mentoring for the Next Generation" module and the benefits it offers.
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