Psychology of Popularity

Dr. Mitch Prinstein serves as the Chief Science Officer at the American Psychological Association and formerly held the position of John Van Seters Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC Chapel Hill. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Miami, followed by training at Brown University's Clinical Psychology Consortium. With over 20 years of research experience, he has published more than 200 scientific works focusing on adolescent peer relationships, depression, self-injury, and suicide. His groundbreaking research on popularity, funded by the National Institutes of Health and various foundations, has transformed our understanding of social relationships and mental health. He is board certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and has served as president of multiple professional organizations, including the Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. His book "Popular: Finding Happiness and Success in a World That Cares Too Much About the Wrong Kinds of Relationships" has brought his research to mainstream audiences, and his work has been featured in over 200 media outlets. Through his research and leadership roles, including serving on the APA Board of Directors, he continues to shape the field of clinical psychology while making psychological science accessible to the public.