Greg Walton

Greg Walton is the Michael Forman University Fellow and Professor of Psychology at Stanford University. 

Much of his research investigates psychological processes that contribute to major social problems and how “wise” psychological interventions that target these processes can address such problems and help people flourish, even over long periods of time. Often, these interventions are conducted in education contexts, with both students and educators, and serve to improve patterns of interaction and support students’ sense of belonging in school. In doing so, these interventions can raise students’ grades, reduce conflict (e.g., disciplinary citations, suspension rates), and promote progress through college. Because the psychological and relational patterns these interventions target are rooted in inequality, often these exercises function to reduce inequality in school success. 

Dr. Walton focuses on fundamental ways in which people make sense of themselves, other people, and social situations; how meanings people draw can be counterproductive and self-reinforcing (e.g., “People like me don’t belong here”); and how they can be altered to cause lasting benefits to individuals and to society.

His research has been published in leading journals in science and education, covered in major media outlets, and supported by the Institute for Education Sciences, the National Institute of Health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Jeff and Tricia Raikes Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, and Character Lab.

In addition to his scholarship, Dr. Walton is a committed teacher and mentor. At Stanford, he teaches courses on psychology and social problems, including one entitled “Wise Interventions.”