The holidays can be a stressful time, but understanding emotions and biases can help us successfully navigate conversations and increase positive interactions.

At this STEM Café, hear from NIU Assistant Professor of Psychology Randy McCarthy about the different ways in which victims and perpetrators understand aggressive behavior, and learn how understanding these biases can improve interactions.

From Brian Smith, a licensed social worker and director of the NIU Employee Assistance Program, learn tips and tools for effective communication – especially in stressful situations. Hear about how we can better understand and respond to our emotions, as well as expectations of ourselves and others, in order to set healthy boundaries and maximize connections. This will also include tips for de-escalating potentially difficult conversations while increasing positive interactions during the holidays.