Gabriele Oettingen

Gabriele Oettingen, a distinguished psychologist, navigates the intricate landscape of human motivation and future-oriented thinking with a keen scholarly eye. Born and educated in Germany, her academic journey meandered through the study of biology at the University of Munich, leading her to the esteemed halls of the Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Physiology. Her intellectual pursuits took her across borders to the Medical Research Council in Cambridge and eventually culminated in a PhD from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. The depth of her research was further enriched during her tenure at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin, where she also earned a Dr. habil. degree in psychology from the Free University Berlin. Gabriele's transatlantic career has seen her imparting knowledge both at the University of Hamburg and at New York University, where she continues to influence the field of psychology today. Her acclaimed book, "Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation," stands as a testament to her pioneering exploration of cognitive and emotional processes. In this seminal work, Oettingen challenges the conventional paradigms of positive thinking, presenting a nuanced perspective that blends empirical research with practical applications. Her insights have not merely added to the academic discourse but have sparked broader conversations about motivation and personal development. The book’s reception underscores her status as a thought leader, seamlessly bridging the gap between rigorous scientific inquiry and accessible self-help literature. Oettingen's prose is marked by an incisive clarity and intellectual rigor, deftly unraveling complex psychological concepts with a style that is both engaging and enlightening. Her work delves into the interplay between cognitive processes and behavioral outcomes, offering a fresh lens through which to view the pursuit of goals and aspirations. As a leading voice in motivational psychology, her contributions have significantly shaped our understanding of how future thinking impacts human behavior, making her an indispensable figure in contemporary psychological scholarship. Residing between the vibrant cultural landscapes of New York City and Hamburg, she continues to inspire and educate, leaving an indelible mark on the field.