Nursing researcher launches study of training in dialogue to help students navigate difficult conversations

Dr. Paul Macey, a professor in the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing, is launching a new study to explore how college students can better navigate challenging conversations.

The study, part of a $9 million neuroscience initiative from the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, will test the impact of a practice-based course designed to help students engage in tense discussions more calmly and constructively.

“College is often the first time students encounter deeply different perspectives, and those moments can be stressful,” said Dr. Macey. “Our goal is to give students practical tools to use during those conversations and create a program that makes a meaningful difference in how they connect across divides.”

The project, Doing Dialogue Across Differences, developed out of a UCLA Fiat Lux course and faculty seminar Dr. Macey had previously facilitated. He says the study is especially relevant today, as ideas and conversations are increasingly polarized. 

By providing evidence on the effectiveness of hands-on dialogue training, the study aims to offer universities a simple, scalable tool to reduce stress and improve communication among students.