Why Gold Stars Backfire: The Science of Rewards with Dr Ozgur Bolat Ep 92

About this episode

Hey, Team! Have you ever tried to motivate yourself or a loved one with a reward only to have the process backfire? There's a ton of research behind that experience, and that's what Dr Ozgur shares with us. This is particularly helpful insight, as we often try to pair rewards with new executive function skills, and in the process, we may be hindering, rather than supporting, growth! Ozgur shares his personal history of high achievement leading to anxiety. When he realized his happiness depended on approval, he knew things needed to change--and he needed to show parents alternatives to the reward trap. On our show, we dive into how rewards can be a tool of control and Ozgur contrasts…