Arthur and his three siblings were raised by their widowed mother in Los Angeles. Times were hard. At age 17 Arthur dropped out of high school, volunteered for the Navy, and served on the U.S.S. Nevada during the D-Day invasion in WWII. After the war he was able to go back to school under the GI Bill. While at UCLA he met the love of his life, Carolyn Kaiden, and they both went on to earn Ph.D.'s in Psychology. In his early career Arthur worked as Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University and as Visiting Professor at both UC-Berkeley and University of Wisconsin.In 1966, Staats moved to Honolulu, and began his long career as Professor of Psychology at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. He was a leader in behavioral psychology with theories that linked multiple disciplines. His work continues to be widely referenced today.
He is most famous for developing the childhood disciplinary tool of "time-out" and was recognized in 2006 by Child Magazine as one of the "20 People who Changed Childhood". Time-out is currently utilized by caregivers around the world to discourage unwanted behaviors.
Arthur read widely and over his lifetime he developed concerns about unfairness to poor countries and groups, military aggression for economic gain, and climate change.
An admitted health and fitness buff, Art enjoyed playing tennis for decades. One of the highlights of his life was competing at the Equitable Life Father-Daughter Doubles National Championship held during the US Open at Forest Hills in 1976. When tennis became too physically demanding, he picked up golf and avidly played into his 90's.
He was always quick with a laugh or smile, and loved spending time with family and friends, who were many and dear. He had a true passion for life and when he wasn't driving his car with the tag "TYM-OUT" he could be found gathered with friends or playing a round of golf.
Art died peacefully in his home on April 26, 2021 at age 97.
The family wishes to express their extreme gratitude to his caregivers and friends for their dedication, kindness, and loving care.
Donations in his memory may be made to Access Tennis
(Hawaii Junior Tennis Foundation) (www.accesstennishi.com);
UH Foundation (www.uhfoundation.org/ArthurStaats),
or Punahou School.
Arrangements Provided By:
Oahu Mortuary
