In choosing themes for our psychology lecture series, we look for topics that have broad interest and that generate scientific research from a variety of perspectives. All invited speakers meet and network with St. Mary’s College psychology students. Lectures may be used to fulfill the Lecture Reflection Requirement in PSYC 204, PSYC 206, and PSYC 493/494. All lectures are free and open to the general public. We are grateful to our 2021-22 Lecture Series sponsor: the Lecture & Fine Arts Committee.
2020-2021 Series: The Psychology of COVID-19 and Public Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced all aspects of our lives from our physical and mental health to our relationships, workplaces, and professions; it has even highlighted broader societal concerns such as discrimination and the dangerous effects of misinformation. The social and behavioral sciences are uniquely positioned to help us understand a) the effects of COVID on cognitive, emotional, developmental, and social processes, b) how to increase compliance with public health policies, and c) how to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-related sequelae such as isolation and loneliness.
The AY21-22 Psychology speaker series will explore various elements of the Psychology of COVID by inviting four scientists who examine how COVID has affected people at the individual and societal levels. It is our goal to invite psychologists and other social scientists who study COVID from varied disciplinary perspectives such as social psychology (e.g., the effects of COVID on romantic relationships), developmental psychology (e.g., the effects of COVID on children, families, and schooling), clinical/counseling psychology (e.g., the mental health consequences of COVID and isolation), public health (e.g., health inequities and health persuasion campaigns), and political science and political psychology (e.g., media effects and misinformation).
Virtual Lectures
Wednesday, September 22; 4:45 pm; virtual access details TBA
Dr. Nickola Overall (University of Auckland) will speak on “topic TBA”
Nickola Overall is a professor in the School of Psychology. Her research focuses on how to overcome emotional, attachment and relationship difficulties to build healthy relationships and personal wellbeing. For example, she investigates how couples and families can effectively resolve conflict and support each other to enhance relationship success and maintain health and wellbeing. Dr. Overall also examines the factors that influence these important processes, such as biased perceptions, depressive symptoms, attachment insecurity, power and sexist attitudes. Read more about her research programs here: http://relationships.auckland.ac.nz/
Previous lecture series topics:
- 2020-21: Intervention Science: Harnessing Psychology to Address Oppressive Systems
- 2019-20: Psychology of the Opioid Crisis
- 2018-19: Psychology of Work and Play
- 2017-18: Psychology of Oppression
- 2016-17: Psychology Across the Globe: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
- 2015-16: Autism Spectrum Disorder: Fact and fiction
- 2014-15: Benefits and Risks of Technology Use on Children in the Home and at School
- 2013-14: Health and the Obesity “Crisis”
- 2012-13: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
- 2011-12: Populations in Need