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Theme Programs

Theme Programs

Living on the Edge: A Guide to Risky Behavior

When Enough Is Too Much: Perspectives on Emotions and Behaviors That Go Too Far

What's Love Got to Do With It?: Attraction, Evolution and Sex

 

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Living on the Edge: A Guide to Risky Behavior

Drug use, unprotected sex, gambling --humans engage in these and a variety of overtly risky behaviors. Scientists are interested in pinpointing the causes of these behaviors which often have serious psychological and societal consequences. Recent research has yielded several new advances in our understanding of the psychological underpinnings of risk taking. A renowned group of scientists will shed light on the neurobiological, cognitive, contextual, and social psychological triggers of risky behavior.

Speakers:

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When Enough Is Too Much: Perspectives on Emotions and Behaviors That Go Too Far

Several major forms of psychopathology are marked by the inability to control one's impulses. Much of the clinical research in this area focuses on impulse control and the presence of other excessive emotions in mental disorders, including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and substance use disorders, from adolescence to adulthood. A panel of distinguished scientists will explore what happens when normal psychological functions —designed to restrict our fun-seeking behavior —fail. The speakers will present cutting-edge research on the relationship between personality and psychopathology, citing their findings on eating disorders, drug abuse and alcoholism.

Speakers:

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What's Love Got to Do With It?: Attraction, Evolution and Sex

Over the past few years, scientists have found unique ways to study attraction. A diverse group of leading scientists will discuss their findings on various dimensions of this subject, from the role that our sensory processes play in mate selection to the social and neural mechanisms that support our interest in sex. In this program, scientists will delve into the biological bases of attraction, monogamy, evolutionary psychology, and sex and the brain, in order to answer some of the fundamental questions of sexual selection.

Speakers:

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2010 Program Committee
Tyler S. Lorig, Washington and Lee University (Chair); Nalini Ambady, Tufts University; Abigail Baird, Vassar College; Sian Beilock, University of Chicago; Daniel Klein, Stony Brook University, The State University of New York; Richard Lewis, Pomona College; Kris Preacher, University of Kansas; Deidra Schleicher, Purdue University; Timothy Strauman, Duke University; Tracy Zinn, James Madison University