Anomi G Bearden International Positive Psychology Association 8th IPPA World Congress 2023

Anomi G Bearden

I am a Positive - Social Psychologist, emphasizing (in my research and teaching) the need to balance the discipline by understanding and promoting positive aspects of human experience, rather than solely focusing on the negative. My previous research focused on the detrimental effects of media on body image, understanding human environmental behaviours (e.g., over-consumption of shared resources), and unconscious psychological motives that underlie biased defensive reactions such as prejudice, victim-blaming, and stigmatization (e.g., Just World Theory and Terror Management Theory). Although these areas still influence my work, much of my recent work centers around applying social and positive psychology to the promotion of mental health, social-emotional well-being, and resilience (particularly within post-secondary students). For example, how practicing self-compassion can reduce the negative effects of social comparison and self-critical perfectionistic standards as well as the promotion of pro-social behaviours that strengthen social connections (e.g., interpersonal mindfulness, loving-kindness, gratitude). I am also interested in social determinants of mental health such as discrimination and poverty. I am a passionate educator who believes that teaching psychology is my “calling”, which allows me to contribute to enhanced resilience, service orientation, and lifelong learning in my students. I emphasizes collaboration with community organizations (through Community Service Learning and Applied Research), as I believe in the value of connecting student learning to meaningful service, inspiring mentors, and positive works within their community.