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Psychology of Horror, Witchcraft, and the Paranormal

In recognition of Salem’s unique history and cultural legacy as “Witch City,” the New England Psychological Association invites submissions for special-themed sessions at the 2026 Annual Conference. This session will highlight scholarly work that explores psychological research or applied practice related to horror, witchcraft, the occult, paranormal beliefs, folklore, superstition, fear, and the macabre.

How To Submit Your Proposal

NEPA Priority Submission

NEPA invites the submission of papers and posters with clear and detailed articulation of research questions, procedures, data analyses, and implications of the results. Theoretical and literature review submissions will be considered as papers provided that they present new ideas, models, or frameworks for future research. Papers and posters may be qualitative or quantitative in concept and methodology, provided that a sufficient description of data sources/evidence, evaluation procedures, and substantiated conclusions is provided. More details and submission guidelines can be found at the link below.

How To Submit Your Proposal

NECTOP Priority Submission

NECTOP welcomes a wide range of presentation formats to accommodate diverse interests and teaching contexts. Whether you wish to share empirical research, showcase an innovative teaching strategy, facilitate collaborative discussion, or lead a session on pedagogy, we encourage you to submit a proposal. Detailed descriptions of each presentation type are at the link below.

How to Submit Your Proposal

Honorary Undergraduate Scholar (HUS) awards will be presented at NEPA’s Annual Meeting, which is being held on November 7, 2026, to recognize individuals with outstanding undergraduate records in psychology and to encourage promising students to pursue careers in the discipline. Students pursuing associate and baccalaureate degrees are eligible for HUS awards, and the Experiential Activity criterion recognizes potential differences in curricula and opportunities across institutions.

How To Nominate Someone

The New England Psychological Association’s (NEPA) Distinguished Contribution Award (DCA) for 2026 will be presented to a psychologist with a current or prior association with New England who has demonstrated exceptional contributions to the field. The award recognizes individuals who have advanced the science of psychology, applied psychological knowledge to meaningfully improve individual and community well-being through service, or conducted sustained programmatic research or professional work that is making significant strides in expanding psychological knowledge. The DCA also honors psychologists who have shown an extraordinary commitment to teaching and mentoring, reflecting innovation, leadership, and dedication well beyond the expectations of standard professional practice.

How To Nominate Someone