The 63nd Annual Meeting of the New England Psychological Association

NEPA 2023

Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Science and Society Address

How Does Culture Affect Memory?

Angela Gutchess, Ph.D.
Brandeis University

Increasingly, there has been appreciation for how cognition and memory can differ across individuals, including as a function of culture. In my talk, I will discuss the importance of studying cognition across cultures and present experimental evidence of cultural differences in memory, probing the extent to which these reflect mnemonic versus lower-level perceptual processes. Finally, I will consider the importance of studying culture from a lifespan perspective, with a focus on how the trajectory of cognitive aging might be influenced by culture.

ayanna-thomas
TBA
Ted Bosack Address

Teaching the Teachers: First, Know Thyself

Over the past twenty years, teaching and learning has, for me, changed dramatically. I went from being someone who cared deeply about ensuring that I covered all the material that students needed to know to someone who now wants to be inclusive, engaging, and who wants to ensure that I can create an effective student learning environment. What happened in that time frame and how did I come to let it affect me? Many, many things  impacted my understanding of teaching and learning, and in this talk, I plan to highlight not only how those events, ideas and experiences changed me, but also how it created a profound change in my teaching behavior. I end with a renewed teaching philosophy that I think will shape the remainder of my teaching career. And, I invite folks to share their journeys through their educational experience.

Ted Bosack
Saturday 10:10 AM – 11:10 AM
Distinguished Contribution Award Address

The Motive to Save in Hoarding Disorder

Randy O. Frost, Harold Edward and Elsa Siipola Israel
Professor Emeritus of Psychology
Smith College

TBA

While difficulty discarding is the core feature of hoarding disorder, it has seldom been the focus of research. Behind this difficult is a process that leads people with HD to retain rather than release possessions. The attachments that form between someone with HD and their possessions are based on as yet unexplored motives. The strength of the motive to save possessions is the key element in preventing people with hoarding disorder to let go of possessions. This talk with outline the core motives for saving in the context of the cognitive behavioral model of hoarding. Brief video clips will demonstrate each as well as the process of evaluating these motives during treatment.

David H. Barlow, Ph.D.
NEPA Presidential Address

Mental Health, Fear of Missing Out, Smartphone Use, and Cognitive Coping

Adam Volungis
NEPA President
Assumption University

Introduced by
Leonard Doerfler, Ph.D.
Assumption University

TBA

The relationships between college student fear of missing out (FoMO), mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness), smartphone use, and cognitive coping among 152 undergraduate college students were examined. Participants completed the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOs), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), UCLA Loneliness Scale-3, Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire (CD-Quest). Preliminary analyses showed that the more students experienced FoMO, their higher reported social-emotional distress and smartphone use. We also found that specific thinking patterns mediated this relationship as well. For example, higher levels of indices of mental health distress was associated with higher levels of FoMO and smartphone use. However, depending on specific thinking patterns and coping styles, this relationship may be enhanced (e.g., high frequency and intensity of cognitive distortions like “jumping to conclusions” or “mind reading”) or diminished (e.g., “acceptance” or “positive reframing”). Overall, these findings can inform assessment at recognizing the ongoing distress many students experience with FoMO. Furthermore, interventions can be enhanced by reinforcing adaptive cognitive coping skills unique to FoMO and general mental health.
NEPA-ADAM-VOLUNGIS
Invited Symposium

Graduate School:

Exploring The Landscape of Graduate Education And Employment

Tony D. Crespi, Ed.D., A.B.P.P.
Professor of Psychology
The University of Hartford

Natalie N. Politikos, Ph.D., N.C.S.P.
Professor of Psychology
The University of Hartford

TBA

Where are the jobs? Where are areas of shortage? What can enhance my application to a graduate program? While many students imagine a career in private practice as a Clinical Psychologist this is only a small segment of the market.

Interested in helping children as a School Psychologist? Have you pictured working as a Forensic Psychologist? Is an M.A. adequate or is a Ph.D. or Psy.D. necessary? Is a state license or certification required? Unfortunately, many students lack a full appreciation for the details impacting post-degree employment. This presentation explores these dynamics with ample opportunity for a question and answer
dialogue.

Dr. Tony D. Crespi
Natalie Politikos
Invited Symposium

Transitioning Into A Career As A University Professor:
Inside Tracks For An Academic Career

 

Tony D. Crespi, Ed.D., A.B.P.P.
Professor of Psychology
The University of Hartford

Natalie N. Politikos, Ph.D., N.C.S.P.
Professor of Psychology
The University of Hartford

TBA

Pursuing a career as a university professor is both alluring and daunting. From the outside, an academic life appears enviable. Still, many undergraduates, graduate students, and new faculty are often unaware of key facets to secure and sustain an academic career. Is scholarship necessary? How does one develop their research?

What constitutes academic service? What do universities seek in applicants? Fundamentally, while many universities offer tenure track positions others advertise contract posts. How do these compare? How does one successfully pursue an academic appointment? Does “academic pedigree” impact employability? Can a Psy.D. pursue a career as an academic or is a Ph.D. preferable?

Drawing on work chairing multiple faculty searches, this presentation explores the academic landscape while offering opportunities for discussion.

Dr. Tony D. Crespi
Natalie Politikos

CONTACT

Association Coordinator's
Mailing address:

Michael Amico, Ph.D.
Housatonic Community College
900 Lafayette Blvd
256 Beacon Hall
Bridgeport, CT 06604

NEPsychological@gmail.com
Phone: 203-362-5163

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook
Twitter

PRIVACY POLICY
TERMS OF USE

ABOUT

The New England Psychological Association presents invited addresses, symposia, workshops, papers and posters at annual autumn meetings held in the six New England states, usually on a college campus.