Psi Chi Induction Lecture: Multiple Identities = Multiple Sources of Threat & Belonging
Please register to receive Zoom link on the day of the event.
Speaker
Dr. Sarah Gaither, Duke University
Title
Multiple Identities = Multiple Sources of Threat & Belonging
Abstract
We all have multiple identities—race, gender, age, sexual orientation, occupation, etc. However, psychology research has traditionally focused on the effects stemming from one identity (i.e., race OR gender), rather than trying to measure how belonging to multiple groups may actually shift our behavior or change how we react when under threat. With today’s society becoming increasingly diverse, it is important for research to examine how exposure to and interactions with diversity affects the various perspectives and experiences we have. In my talk, I will explore: 1) how belonging to multiple groups shapes how we respond to identity-relevant threats; 2) how a multifaceted sense of self may boost flexible thinking; and 3) how interactions with diverse others such as college roommates can shift our definitions of ingroup. In sum, this talk will push our existing notions of identity research to be more inclusive of multiple identification and the variation that exists across diverse settings.
Host. Dr. Ian Lyons and the Georgetown Chapter of Psi Chi