Existential Psychology 2027 SPSP Preconference. Submit by Oct 8, Register by Jan 29!

<div class="wpb-content-wrapper" id="wpb-content-root"><div class="usp-images-wrap"><span class="usp-image-wrap"><a href="https://ahpweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-14_6aa85285bdf60_SPSP2027Flyerportrait-AHP.jpg" class="lightbox" rel="lightbox" title=""><img id="usp-attach-id-94727" class="usp-image" src="https://ahpweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-09-14_6aa85285bdf60_SPSP2027Flyerportrait-AHP-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a></span></div> <div id="vc_row-6ac5c89122c77" class="vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid thegem-custom-6ac5c89122c706760"><div class="wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12 thegem-custom-6ac5c89122de07219" ><div class="vc_column-inner thegem-custom-inner-6ac5c89122de1 "><div class="wpb_wrapper thegem-custom-6ac5c89122de07219"> <div class="wpb_text_column wpb_content_element thegem-vc-text thegem-custom-6ac5c89122efe9933" > <div class="wpb_wrapper"> <p>Dear colleagues,</p> <p>Join us for the Existential Psychology SPSP preconference, in Philadelphia PA on February 11, 2026.</p> <p>Info here: <a href="https://www.issep.org/conference">https://www.issep.org/conference</a><br /> Submissions: Poster and Data Blitz abstracts can be submitted until 11:59pm (PT) October 8.<br /> Registration: Early-bird registration Oct 15, 2026 &#8211; Jan 7, 2027. Regular rate Jan 7 – Jan 29. Registration closes on Jan 29. Register by Jan 29.</p> <p>The science of existential psychology is focused on issues of “being” and “becoming,” including: time, aging, and death; freedom and responsibility; isolation, uncertainty, and shared reality; culture, self, and identity; and meaning and purpose in life; religion and spirituality; and personal growth and well-being. The speaker theme this year is “Awe, Growth, &amp; the Good Life,” and Poster and Data Blitz presentations may deal with any existential psychology topics.</p> <p><em><strong>Keynote Address</strong></em><br /> • Paul Bloom, Yale University. Topic: The sweet spot—The pleasures of suffering and the search for meaning.<br /> Special Address<br /> • Michael Bishop, Florida State University. Topic: The good life—Unifying the philosophy and psychology of well-being.<br /> Research Talks<br /> • Tonglin Jiang. Peking University. Topic: Awe, reasoning, and self-transcendence.<br /> • Maria Monroy. Yale University. Topic: Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health.<br /> • David Yaden. Johns Hopkins University. Topic: Awe and psychedelics.<br /> • Michelle Shiota. Arizona State University. Topic: The psychology of awe.<br /> • Ed O’Brien. Ohio State University. Topic: Repeat/familiar experience as a path to personal growth.<br /> • Sebnem Ture. Northwestern University. Topic: Life challenges, growth in narrative ID, and well-being.<br /> • Joshua J. Jackson. Washington University. Topic: Growth via intentional personality.<br /> • Audun Dahl. Cornell University. Topic: Development of morality across the lifespan.<br /> • Fan Yang. University of Chicago. Topic: Self-transcendence, happiness, and meaning in life.<br /> • Michael Prinzing. Wake Forest University. Topic: What it means to lead a good life.<br /> • Joshua Knobe. Yale University. Topic: An experimental philosophy approach to the good life.<br /> • Eftychia Stamkou. University of Amsterdam. Topic: Artistic beauty in the good life.<br /> Data Blitz Sessions<br /> • A series of very brief research talks (max of 4 minutes each) showcasing research findings on various topics. Submit your Data Blitz abstract by 11:59pm (PT) October 8!<br /> Poster Session<br /> • A set of poster presentations will share theory and research on a broad range of existential psychology topics. Submit your Poster abstract by 11:59pm (PT) October 8!</p> <p><em><strong>Funding Available</strong></em>: Conference Awards<br /> Visit the ISSEP award links below for information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for funding via the following conference awards.<br /> • ISSEP Innovation in Existential Psychology Research Award.<br /> • ISSEP Cross-Cultural Existential Psychology Research Award.<br /> • ISSEP International Existential Psychology Research Award.<br /> • ISSEP Interdisciplinary Existential Psychology Research Award.<br /> • ISSEP Graduate Student Conference Award.<br /> • ISSEP Graduate Student Diversity Conference Award.<br /> • ISSEP Undergraduate Student Conference Award.<br /> • ISSEP Undergraduate Student Diversity Conference Award.<br /> • ISSEP Ernest Becker Conference Award.<br /> Join ISSEP to become eligible for conference awards, research grants, and more!</p> <p>Info here: <a href="https://www.issep.org/conference">https://www.issep.org/conference</a><br /> Submissions: Poster and Data Blitz abstracts can be submitted until 11:59pm (PT) October 8.<br /> Registration: Early-bird registration Oct 15, 2026 &#8211; Jan 7, 2027. Regular rate Jan 7 – Jan 29. Registration closes on Jan 29. Register by Jan 29.</p> <p>For more information, visit the International Society for the Science of Existential Psychology (https://www.issep.org/conference), and/or feel free to reach out to us.</p> <p>Existential Psychology SPSP Preconference Organizers<br /> • Megan Edwards, <a href="mailto:megan.edwards@tamu.edu">megan.edwards@tamu.edu</a>, Texas A&amp;M University<br /> • Fan Yang, <a href="mailto:fan.yang@uchicago.edu">fan.yang@uchicago.edu</a>, University of Chicago<br /> • Eric Igou, <a href="mailto:eric.igou@ul.ie">eric.igou@ul.ie</a>, University of Limerick<br /> • Joseph Wagoner, <a href="mailto:jwagone3@uccs.edu">jwagone3@uccs.edu</a>, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs<br /> • Lydia Needy, <a href="mailto:lydianeedy@tamu.edu">lydianeedy@tamu.edu</a>, Texas A&amp;M University</p> </div> <style>@media screen and (max-width: 1023px) {.thegem-vc-text.thegem-custom-6ac5c89122efe9933{display: block!important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.thegem-vc-text.thegem-custom-6ac5c89122efe9933{display: block!important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px) {.thegem-vc-text.thegem-custom-6ac5c89122efe9933{position: relative !important;}}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.thegem-vc-text.thegem-custom-6ac5c89122efe9933{position: relative !important;}}</style> </div> </div></div></div></div> </div>