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Abstract: In Western societies such as the United States, where individualism is prioritized and the prevalence of mental health challenges and loneliness has reached alarming levels, fostering kindness – both towards ourselves and towards others – seems more crucial than ever. This talk will address how we can cultivate kindness by showcasing findings of psychology and neuroscience. Dr. Jessica Andrews-Hanna will begin by examining the neural foundations of empathy and compassion, exploring their connection to the broader body of research on the human imagination. They will then delve into studies on the role of empathy in nurturing healthy romantic relationships. Finally, they will highlight the malleability of kindness, showing how it can be cultivated and applied to enhance our relationships and well-being.
About the Speaker: Dr. Jessica Andrews-Hanna is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science at the University of Arizona and Interim Director of the Cognitive Science Program. A Cognitive Neuroscientist by training, she completed her M.S. in Neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis and her Ph.D. in Psychology at Harvard University. At the University of Arizona, Dr. Andrews-Hanna directs the Neuroscience of Emotion and Thought (NET) Laboratory, where her research is centered on understanding the mystery of human imagination – the thoughts, ideas, memories, and emotions that make us unique as individuals. Dr. Andrews-Hanna is passionate about characterizing how the imaginative brain changes across the lifespan and in relation to neurological disease and mental health, with an ultimate goal of developing interventions to help people harness the beneficial aspects of imagination and live happier, healthier lives. Dr. Andrews-Hanna has active research grants from the National Institute of Aging and the National Institute of Mental Health.