Conn8cting: Pub Psychology: The psychology of trust, fear & connection in relationships

What is trust and why does it matter?

• What’s the definition of trust and how does it influence relationships?
• How does trust shape the way you connect with others?
• Which personality traits make it easier for some people to trust others?
• What characteristics can make trusting more difficult for certain individuals?
• What scientific strategies can you use to build trust and strengthen connections in your own relationships?
• Which key evidence-based suggestions can help improve trust and foster better relationships?

The Speaker

Dr Veronica Lamarche is a senior lecturer at the University of Essex. She completed her PhD in Social-Personality Psychology in 2017 at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, in Buffalo, New York. She also holds a B.A. in Psychology (Honours) and Business which she completed in 2010 at the University of Waterloo, in Waterloo, Ontario.

Veronica has examined cases where victims have been manipulated and tragically killed by loved ones. She was interviewed for multiple episodes of the Netflix series ‘My Lover My Killer’– which for a period was one of the service’s top five most watched shows in the UK.

Veronica’s research focuses on understanding how people regulate trust and dependence in their romantic relationships, and how feelings of uncertainty or vulnerability can influence relationship stability. Her work is guided by two main research questions: 1) What are the individual differences that predict greater relationship resiliency in the face of uncertainty; and, 2) Do self-regulatory systems managing responses to uncertainty outside of the relationship influence relationship regulatory responses within the relationship.

The Agenda

18:30-19:30 – Arrivals & structured networking/ice-breakers

Arrive, mingle and grab drinks. You’ll have more time than ever before to meet others. You’ll be moving between tables in small groups discussing intriguing discussion/ice-breaker questions (optional). If you want to meet like-minded professionals you’re welcome to join. This part of the event’s ideal for anyone who works (or aspires to work) in psychology, neuroscience, education, healthcare or related fields.

19:30-20:20- ‘TED style’ talk

Learn something new. You’ll also get printed handouts from the Powerpoint slides.

20:10 – 20:40 – Q and A

Question time – the chance to ask your questions about this topic and anything else you’d like to know with our expert speaker.

20:40 – 22:00 – Networking mingle

Informally meet our speaker and other likeminded people, continuing conversations, drinks, sharing knowledge and reflections. Whether you’ve got a personal or professional interest, anyone who wants to connect is welcome to join! This is a great way to expand your social and professional network.