IGDC Research Seminar Series: Behaviour and development: implications for health, wellbeing and social norms

Event details

IGDC Member Guest Speaker: Bailey House

Title: The psychology of social norms: implications for the ontogeny and institutional development of prosocial behaviour

Abstract: Prosocial behavior varies dramatically across human societies, which can lead to substantial differences in how different communities overcome cooperative dilemmas (e.g. paying taxes, giving to charity, managing resources, etc.). Understanding what motivates people to cooperate can be gained by studying how prosocial behavior develops during childhood and into adolescence, and how psychology and culture create societal differences in prosocial behavior. In my work I explore how the development of generosity is shaped by the evolved human psychology for learning and following social norms, using cross-cultural decision-making experiments with adults and children. In this talk, I will present some of my research and discuss how social norms theories might hold insights for development programs aiming to increase public goods and improve social welfare.

IGDC Member Guest Speaker: Omara Dogar

Title: The role of contemporary tobacco cessation therapies in treating waterpipe addiction 

Abstract: Smoking tobacco through a waterpipe, often referred to as shisha or hookah smoking, is becoming popular, particularly among young people, across the globe. Contrary to the commonly held belief that waterpipe is ‘safer’ than cigarettes, evidence suggests that it is harmful and addictive. Symptoms of nicotine dependence develop at low levels of consumption and frequency of use and can be shaped by waterpipe-unique social contexts and sensory cues. My research is on designing and evaluating tobacco cessation treatments, including behavioural interventions for various forms of tobacco use. In this talk, I will present some of my work on waterpipe smoking cessation using contemporary treatments targeting the psychological and physiological determinants of tobacco addiction and discuss how the social norms might play a role in this context.