Suzanne Segerstrom is a psychologist and professor known for her research in the field of psychology focusing on health and stress. Segerstrom was the 2002 first prize recipient of the Templeton Positive Psychology Award.[1] Segerstrom attended the University of California, Los Angeles and received a bachelor's degree in psychology and music. She went on to earn an M.A. and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, also from UCLA and completed an internship in psychology at Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Center (University of British Columbia). She became involved in the study of optimism when she was a graduate student studying under the supervision of Shelley E. Taylor.[2]

Research

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Segerstrom's research examines the impact of differences in cognition, emotion, and personality factors (e.g., optimism) on psychological well-being, health, and physiological functions (e.g., immune system).[2] She is known for her research on disappointment and emotional approach coping. She is also known for her work drawing a connection between optimism and psychosocial factors in HIV patients. One aspect of Suzanne's research focuses on optimism and relates with lower immune parameters. Segerstrom conducted a research study with Sandra Sephton (University of Louisville) to figure out how law students' expectations for their future affected their immune response. The results of the research study was that optimism is good for your health. Other studies besides Segerstrom's have also found that people who are positive about their health will do better.[3]

Selected Works

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  • Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system: a meta-analytic study of 30 years of inquiry. Psychological bulletin, 130(4), 601.
  • Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2010). Optimism. Clinical psychology review, 30(7), 879-889.
  • Segerstrom, S. C., Taylor, S. E., Kemeny, M. E., & Fahey, J. L. (1998). Optimism is associated with mood, coping, and immune change in response to stress. Journal of personality and social psychology, 74(6), 1646.
  • Nes, L. S., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2006). Dispositional optimism and coping: A meta-analytic review. Personality and social psychology review, 10(3), 235-251.

References

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  1. ^ Bozeman, Kelley. "UK Psychology Professor Wins Templeton Award". www.uky.edu.
  2. ^ a b Crawford, Nicole. "Positivity pays off for winners of psychology's top monetary prize". American Psychological Association.
  3. ^ Allen-West, Catherine. "Optimism Boosts the Immune System". Association for Psychological Science.
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