Dear colleagues,
Join us for the Existential Psychology SPSP preconference, in Philadelphia PA on February 11, 2026.
Info here: https://www.issep.org/conference
Submissions: Poster and Data Blitz abstracts can be submitted until 11:59pm (PT) October 8.
Registration: Early-bird registration Oct 15, 2026 – Jan 7, 2027. Regular rate Jan 7 – Jan 29. Registration closes on Jan 29. Register by Jan 29.
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, & the Good Life,” and Poster and Data Blitz presentations may deal with any existential psychology topics.
Keynote Address
• Paul Bloom, Yale University. Topic: The sweet spot—The pleasures of suffering and the search for meaning.
Special Address
• Michael Bishop, Florida State University. Topic: The good life—Unifying the philosophy and psychology of well-being.
Research Talks
• Tonglin Jiang. Peking University. Topic: Awe, reasoning, and self-transcendence.
• Maria Monroy. Yale University. Topic: Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health.
• David Yaden. Johns Hopkins University. Topic: Awe and psychedelics.
• Michelle Shiota. Arizona State University. Topic: The psychology of awe.
• Ed O’Brien. Ohio State University. Topic: Repeat/familiar experience as a path to personal growth.
• Sebnem Ture. Northwestern University. Topic: Life challenges, growth in narrative ID, and well-being.
• Joshua J. Jackson. Washington University. Topic: Growth via intentional personality.
• Audun Dahl. Cornell University. Topic: Development of morality across the lifespan.
• Fan Yang. University of Chicago. Topic: Self-transcendence, happiness, and meaning in life.
• Michael Prinzing. Wake Forest University. Topic: What it means to lead a good life.
• Joshua Knobe. Yale University. Topic: An experimental philosophy approach to the good life.
• Eftychia Stamkou. University of Amsterdam. Topic: Artistic beauty in the good life.
Data Blitz Sessions
• 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!
Poster Session
• 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!
Funding Available: Conference Awards
Visit the ISSEP award links below for information on eligibility requirements and how to apply for funding via the following conference awards.
• ISSEP Innovation in Existential Psychology Research Award.
• ISSEP Cross-Cultural Existential Psychology Research Award.
• ISSEP International Existential Psychology Research Award.
• ISSEP Interdisciplinary Existential Psychology Research Award.
• ISSEP Graduate Student Conference Award.
• ISSEP Graduate Student Diversity Conference Award.
• ISSEP Undergraduate Student Conference Award.
• ISSEP Undergraduate Student Diversity Conference Award.
• ISSEP Ernest Becker Conference Award.
Join ISSEP to become eligible for conference awards, research grants, and more!
Info here: https://www.issep.org/conference
Submissions: Poster and Data Blitz abstracts can be submitted until 11:59pm (PT) October 8.
Registration: Early-bird registration Oct 15, 2026 – Jan 7, 2027. Regular rate Jan 7 – Jan 29. Registration closes on Jan 29. Register by Jan 29.
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.
Existential Psychology SPSP Preconference Organizers
• Megan Edwards, megan.edwards@tamu.edu, Texas A&M University
• Fan Yang, fan.yang@uchicago.edu, University of Chicago
• Eric Igou, eric.igou@ul.ie, University of Limerick
• Joseph Wagoner, jwagone3@uccs.edu, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
• Lydia Needy, lydianeedy@tamu.edu, Texas A&M University
