Dear colleagues,

We are now accepting submissions for Poster and Data Blitz presentations at the Existential Psychology SPSP preconference, to be held virtually on Tuesday February 24, 2026.

Submissions: Abstracts can be submitted here until 11:59pm (PT) October 23.

Registration: Early-bird registration: Oct 16, 2025 – Jan 22, 2026. Regular rate: Jan 23 – Feb 13. Registration closes on Feb 13. Register by Feb 13.

The science of existential psychology is focused on issues of “being” and “becoming” in mental and social life, such as time, aging, and death; freedom, authenticity, and moral responsibility; isolation, uncertainty, and shared reality; culture, the self, and identity; the quest for meaning and purpose in life; religion and spirituality; and personal growth and well-being. The speaker theme this year is “Meaning & Purpose,” and Poster and Data Blitz presentations may deal with any existential psychology topics.

Keynote Address

• Michael Steger, Colorado State University, USA. Topic: The search for meaning in life.

Special Address

• Timothy Golden, Whitman College, USA. Topic: Black existentialism, meaning, and purpose.

Research Talks

• Frank Martela. Aalto University, Finland. Topic: Tripartite models of meaning in life.
• Samantha Heintzelman. Rutgers University, USA. Topic: Commonplace meaning in life.
• Jinhyung Kim. Sogang University, Korea. Topic: Meaning, personality, and culture.
• Jonathan Adler. Olin College, USA. Topic: Meaning, stories, and narrative identity.
• Vlad Costin. University of Sussex, England. Topic: Coherence, significance, and purpose.
• Amy Wrzesniewski. University of Pennsylvania, USA. Topic: The experience and meaning of work.
• Pninit Russo-Netzer. Achva Academic College, Israel. Topic: Meaning in life and mental health.
• Janelle Goodwill. University of Chicago, USA. Topic: Suicide prevention and meaning, purpose, and hope among Black Americans.
• Travis Proulx. Cardiff University, Wales. Topic: Meaning violations and meaning maintenance.
• Jake Womick. California State University, Bakersfield, USA. Topic: Meaning, ideology, and politics.
• Eric Igou. University of Limerick, Ireland. Topic: Boredom and meaning in life.
• Erin Westgate. University of Florida, USA. Topic: Meaning, purpose, and active engagement.

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 here by 11:59pm (PT) October 23!

Poster Session

• A set of poster presentations will share theory and research on a broad range of existential psychology topics. Submit your Poster abstract here by 11:59pm (PT) October 23!

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!

Make sure to submit your Poster or Data Blitz abstract here by 11:59pm (PT) October 23!

For more information, visit the International Society for the Science of Existential Psychology (issep.org), and/or feel free to reach out to us.

Existential Psychology SPSP Preconference Organizers

• Kenneth Vail, kenneth@gmail.com, Cleveland State University
• Mark Landau, mjlandau@ku.edu, University of Kansas
• Grace Rivera, gnrivera@olemiss.edu, University of Mississippi
• Sarah Ward, sw20202@illinois.edu, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Benjamin Rogers, rogers@bc.edu, Boston College