Dr. Lora Park
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Office: 344 Park Hall
Phone: (716) 645-3650 x. 342
E-mail (will open in a new window)

Summary of Research Interests:

Research in the Self and Motivation Research Laboratory focuses broadly on questions pertaining to the self, self-esteem, motivation, and interpersonal processes. Current research in the lab examines 1) the effects of receiving self-threats on goals and motivations, particularly in people's pursuit of self-esteem versus belongingness goals; 2) individual differences in the pursuit of self-esteem versus belongingness, with consequences for relationships, mental and physical health, and psychological well-being; and 3) interpersonal effects of experiencing threats to domains of contingent self-worth.

Two broad systems of motivation are posited to guide people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The self-esteem system assumes that motivation and behavior stems primarily from a desire to protect, maintain, and enhance self-esteem, especially in the face of self-threats. In contrast, the belongingness system assumes that motivation and behavior stems primarily from a desire to form and maintain close interpersonal connections with others. Individuals are likely to differ in the extent to which they are motivated by self-esteem versus belongingness concerns. Current research in the lab examines how threats to people's sense of physical attractiveness, a domain with relevance for both self-esteem and belongingness concerns, affects people's self-feelings and motivations. Studies also examine how the desire to satisfy self-esteem versus belongingness concerns affect symptoms of depression, disordered eating, and relationship outcomes.

Representative Publications:

• Park, L. E. (in press). Appearance-based rejection sensitivity: Implications for mental and physical health, affect, and motivation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.
• Park, L. E., Crocker, J., & Vohs, K. D. (2006). Contingencies of self-worth and self-validation goals: Implications for close relationships. In K. D. Vohs & E. J. Finkel (Eds.), Self and relationships: Connecting intrapersonal and interpersonal processes, 84-103. New York: Guilford Press.
• Park, L. E., & Crocker, J. (2005). The interpersonal consequences of seeking self-esteem. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 11, 1587-1598.
• Park, L. E., Crocker, J., & Mickelson, K. D. (2004). Attachment styles and contingencies of self-worth. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30, 1243-1254.
• Crocker, J., & Park, L.E. (2004). The costly pursuit of self-esteem. Psychological Bulletin, 130, 392-414.
• Crocker, J., & Park, L. E. (2003). Seeking self-esteem: Construction, maintenance, and protection of self-worth. In M. Leary & J. Tangney (Eds.), Handbook of Self and Identity, 291-313. New York: Guilford Press.