Existential Psychology 2027 SPSP Preconference.

By | September 16, 2026

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!