December 6, 2006
Clark University Professor Publishes Book about Feelings
Worcester, Mass. - Most of us assume that we feel happy, therefore we smile. But what if we could make ourselves happy just by smiling? Clark University Psychologist James D. Laird studies this idea, or "self-perception theory," and his new book, "Feelings: The Perception of the Self (Series in Affective Science)" (Oxford University Press, Nov. 2006) documents hundreds of studies in support of it.
Laird's book aims to pinpoint the connection feelings have with behavior, a connection that has never been fully explained. He argues that feelings are not the cause of behavior but rather its consequences; the same goes for behavior and motives and behavior and attitudes. Laird presents research into feelings across the spectrum –from anger to joy to fear to romantic love –that support this against-the-grain view. He discusses the problem of common sense, self-perception theory, the association between feelings and higher cognitive processes, and also the literature on facial expression, posture, and gaze.
"The self-perception theory challenges traditional, common sense views on emotions and our behavior," said Professor Laird, who believes his new publication will interest social, emotional, and cognitive psychologists.
James W. Pennebaker, Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, describes the book as "superbly crafted" and says it's "a smart book for anyone interested in the mysteries of the mind and body."
Leonard Berkowitz, Vilas Research Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin said, "Laird, a long-time leader in the investigation of the effects of skeletal-muscular movements on the genesis of emotional states, here presents a comprehensive and compelling research survey from the self-perception perspective...This far-ranging discussion should draw wide attention….[Laird] notes what this self-perception analysis has to say about pride and self-esteem, the feelings of knowing and familiarity, and cognitive dissonance."
Professor Laird has taught at the Francis Hiatt School of Psychology at Clark University since 1966. He earned his B.A. at Middlebury College, and his Ph.D. four years later from the University of Rochester. His research explores feelings -- how they arise, affect behavior and may be controlled and organized. He uses a self-perception approach to emotional problems, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), panic disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Other ongoing research explores personality factors that predict medical outcomes and adherence to medical advice. Visit his Web site for more: James Laird Bio.
Professor Laird is also currently publishing two articles: "The Effect of Vividness of Experience on Sex Differences in Jealousy" in Evolutionary Psychology, and "The evolutionary foundation of perceiving one's own emotions" in Behavior and Philosophy.
He is a resident of Westport, Mass.