Join us for our Social Behavioral Interest Group (SBIG) Colloquium on April 23, 2026!
Speaker: Shira Gabriel, Greenwald Distinguished Scholar (University of Buffalo)
Title: Collective Effervescence: How Concerts, Football, Heated Rivalry, and Waiting in Line Give Meaning to Life
Abstract: In an increasingly divided world, some people struggle to find meaning, connection, and joy. I will describe research on how collective events can bring peace, joy, and deep connection to our lives via collective effervescence – the psychological experience of connection to others and transcendence -- they generate. I will discuss what this implies for the human need for social connection.
The Social Behavior Interest Group consists of members of the university community who are interested in social psychological research. The SBIG supports an active program of visiting speakers. The group meets weekly to hear speakers describe their recent research. Since 1990, SBIG has brought in numerous distinguished visiting speakers. Presentations have included contemporary issues in the study of attitudes, social cognition, prejudice & stereotyping, and also applied research questions in the domains of health and consumer behavior.