Grand Rapids Community College
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Grand Rapids Community College’s Psychology Department Speaker Series will feature discussions on topics ranging from stress management and human sexuality to whether sports matter as much to girls and boys.
The series, now in its fifth year, runs from October-March. The events are free and open to the public.
Here’s the college’s description of each presentation:
• “Do Parents Make a Difference? An Exploration in Raising a Child,” by GRCC psychology professor Kate Byerwalter, runs from 1-2:30 Oct. 16. In this presentation, Byerwalter will introduce the current research around the practice of parenting. She will present different parenting styles and explore how culture might affect parenting. Participants will leave with an understanding of how parents do matter in their child’s development and knowledge of what practices are connected to optimal outcomes.
• “Do Sports Matter as Much to Girls as They Do to Boys? Gender and the Myth of the Blank Slate,” by Dr. Robert O. Deaner, runs from 1-2:30 p.m. Nov. 14. Deaner, an associate professor in Grand Valley State University’s psychology department, will confront the conventional wisdom and U.S. federal policy stating that there are no appreciable sex differences in sports interest between boys and girls. But theory and data from several fields challenges this “blank slate” position of equal interest. Deaner will discuss why this discrepancy is important to resolve, review relevant evidence, and present new research.
• “Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy: Yes, Our Brain is the Biggest Erogenous Zone!” by therapist and social worker Phyllis M. Schadler, runs 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 18. Schadler, a registered play therapist and certified sex therapist with Psychology Associates of Grand Rapids P.C., will explore the ever-changing role that sexuality plays within the lives of individuals. She will introduce topics ranging from the effect of sexual trauma, sex related to aging, and how today’s society minimizes the power of emotions in sex. She will also talk about the role of a sex therapist and the path to working within this field.
• “Stress Can Destroy a 66 Ton Bridge; Imagine What It Might Do to You? Understanding and Managing Stress” by Steven L. Pastyrnak, runs 1-2:30 p.m. March 12. Pastyrnak, division chief of pediatric psychology at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, will provide an overview of stress, including aspects of anxiety and depression. You’ll learn ways to recognize stress as well as its short- and long-term effects. Pastyrnak’s presentation will be practical and hands-on, at times with audience participation.
Email Brian McVicar and follow him on Twitter