معرفی
Mark Landau is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kansas. His research focuses on existential motives and conceptual metaphor theory in social psychology, exploring how deep-seated concerns like mortality denial and abstract cognitive mappings influence social behavior, political attitudes, and health communication.
- Education: Ph.D. in Psychology (University of Arizona, 2007), M.A. in Psychology (University of Colorado), B.A. in Psychology (Skidmore College)
Landau's lab investigates existential psychology, examining how terror management theory explains efforts to create meaning in life. He also applies conceptual metaphor theory to understand how abstract concepts like goal pursuit are cognitively linked to concrete experiences such as physical movement. His work has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Mental Health, including a grant to study metaphor-based health communication strategies.
His scientific contributions have earned recognition, including the APA Early Career Award and SPSP Theoretical Innovation Prize. He co-founded the International Society for the Science of Existential Psychology (ISSEP) and serves as Vice President.
Teaching: Landau teaches PSYC 622 (Research Process), PSYC 775 (Graduate Social Psychology Seminar), and PSYC 360/361 (Social Psychology Fundamentals), emphasizing practical relevance.
- Scientific Awards:
- APA Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology
- Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) Theoretical Innovation Prize
- KU Center for Undergraduate Research Outstanding Presentation Award
