Remembering Memphis Geraldine Downey Keynote Address ARP 2007 by Will Fleeson
ARP was delighted to have Dr. Gerldine Downey of Columbia University present
the keynote address, "Personality Processes That Harm and Help Relationships".
Her outstanding research set the tone for the three themes of the conference,
providing an excellent example of how research in Personality Psychology has
grown to become integrated, mature, and relevant. Over the years, Dr. Downey
has brought a considerable amount of evidence to bear on the pathways that lead
from Rejection Sensitivity to relationships outcomes (and vice versa). Her talk
summarized this work in a thoroughly fascinating and convincing manner, that
was impressive in at least three regards. First, the research integrated a
sweeping array of variables, demonstrating a commitment to understanding the
phenomenon, rather than to a particular methodology or approach. Accordingly,
her variables included situations, developmental history, stable
characteristics, expectations, neurology, affect, behavior, and ultimately
relationship outcomes.
Second, the evidence was systematic and comprehensive: Dr. Downey described a
step-by-step account of the underlying psychological processes involved in
rejection sensitivity in relationships. Many important psychological phenomena
are likely to proceed along complex chains of events, and serious progress in
personality is going to require the kind of determined and thorough
investigation that she has accomplished.
Finally, Dr. Downey's presentation bridged both basic science and applied
science. Her findings identified basic processes of social interactions, yet
they also had important applications for relationships and mental health. In
sum, Dr. Downey's work illustrates one excellent model for integrated, mature,
and relevant personality research in the future, making it an outstanding
keynote for ARP 2007.
