My research program focuses broadly on questions pertaining to the self, self-esteem, motivation, and interpersonal processes. In one line of research, I examine how threats to domains of contingent self-worth, such as experiencing failure, rejection, or feeling unattractive, affect people's goal pursuits and behavioral preferences. A second line of work examines how sensitivity to appearance-based rejection affects people's mental and physical health and interpersonal outcomes. A third line of research examines how pursuit of goals related to appearing romantically desirable versus intelligent shapes men’s and women's academic performance and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The overarching theme of my research is to demonstrate that goals and motives are shaped by aspects of the person and the situation and have important implications for behavior, performance, and well-being.

Primary Interests:

Interpersonal Processes
Motivation, Goal Setting
Self and Identity
Social Cognition

Interpersonal Processes
Motivation, Goal Setting

Self and Identity
Social Cognition

Research Group or Laboratory:

Self and Motivation Research Laboratory [Map]

Journal Articles:

Crocker, J., & Park, L.E. (2004). The costly pursuit of self-esteem. Psychological Bulletin, 130, 392-414.
Park, L. E. (2010). Responses to self-threat: Linking self and relational constructs with approach and avoidance motivation. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 4, 201-221.
Park, L. E. (2007). Appearance-based rejection sensitivity: Implications for mental and physical health, affect, and motivation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33, 490-504.
Park, L. E., Calogero, R. M., Harwin, M. J., & DiRaddo, A. (2009). Predicting interest in cosmetic surgery: Interactive effects of appearance-based rejection sensitivity and negative appearance comments. Body Image, 6, 186-193.
Park, L. E., Calogero, R. M., Young, A. F., & DiRaddo, A. (2010). Appearance-based rejection sensitivity predicts body dysmorphic disorder symptoms and cosmetic surgery acceptance. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 29, 489-509.
Park, L. E., & Crocker, J. (2008). Contingencies of self-worth and responses to negative interpersonal feedback. Self and Identity, 184-203.
Park, L. E., & Crocker, J. (2005). Interpersonal consequences of seeking self-esteem. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 11, 1587-1598.
Park, L. E., Crocker, J., & Kiefer, A. K. (2007). Contingencies of self-worth, academic failure, and goal pursuit. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33, 1503-1517.
Park, L. E., Crocker, J., & Mickelson, K. D. (2004). Attachment styles and contingencies of self-worth. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30, 1243-1254.
Park, L. E., DiRaddo, A., & Calogero, R. M. (2009). Sociocultural influence and appearance-based rejection sensitivity among college students. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 33, 108-119.
Park, L. E., & Harwin, M. J. (2010). Visible versus non-visible rejection: Consequences of appearance-based rejection sensitivity. Journal of Research in Personality, 44, 128-132.
Park, L. E., & Maner, J. K. (2009). Does self-threat promote social connection? The role of self-esteem and contingencies of self-worth. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 96, 203-217.
Park, L. E., & Pinkus, R. T. (2009). Interpersonal effects of appearance-based rejection sensitivity. Journal of Research in Personality, 43, 602-612.
Park, L. E., Sanchez, D. T., & Bryndilsen, K. (2011). Maladaptive responses to relationship dissolution: The role of relationship contingent self-worth. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 41, 1749-1773.
Park, L. E., Troisi, J. D., & Maner, J. K. (2011). Egoistic versus altruistic concerns in communal relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 28, 315-335.
Park, L. E., Young, A. F., Troisi. J. D., & Pinkus, R. T. (2011). Effects of romantic goal pursuit on women's attitudes toward math and science. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37, 1259-1273.

Courses Taught:

Advanced Social Psychology
Introduction to Social Psychology
Self and Self-esteem

Advanced Social Psychology
Introduction to Social Psychology

Self and Self-esteem

Lora Park
Department of Psychology
University at Buffalo, Park Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260-4110
United States

Phone: (716) 645-0228
Fax: (716) 645-3801
Email: lorapark@buffalo.edu