HESBURGH LECTURE SERIES 2013 Program - Alumni Association ...

Cindy S. Bergeman, Ph.D.
Professor, Psychology
Biography
Cindy Bergeman is a professor of psychology and a lifespan developmental psychologist
with research interests in resiliency and aging, behavioral genetics, and the theory-method
interface. Her research focuses on investigating patterns of variability and change in physical
and psychological health across the lifespan, and identifying the genetic and environmental
factors that may influence that process. Her current research project uses multiple lenses
Categories
(yearly questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and daily assessments) to identify and describe
the various pathways through which converging behavioral, psychological, environmental, Family, Science, Social
and social processes contribute to resilience and optimal functioning in later life. Unique Concerns
to her perspective is the innovation in data assessment and analysis that facilitates more
comprehensive understanding of the multidimensional and multilevel pathways that underlie
the relations among stress and uplifts (e.g., in areas of work, family, friends, health, and finances),
resilience mechanisms (e.g., hardiness, control, and social support), and health and well-being outcomes.
Lectures
Aging Successfully
How long will you live? Why do some individuals manage to maintain high self-esteem, good physical health, and a positive
outlook on life in spite of facing the same adversities that lead others to give up, get sick, or lose hope? What are the turning
points that change an individual’s developmental trajectory, and which qualities result in more optimal outcomes? How do these
qualities develop, and how do they change across the life course? This lecture explores the psychosocial and health attributes
that help one overcome the risks and challenges associated with aging. These factors may serve as the important resources of
resilience that promote more optimal outcomes in later life. Activities will include assessing how long you are likely to live given
your family history and current lifestyle. Discussion regarding the factors that contribute to life expectancy, and what you can do
to add quality to your later years, will follow.
How Might Faith Make You Well? Religion, Spirituality and Health
Some people pray for a healthy recovery when faced with a grave illness, and in fact, faith can give people the strength to cope
with sickness, but can it boost your chances of getting well? Can it prevent disease? Research has shown individuals higher in
religiousness and spirituality consistently show greater life satisfaction, lower levels of depression, and better physical health
outcomes. Some spiritual practices (e.g., meditation; prayer) may work to reduce stress, which in turn may ease symptoms
and help offset the harmful effects of stress on the immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. Religious traditions (e.g.,
belonging to a religious community, attending services) can enhance social support networks, making valuable aid available in
times of need. On the other hand, there is no proof that worship can slow the course of cancer or cure other disorders. Thus,
attending religious services does not guarantee you a disease-free life and praying for someone will not always result in them
getting better. This lecture focuses on the pathways through which spiritual and religious practices and beliefs may affect health
outcomes and the research issues that can limit our understanding of this important resilience resource.
How Stress Gets “Under the Skin”: Implications for Health and Well-Being
Although some stress is a good thing, too much stress is a different story. The stimulation of the “fight or flight” response can
be beneficial, but when the stress system is chronically activated, detrimental effects on health result. This lecture focuses on
the psychobiological pathways of stress, healthy and unhealthy responses to stressful life circumstances, and general tips for
managing stress.
The Hesburgh Lecture Series, 2013 Program 11