Anomi Bearden
Biography
Dr. Bearden is a Positive - Social Psychologist, emphasizing the need to balance the discipline by understanding and promoting positive aspects of human experience, rather than solely focusing on the negative. Her previous research focused on the detrimental effects of media on body image, understanding human environmental behaviours (e.g., over-consumption of shared resources) and unconscious psychological motives that underlie biased defensive reactions such as prejudice, victim-blaming and stigmatization (e.g., Just World Theory and Terror Management Theory).
Although these areas still influence her work, much of her recent work centres around applying social and positive psychology to the promotion of mental health and social-emotional well-being (particularly within schools and with post-secondary students). For example, how practicing self-compassion can reduce the negative effects of social comparison and self-critical perfectionistic standards as well as the promotion of prosocial behaviours that strengthen social connections (e.g., interpersonal mindfulness, loving-kindness, gratitude).
She is also interested in social determinants and psycho-social aspects of mental health such as experiences of discrimination and poverty. Anomi is a passionate educator who believes that teaching psychology is her “calling”, which allows her to contribute to enhanced resilience, service orientation and lifelong learning in her students. Anomi emphasizes collaboration with various community organizations through Community Service Learning and Applied Research as she believes in the value of connecting student learning to meaningful service, inspiring mentors and positive works within their community.
Education
- Ph.D. (Psychology), University of Calgary
- M.Sc. (Psychology), University of Victoria
- B.A. (Psychology), University of Calgary