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Mahzad Hojjat

faculty

Mahzad Hojjat, PhD

Professor / Chairperson

Psychology

Contact

508-999-8951

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Liberal Arts 362

Education

1998Yale UniversityPhD - Social Psychology & Individual Differences
1995Yale UniversityMPhil - Social Psychology & Individual Differences
1994Yale UniversityMS - Social Psychology & Individual Differences

Teaching

  • Social Psychology
  • Graduate Seminar in Close Relationships
  • Positive Psychology
  • Research Methods in Social Psychology
  • Culture and Psychology

Teaching

Programs

Teaching

Courses

Work experience at an elective level supervised for academic credit by a faculty member in an appropriate academic field. Conditions and hours to be arranged. Graded CR/NC. For specific procedures and regulations, see section of catalogue on Other Learning Experiences.

Survey of the major topics and theories studied by social psychologists. Students will be introduced to ways in which social psychologists conduct research in the field. One of the major objectives of this course is to stimulate students to think about how social psychological research may provide answers to some of our everyday problems. Students will be required to read and critique original research studies. Some of the topics include research methods in social psychology, the self in a social world, social beliefs, behaviors and attitudes, genes, culture, and gender, conformity, persuasion, group influence, prejudice, aggression, attraction, altruism, conflict and peace making.

Survey of the major topics and theories studied by social psychologists. Students will be introduced to ways in which social psychologists conduct research in the field. One of the major objectives of this course is to stimulate students to think about how social psychological research may provide answers to some of our everyday problems. Students will be required to read and critique original research studies. Some of the topics include research methods in social psychology, the self in a social world, social beliefs, behaviors and attitudes, genes, culture, and gender, conformity, persuasion, group influence, prejudice, aggression, attraction, altruism, conflict and peace making.

Survey of major topics, theories, and research findings in positive psychology. A major goal of this course is to stimulate students to explore the scientific aspects and practical implications of positive psychology. Students will be required to read, critique, and propose original research studies. Topics include positive emotions, positive traits, prosocial behaviors, and flourishing relationships. An oral presentation is required.

Survey of major topics, theories, and research findings in positive psychology. A major goal of this course is to stimulate students to explore the scientific aspects and practical implications of positive psychology. Students will be required to read, critique, and propose original research studies. Topics include positive emotions, positive traits, prosocial behaviors, and flourishing relationships. An oral presentation is required.

Student develops and executes an independent research thesis under the direction of a faculty advisor. Graded A-F.

Research

Research activities

  • Forgiveness in Friendship Project in collaboration with Dr. Susan Boon from University of Calgary, Canada
  • Project Coping Flexibility, Resilience, and Satisfaction in Marriage with UMASSD graduate student Kara Kneeland
  • Project on arranged and love marriages in India and USA with Dr. Susan Boon

Research

Research interests

  • Transgression and Forgiveness in Friendship and Romantic Relationship
  • Interethnic Dating/Marriage
  • Resilience and Satisfaction in Close Relationships
  • Competition in Friendships

Select publications

  • Hojjat, M. & Moyer, A. (Eds.) (2017).
    The Psychology of Friendship; Oxford University Press, New York: NY
  • Bradley, J. & Hojjat, M. (2016).
    A model of resilience and marital satisfaction
    The Journal of Social Psychology, 1-14.
  • Lozano, E., Hojjat, M., & Sims-Knight, J. (2016).
    Do Ego-Resilience and Positive Emotions Impact Friendship Outcomes?
    Journal of Individual Differences, 37(2), 128-134.
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