Science of Self: Loneliness

Join Psychologist Ceyda Kiyak and Cognitive Neuroscientist Dr Sara Bengtsson for a thought-provoking talk on the psychology of loneliness and the science of human connections.

Explore the cognitive and emotional consequences of social isolation as we delve into the effect that loneliness can have on the brain, mind, and behaviour.

Packed with valuable insights and practical knowledge, discover how modern research, including the use of virtual reality, could be the key to helping us better understand this complex human experience.

Tickets £8

Ages 18+ only

Production Theatre, Norwich University of the Arts

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Access Information

We offer free Essential Companion tickets for those with access requirements and need someone to accompany them to make their visit easier and more comfortable. These can be booked online at the same time as booking a ticket to this event.

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About Ceyda Kiyak

Ceyda Kiyak is a Psychologist, currently pursuing a PhD at the University of East Anglia. She has academic qualifications on Psychology and Computer Sciences from England, Italy and Türkiye.

Her diverse research interests span loneliness, mental health, addiction, human attachment, and sexuality. She is passionate about integrating technology into psychology practice, such as VR therapy, and smart-phone applications for the treatment and prevention of mental health problems.

About Dr Sara Bengtsson

Dr Sara Bengtsson is an accomplished cognitive neuroscientist and an Associate Professor at the School of Psychology, University of East Anglia. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from Karolinska Institute, Sweden.

Her research focuses on understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying emotion regulation, motivation, and learning. She employs cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI to explore the brain's role in these processes, with a particular emphasis on how cognitive control mechanisms interact with emotional experiences.