Welcome to the Self & Identity’s SPSP 2022 Preconference! The International Society for Self and Identity (ISSI) promotes scholarship on the individual and collective aspects of the self, and showcases some outstanding research at this preconference. This year’s proposed theme is "Shifting Selves, Malleable Identities." Many of the identities that we ascribe to ourselves or are ascribed to us include social categories (race, religion, gender, class, nationality). These identities are not discrete and fixed, but rather allow for movement and malleability. For example, transitioning between genders, migration to a new country, changes in racial demographics, economic mobility, and religious conversion or exit are all examples of how people’s social identities can change. Studying the shifts in people undergoing these transitions helps us to better understand the dynamics of identity overall.

We invite scientists, scholars, and practitioners to help us explore the latest scientific findings on transitions between social categories and the insights they offer. The preconference will feature the work of eminent scholars in these and other areas, including addresses from Early Career and Lifetime Career Award winners from the International Society for Self and Identity. The preconference will also feature a poster session, data blitz, and a mentoring and networking lunch, illustrating the relevance and vitality of current self and identity research.

This year's speakers include:

Conference organizers:

Negin R. Toosi, California State University, East Bay
Sarah E. Gaither, Duke University

The Self and Identity Preconference will have a Data Blitz Session and Poster Session that features cutting-edge research from all areas of self and identity research. We are currently seeking submissions for the Data Blitz and Poster Session; please see submission eligibility and instructions below. The plan is for all presenters to be together in person in San Francisco.

Data Blitz

The Self & Identity Preconference will feature several Data Blitz Talks from scholars in the field. The Blitz Talks will be eight-minutes each (with two minutes for Q&A) and presenters will be limited to five slides (including title slide). The first/presenting author of the Data Blitz must already hold a Ph.D., although co-authors can be at any stage of their careers. The submission period for data blitz abstracts is September 1-November 15, 2021, and submitters will be notified by early December. If your Data Blitz is accepted, you will be asked to register for the pre-conference through SPSP’s website.

Poster Session

The Self & Identity Preconference is excited to be hosting a poster session. The submission period for poster abstracts is September 1-November 15, 2021, and submitters will be notified by early December. If your poster is accepted, you will be asked to register for the pre-conference through SPSP’s website.

View schedules from past conferences: