Alexander T. Vazsonyi: The Salience of Self-Control in Child and Adolescent Development

The Department of Sociology at Faculty of Arts, Charles University, invites to a public lecture by Professor Alexandra T. Vazsonyie (University of Kentucky, Fulbright distiquished chair at Palacky University Olomouc) on The Salience of Self-Control in Child and Adolescent Development.

 

Abstract
Over the past two decades, in particular, self-control has emerged as a key probabilistic construct that is highly salient in understanding both developmental processes as well as development outcomes in children and adolescents. Its importance cannot be overstated, based on a very large number of investigations that have transcended a number of disciplines – criminology and criminal justice, developmental sciences, economics, psychological sciences, to name a few – and on work that has been carried out longitudinally as well as cross-culturally. The lecture will contextualize some of the key theoretical milestones and empirical inquiries in the identification of self-control as a distinct construct of interest and study, important for child and adolescent development, well-being, and adjustment, including highlights of Professor Vazsonyi’s own empirical work that has contributed to this body of knowledge. His keen interest and work in this area now spans a quarter century, starting with his dissertation project at the University of Arizona. This will also include some highlights of key preventative and intervention studies on self-control.

 

Biography
Dr. Vazsonyi’s research focuses on child and adolescent development; more specifically, it examines the etiology of child and adolescent adjustment (achievement, problem behaviors, health-compromising behaviors, violence, and deviance). He is interested in socialization processes, ranging from family contextual experiences to larger cultural processes in understanding variability in adolescent development and adjustment. Following this line of research, he has published over 120 peer reviewed publications, book chapters, conference proceedings, editorials, and technical reports. He serves as the senior editor of the Cambridge Handbook of Violent Behavior and Aggression (2018).

Official invitation