Evolution of jealousy and mating to be discussed at Penn State Behrend

In the dating game, jealousy is a natural emotion, right? Cory Scherer would argue it’s different for various sectors of the population, and he’s got the research to prove it.

Scherer, associate professor of psychology at Penn State Schuylkill, has conducted evolutionary-based research on sex differences in jealousy with regard to emotional versus sexual infidelity, as well as how bisexuals support this theory. He will discuss this research and present findings on why widowers are at an advantage with regards to dating when the Colloquium Series in Psychological Sciences and Human Behavior returns to Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

Scherer’s talk, “Evolution of Jealousy and Mating: The Psychology of Bisexuals and Widowers,” begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, in room 117 of the campus' Reed Union Building. Admission is free and open to the public.

Scherer’s research focuses on personality trait influences, person memory, positive psychology and evolutionary explanations of attraction and jealousy.

“Evolution of Jealousy and Mating: The Psychology of Bisexuals and Widowers” is hosted by Penn State Behrend’s B.A. and B.S. in Psychology degree programs and by the student Psychology Coalition with support from the Susan Hirt Hagen CORE (Community Outreach, Research, and Evaluation), the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Student Activity Fee.

For additional information, contact Carol Wilson, assistant professor of psychology, at 814-898-6082 or [email protected].