Shelley E. Taylor

Shelley E. Taylor is a distinguished psychologist and professor, known for her significant contributions to the field of health psychology and social psychology. She is currently a distinguished professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Early Life and Education

Shelley E. Taylor was born in the United States. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Connecticut College, where she developed an interest in psychology. She later earned her Ph.D. in social psychology from Yale University.

Career

After completing her Ph.D., Taylor joined the faculty at Harvard University, where she taught for several years. She later moved to UCLA, where she continues to teach and conduct research. Her work primarily focuses on health psychology and social psychology, with a particular emphasis on stress, coping, and social support.

Contributions to Psychology

Taylor is best known for her theory of cognitive adaptation, which suggests that individuals use cognitive processes to cope with stressful events. She has also contributed significantly to the understanding of social cognition, particularly in relation to health behaviors.

In addition, Taylor developed the concept of "tend and befriend," a behavioral response to stress that is particularly common among women. This theory contrasts with the traditional "fight or flight" response and has had a significant impact on the field of health psychology.

Awards and Recognition

Over the course of her career, Taylor has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to psychology. These include the American Psychological Association's Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award and the Association for Psychological Science's James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award.

Publications

Taylor has authored and co-authored several books and numerous research articles. Her most notable publications include "Social Cognition," "Health Psychology," and "The Tending Instinct."

See Also

• Health Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Adaptation
• Tend and Befriend