NEWS Release

DR. JACKS RECEIVES RESEARCH GRANT FROM NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

GREENSBORO  – Dr. Julia Z. Jacks, assistant professor of psychology at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro,

Dr. Julia Z. Jacks

has received a $74,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study the role of self-affirmation in resisting persuasive messages.

Though the purpose of the study is primarily to advance basic understanding of the resistance process, Jacks said there could be practical applications for parenting, character education, or self-improvement. In addition, basic knowledge of why and how people resist influence could help advertisers, politicians or preachers better understand how to influence people successfully, she said. The one-year study will use student volunteers as research subjects.

Jacks said her work relates to other research showing that people are most resistant to changing the attitudes and beliefs that are closely tied to their self-concept. Her work is also relevant to other research suggesting that prejudice functions, in part, to make individuals feel better about themselves.

 Jacks joined the faculty of UNCG in 1995. She has published numerous articles on the psychology of prejudice, persuasion and attitude. The title of two other research projects she has under way are, "Values, attitude strength and resistance to persuasion," and "Reducing prejudice toward homosexuals: A self-regulatory approach."

Her most recent article, "Attitude Importance, Forewarning of Message Content, and Resistance to Persuasion" was published last year in the journal of Basic and Applied Social Psychology.

Jacks received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin.

###

Back to the Latest News Releases
Return to the University News Service Home Page