Doctor of Social Sciences, psychologist, lecturer, researcher. She provides consultation services to organisations, conducts practical psychological knowledge seminars on management psychology, leadership, conflict management, negotiation, emotional intelligence and other topics.
How is psychology important for various professions?
Psychology is a very broad science and its knowledge can be applied to absolutely any profession. It is no longer enough to demonstrate a high level of professional competence, but nowadays the labour market wants to see people who can communicate and are not lost in stressful situations. Even if your “co-worker” is just a computer, there are many psychological nuances that can help you maintain your efficiency and a healthy relationship with your environment.
Is the youth of today curious and creative?
I think there is no shortage of curiosity among students, but there are probably far less creative ones. And research shows that only about 2% of adults are creative. However, I see examples in my environment that leave a lasting impression. I think that a striking feature of the students of today is the ability to do a task well, when the meaning of the task is clearly understood. Then there is also excellent information management and often an unconventional and creative approach.
Which topic in psychology is the closest to your heart, and which one is not quite tamed yet?
The most interesting thing at the moment is to read the latest news in psychological science: I follow the latest research in absolutely all areas of psychology, although my major personal work is in social psychology. On the other hand, it was only in the 19th century that psychology was placed into clear “shelves” – whereas in the current science everything is extremely tangled together. For example, my research focuses on emotional intelligence, and it covers personality, social and developmental psychology. Well, the area that I would really like to delve into more, and which I think is very promising – is psychogenetics, which deals with questions about the inheritance of mental functions and traits, and the extent to which the environment can change this. In other words, psychogenetics provides scientific facts about things that are relevant to all of us, such as how much influence can we have on our level of intelligence?
You like to take unusual trips. Which ones are the most memorable?
Actually, I’ve tried the “traditional” routes as well as all the other people who love to travel – it’s impossible to resist Paris, Berlin or London. However, the most memorable trips were the ones where we didn’t have to deal with the intense tourist movement and could see the country through the eyes of the locals. Among the most memorable ones was a breath-taking backpacking trip through Cuba while learning how to roll Cuban cigars stained with honey in tobacco plantations, diving with dolphins and watching up close how Cuba said goodbye to Fidel Castro, who had just died during those days. Nostalgic memories also remain of a romantic and relaxing cruise on a small eight-seater boat through the French canals, observing medieval castles and vineyards, exiting the boat to stroll through small non-tourist towns and cooking gourmet meals in the boat’s galley using local products.
What inspires you to do new things?
I’m glad I chose a profession that I really like. I believe that when people like the process, it inspires them and the result is also good. I fully support the idea that success is a side-product of enjoying an activity.
To meet the other faculty members please visit: fssah.ktu.edu/teachers
