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Psi Beta and Psychology Club Guest Lecture Series

February 2018

On March 22, from 12:30 p.m. - 1: 30 p.m. in the Harrington Learning Center 109B, Psi Beta and the Psychology Club will host Dr. Gary Senecal a visiting professor of psychology at The College of the Holy Cross, and an adjunct professor at Assumption College. He will discuss,The Brain and Beyond in the Aftermath of Head Trauma. The focus of this talk will be specifically on how the loss of identity, the breakdown of social structures, and the reinforcement of violent tendencies can play a significant role in exacerbating a similar range of symptoms to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

The presence of CTE, has been found in the brains of dozens of deceased former contact sport athletes who suffered a range of debilitating symptoms. Research into CTE has revealed vital findings into understanding the diverse symptoms experienced by these athletes. However, scientists examining CTE have acknowledged that many of these symptoms do not occur until several years after athletes leave their careers.

An examination of the psychosocial struggles athletes face upon career transition and retirement has revealed a variety of symptoms similar to those who have been diagnosed with CTE. The focus of this talk will be specifically on how the loss of identity, the breakdown of social structures, and the reinforcement of violent tendencies can play a significant role in exacerbating a similar range of symptoms to CTE.psi_wyvern_flattened3-thumb.png

Dr. Senecal's research focuses on the social psychology of violence, the theoretical psychology of violence, masculine identity, and the career transitions of individuals who have retired from or been deselected from careers that exposed them to regular violent endeavors. He is a current member of the Army Reserves and sports psychology consultant, as well as a former collegiate football player and former college football coach.

For questions, contact QCC Psychology Professor Valerie Clemente at vclemente [at] qcc.mass.edu .

Dr. Gary Senecal
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