Welcome to the 4th Conference on Psychology for Sustainability in Asia (PSYSUS 2017), which is being held Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, September 3-5, 2017 at the Kokusai Hotel in Hiroshima, Japan. All registered participants will be provided with a welcome reception, daily coffee breaks, access to the proceedings and a free, English guided tour of Hiroshima Peace Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is an international, peer-reviewed event that is being held in partnership with two other small events focusing on perspectives on holistic sustainability: The 4th Symposium on Education and Language for Sustainability in Asia (SELSA 2017) and The 4th Conference on Anthropology and Sustainability in Asia (CASA 2017).

About PSYSUS 2017

Sustainable development was defined by the UN Bruntland Commission in 1987 as “development which meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Clearly a dynamic and complex concept that espouses strong economic and social development while protecting finite resources and the environment by considering both current and future human needs and aspirations. The ideas seem intuitive and advantageous, yet most of us do not pursue them.

As human behavior is the primary cause of most environmental problems and social inequalities, psychologists play a crucial role in understanding the fundamental connections to stem the current destruction and injustices, and to promote a sustainable future. Thus far, most research on sustainable development has focused on the environment because of our growing awareness of the degradation and destruction of natural systems coupled with our growing reliance on food, water, and other finite resources; however, sustainable development also focuses on improving the quality of life through education and gender equality, peaceful and inclusive societies, and justice for all.

Research in psychology provides valuable insights to explain, for example, the barriers and often contradictory nature that drive rational informed people to engage in unsustainable behaviors while others to engage in sustainable behaviors. This 3-day, international, peer-reviewed conference will provide an interdisciplinary platform for academics, researchers, policy makers, students and grassroots activists. With the theme Empowering Sustainability in Asia, the Asian Conference on Psychology for Sustainability (PSYSUS) will provide a platform to explore current research, trends, and insights on how to bring about a sustainable society in which sustainable behaviors are embraced and normalized.

We welcome proposals of 250 words in English by Friday, July 14, 2017 on any of the following PSYSUS 2017 streams:

Behavioral Science
Community Development
General Psychology
Industrial Organization & Organization Theory
Linguistics, Language and Psychology
Mental Health
Psychology and Education
Psychology for Sustainability
Qualitative / Quantitative Research
Other Areas (please specify)