Dr. Saida Heshmati of Claremont Graduate University Secures $1.7 Million Grant for Groundbreaking Cross-Cultural Study on Love
September 24 2024 - 6:55PM
Dr. Saida Heshmati of Claremont Graduate University Secures $1.7
Million Grant for Groundbreaking Cross-Cultural Study on Love
Claremont Graduate University is thrilled to announce that Dr.
Saida Heshmati, Assistant Professor of Psychology within the
Division of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences, has been
awarded a significant grant by The John Templeton Foundation. The
$1.7 million funding will support a five-year project titled
"Embracing Love Across Cultures: Decoding Cultural Beliefs on Love
and Their Impact on Wellbeing."
Exploring Love Across Cultures
Dr. Heshmati's research focuses on the cultural beliefs
surrounding love in everyday life, an area that has profound
implications for intercultural understanding, empathy, and
inclusivity. This new project will extend her prior work by
conducting a cross-cultural study across six diverse nations,
aiming to uncover how love is perceived and experienced in various
cultural contexts.
A Comprehensive and Transdisciplinary Approach
The research will utilize a sequential exploratory mixed methods
approach, integrating qualitative research methodologies with
advanced quantitative analytical tools embedded in the Cultural
Consensus Theory. The study’s key objectives are:
1. To understand how beliefs about love are shaped by cultural
values, norms, and religious practices.2. To identify universal
elements of love that bridge cultures and connect people on a
global scale.3. To examine the link between cultural beliefs about
love and overall wellbeing.
This ambitious project is poised to provide a deeper
understanding of the diverse ways love is expressed and experienced
across different societies, contributing to a more inclusive and
empathetic global community.
Impact and Future Directions
The findings from this research are expected to lead to a series
of scientific papers, conference presentations, and the development
of an interactive online platform at heshmatiwellbeinglab.com. This
platform will offer access to a wealth of cultural insights on
love, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and making the
research accessible to a broader audience.
Moreover, the insights gained from this project could have
far-reaching implications, influencing public policy, educational
programs, and community initiatives designed to promote social
cohesion in multicultural societies.
A Vision for Inclusivity and Empathy
"This project is about more than just academic exploration,"
said Dr. Heshmati. "It’s about fostering a deeper understanding and
appreciation of the diverse expressions of love that exist around
the world. By recognizing these differences, we can build more
inclusive and cohesive communities."
Join the Conversation
As this research progresses, Claremont Graduate University
invites scholars, practitioners, and the global community to engage
with the project through the upcoming interactive platform. This
resource will offer a space to explore and contribute to the
growing body of knowledge on love across cultures, helping to
create a more inclusive world.
For more information about the "Embracing Love Across Cultures"
project or to schedule interviews with Dr. Saida Heshmati, please
contact: Starr Hall Starr.Hall@CGU.edu
About Claremont Graduate UniversityClaremont Graduate University
(CGU) is a leading institution committed to academic excellence and
innovation. With a focus on interdisciplinary research and
addressing complex societal issues, CGU empowers students and
scholars to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Starr Hall
Claremont Graduate University
805-450-4911
starr.hall@cgu.edu