EASP General Meeting 2026: Psychology of Reaction Preconference

The psychology of reaction: Exploring reactionary social movements through social psychological frameworks

Reactionary social movements have gained momentum globally in recent years, emerging in opposition to progressive social change and seeking to restore traditional values, identities, and power structures. These include far-right, anti-immigration and anti-gender movements that centre nationalism, traditionalism and white supremacy, and resistance to feminist progress, and LGBTIQ+ rights (to name a few). This preconference will bring together researchers interested in understanding the emergence, appeal, and persistence of reactionary movements, as well as strategies to counter their influence. 

What to expect

The preconference will feature:

• A keynote address by Professor Julia Becker (University of Osnabrűck)
• A series of talks and blitz presentations from attendees
• A roundtable discussion focused on key challenges and opportunities in this area (including further collaboration opportunities within our community)

Call for abstracts

The call for abstracts has now closed and all authors should have received a decision email. If you haven’t heard from us, please contact Gosia Mikolajczak (Gosia.Mikolajczak@anu.edu.au) or Morgana Lizzio-Wilson (m.lizzio-wilson@exeter.ac.uk).

Key dates

5th Jan 2026 – abstract submission deadline 
25th Jan 2026 – notification of acceptance decisions 
27th Mar 2026 – final program announced 
30th June 2026 – event date

Preliminary program

Organisers

Gosia Mikołajczak (Australian National University) 
Morgana Lizzio-Wilson (University of Exeter) 
Emma Thomas (Flinders University) 
Charlie Pittaway (Flinders University) 
Bridget Ramsey (Flinders University) 
Kieren Lilly (University of Queensland) 

For queries, please contact the organising team: Gosia Mikolajczak (Gosia.Mikolajczak@anu.edu.au) and Morgana Lizzio-Wilson (m.lizzio-wilson@exeter.ac.uk).