Andrew J. Elliot, associate professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, will be recognized for his early career contributions to psychology at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association on Aug. 25.
Elliot, who has taught in the Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology since 1994, has focused his research on the distinction between approach and avoidance motivation. He studies how some people are motivated by positive, desirable possibilities (approach), while others are motivated by negative, undesirable possibilities (avoidance).
In his research, Elliot has examined the psychological and physical consequences of both types of motivation. He also has examined approach and avoidance motivation in cross-cultural studies. In another project under way, Elliot is studying parental behavior that leads to fear of failure in children.
The APA's Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology was established in 1974 to recognize young psychologists. Five awards are given each year. Elliot is being recognized in the area of individual differences.
Elliot, who received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1994, has served as consulting editor for and published 13 articles in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. He also has published articles in the Journal of Educational Psychology, Educational Psychologist, Advances in Motivation and Achievement, and Psychological Science. His research has been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the W. T. Grant Foundation.