Dr Wendy Iredale

I have a number of research interests in the area of social evolutionary psychology which include, altruism, sexual selection, generosity and environmental behaviours. I joined Canterbury Christ Church University in October 2014, prior to joining I was a lecturer at the University of Kent and Sheffield Hallam University. I completed my PhD ‘Altruism as a Mate Signal - The role Sexual Selection in the Evolution of Human Altruism’ in 2009 from the University of Kent.

I am the module convenor for Individual Differences & Group Processes (year 3) and Personality and Individual Differences (year 2), in addition I teach on Research in Psychology (year 1) and Influences on Social Functioning (year 2).

My research interests include altruistic behaviour and why we help others at the cost to ourselves. I have an emerging research profile in this area, my current projects include:

1. The eyes have it! Photographs of eyes on computer screens increase giving behaviour – Implications for online charity giving
2. Helping others in situations of mass panic - Exploring the role of altruism in collective resilience
3. Good genes or good behaviours - do females select mates based on attraction or altruism?
4. Does the type of altruistic behaviour matter? Non-reciprocal altruism is seen as a stronger attractive mate trait.

I am currently working with Medway council on a School funded project – ‘Being seen to be green: Exploring whether images of eyes on public information posters promotes energy conservation behaviour in local council buildings’