KEARNEY – The complexities of love and human connection will take center stage at the University of Nebraska at Kearney as Harry Freeman, a psychology and counseling professor at the University of South Dakota, presents two discussions on the science behind falling in love and maintaining lasting relationships.
Freeman, widely known as the “Love Researcher,” will present “How We Fall in Love” at 7 p.m. Thursday in Copeland Hall, Room 142. His talk will explore the biological and behavioral foundations of love, explaining how humans form deep emotional connections with parents, romantic partners and children. The event is free and open to the public.
His second presentation, “How to Make Love Last,” will kick off UNK’s annual Justice for All Conference at 9 a.m. Friday in the Nebraskan Student Union, Room 312. Hosted by the Department of Counseling, School Psychology and Family Science and the Graduate Association of Counseling Excellence, the conference will feature a lineup of speakers discussing relationship dynamics, counseling techniques and self-expression in therapy.
“Falling in love is the easy part. Staying in love, not so much,” Freeman said. “The lifetime chance of divorce has hovered around 50% for nearly half a century, and second and third marriages are even more likely to split up.”
Despite those odds, Freeman says marriage remains a strong commitment compared to long-term dating relationships, which he says are four times as likely to break up. “Relationship quality, for most couples, diminishes over time. Yet, some relationships show a remarkable ability to swim against this powerful tide.”
The Justice for All Conference is open to professionals, faculty, students and the public. For costs, other information and to register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4nxz9y8u
Justice for All Conference Schedule
All presentations in UNK’s Nebraskan Student Union, Room 312
9 a.m. – “How to Make Love Last” (Harry Freeman, The Love Researcher)
10:30 a.m. – “Using Creativity in Counseling for Youth and Adults to Deepen Self-Expression” (Jordan McCoy, UNK lecturer)
12:30 p.m. – “Circular Questions Create Different Perspectives” (Matthew Mims, UNK professor)
1:30 p.m. – “Countertransference as an Obstacle in Counseling: Challenges and Coping Strategies” (Umut Arslan, UNK associate professor)
3 p.m. – “Healthy Relationships” (David Hof, UNK professor)
