Why do people take risks? – Professorial lecture series

3rd March 2023

From smoking to doping and driving recklessly, the first in a series of professorial lectures at Sheffield Hallam will answer the question: Why do people take risks?

On Wednesday 8 March, Professor Lambros Lazuras will delve into the psychology behind risk taking behaviour, answering questions like Why do people smoke? Why do some elite athletes or gym-goers dope? And why do some people drive recklessly? 

The talk will explore the current thinking behind risk taking behaviours and whether they’re a result of natural characteristics, lack of self-regulation, or a mix of personality and social influences. 

Lambros Lazuras is a Professor of Social Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University and a world-leading expert in the psychological drivers of doping in sport.  

Recently, he presented his research on the prevalence and health risks of anabolic steroids in recreational and fitness sport at the House of Commons. 

Professor Lazuras, said: “We tend to think that undesirable and risky behaviours result from bad personality traits or people’s inability to resist peer influences. Far from it. My lecture will focus on three different behaviours to show how different factors, from personality, to social norms and attitudes can dynamically shape the ways we engage in risk-taking.”

Sheffield Hallam University’s series of professorial lectures are free to attend and open to the public.  

The inaugural lectures are given by academics recently promoted to Professor and are a chance to celebrate their outstanding achievements and contributions to research, the university and the region.  

Professor David Shepherd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam, said: “Everyone is welcome, you can expect to learn things you didn’t know before and find out how our academic work is transforming lives. 

“This is also an opportunity to network, socialise and collaborate. We really want to encourage local people, businesses and other organisations to attend, giving us opportunities to forge new or stronger links beyond the University.”  

Sign up for the free event.