Can people really change? CSUEB prof says ‘yes and no’; Feb. 16

• February 11, 2013 5:00am

Loretta Breuning, Cal State East Bay professor emerita of economics, will share research on Feb. 16 to answer the question, "Can people change?"

People talk about change, desire it, work toward it, are disappointed with lack of it, and yet fear it. How to explain this muddle?  New research shows the brain capable of great change at any age, but the same studies reveal that the brain can also put on the brakes.  Breuning will explore with us just how we use both nature and nurture to make new brain connections and facilitate change. She will also weigh the value of change against the sometimes underestimated virtues of accepting the way things are. Whether you hope to change yourself, another, perhaps the world, or you just wish to stand pat, join us for deeper insight into the human urge for change and the things that stand in its way.

As a management professor, Breuning lectured on international bribery and worked in Africa for the United Nations Volunteers. She began studying psychology before the days of brain scanning and ape stalking. She serves as a docent at the Oakland Zoo, where she loves “talking to families interested in their biological inheritance.” Read an earlier blog post on Bruening's new book, "Mammal brain wired to seek status and happiness."

This event is provided as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program and will take place at 1:30pm at the Baywood Court located at 21966 Dolores Street, Castro Valley.  This presentation will be free for Baywood residents and OLLI members. $5 for non-members. Visit the OLLI Web site to register for the lecture.

KL