Psychology Lecture Series
The Holocaust provides a powerful historical context for examining psychological principles that help us understand human behavior. Through artifacts from The Zekelman Holocaust Center, survivor testimonies and historical examples, this presentation explores the psychological processes that influenced the beliefs and actions of individuals and groups during the Holocaust.
Key concepts include conformity, obedience to authority, in-group and out-group bias, dehumanization, diffusion of responsibility, the bystander effect, persuasion and propaganda. These concepts help explain how prejudice and antisemitism were reinforced and how social and situational pressures contributed to participation, inaction and widespread complicity.
The presentation concludes by examining trauma, resilience and healing among Holocaust survivors.
This presentation focuses specifically on psychological concepts within the historical context of the Holocaust.
Free event
Questions?
Contact Dr. Kate Christian at katechristian@grcc.edu or (616) 234-4405
From Wednesday, October 21, 2026 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM EDT at ATC Auditorium, Room 168.
Contact Information
Psychology
