TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2014 –York U experts are available to comment on the following holiday topics:
Story idea: Imagine believing that you had a guardian angel watching over you, much like Clarence did for George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. Would that allow you take more risks and live a more adventurous life? The answer is ‘no’, according to a recent York U study that examined the link between belief and risk-taking behaviour, which found that those who believe in guardian angels are actually more risk averse than non-believers.
York U expert: David Etkin, York U professor of disaster and emergency management
Story idea: Few topics can prove more divisive than religion, with some insisting it promotes compassion, selflessness and generosity, and others arguing that it leads to intolerance, isolation and even violence. However, new research out of York University has found that study participants who were reminded of religious beliefs experienced less hostile reactions to the kinds of threats in everyday life that usually heighten hostility.
York U expert: Ian McGregor, York U professor of psychology
Story idea: ‘Tis the season for giving, but do we extend our hand enough – reaching outside our circle of family and friends and beyond gift exchanges – to help the needy? A recent York U report says 200,000 Canadians experience homelessness each year. How can we help those who are stranded in the cold this holiday season?
York U expert: Stephen Gaetz, York U professor in the Faculty of Education, Director of Canadian Observatory on Homelessness
Story idea: Though a number of celebrities engage in charity work throughout the year, others only join the bandwagon during the holiday season. But are these celebrities involved in charity because they are altruistic and want to give back, or is there a more self-serving motive, such as hoping to promote their personal brand?
York U expert: Ilan Kapoor (available for email interviews only), York U professor of Environment Studies, author, Celebrity Humanitarianism: The Ideology of Global Charity
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Media Contacts:
Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca
Robin Heron, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22097, rheron@yorku.ca
