Dr. Ronald F. Levant
Ronald F. Levant, Ed.D., professor of psychology at The University of Akron, was selected by the American Psychological Association (APA) Board of Professional Affairs to receive the 2011 award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Applied Research.
Levant, of Copley, is the first person from UA to receive this award, which has been awarded to such famous psychologists as Albert Ellis, Neal Miller, Edward Zigler, Paul Meehl and John Holland. This award is given annually to a psychologist whose research has led to important discoveries or developments in the field of applied psychology. It is among the highest honors that a psychologist or psychological researcher can receive.
Levant is the nation’s top expert on “Normative Male Alexithymia,” a deficiency in identifying, understanding and communicating one’s emotions, as well as interpreting the emotions of others. Simply put, alexithymia is numbness to emotions. What sets him apart from other experts is that he takes his analysis beyond foppish stereotypes of men and delves into reasons behind this emotional numbness and its consequences, as well as what can be done to help.
Levant will receive the award during the APA/APF Awards Ceremony during the APA Convention in Washington, D.C., in August. The ceremony will highlight Levant’s outstanding career achievements.
Media contact: Sarah Lane, 330-972-7429 or slane@.uakron.edu.
Media Coverage:
- Men Don't Cry? There's A Diagnosis For That..., WAKR-FM, Jan. 21