Irvine : Psychologist Carl Rogers to Speak at Symposium

Noted psychologist Carl R. Rogers will speak today on his theory for reducing tension between antagonistic groups as part of a two-day symposium on AIDS, world peace and self-esteem at UC Irvine.

The symposium, entitled “Toward a Healthier State,” is one of several being held throughout California at the prompting of Assemblyman John Vasconcellos (D-San Jose).

Rogers’ presentation, at 10 a.m. in the University Center Heritage Room, will also review interventions he and his associates have undertaken in Central America, South Africa and Northern Ireland. Additionally, Rogers is expected to discuss his recent trip to the Soviet Union.

The symposium will conclude with a 2 p.m. session by Vasconcellos, who will discuss legislation he has authored on ways for the government to increase self-esteem. The session will include a presentation by the founders of Project Self-Esteem, a program involving parents at Orange County elementary schools.

The symposium was kicked off Friday with a three-hour session on acquired immune deficiency syndrome,which attacks the body’s immune system and leaves the victim defenseless against infection and disease.

UC Irvine medical authorities discussed efforts to develop a vaccine against the AIDS virus and to find a cure for the disease. They agreed that the best course of prevention is public education about AIDS, which is transmitted through intimate sexual contact, shared hypodermic needles and contaminated blood products.

Vasconcellos said AIDS, world peace and self-esteem are not unlikely issues to address together in the symposium.