Avi Besser

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About

Dr. Avi Besser is a distinguished researcher whose work bridges personality psychology, aging, and human-robot interaction. His key research areas include narcissism, self-regulation, and the psychological impact of technology on older adults. One of his most notable contributions is the development of the "mirror effect" framework, which explains how narcissistic self-regulation influences older adults' evaluations of socially assistive robots. In his highly cited 2026 study, "Reflecting the Self: The Mirror Effect of Narcissistic Self-Regulation in Older Adults’ Evaluations of Empathic vs. Cold Socially Assistive Robots," Dr. Besser demonstrated that individuals with higher narcissistic traits respond more favorably to robots that reflect their own self-image, particularly when those robots display empathic behaviors. This work has garnered significant attention, with 2 citations already, and has profound implications for designing more effective, personalized robotic companions for aging populations. Dr. Besser’s research not only advances theoretical understanding of self-regulation but also offers practical insights for improving the well-being of older adults through technology. His innovative approach continues to shape the future of human-robot interaction and personality psychology.