C R Snyder, Ph.D.

C. R. (Rick) Snyder is the Wright Distinguished Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Internationally known for his work at the interface of clinical, social, personality, and health psychology, his theories have pertained to how people react to personal feedback, the human need for uniqueness, the ubiquitous drive to excuse transgressions and, most recently, the hope motive. He has received 31 research awards and 27 teaching awards at the university, state,...See more

C. R. (Rick) Snyder is the Wright Distinguished Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Internationally known for his work at the interface of clinical, social, personality, and health psychology, his theories have pertained to how people react to personal feedback, the human need for uniqueness, the ubiquitous drive to excuse transgressions and, most recently, the hope motive. He has received 31 research awards and 27 teaching awards at the university, state, and national levels. In 2005, he received an honorary doctorate from Indiana Wesleyan University. Snyder has appeared many times on national American television shows, and he has been a regular contributor to National Public Radio. His scholarly work on the human need for uniqueness received the rare recognition of being the subject matter of an entire Sunday cartoon sequence by Gary Trudeau. All of these accomplishments is packaged in a graying and self-effacing absent-minded professor who says of himself, "If you don't laugh at yourself, you have missed the biggest joke of all!" Rick and his wife Rebecca live within walking distance of the Psychology Department at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. The parents of children Staci (age 40), James (age 37), and Zach (age 26), these days the Snyders are raising three-year old Trenton Richard Snyder (who has taught them about backhoes and staying young at heart). See less