Mariana von Mohr, PhD

My research focuses on the interplay between bodily signals, such as cardiac and tactile inputs, and social cognition. I am particularly interested in how interoception and affective touch shape our emotional experiences, social interactions, and susceptibility to others' influence.

I have a background in experimental psychology and affective neuroscience. I completed an MSc in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology, a two-year programme jointly run by University College London (UCL) and Yale University. At Yale, my research focused on the neurobiology of parenting and addiction. I went on to complete a PhD in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience at UCL, funded by CONACyT, under the supervision of Prof Katerina Fotopoulou. My PhD investigated the soothing function of affective touch and whether such touch can modulate physical and social pain.

Following my PhD, I joined the Lab of Action and Body at Royal Holloway, University of London, where I investigated how cardiac signals influence a wide range of processes involved in social cognition, ranging from first impressions to social conformity.

I am currently a Research Fellow at the Centre for the Politics of Feelings, School of Advanced Study, University of London, where my work investigates the embodied foundations of political emotions and ideology.