Frank Farley (1937–2026).

Abstract

Memorializes Frank Farley (1937-2026). Farley was an internationally renowned psychologist who served as the 1993 president of the American Psychological Association (APA) and as president of many leading psychological and educational organizations. Scholar, public intellectual, leader, colleague, mentor, and friend, Frank passed away at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 2026, aged 89. As a scholar, Frank was prolific, publishing over 250 scholarly articles and seven books. He was most famous for his concept of the Type T (thrill-seeking) personality, arguing that some people need increased stimulation to maintain full engagement. Frank explored the implications of the concept in many contexts, from criminals to heroes, from creativity to politics, and in its links from moderate to more extreme behaviors (e.g., adventure, extreme sports). In his last years, among many activities, he was especially involved with APA's Society for Media Psychology and Technology, of which he was its 1999 and 2008 president, and was a member at large on its board at the time of his passing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. American Psychologist, 2026 · DOI ↗