Research 🔍
Area of Research
My academic research focuses on identifying modifiable factors that can be targeted to improve peoples' holistic health and well-being throughout the lifespan. I also examine how people think about and make sense of their life experiences (particularly, challenges in their life) and how their broader societal context, including the communities and environments they belong to, shape their life stories and the meanings they assign to them. My research is informed by humanism, a systems approach, and a strengths-based framework.
Who Do I Study?
As a lifespan developmental psychologist, I've conducted research with adolescents, young adults, middle-age adults, and older adults (a beautiful age range of 12 - 100 years!). I have recruited participants from hard-to-access populations to better serve understudied and historically marginalized communities through my work.
What Methods Do I Use?
As a mixed-methods researcher, I draw on both quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis. I determine the best methods to use based on the research questions at hand. I have taken over 15 advanced statistics classes throughout my training and have conducted complex statistical analyses with large datasets (using R and SPSS). I believe, though, that to gain a thorough understanding of human behavior, numbers are not enough. Therefore, I have also self-learned multiple qualitative research methods and data analytic techniques to successfully execute research projects. I have led and trained teams of researchers on qualitative research projects, including training them on in-depth interview moderation, data analysis, and technical report writing.
For a full list of my research publications, you can visit my profile here: Google Scholar
Check out selected projects below! ⬇️
Selected Research Projects
1) How Does Sense of Purpose Improve Behavioral Health and Well-Being for Older Adults?
2) What Factors Help Promote Behavioral Health for Adolescents Facing High Stress?
3) How Does Feeling like Oneself Over Time Support Young and Older Adults' Mental Health?