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61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

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Psychology is an incredibly diverse, critical, and ever-changing area of study in the medical and health industries. Because of this, it’s a common area of study for students and healthcare professionals.

We’re walking you through picking the perfect topic for your upcoming paper or study. Keep reading for plenty of example topics to pique your interest and curiosity.

• How to choose a psychology research topic

Exploring a psychology-based topic for your research project? You need to pick a specific area of interest to collect compelling data. 

Use these tips to help you narrow down which psychology topics to research:

Focus on a particular area of psychology

The most effective psychological research focuses on a smaller, niche concept or disorder within the scope of a study. 

Psychology is a broad and fascinating area of science, including everything from diagnosed mental health disorders to sports performance mindset assessments. 

This gives you plenty of different avenues to explore. Having a hard time choosing? Check out our list of 61 ideas further down in this article to get started.

Read the latest clinical studies

Once you’ve picked a more niche topic to explore, you need to do your due diligence and explore other research projects on the same topic. 

This practice will help you learn more about your chosen topic, ask more specific questions, and avoid covering existing projects. 

For the best results, we recommend creating a research folder of associated published papers to reference throughout your project. This makes it much easier to cite direct references and find inspiration down the line.

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

Once you’ve spent time researching and collecting references for your study, you finally get to explore. 

Whether this research project is for work, school, or just for fun, having a passion for your research will make the project much more enjoyable. (Trust us, there will be times when that is the only thing that keeps you going.) 

Now you’ve decided on the topic, ask more nuanced questions you might want to explore. 

If you can, pick the direction that interests you the most to make the research process much more enjoyable.

• 61 psychology topics to research in 2024

Need some extra help starting your psychology research project on the right foot? Explore our list of 61 cutting-edge, in-demand psychology research topics to use as a starting point for your research journey.

• Psychology research topics for university students

As a university student, it can be hard to pick a research topic that fits the scope of your classes and is still compelling and unique. 

Here are a few exciting topics we recommend exploring for your next assigned research project:

Mental health in post-secondary students

Seeking post-secondary education is a stressful and overwhelming experience for most students, making this topic a great choice to explore for your in-class research paper. 

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can occur at all ages, starting as early as elementary school and carrying through into professional workplaces. 

Examples of cyberbullying-based research topics you can study include:

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying 

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

• Clinical psychology research topics

If you’re looking to take a more clinical approach to your next project, here are a few topics that involve direct patient assessment for you to consider:

Chronic pain and mental health

Living with chronic pain dramatically impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including their mental and emotional health. 

Here are a few examples of in-demand pain-related psychology research topics:

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

Insomnia is where you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It’s a common health concern that impacts millions of people worldwide. 

This is an excellent topic because insomnia can have a variety of causes, offering many research possibilities. 

Here are a few compelling psychology research topics about insomnia you could investigate:

The prevalence of insomnia based on age, gender, and ethnicity

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

Management and treatment of mental health conditions is an ever-changing area of study. If you can witness or participate in mental health therapies, this can make a great research project. 

Examples of mental health treatment-related psychology research topics include:

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with severe anxiety

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression 

• Controversial psychology research paper topics

If you are looking to explore a more cutting-edge or modern psychology topic, you can delve into a variety of controversial and topical options:

The impact of social media and digital platforms

Ever since access to internet forums and video games became more commonplace, there’s been growing concern about the impact these digital platforms have on mental health. 

Examples of social media and video game-related psychology research topics include:

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

In recent years, the interest in using psychoactive medications to treat and manage health conditions has increased despite their inherently controversial nature. 

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

Ketamine and its use for complex PTSD (C-PTSD) symptom management

The effect of long-term psychedelic use and mental health conditions

• Mental health disorder research topics

As one of the most popular subsections of psychology, studying mental health disorders and how they impact quality of life is an essential and impactful area of research. 

While studies in these areas are common, there’s always room for additional exploration, including the following hot-button topics:

Anxiety and depression disorders

Anxiety and depression are well-known and heavily researched mental health disorders. 

Despite this, we still don’t know many things about these conditions, making them great candidates for psychology research projects:

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in particular age groups or geographic areas

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex and multi-faceted area of psychology research. 

Use your research skills to learn more about this condition and its impact by choosing any of the following topics:

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar 

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is often stigmatized, and less common mental health disorders are a hotbed for new and exciting research. 

Here are a few examples of interesting research topics related to this mental health disorder:

The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder by certain age groups or geographic locations

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

• Societal and systematic psychology research topics

Modern society’s impact is deeply enmeshed in our mental and emotional health on a personal and community level. 

Here are a few examples of societal and systemic psychology research topics to explore in more detail:

Access to mental health services

While mental health awareness has risen over the past few decades, access to quality mental health treatment and resources is still not equitable. 

This can significantly impact the severity of a person’s mental health symptoms, which can result in worse health outcomes if left untreated. 

Explore this crucial issue and provide information about the need for improved mental health resource access by studying any of the following topics:

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

Societal systems and the prevalence of systemic racism heavily impact every aspect of a person’s overall health.

Researching these topics draws attention to existing problems and contributes valuable insights into ways to improve access to care moving forward.

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include: 

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

The impact of systemic racism on mental health and self-worth

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

Research about LGBTQIA+ people and their mental health needs is a unique area of study to explore for your next research project. It’s a commonly overlooked and underserved community.

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

• Collect data and identify trends with Dovetail

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Take the headache out of analyzing your data and instantly access the insights you need to complete your next psychology research project by teaming up with Dovetail today.

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Home » 500+ Psychology Research Topic Ideas

500+ Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Table of Contents

Psychology is a vast field that encompasses a wide range of topics and research areas. From the study of cognition and behavior to the exploration of mental health disorders, there are countless avenues for researchers to explore within this field. Whether you are a college student, graduate student, or professional in the field of psychology, selecting a research topic can be a daunting task. To help guide your research endeavors, we have compiled a list of 500+ unique psychology research topic ideas across various subfields of psychology. These research topics range from the study of abnormal psychology and cognitive psychology to military psychology and education. With this extensive list, we hope to provide you with inspiration and ideas to jumpstart your research journey.

Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Psychology Research Topic Ideas are as follows:

• The effects of social media on self-esteem in adolescents
• The role of parenting styles in shaping children’s personality development
• The impact of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction in adults
• The influence of music on mood and emotional regulation
• The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functioning
• The relationship between personality traits and job satisfaction
• The effects of physical exercise on mental health
• The role of culture in shaping social identity and behavior
• The impact of peer pressure on decision-making in adolescents
• The effects of childhood trauma on adult attachment styles
• The influence of personality on romantic relationships
• The effects of bullying on mental health in children and adolescents
• The role of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders
• The impact of positive psychology interventions on well-being
• The effects of social support on coping with stress
• The relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievement
• The effects of technology use on cognitive functioning
• The influence of gender roles on social behavior
• The effects of pet ownership on mental health
• The role of attachment styles in parent-child relationships
• The impact of social comparison on body dissatisfaction in women
• The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on chronic pain management
• The relationship between personality disorders and criminal behavior
• The effects of stereotype threat on academic performance
• The influence of self-esteem on romantic relationships
• The effects of environmental factors on cognitive development in children
• The role of resilience in coping with trauma
• The effects of gaming on cognitive functioning and addiction
• The impact of mindfulness interventions on workplace productivity
• The relationship between social support and physical health.
• The relationship between self-compassion and mental health
• The impact of cognitive biases on decision-making
• The role of attachment styles in romantic relationships
• The effects of social isolation on mental health
• The influence of cultural values on parenting practices
• The relationship between social media use and body image dissatisfaction
• The effects of childhood obesity on mental health and well-being
• The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on addiction recovery
• The role of personality in predicting job performance and success
• The effects of sleep quality on academic achievement
• The influence of social identity on intergroup conflict
• The effects of nature exposure on stress reduction
• The impact of meditation on empathy and compassion
• The role of emotion regulation in coping with chronic illness
• The effects of gratitude interventions on well-being and life satisfaction
• The relationship between personality traits and leadership effectiveness
• The impact of trauma on brain development in children
• The role of social norms in shaping behavior
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on eating disorders
• The influence of cultural factors on mental health stigma
• The effects of emotional intelligence on workplace relationships and team effectiveness
• The relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement
• The impact of exercise on cognitive aging and dementia prevention
• The role of empathy in moral decision-making
• The effects of social comparison on academic motivation
• The influence of cultural factors on the perception of mental illness
• The effects of childhood bullying on long-term mental health outcomes
• The role of personality in romantic partner selection and satisfaction
• The impact of parental divorce on children’s emotional and behavioral outcomes
• The relationship between personality traits and coping strategies in stressful situations.
• The impact of personality disorders on interpersonal relationships
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on workplace stress and burnout
• The role of emotional intelligence in romantic relationships
• The effects of cultural factors on the development of eating disorders
• The relationship between attachment styles and emotional regulation
• The impact of early childhood education on cognitive development
• The effects of exposure to violence on mental health outcomes
• The role of motivation in academic achievement and success
• The influence of culture on the perception of intelligence and academic achievement
• The effects of technology use on social skills and communication
• The relationship between self-esteem and social anxiety
• The impact of trauma on memory processing and recall
• The role of parental involvement in academic achievement
• The effects of exercise on mental health outcomes in older adults
• The influence of cultural factors on romantic attraction and mate selection
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on depression and anxiety
• The relationship between personality traits and substance abuse
• The impact of environmental factors on child development
• The role of motivation in workplace productivity and job satisfaction
• The effects of social media use on sleep quality and quantity
• The influence of cultural factors on the perception and treatment of addiction
• The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety disorder
• The relationship between personality traits and risk-taking behavior
• The impact of prenatal stress on child development and behavior
• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness
• The effects of meditation on attention and focus
• The influence of cultural factors on mental health treatment-seeking behavior
• The effects of traumatic events on personal growth and resilience
• The relationship between personality traits and creativity
• The impact of mindfulness interventions on emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents.
• The effects of social comparison on body dissatisfaction
• The impact of parental stress on child behavior and development
• The role of mindfulness in stress management during pregnancy
• The effects of cultural factors on the development of social anxiety disorder
• The relationship between personality traits and procrastination
• The impact of trauma on addiction and substance abuse
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health treatment
• The effects of exercise on self-esteem and body image
• The influence of personality traits on the development of eating disorders
• The relationship between childhood trauma and adult mental health outcomes
• The impact of meditation on academic performance and focus
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards body image and appearance
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on chronic pain management
• The relationship between personality traits and moral decision-making
• The impact of early childhood attachment on romantic relationships
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards sexuality and sexual behavior
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in older adults
• The influence of personality traits on the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder
• The relationship between childhood bullying and adult mental health outcomes
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on panic disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards substance use and addiction
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on insomnia and sleep quality
• The relationship between personality traits and social comparison behavior
• The impact of parental divorce on romantic relationship outcomes
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards aging and age-related changes
• The effects of social support on stress management in college students
• The influence of personality traits on the development of anxiety disorders
• The relationship between childhood trauma and romantic relationship outcomes
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards masculinity and femininity
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on work-related stress
• The relationship between personality traits and forgiveness
• The impact of peer pressure on adolescent substance abuse
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health stigma
• The effects of social support on stress management in healthcare workers
• The influence of personality traits on the development of depression
• The relationship between childhood trauma and substance abuse
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards body modification and cosmetic surgery
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on emotional regulation in adolescents.
• The effects of social media on self-esteem and body image in adolescent girls
• The impact of parental emotional neglect on adult mental health outcomes
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards gender and sexual orientation identity
• The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder
• The relationship between personality traits and attachment styles in romantic relationships
• The impact of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic illness
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards disability and ableism
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on emotional eating and food addiction
• The influence of personality traits on the development of borderline personality disorder
• The relationship between childhood adversity and adult mental health outcomes
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on generalized anxiety disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards aging and dementia
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain
• The relationship between personality traits and coping strategies in response to stress
• The impact of maternal mental health on child behavior and development
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health in the workplace
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on stress and burnout in healthcare professionals
• The influence of personality traits on the development of narcissistic personality disorder
• The relationship between childhood trauma and sleep disorders
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on bipolar disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards diversity and inclusion
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in refugees and immigrants
• The relationship between personality traits and empathy
• The impact of social comparison on academic performance and motivation
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health in the military
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on addiction recovery and relapse prevention
• The influence of personality traits on the development of antisocial personality disorder
• The relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality disorder
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social skills and communication in autism spectrum disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health in the LGBTQ+ community
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with substance use disorder
• The relationship between personality traits and creativity in the arts and sciences
• The impact of early childhood exposure to violence on adult mental health outcomes
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and aging in rural communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and self-care
• The influence of personality traits on the development of schizophrenia
• The relationship between childhood trauma and dissociative identity disorder
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety in children and adolescents
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and spirituality
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic stress.
• The impact of personality traits on job performance and satisfaction
• The relationship between childhood trauma and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• The effects of exposure therapy on phobias and anxiety disorders
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health in minority communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in caregivers of individuals with chronic illness or disability
• The relationship between cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities
• The impact of psychoeducation on stigma reduction towards mental illness
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and substance use in college students
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on academic performance and stress in college students
• The influence of personality traits on the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• The relationship between childhood trauma and depression in adulthood
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression and anxiety in cancer patients
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and body image in men
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome
• The relationship between resilience and post-traumatic growth
• The impact of music therapy on mental health outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and motherhood
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on emotional regulation and mood disorders in adolescents
• The influence of personality traits on the development of hoarding disorder
• The relationship between childhood trauma and substance use disorder in adulthood
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on insomnia and sleep disorders
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and masculinity
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic migraines
• The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness
• The impact of group therapy on social skills and communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and aging in urban communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on compassion and empathy in healthcare professionals
• The influence of personality traits on the development of postpartum depression
• The relationship between childhood trauma and bipolar disorder in adulthood
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on self-esteem and body image in individuals with eating disorders
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and family dynamics in immigrant families
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic gastrointestinal disorders
• The relationship between personality traits and self-compassion
• The impact of play therapy on social-emotional development in children with autism spectrum disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and aging in LGBTQ+ communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic pain
• The relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality disorder symptoms in adolescence
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms in children and adolescents.
• The effects of physical exercise on mood and anxiety in older adults
• The relationship between childhood trauma and attachment styles in romantic relationships
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on body dysmorphic disorder symptoms
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and spirituality in indigenous communities
• The relationship between personality traits and risky behavior in adolescence
• The influence of parental bonding on the development of borderline personality disorder in young adults
• The impact of mindfulness interventions on stress and burnout in healthcare professionals
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and disability in rural communities
• The effects of psychotherapy on self-compassion in individuals with depression
• The relationship between childhood trauma and dissociative symptoms in adulthood
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety disorder in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviors in Asian American communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• The influence of family functioning on the development of substance use disorders in adolescents
• The impact of expressive writing on emotional processing in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in survivors of domestic violence
• The relationship between childhood trauma and disordered eating behaviors in young adults
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on panic disorder symptoms in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community support in refugee populations
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• The relationship between personality traits and romantic relationship satisfaction
• The influence of childhood attachment on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in adulthood
• The impact of group therapy on social skills and self-esteem in individuals with social anxiety disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and faith-based support in African American communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on emotion regulation and coping skills in individuals with borderline personality disorder
• The relationship between childhood trauma and anxiety sensitivity in adulthood
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on health anxiety symptoms in individuals with chronic illnesses
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and social stigma in Hispanic/Latino communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic hepatitis C
• The relationship between personality traits and decision-making processes
• The influence of parent-child communication on the development of eating disorders in adolescents
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on gambling disorder symptoms
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and access to care in rural communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with bipolar disorder
• The relationship between childhood trauma and rumination in adulthood
• The impact of group therapy on self-esteem and assertiveness in individuals with avoidant personality disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Native American populations.
• The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance and decision-making
• The relationship between personality traits and addiction susceptibility
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on hoarding disorder symptoms
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and spirituality in Hispanic/Latino communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis
• The relationship between childhood trauma and emotional regulation in adulthood
• The influence of social media on body image and self-esteem in adolescents
• The impact of mindfulness interventions on impulsivity and self-control in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviors in LGBTQ+ communities
• The effects of cognitive training on cognitive performance and brain structure in older adults
• The relationship between personality traits and risk-taking behaviors in college students
• The impact of family therapy on communication and conflict resolution in families with a history of domestic violence
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Asian American communities
• The relationship between childhood trauma and interpersonal functioning in adulthood
• The influence of cultural identity on mental health outcomes in immigrant populations
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on eating disorder symptoms in individuals with type 1 diabetes
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and stigma in Arab American communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• The relationship between childhood trauma and attachment styles in adulthood friendships
• The impact of expressive writing on stress and immune function in caregivers of individuals with dementia
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in rural Native American communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain and depression
• The relationship between personality traits and emotional intelligence
• The influence of parental warmth and discipline on the development of anxiety disorders in children
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on postpartum depression symptoms
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and access to care in South Asian communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with borderline personality disorder
• The relationship between childhood trauma and resilience in adulthood
• The impact of group therapy on social anxiety and loneliness in individuals with hearing loss
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community support in Pacific Islander communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and depression
• The relationship between personality traits and leadership styles
• The influence of peer relationships on the development of depressive symptoms in adolescents
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on body image and self-esteem in individuals with gender dysphoria
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Middle Eastern communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction
• The relationship between childhood trauma and substance use disorders in adulthood
• The impact of group therapy on emotion regulation and self-esteem in individuals with personality disorders
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in immigrant and refugee communities.
• Sure, here are 40 more psychology research topic ideas:
• The effects of meditation on creativity and divergent thinking
• The relationship between personality traits and career satisfaction
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on sleep disturbances in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviors in Black communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• The relationship between childhood trauma and attachment styles in romantic relationships in adulthood
• The influence of social norms on substance use behaviors in college students
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Indigenous communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with chronic pain
• The impact of group therapy on emotion regulation and social connectedness in individuals with eating disorders
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in African immigrant communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• The relationship between childhood trauma and the development of eating disorders in adulthood
• The influence of social identity on stereotype threat and academic performance in college students
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s disease
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviors in Southeast Asian communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• The relationship between personality traits and coping strategies in individuals with chronic pain
• The impact of group therapy on emotion regulation and social support in individuals with borderline personality disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Muslim communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and depression
• The relationship between childhood trauma and emotional intelligence in adulthood
• The influence of attachment styles on romantic relationship satisfaction in adults
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety symptoms in individuals with social communication disorder (SCD)
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in refugee communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with substance use disorders
• The relationship between personality traits and resilience in individuals with chronic illnesses
• The impact of group therapy on emotion regulation and social skills in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Caribbean communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with fibromyalgia and depression
• The influence of social comparison on body dissatisfaction and eating disorder behaviors in adolescents
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression symptoms in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Native Hawaiian communities
• The relationship between personality traits and coping strategies in individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• The impact of group therapy on social anxiety symptoms in individuals with intellectual disabilities
• The role of social comparison in body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors in men
• The effects of parental attachment on romantic relationships in adulthood
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS)
• The relationship between cultural values and parenting practices in Latino families
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and anxiety
• The role of social norms in shaping attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviors in South Asian communities
• The influence of personality traits on academic achievement in college students
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression symptoms in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• The relationship between attachment styles and romantic relationship satisfaction in same-sex couples
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with schizophrenia
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Arab communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain and anxiety
• The relationship between childhood adversity and substance use disorders in adulthood
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety symptoms in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• The role of cultural beliefs about mental illness and stigma in Latino communities
• The effects of social identity on stereotype threat and academic achievement in minority college students
• The relationship between personality traits and coping strategies in caregivers of individuals with dementia
• The impact of group therapy on depression symptoms in individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in LGBTQ+ communities
• The relationship between attachment styles and romantic relationship satisfaction in individuals with chronic illnesses
• The influence of personality traits on stress and coping in police officers
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety symptoms in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• The role of cultural beliefs about mental illness and stigma in Asian communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and depression
• The relationship between childhood trauma and interpersonal relationships in adulthood
• The impact of group therapy on anxiety symptoms in individuals with social phobia
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Native American communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with postpartum depression
• The relationship between personality traits and burnout in healthcare professionals
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety symptoms in individuals with chronic pain and fibromyalgia
• The role of cultural beliefs about mental illness and stigma in African American communities
• The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anxiety
• The relationship between childhood trauma and emotional regulation in adolescence
• The influence of personality traits on well-being and life satisfaction in older adults
• The impact of group therapy on depression symptoms in individuals with borderline personality disorder
• The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Hispanic/Latino communities
• The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• The relationship between attachment styles and emotional regulation in individuals with substance use disorders

Psychology Research Topic Ideas College Students

• The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on anxiety and phobias among college students
• The relationship between attachment styles and romantic relationship satisfaction among college students
• The impact of social norms on substance use among college students
• The effects of cultural identity on mental health and academic achievement among college students
• The role of self-compassion in reducing burnout among college students
• The relationship between social media use and FOMO (fear of missing out) among college students
• The impact of environmental factors on mental health and well-being among college students
• The effects of self-esteem on social anxiety and social skills among college students
• The role of positive psychology interventions in promoting well-being and academic success among college students
• The relationship between gender identity and mental health outcomes among college students
• The impact of parental communication on mental health and academic performance among college students
• The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on PTSD symptoms among college students
• The relationship between personality traits and academic procrastination among college students
• The role of humor in reducing stress and promoting well-being among college students
• The impact of social identity on academic motivation and achievement among college students
• The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on academic performance and mental health among college students
• The relationship between academic stress and substance use among college students
• The role of cultural competence in promoting diversity and inclusion on college campuses
• The impact of emotional intelligence on academic success and career readiness among college students
• The effects of peer mentoring programs on academic motivation and success among college students
• The relationship between exercise and cognitive functioning in college students
• The role of optimism in promoting resilience and well-being among college students
• The impact of music therapy on anxiety and depression among college students
• The effects of exposure to nature on mental health and well-being among college students
• The relationship between parental involvement and emotional regulation among college students
• The role of forgiveness in promoting well-being and interpersonal relationships among college students
• The impact of social comparison on body image and self-esteem among college students
• The effects of attachment styles on coping with stress among college students
• The relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic performance among college students
• The role of grit in promoting academic perseverance and achievement among college students
• The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being among college students
• The effects of peer pressure on substance use and risky behaviors among college students
• The relationship between social support and academic engagement among college students
• The role of cognitive biases in promoting or hindering academic success among college students
• The impact of physical activity on mental health and well-being among college students
• The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on academic motivation and success among college students
• The relationship between perfectionism and academic burnout among college students
• The role of parental support in promoting academic resilience and success among college students with disabilities
• The impact of diversity education on promoting empathy and reducing prejudice among college students
• The effects of assertiveness training on communication skills and interpersonal relationships among college students.

Graduate Psychology Research Topic Ideas

• The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in clinical populations
• The role of self-compassion in promoting emotional well-being among adults with chronic illness
• The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on PTSD symptoms in military veterans
• The relationship between sleep quality and cognitive functioning in aging populations
• The impact of positive psychology interventions on well-being and resilience among individuals with chronic pain
• The role of emotion regulation in reducing symptoms of borderline personality disorder
• The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on social anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
• The relationship between executive functioning and academic achievement in children with ADHD
• The impact of family-based interventions on reducing symptoms of substance use disorders among adolescents
• The role of mindfulness in promoting emotional regulation and stress management in healthcare professionals
• The effects of cognitive remediation therapy on cognitive functioning in individuals with schizophrenia
• The relationship between attachment styles and therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy
• The impact of cultural factors on the manifestation and treatment of eating disorders
• The role of emotion regulation in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in postpartum women
• The effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on reducing symptoms of OCD
• The relationship between childhood ADHD and adult executive functioning and academic achievement
• The impact of animal-assisted therapy on reducing symptoms of PTSD in veterans
• The role of social support in promoting resilience and well-being among individuals with chronic illness
• The effects of cognitive remediation therapy on reducing negative symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia
• The relationship between executive functioning and social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing symptoms of hoarding disorder
• The role of emotion regulation in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
• The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing symptoms of burnout among healthcare professionals
• The relationship between social support and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder
• The role of mindfulness in promoting well-being and emotional regulation in individuals with chronic pain
• The effects of cognitive remediation therapy on reducing negative symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder
• The relationship between executive functioning and academic achievement in children with learning disabilities
• The impact of acceptance and commitment therapy on reducing symptoms of social anxiety disorder
• The role of emotion regulation in reducing symptoms of borderline personality disorder in adolescents
• The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing symptoms of panic disorder
• The relationship between social support and depression in individuals with HIV/AIDS
• The impact of cognitive remediation therapy on reducing symptoms of ADHD in adults
• The role of mindfulness in promoting well-being and emotional regulation in individuals with depression
• The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing symptoms of substance use disorders in individuals with co-occurring PTSD
• The relationship between executive functioning and quality of life in individuals with traumatic brain injury
• The impact of acceptance and commitment therapy on reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder
• The role of emotion regulation in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents with chronic illness
• The effects of cognitive remediation therapy on reducing cognitive impairment in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Military Psychology Research Topic Ideas

• The impact of military deployment on the mental health and well-being of service members
• The role of resilience in promoting posttraumatic growth among military personnel
• The effects of combat exposure on emotional regulation and decision-making abilities
• The relationship between military leadership styles and team cohesion
• The impact of military culture on help-seeking behaviors among service members with mental health concerns
• The role of perceived social support in promoting resilience among military spouses during deployment
• The effects of military service on identity formation and self-concept
• The relationship between deployment-related stress and marital satisfaction among military couples
• The impact of military sexual trauma on mental health outcomes and treatment seeking behaviors among service members
• The role of mindfulness in reducing symptoms of PTSD among military personnel
• The effects of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing symptoms of PTSD among military veterans
• The relationship between military deployment and substance use disorders
• The impact of military deployment on parent-child relationships and child outcomes
• The role of perceived organizational support in promoting job satisfaction and retention among military personnel
• The effects of exposure therapy on reducing combat-related nightmares and sleep disturbances among military personnel
• The relationship between military service and risk-taking behaviors
• The impact of military culture on mental health stigma and treatment seeking behaviors among service members
• The role of positive psychology interventions in promoting resilience and well-being among military personnel and their families
• The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on reducing symptoms of specific phobias among military personnel
• The relationship between military service and traumatic brain injury
• The impact of deployment on career development and job satisfaction among military personnel
• The role of cognitive appraisal in the stress and coping process among military personnel
• The effects of a peer support program on reducing symptoms of PTSD among military personnel
• The relationship between military service and intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization
• The impact of military deployment on parenting practices and child outcomes among military families
• The role of perceived organizational justice in promoting job satisfaction and retention among military personnel
• The effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among military personnel
• The relationship between military service and suicidal ideation and behavior
• The impact of military deployment on social support networks and social integration
• The role of perceived unit cohesion in promoting resilience and mental health among military personnel
• The effects of cognitive remediation therapy on improving cognitive functioning and job performance among military personnel with traumatic brain injury
• The relationship between military service and alcohol misuse and addiction
• The impact of military deployment on sibling relationships and family functioning
• The role of perceived leadership support in promoting job satisfaction and retention among military personnel
• The effects of exposure therapy on reducing symptoms of phobic avoidance among military personnel
• The relationship between military service and eating disorders
• The impact of military deployment on community reintegration and social support among veterans
• The role of perceived control in the stress and coping process among military personnel
• The effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among military spouses during deployment
• The relationship between military service and personality disorders.

Psychology Research Topic Ideas in Education

• The effects of mindfulness practices on student well-being and academic performance
• The impact of classroom diversity on student attitudes and academic achievement
• The role of parent-teacher communication in promoting student success
• The effects of differentiated instruction on student engagement and academic achievement
• The relationship between school climate and student mental health outcomes
• The impact of technology integration on student learning outcomes
• The role of teacher-student relationships in promoting student engagement and academic success
• The effects of social-emotional learning programs on student behavior and academic performance
• The relationship between academic self-concept and academic achievement
• The impact of peer tutoring on student academic performance
• The role of motivation in promoting student academic success
• The effects of educational gaming on student engagement and academic achievement
• The relationship between parental involvement and student academic achievement
• The impact of teacher expectations on student academic performance
• The role of goal-setting in promoting student academic success
• The effects of growth mindset interventions on student motivation and academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher burnout and student academic outcomes
• The impact of teacher diversity on student attitudes and academic achievement
• The role of classroom management in promoting student engagement and academic success
• The effects of student-centered learning on student academic performance
• The relationship between teacher empathy and student academic outcomes
• The impact of school-based mental health services on student mental health outcomes and academic achievement
• The role of parental involvement in homework on student academic success
• The effects of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement
• The relationship between student motivation and academic achievement in STEM fields
• The impact of teacher professional development on student academic outcomes
• The role of teacher feedback in promoting student academic success
• The effects of cooperative learning on student engagement and academic achievement
• The relationship between classroom climate and student academic outcomes
• The impact of restorative justice practices on student behavior and academic achievement
• The role of teacher support in promoting student academic success
• The effects of flipped classrooms on student engagement and academic achievement
• The relationship between teacher autonomy and student academic outcomes
• The impact of teacher collaboration on student academic performance
• The role of metacognition in promoting student academic success
• The effects of active learning on student engagement and academic achievement
• The relationship between student engagement and academic achievement in language learning
• The impact of teacher coaching on student academic outcomes
• The role of self-regulated learning in promoting student academic success
• The effects of outdoor learning on student engagement and academic achievement.

Cognitive Psychology Research Topic Ideas

• The role of attention in perception and memory
• The effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive functioning
• The relationship between creativity and cognitive flexibility
• The cognitive processes involved in decision-making
• The impact of stress on cognitive performance
• The role of working memory in problem-solving
• The cognitive factors involved in language acquisition
• The relationship between attention and executive functions
• The effect of aging on cognitive abilities
• The role of attention in visual perception
• The cognitive processes involved in learning and memory
• The impact of technology on cognitive development
• The relationship between cognition and emotion
• The effect of anxiety on cognitive performance
• The cognitive processes involved in attentional control
• The role of executive functions in decision-making
• The effect of mindfulness practices on cognitive functioning
• The relationship between language and cognition
• The cognitive processes involved in reading comprehension
• The impact of nutrition on cognitive development
• The role of working memory in language processing
• The effect of exercise on cognitive performance
• The cognitive processes involved in mental rotation tasks
• The relationship between cognitive load and learning
• The effect of multitasking on cognitive performance
• The cognitive processes involved in problem-solving
• The role of executive functions in goal-directed behavior
• The impact of cognitive training on cognitive abilities
• The relationship between attention and perception
• The effect of music on cognitive performance
• The cognitive processes involved in decision-making under uncertainty
• The role of cognitive control in self-regulation
• The impact of bilingualism on cognitive development
• The relationship between cognitive biases and decision-making
• The effect of caffeine on cognitive performance
• The cognitive processes involved in face recognition
• The role of cognitive dissonance in attitude change
• The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on cognitive functioning
• The relationship between cognitive styles and problem-solving
• The cognitive processes involved in mental imagery.

Forensic Psychology Research Topic Ideas

• The impact of childhood trauma on criminal behavior
• The effectiveness of forensic psychological evaluations in court proceedings
• The role of mental illness in criminal behavior
• The effect of substance abuse on criminal behavior
• The impact of eyewitness testimony on legal outcomes
• The role of psychopathy in criminal behavior
• The effectiveness of restorative justice practices
• The relationship between socioeconomic status and criminal behavior
• The effect of media coverage on public perceptions of crime
• The impact of prison environment on offender rehabilitation
• The role of the insanity defense in criminal cases
• The effectiveness of sex offender treatment programs
• The relationship between domestic violence and homicide
• The effect of legal representation on trial outcomes
• The impact of juvenile delinquency prevention programs
• The role of cultural factors in criminal behavior
• The effectiveness of parole and probation programs
• The relationship between mental illness and violence
• The effect of polygraph testing on legal outcomes
• The impact of criminal profiling on law enforcement investigations
• The role of victim impact statements in sentencing
• The effectiveness of correctional education programs
• The relationship between childhood attachment styles and criminal behavior
• The effect of cognitive biases in legal decision-making
• The impact of witness identification procedures on accuracy
• The role of forensic hypnosis in criminal investigations
• The effectiveness of drug court programs
• The relationship between alcohol use and criminal behavior
• The effect of societal stereotypes on criminal sentencing
• The impact of prison overcrowding on offender rehabilitation
• The role of cultural competence in forensic assessments
• The effectiveness of diversion programs for juvenile offenders
• The relationship between trauma and criminal behavior in women
• The effect of plea bargaining on legal outcomes
• The impact of social support on offender rehabilitation
• The role of forensic psychology in counterterrorism efforts
• The effectiveness of offender reentry programs
• The relationship between intellectual disability and criminal behavior
• The effect of forensic testimony on jury decision-making.

Abnormal psychology research topic ideas

• The effects of childhood trauma on the development of anxiety disorders
• The relationship between depression and sleep disturbances
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder
• The impact of social media on body image and eating disorders
• The role of genetics in the development of schizophrenia
• The effect of early intervention on the progression of psychosis
• The impact of stigma on help-seeking behaviors for mental health disorders
• The relationship between substance use disorders and mental health
• The effect of exercise on symptoms of depression and anxiety
• The impact of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder
• The role of attachment styles in the development of personality disorders
• The effectiveness of cognitive remediation therapy for schizophrenia
• The relationship between childhood ADHD and the development of anxiety disorders
• The effect of mindfulness meditation on symptoms of depression and anxiety
• The impact of cultural factors on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders
• The role of neuroplasticity in the treatment of addiction
• The effectiveness of exposure therapy for specific phobias
• The effect of stress on the development of mental health disorders
• The impact of sleep disturbances on the onset of bipolar disorder
• The role of trauma in the development of dissociative disorders
• The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
• The relationship between childhood abuse and the development of borderline personality disorder
• The effect of peer support on the recovery of individuals with mental health disorders
• The impact of cultural differences on the presentation of mental health symptoms
• The role of cognitive biases in the maintenance of anxiety disorders
• The effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder
• The relationship between early life stressors and the development of depression
• The effect of nutrition on mental health
• The impact of virtual reality exposure therapy on phobia treatment
• The role of genetics in the development of mood disorders
• The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for anxiety disorders
• The relationship between childhood trauma and the development of dissociative identity disorder
• The effect of stigma on treatment outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders
• The impact of childhood adversity on the development of personality disorders
• The role of emotional regulation in the treatment of borderline personality disorder
• The effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy for depression
• The relationship between sleep disturbances and the development of anxiety disorders
• The effect of stigma on mental health professionals’ treatment decisions
• The impact of cultural factors on the expression of bipolar disorder symptoms.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Psychology, PhD

Zanvyl krieger school of arts and sciences, program requirements .

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences emphasizes training and experience in the research methods essential to the development of new knowledge in the various sub-fields of psychology. Our core program for doctoral students emphasizes scientific methodology and provides rigorous research training. Each doctoral candidate is expected to become familiar with both a relatively narrowly defined area and a broad spectrum of knowledge related to the student’s topic of specialization.

In addition to general university requirements, the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences has the following regulations:

A thorough understanding of statistics is useful in virtually all research settings.  Two statistics courses are required during the first year of graduate training.  The normal sequence is AS.200.657 Advanced Statistical Methods during the first semester and AS.200.658 Advanced Research Design and Analysis during the second semester. Students with exceptional statistical training should take two more advanced courses by arrangement with the Director of Graduate Studies.  Students are encouraged to take more statistics, as appropriate.

Fundamentals and Core Topics in PBS

AS.200.613 Fundamentals of Biopsychology , AS.200.617 Fundamentals of Cognitive Psychology ,  AS.200.654 Psychological & Brain Sciences Core Topics A , and AS.200.655 Psychological & Brain Sciences Core Topics B  offer an introduction to the fundamental principles and methods of the psychological & brain sciences. Students will read seminal and contemporary papers in topics that cover the breadth of the field. In addition, students become versed in the careful consideration of data and in formulating written and oral arguments.

First-Year Research Report

During the first year, the student, together with the faculty advisor, identifies a research project that will provide extended research experience. Normally, the student designs a study as part of a larger ongoing project. A project proposal must be submitted by June 1 of the first year; this proposal introduces the nature of the scientific problem, reviews the relevant literature, and describes the proposed study in detail, together with the anticipated data, means of analysis, and interpretations. A final written version of this report must be submitted by December 15 of the student's second year; ideally, this "first year project" report includes all the information that would be appropriate for submission to a scientific journal.

Advanced Examination

The Advanced Examination is designed to assess expertise in the student’s area of concentration. This examination, which includes both a written and oral part, is graded by a committee of at least two faculty members. The written and oral portions of the advanced examination offer the student an opportunity to demonstrate both in-depth, focused knowledge in their specialty area of study, and also a breadth of knowledge outside of their area of expertise. The student must pass the advanced examination by the beginning of the third year of study.

Advanced Seminars

Advanced seminars are more specialized in content than a Core Topics course, but are still geared to students with interests both inside and outside the area.  Students are required to complete one advanced seminar outside their concentration area.  Completion of an additional advanced seminar is strongly recommended.

Topical Seminars

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers topical seminars in which one or more faculty members leads seminars on topics of special interest, such as cognitive processes, developmental psycholinguistics, neuro-physiological aspects of behavior, mathematical psychology, and information processing. Through participation in these seminars, students are exposed to findings in subfields of psychology. Topics vary from semester to semester and are determined by the interests of both faculty and graduate students.  The format of the seminar is optional, and the course may or may not require formal tests of knowledge.  Students are urged to complete topical seminars as appropriate.

Research Seminars

Students and faculty engaged or interested in research in particular areas organize these seminars. Participants discuss their own research and other current research in the area.

Teaching Assistantships

Teaching experience is regarded as an important part of the graduate program, and graduate students are required to teach during their program. More details are available in the handbook.  The Department Chair, Director of Graduate Studies, Department Administrator, and Academic Program Administrator collaborate to assess the instructional support needs of the department and assign these teaching duties.

Advanced students may apply for a Dean’s Teaching Fellowship . This prestigious fellowship provides graduate students an opportunity to grow both as educators and scholars by allowing them to propose, design, and offer an undergraduate seminar course.

Literature Review

Students complete a written literature review in preparation of the completion of their dissertation. The literature review is modeled on articles appearing in professional journals, and it should be suitable for publication in such a journal. Typically, the review provides a background for the thesis plan, but for some students it may be prepared on a topic other than the one selected for the thesis. The literature review is evaluated by the same committee that will evaluate the thesis plan.

Thesis Plan

At least one calendar year before receiving the Ph.D. degree, each doctoral candidate must develop a plan for the dissertation research and present the plan before a departmental committee.  The thesis plan is a detailed document stating the issue the student wishes to address in a dissertation, the experimental design to be used, and the way the student will interpret the various possible results.  In essence, it is a proposal for a research project with predictions and preliminary data, rather than results.  The outline of the experiments should be sufficiently clear that the readers will fully understand the procedures; the plan should also include a timeline.

This plan should be completed as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the fourth year.  Dissertation research cannot proceed until the Thesis Plan has formally been approved.  With the committee’s approval, the student then prepares a dissertation.

Dissertation

The dissertation represents the student’s culminating piece of scholarly work. It establishes the start of a research career and the basis for postgraduate employment. The Graduate Board of the University administers the final oral examination, a defense of the thesis. The doctoral dissertation must be in a form suitable for and worthy of publication.

Financial Support

Support for graduate students comes from many different sources. Domestic and international students in good standing can expect to receive tuition remission and a stipend.

Stipend support is competitive with that at other institutions and provides sufficient funds to live modestly. Stipends may come from research grants held by faculty members, allowing students to collaborate and be paid as research assistants. The university also provides funds for teaching assistants, as well as special fellowships.

All students are encouraged to apply for national awards, fellowships, and scholarships (e.g., NSF Graduate Fellowships). Our students have been remarkably successful at winning these honors.

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is also affiliated with two diverse training programs supported by the Center for Hearing and Balance and the National Institute on Aging , including the NIA-supported training grant titled “Research Training in Age-Related Cognitive Disorders.” Qualified graduate students are encouraged to discuss relevant and appropriate training grant applications with their advisors. Stipend and tuition remission may be provided to accepted applicants through these and other training programs.

For further information on graduate study in psychology, contact the Academic Program Administrator for the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences .

Master of Arts in Psychology

A student who has been admitted into the Ph.D. program can earn a Master of Arts degree in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree. Normally, candidates for the Ph.D. degree in psychology will qualify for the M.A. degree at the end of their second year, after having completed two area seminars and at least two courses in psychological research design and/or advanced statistics, provided that their performance is of the quality judged satisfactory for the M.A. level. There is no terminal master’s program.

Research Topics & Ideas: Psychology

100+ Psychology Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Research

If you’re starting out on the dissertation or thesis journey for your psychology degree, the very first challenge you’ll face is finding a solid research topic . In this post, we’ll help get the topic ideation process started by providing a meaty list of research ideas, spanning a range of psychology sub-disciplines. We’ll also look at some examples from actual theses and dissertations to give you an idea of what these look like in the real world.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps (which we’ll explain a little later). Therefore, it’s important to recognise that this post is only the first step in finding a high-quality psychology-centred research topic. To develop a research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this all sounds a bit intimidating, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course , which covers the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from A-Z. You can also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, have a look at our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Psychology-Related Topics

• How to find a research topic (video)
• Behavioural psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Educational psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Social psychology
• Sports psychology
• Examples of actual dissertation topics
• Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
• Where to get extra help

How To Find A Research Topic

In the video below, we explain how to find suitable research ideas (in psychology or any field), and how to then refine those into well-articulated potential topics for your dissertation or thesis. We also discuss a few important evaluation criteria to help you make the right choice for your project.

Below you’ll find a list of research ideas to get your thinking started. Please note that these research topic ideas are intentionally broad and generic, so you will need to refine them a fair deal using the techniques we discussed in the video above.

We’ve grouped the topic ideas based on a few popular areas of psychology to make it a little easier for you to find something in your particular field of interest. That said, there is naturally some overlap between topics, so keep this in mind.

Research Ideas: Behavioural Psychology

• Cultural variation in behaviour and mental health of adolescents during a disaster: a case study
• The impact of parental drug use and risky behaviour on early child development
• The effects of video game violence on aggressive behaviour among teenage boys in school
• The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult risk-seeking behaviour
• The impact of physical exercise on anxiety and health-harming behaviour
• The relationship between personality traits and addiction behaviour
• The effects of reinforcement schedules on decision-making and associative learning
• The effects of daily mindfulness practice on stress and anxiety in middle-aged women
• The use of behavioural interventions in the treatment of eating disorders in poorer communities
• Understanding implicit cognitive processes involved in the over-consumption of fast food
• The use of cognitive behavioural therapy for alcohol addiction treatment
• The impact of extensive technology use in children on long-term attention and focus
• The impact of social media on self-destructive behaviour and poor mental health outcomes
• Exploring the role of sleep and sleep deprivation on healthy behaviours

Research Ideas: Clinical Psychology

• The use of mindfulness-based approaches in the treatment of anxiety disorders among college students
• The use of technology in the delivery of psychological services in war-torn countries
• The effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder
• The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of phobias and PTSD among war veterans
• The role of childhood adversity on adult mental health in immigrant populations in the USA
• The role of genetics and epigenetics in the development of bipolar disorder in Pakistani women: an integrative review
• The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of social anxiety among hikikomori in Japan
• The perception of healthcare workers and patients on the use of teletherapy for the delivery of psychological services
• The impact of social support on mental health outcomes among single parents.
• The effectiveness of integrative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of schizophrenia
• The effectiveness of trauma-focused therapies on post-traumatic growth in domestic abuse survivors
• The role and use of cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression among first-generation students
• The effectiveness of family therapy in addressing childhood trauma and depression
• The impact of cultural mistrust on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in culturally-diverse populations
• The effectiveness of group therapy on post-traumatic stress symptoms among survivors of sexual assault

Research Ideas: Cognitive Psychology

• The impact of lifelong aerobic exercise on cognitive function in old age
• The effects of evening screen use on cognitive development in preschool children
• The impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making among graduate students
• The use of neuroimaging to understand the neural basis of memory retrieval
• The effect of conservative religious homes on social functioning in LGBT+ adolescents
• The role of positive emotions in working memory among high school learners
• The neural basis of decision-making and problem-solving during undergraduate statistic assessments
• The neural basis of language processing among adults learning English as a second language
• The role of technological tools in improving working memory in older adults
• The role of attention in emotional face processing among adult males
• The impact of depression on cognitive function during ageing The impact of daily meditation and mindfulness practice on cognitive function
• The relationship between increased protein intake and improved cognitive function
• The effects of stress on cognitive function among final-year learners

Research Ideas: Developmental Psychology

• The impact of maternal affection on cognitive, social, and emotional development
• The effects of parenting styles on children’s executive function
• The impact of late-night screen use on child development
• The role of digital play on child development outcomes
• Exploring the impact of poverty on early child development in Brazil
• The trauma-informed care as moderating the impact of trauma on child development
• Evaluating the relationship between peer relationship quality and child social development
• The impact of child-targeted media and advertising on child behavioural development
• The role of parental attachment in child resilience
• The moderating impact of culture on bullying and child social development
• The impact of single-parenting on child development in India
• The impact of early educational interventions on child socio-emotional development
• The impact of digital technology use on adolescent development and mental health
• The impact of socioeconomic status on child executive function
• The role of genetics and epigenetics on child neurodevelopmental outcomes linked to depression

Need a helping hand?

Research Ideas: Educational Psychology

• The relationship between self-regulated learning and academic performance in asynchronous versus synchronous learning environments
• Exploring effective parental involvement strategies and their impact on student achievement
• The role of intrinsic motivation in formative assessment in the classroom
• The impact of classroom management and practice on student learning and behaviour
• University students’ preference regarding online learning environments
• The effects of gentrification on student achievement in traditionally poor neighbourhoods
• The impact of teacher expectations and academic self-concept on K12 student mathematics performance
• The use and effectiveness of game-based learning in a high school biology classroom
• The impact of prejudice on the relationship between student motivation and academic performance among Black university students
• The impact of culture on second language English student learning preferences
• The effects of student self-efficacy and engagement on academic performance in secondary school mathematics
• The role of metacognition in learning musicality in hip hop
• The role of small group instruction on teacher efficacy and stress in early childhood education
• The perception and use of multimedia among high school biology teachers in France
• The use of augmented reality applications and its impact on student learning, motivation and attitude

Research Ideas: Forensic Psychology

• The impact of trauma on the psychological functioning of police officers and first responders
• Understanding cultural considerations during forensic psychological assessment and treatment of trauma
• Ethical considerations of the use of AI in forensic psychology in the legal system
• The psychological factors related to recidivism among white collar female offenders in the USA
• The psychological factors related to false confessions among juveniles
• Understanding the use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of eyewitness testimony in criminal courts in England
• The impact of trauma on the reflective functioning of adult female sexual assault victims
• The use and effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing recidivism among non-violent criminals
• The impact of domestic violence on the mental health and forensic evaluation of men
• Exploring the ethical considerations and use of behavioural analysis in the study of criminal behaviour
• The use and limitations of neuropsychological assessment in forensic evaluations
• The use of social media forensics in evaluating criminal behaviour in violent crimes
• The racialised use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of competency to stand trial in Canada
• Exploring the use and availability of virtual reality technologies in forensic psychology in Spain
• The impact of motivational interviewing-based interventions among criminalized drug users

Research Ideas: Social Psychology

• The impact of prejudice and discrimination on social behaviour among African immigrants in South Africa
• The impact of social networks on behaviour and well-being among young adult females
• The effects of social identity on non-conformity in University students
• The effects of group dynamics on risk-seeking behaviour in adult men
• The impact of social media on the quality of interpersonal relationships among high school learners
• The impact of parental emotional intelligence on pro-social behaviour in children and adolescents
• The effects of conformity and deviance on social attitudes and behaviour during a global recession
• The effects of Tik Tok on social comparison and self-esteem among teenage girls
• Understanding gendered differences in social influence and algorithms on impulsive decision-making
• The effects of social support on mental health among healthcare workers in the UK
• The effects of gender roles on social behaviour among trans teens
• The impact of perceived power and social status on the behaviour of social media influencers
• The impact of social norms on prosocial behaviour among women
• The effects of community participation on aggression and violence in middle-aged men
• The impact of culture and gender on social behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research Ideas: Sports Psychology

• The moderating role of cultural factors on the relationship between mental health and sports performance in team sports
• The role of mindfulness practice in addressing stress and anxiety in young national athletes
• The relationship between team cohesion and performance in cricket teams
• The effect of transformational leadership on female sports teams in Canada
• The effect of positive self-talk on athletic performance and motivation among Olympic athletes
• The use and perception of hypnosis in New Zealand team sports Understanding stress and burnout in University team athletes
• The efficacy of personalised nutrition and diet on athletic performance among sprinters
• Exploring mental preparation techniques and their effect on athletic motivation and resilience among team-sport athletes
• Exploring the perception and understanding of goal-setting characteristics on athletic performance among team coaches
• The effects of motivational feedback on the performance of female gymnasts
• The perception and use of visualization and imagery among coaches as a means to enhance sport performance
• The impact of sports injuries on mental health and recovery in high school athletes
• The moderating role of sleep on mental toughness and sports performance in Olympic athletes
• The use and perception of technology in sports training and performance in little league softball

Psychology-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in psychology, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various psychology degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Effects of a Patient Question Prompt List on Outpatient Palliative Care Appointments (McDarby, 2022)
• The role of affect and exercise goals in physical activity engagement in younger and older adults (Stojanovic, 2022)
• Lay Theories about Whether Emotion Helps or Hinders Reasoning and Well-being (Karnaze, 2022)
• The effects of blast-induced traumatic brain injury on two transgenic models of Alzheimer’s Disease (Gann, 2020)
• Understanding the parental mind: Examining the stability of parental reflective functioning across the birth of a child and associations with maternal mind-mindedness (Pitzen, 2021)
• An investigation of ineffective ally behaviours (Collier, 2019)
• Response Inhibition-Related Beta Power: Distinguishing Cognitively Intact Elders by Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (Evans, 2021)
• Recognition Memory of Extremely High-Frequency Words (Miller, 2019)
• The Relationship between Dementia Caregiver Burden and Caregiver Communications in a Memory Clinic Setting (Martin, 2021)
• Examination of Maternal Versus Paternal Ratings of Child Pre-Injury Functioning in Predicting Child Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (Sayer, 2021)
• Electromyography As A Means of Predicting The Rubber Hand Illusion (Teaford, 2021)
• Linking Diversity Climate and Feedback Seeking Through Interpersonal Processes and Race Effects (Flores, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are far more specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

Still unsure about how to find the right topic for your research project? Check out our private coaching services , where we work with psychology students on a 1:1 basis to help them find the perfect topic.

11 Comments

Great insight

A very interesting site that offers a variety of options regarding research topics.

You’re most welcome

A good platform to get information

Amazing and interesting options 👌

Very useful but had not any field of research in health psychology

I feel honored going through this lovely stuff put together. Thank you so much

I need counseling psychology research topics

Thank you this is the good information for research topic and help us my research topic

very empowering and insightful presentations. Can I be assisted in crafting a school psychology-related research topic about African context

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Clinical Psychology Research Topics

Stumped for ideas? Start here

Clinical psychology research is one of the most popular subfields in psychology. With such a wide range of topics to cover, figuring out clinical psychology research topics for papers, presentations, and experiments can be tricky.

Clinical Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Topic choices are only as limited as your imagination and assignment, so try narrowing the possibilities down from general questions to the specifics that apply to your area of specialization.

Here are just a few ideas to start the process:

• How does social media influence how people interact and behave?
• Compare and contrast two different types of therapy . When is each type best used? What disorders are best treated with these forms of therapy? What are the possible limitations of each type?
• Compare two psychological disorders . What are the signs and symptoms of each? How are they diagnosed and treated?
• How does "pro ana," "pro mia," " thinspo ," and similar content contribute to eating disorders? What can people do to overcome the influence of these sites?​
• Explore how aging influences mental illness. What particular challenges elderly people diagnosed with mental illness face?
• Explore factors that influence adolescent mental health. Self-esteem and peer pressure are just a couple of the topics you might explore in greater depth.
• Explore the use and effectiveness of online therapy . What are some of its advantages and disadvantages ? How do those without technical literacy navigate it?
• Investigate current research on the impact of media violence on children's behavior.
• Explore anxiety disorders and their impact on daily functioning. What new therapies are available?
• What are the risk factors for depression ? Explore the potential risks as well as any preventative strategies that can be used.
• How do political and social climates affect mental health?
• What are the long-term effects of childhood trauma? Do children continue to experience the effects later in adulthood? What treatments are available for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in childhood?
• What impact does substance use disorder have on the family? How can family members help with treatment?
• What types of therapy are most effective for childhood behavioral issues ?

Think of books you have read, research you have studied, and even experiences and interests from your own life. If you've ever wanted to dig further into something that interested you, this is a great opportunity. The more engaged you are with the topic, the more excited you will be to put the work in for a great research paper or presentation.

Consider Scope, Difficulty, and Suitability

Picking a good research topic is one of the most important steps of the research process. A too-general topic can feel overwhelming; likewise, one that's very specific might have limited supporting information. Spend time reading online or exploring your library to make sure that plenty of sources to support your paper, presentation, or experiment are available.

If you are doing an experiment , checking with your instructor is a must. In many cases, you might have to submit a proposal to your school's human subjects committee for approval. This committee will ensure that any potential research involving human subjects is done in a safe and ethical way.

Once you have chosen a topic that interests you, run the idea past your course instructor. (In some cases, this is required.) Even if you don't need permission from the instructor, getting feedback before you delve into the research process is helpful.

Your instructor can draw from a wealth of experience to offer good suggestions and ideas for your research, including the best available resources pertaining to the topic. Your school librarian may also be able to provide assistance regarding the resources available for use at the library, including online journal databases.

Kim WO.  Institutional review board (IRB) and ethical issues in clinical research .  Korean Journal of Anesthesiology . 2012;62(1):3-12. doi:10.4097/kjae.2012.62.1.3

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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10 Clinical Psychology Research Topics to Explore

Whether you’re working toward a PsyD or a PhD in Clinical Psychology , landing on a research paper that will sustain your interest throughout your doctoral program can be both thrilling and challenging.

Should you go with a niche you know well or branch out to another psychology specialization ? Should you choose a research topic you’re passionate about or opt for something more topical and needed in the broader realm of behavioral and mental health?

Only you can answer these questions—however, this blog may provide you with some inspiration and direction. Let’s walk through 10 of the most fascinating clinical psychology research topics and how they might bring you closer to your educational and professional objectives.

Explore Clinical Psychology Programs

10 Emerging Research Topics in Clinical Psychology

One of the benefits of clinical psychology is that it’s far from a static field.

With each passing year, we gain more and more insight into the brain and how it affects behavior. In the last few years alone, for example, we’ve obtained a clearer picture of the negative effects of digital media on mental health and behavior. But we’ve also seen how digital media (specifically, mobile apps) can enhance mental health when used correctly. 1

Put simply, clinical psychology is a dynamic, exhilarating realm with seemingly boundless possibilities for further research.

Nonetheless, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when settling on a clinical psychology research paper topic, especially when it’s one that you may be intimate with for years. To that end, consider these top 10 psychology topics to get you started in your research area:

#1. Mental Health Technology and Digital Interventions

The pandemic dramatically altered how healthcare practitioners interact with their patients and clients. Whereas psychotherapy and other forms of counseling were once performed almost exclusively in person, COVID-19 turned mental telehealth into our new reality.

But what might the long-term effects of this be? And will it persist as we march into the future?

Exploring the impact of digital mental health interventions (such as apps, other digital tools, and teleconferences) on well-being may open up a world of possible clinical psychology research topics and questions. 2 For instance, it may compel you to ask and research thoughts like:

• How will AI alter mental health treatments, if at all?
• Will digital mental health interventions ultimately cause or worsen isolation?
• What are the downsides and perks of turning to social media for mental health information?
• What is the relevance and value of in-person counseling sessions, post-pandemic?
• Do clients feel safer in online sessions?
• How can technology be employed to monitor patients outside of sessions?
• How does mental telehealth affect the elderly?

Technology is rapidly and constantly changing. In other words, psychology and technology may be exciting subjects to explore as you work towards starting or completing your doctorate.

#2. Cross-Cultural and Global Mental Health 

Globalization has its pros and cons. Studies indicate that while it may have its advantages, it can also heighten: 4

• Discrimination

Each of these may have lasting effects, including increasing the risk of mental disorders like addiction, depression, and anxiety. In other words, it needs to be examined by experts from multiple standpoints.

As a doctoral student, you’re in an ideal spot to investigate this complex issue. It also emphasizes the need to gain cultural competency and a global mindset as a mental health practitioner, which is another possible research topic in and of itself.

#3. Neuropsychology and Cognitive Processes

The field of neuropsychology and cognitive processes continues to grow, particularly with the advent of digital tools and their ability to monitor cognition. 5 Exploring our advancing knowledge of how the brain affects behavior may allow you to look at a wide range of mental health disorders and the newest clinical interventions that are being made available, such as treating:

• Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

#4. Trauma and Resilience Studies

Psychologists and psychiatrists ranging from Bessel Van der Kolk to Peter Levine forever altered our understanding of trauma. What was once thought of as a purely psychological issue is now understood as a bodily ailment. 6

But how might this look as we move forward in time and gain an enhanced understanding of neuroplasticity? Will somatics continue to play a role in treating trauma, or will technological advances send practitioners and their clients in a completely different direction?

You may be in a position to dig deeper and find out.

#5. Behavioral Health and Chronic Conditions

The unique relationship between chronic conditions and behavioral health is also up for exploration. Growing research indicates that chronic conditions (such as diabetes) can trigger mental health complications like depression, which can then perpetuate the cycle of the chronic condition.

This topic may be especially timely and relevant as it emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between a patient’s full healthcare team and points out flaws in treating chronic conditions solely from a pharmaceutical stance.

#6. Psychotherapy Process and Outcome Research

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and other forms of traditional “talk therapy” have been mainstays in the field of clinical psychology for decades. But this, too, isn’t static, especially as clients continue to look more toward body-based therapies and technology-fueled solutions, like: 8

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Neurofeedback therapy 
• Brainspotting
• Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Is it too soon to know if these and other fresh forms of mental health treatments have the same staying power as, say, cognitive behavioral therapy? This might be optimal for exploration.

#7. Social Determinants of Mental Health 

Social determinants of mental health (SDOMH) refer to the external circumstances that may impact an individual’s mental well-being and make them more vulnerable to conditions ranging from depression to addiction. SDOMH includes: 9

• Unemployment 
• Social isolation
• Urban crowding

How will SDOMH change as we move forward? Will it? Additionally, what is a clinical psychologist’s role in addressing these issues? What are the most effective strategies for working with those who have been disadvantaged?

This is an important topic as we, as a society, continue to address long-buried issues of race and class.

#8. Addiction and Substance Use Disorders

Addiction remains a prevalent topic: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects roughly 10.5% of the population, while 46.8 million Americans wrestled with a substance abuse disorder in 2022 alone. 10

Analyzing the most recent treatments and the future of treatments might not only pave the way for your own work after completion of your PsyD or PhD but also do a tremendous service for those who suffer from addiction (and their loved ones and families).

#9. Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Numerous studies indicate that kids and teens now have unusually high rates of: 11

• Substance use

What plays into this? Is social media entirely to blame, or can social sites also be a resource for youngsters? And how can clinical psychologists tweak their methods to resonate with kids and teens?

These are just three of the many questions you might ask if you decide to adopt this topic for your clinical research.

#10. Ethics and Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology

Last but not least, consider the value of examining both the main and more subtle ethics and professional issues in clinical psychology at work today, such as:

• Privacy 
• Informed consent
• Cultural sensitivity 
• Termination of counseling

Shape the Future of Mental Health with Alliant International University 

From making a substantial difference in the lives of others to eradicating the stigmas that surround certain mental health conditions, clinical psychologists are in a prime position to fuel lasting change. Selecting a clinical research topic that ignites your spirit and works toward solving larger social issues takes this notion to the next level.

Alliant International University may get you closer to becoming the type of clinical psychologist who can make an impact. Whether you’re exploring our PsyD in Clinical Psychology or have just started college, we’re proud to offer doctoral programs for psychology that can help you excel in your future profession. And with online and in-person classes and training, you might find the flexibility your life requires.

Learn more about our clinical psychology programs today.

Sources: 

• “Exploring the Latest Frontiers in Clinical Psychology Research.” The Clinic, March 25, 2024. https://theclinicca.org/exploring-the-latest-frontiers-in-clinical-psyc… .
•  Park, Susanna Y, Chloe Nicksic Sigmon, and Debra Boeldt. “A Framework for the Implementation of Digital Mental Health Interventions: The Importance of Feasibility and Acceptability Research.” Cureus, September 19, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9580609/.  
• Bond, Raymond R., Maurice D. Mulvenna, Courtney Potts, Siobhan O’Neill, Edel Ennis, and John Torous. “Digital Transformation of Mental Health Services.” Nature News, August 22, 2023. https://www.nature.com/articles/s44184-023-00033-y.  
• “Cross-Cultural Mental Health.” CMHA British Columbia, July 14, 2016. https://bc.cmha.ca/documents/cross-cultural-mental-health-and-substance-use-2/.  
• “New Research Looks at the Promise of ‘Digital Neuropsychology.’” McLean News | New Research Looks at the Promise of “Digital Neuropsychology,” January 7, 2019. https://www.mcleanhospital.org/news/new-research-looks-promise-digital-neuropsychology.  
• Kuhfuß, Marie, Tobias Maldei, Andreas Hetmanek, and Nicola Baumann. “Somatic Experiencing - Effectiveness and Key Factors of a Body-Oriented Trauma Therapy: A Scoping Literature Review.” European journal of psychotraumatology, July 12, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8276649/.  
• “The Intersection of Mental Health and Chronic Disease.” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Accessed April 17, 2024. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2021/the-intersection-of-mental-health-and-chronic-disease.  
• Theodora Blanchfield, AMFT. “What to Know about Brainspotting Therapy.” Verywell Mind, January 16, 2024. https://www.verywellmind.com/brainspotting-therapy-definition-techniques-and-efficacy-5213947.  
• Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health. Accessed April 17, 2024. https://www.ncsc.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/70864/Social-Determinants-of-Health.pdf.  
• “Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics (Facts about Addiction).” American Addiction Centers, April 4, 2024. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics#.  
• “Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March 8, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html.  

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Psychology Research Paper Topics

In addition to the extensive topic list, this page includes valuable guidance on how to choose the right research paper topic, offering practical tips to help you make an informed decision. Moreover, you will find expert advice on how to write a compelling psychology research paper, ensuring that your work meets academic standards and contributes meaningfully to the field. For those seeking additional support, iResearchNet provides custom writing services, offering personalized assistance from expert degree-holding writers to help you succeed in your academic journey.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code, 300 psychology research paper topics.

Selecting the right research topic is a crucial step in writing a successful psychology research paper. A well-chosen topic not only aligns with your academic and career goals but also sustains your interest and curiosity throughout the research process. This list is carefully curated to cover a broad spectrum of psychology’s subfields, ensuring that every student can find a topic that resonates with their specific interests. Divided into 20 distinct categories, each containing 15 topics, this list offers a diverse range of subjects, from foundational theories to contemporary issues in psychology, providing a solid starting point for your research journey.

• The Role of Neurotransmitters in Schizophrenia
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
• The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
• Diagnosing and Treating Bipolar Disorder
• The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Therapy for Depression
• The Relationship Between OCD and Perfectionism
• Gender Differences in the Presentation of Eating Disorders
• The Role of Genetics in Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder
• The Effectiveness of Medication vs. Therapy in Treating PTSD
• Social Stigma and Mental Illness: A Barrier to Treatment
• The Impact of Substance Abuse on Mental Health
• Ethical Issues in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Personality Disorders
• The Role of Sleep Disorders in Mental Health
• Early Intervention in Childhood Behavioral Disorders
• The Process of Memory Encoding and Retrieval
• The Role of Working Memory in Problem Solving
• The Effects of Aging on Cognitive Function
• Cognitive Biases in Decision Making
• Language Acquisition in Early Childhood
• The Influence of Attention on Perception
• The Impact of Multitasking on Cognitive Performance
• The Role of Executive Function in Learning
• Cognitive Processing in Dyslexia
• The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Performance
• The Role of Emotions in Memory Formation
• The Impact of Bilingualism on Cognitive Development
• Cognitive Theories of Intelligence
• The Neural Basis of Language Processing
• The Effect of Cognitive Load on Learning and Memory
• Stages of Cognitive Development in Children
• The Role of Parenting Styles in Child Development
• Adolescent Identity Formation and Its Challenges
• The Impact of Early Childhood Education on Development
• The Effects of Divorce on Child Development
• Understanding Attachment Theory in Development
• The Influence of Peer Relationships on Adolescence
• The Role of Play in Cognitive Development
• The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Child Development
• Language Development in Bilingual Children
• Aging and Cognitive Decline: Causes and Interventions
• The Role of Genetics vs. Environment in Development
• The Impact of Technology on Child Development
• The Development of Moral Reasoning in Children
• Understanding Gender Identity Development in Children
• The Role of Social Influence on Behavior
• The Psychology of Groupthink and Decision Making
• The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem
• Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination
• The Role of Stereotypes in Shaping Perceptions
• The Influence of Group Dynamics on Behavior
• The Psychology of Persuasion and Attitude Change
• The Role of Social Support in Mental Health
• Understanding Aggression and Its Causes
• The Impact of Cultural Norms on Social Behavior
• The Role of Leadership in Group Behavior
• The Effects of Social Isolation on Mental Health
• The Psychology of Altruism and Prosocial Behavior
• The Influence of Social Identity on Behavior
• Understanding the Bystander Effect in Emergency Situations
• The Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression
• Understanding the Therapeutic Alliance in Psychotherapy
• The Role of Clinical Assessment in Diagnosis
• The Use of Mindfulness-Based Therapies in Clinical Practice
• The Impact of Trauma-Focused Therapy on PTSD
• The Role of Medication in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
• Understanding the Process of Grief Counseling
• The Use of Play Therapy with Children
• The Role of Family Therapy in Treating Eating Disorders
• The Ethics of Clinical Practice in Psychology
• The Effectiveness of Group Therapy for Substance Abuse
• The Role of Psychotherapy in Treating Personality Disorders
• The Impact of Cultural Competence in Clinical Practice
• The Use of Biofeedback in Treating Anxiety and Stress
• The Role of Clinical Supervision in Therapist Development
• The Neural Basis of Memory and Learning
• The Role of Neuroplasticity in Brain Recovery
• The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Cognitive Function
• Understanding the Neurobiology of Depression
• The Role of Neuroimaging in Diagnosing Neurological Disorders
• The Effects of Neurodegenerative Diseases on Cognitive Function
• The Neural Basis of Language Disorders
• The Role of Genetics in Neurological Disorders
• The Impact of Stroke on Cognitive and Motor Function
• Understanding the Neural Mechanisms of Pain Perception
• The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in Decision Making
• The Effects of Chronic Stress on Brain Function
• The Role of Neurotransmitters in Mental Health
• Understanding the Neural Basis of Addiction
• The Impact of Sleep Disorders on Brain Function
• The Role of Psychological Profiling in Criminal Investigations
• Understanding the Insanity Defense in Criminal Trials
• The Impact of Childhood Abuse on Criminal Behavior
• The Role of Forensic Psychology in Jury Selection
• The Use of Risk Assessment in Predicting Criminal Behavior
• The Psychology of False Confessions
• Understanding the Role of Expert Witnesses in Court
• The Impact of Substance Abuse on Criminal Behavior
• The Role of Eyewitness Testimony in Criminal Cases
• Understanding the Psychology of Serial Killers
• The Use of Psychological Testing in Forensic Evaluations
• The Role of Mental Illness in Criminal Behavior
• The Impact of Correctional Psychology on Inmate Rehabilitation
• Understanding the Ethics of Forensic Psychology Practice
• The Role of Psychology in Child Custody Disputes
• The Role of Stress in Physical Health
• Understanding the Psychology of Chronic Illness
• The Impact of Health Behaviors on Well-being
• The Role of Psychological Interventions in Pain Management
• The Impact of Smoking Cessation Programs on Health Outcomes
• Understanding the Psychology of Eating Disorders
• The Role of Exercise in Mental Health
• The Impact of Psychological Factors on Heart Disease
• The Role of Mind-Body Interventions in Health Care
• Understanding the Psychological Impact of Cancer Diagnosis
• The Role of Social Support in Health Outcomes
• The Impact of Sleep on Physical and Mental Health
• The Psychology of Obesity and Weight Management
• Understanding the Role of Health Psychology in Public Health
• The Impact of Psychological Stress on Immune Function
• The Role of Motivation in Academic Achievement
• Understanding Learning Styles and Their Impact on Education
• The Impact of Teacher Expectations on Student Performance
• The Role of Educational Assessments in Learning
• Understanding the Impact of Classroom Environment on Learning
• The Role of Parental Involvement in Education
• The Impact of Technology on Learning and Teaching
• The Role of Special Education in Academic Achievement
• Understanding the Effects of Bullying on Academic Performance
• The Role of Cognitive Development in Education
• The Impact of Homework on Student Learning
• Understanding the Role of Self-Efficacy in Education
• The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Academic Achievement
• The Role of Peer Relationships in Learning
• Understanding the Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Academic Success
• The Role of Motivation in Workplace Productivity
• Understanding the Impact of Leadership Styles on Employee Performance
• The Role of Organizational Culture in Employee Satisfaction
• The Impact of Job Stress on Employee Well-being
• Understanding the Role of Employee Engagement in Organizational Success
• The Impact of Work-Life Balance on Job Satisfaction
• The Role of Training and Development in Employee Performance
• Understanding the Effects of Workplace Diversity on Team Dynamics
• The Role of Performance Appraisal in Employee Development
• The Impact of Organizational Change on Employee Behavior
• Understanding the Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
• The Impact of Workplace Harassment on Employee Well-being
• The Role of Motivation Theories in Employee Performance
• Understanding the Effects of Job Satisfaction on Employee Turnover
• The Role of Industrial-Organizational Psychology in Human Resource Management
• The Role of Genetics in Personality Development
• Understanding the Big Five Personality Traits
• The Impact of Personality on Behavior and Relationships
• The Role of Personality in Mental Health
• Understanding the Influence of Culture on Personality
• The Impact of Personality on Career Choice and Success
• The Role of Personality Assessments in Psychological Testing
• Understanding the Development of Personality Disorders
• The Impact of Parenting on Personality Development
• The Role of Personality in Academic Achievement
• Understanding the Relationship Between Personality and Intelligence
• The Impact of Personality on Leadership Styles
• The Role of Personality in Romantic Relationships
• Understanding the Effects of Personality on Stress and Coping
• The Impact of Social Media on Personality Expression
• The Role of Psychological Testing in Clinical Diagnosis
• Understanding the Reliability and Validity of Psychological Tests
• The Impact of Cultural Bias in Psychological Testing
• The Role of Item Response Theory in Test Development
• Understanding the Use of Factor Analysis in Psychological Research
• The Impact of Test Anxiety on Performance
• The Role of Standardization in Psychological Testing
• Understanding the Ethics of Psychological Testing
• The Impact of Computerized Testing on Assessment Practices
• The Role of Test Scores in Educational Placement Decisions
• Understanding the Development of Intelligence Tests
• The Impact of Personality Assessments on Employment Decisions
• The Role of Psychometric Testing in Forensic Evaluations
• Understanding the Use of Projective Tests in Clinical Practice
• The Impact of Test Interpretation on Clinical Decision Making
• The Role of Neurotransmitters in Mood Regulation
• Understanding the Biological Basis of Addiction
• The Impact of Hormones on Behavior
• The Role of Genetics in Mental Health Disorders
• Understanding the Neural Basis of Emotion
• The Impact of Brain Injury on Behavior and Cognition
• The Role of the Endocrine System in Behavior
• Understanding the Biological Basis of Aggression
• The Impact of Neurotransmitters on Sleep and Wakefulness
• The Role of the Immune System in Mental Health
• Understanding the Biological Basis of Anxiety Disorders
• The Impact of Stress on the Brain and Behavior
• The Role of Brain Imaging in Psychological Research
• Understanding the Biological Basis of Learning and Memory
• The Impact of Genetics on Intelligence
• The Role of Experimental Design in Psychological Research
• Understanding the Ethics of Experimental Research
• The Impact of Randomization on Research Outcomes
• The Role of Control Groups in Experimental Psychology
• Understanding the Use of Placebos in Psychological Research
• The Impact of Experimenter Bias on Research Results
• The Role of Double-Blind Studies in Psychology
• Understanding the Use of Animal Models in Psychological Research
• The Impact of Experimental Psychology on Clinical Practice
• The Role of Laboratory Experiments in Cognitive Research
• Understanding the Use of Longitudinal Studies in Psychology
• The Impact of Field Experiments on Social Psychology
• The Role of Ethical Review Boards in Experimental Research
• Understanding the Use of Case Studies in Experimental Psychology
• The Impact of Replication on the Validity of Psychological Research
• The Role of the Therapeutic Relationship in Counseling
• Understanding the Use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Counseling
• The Impact of Counseling on Mental Health Outcomes
• The Role of Multicultural Competence in Counseling Practice
• Understanding the Use of Group Counseling in Treatment
• The Impact of Trauma-Informed Counseling on Clients
• The Role of Career Counseling in Personal Development
• Understanding the Use of Family Counseling in Treating Dysfunction
• The Impact of Online Counseling on Accessibility of Care
• The Role of Play Therapy in Child Counseling
• Understanding the Use of Motivational Interviewing in Counseling
• The Impact of Crisis Counseling on Immediate Psychological Support
• The Role of Counseling in Substance Abuse Treatment
• Understanding the Use of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Counseling
• The Impact of Ethical Considerations on Counseling Practice
• The Role of Culture in Shaping Psychological Processes
• Understanding the Impact of Cultural Norms on Behavior
• The Role of Acculturation in Identity Formation
• The Impact of Cultural Differences on Communication Styles
• Understanding the Role of Cultural Values in Decision Making
• The Role of Religion in Cultural Psychology
• Understanding the Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
• The Role of Ethnocentrism in Cultural Perception
• The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Social Behavior
• Understanding the Role of Cultural Competence in Clinical Practice
• The Impact of Migration on Psychological Well-being
• The Role of Cultural Beliefs in Health Behaviors
• Understanding the Impact of Cultural Stereotypes on Behavior
• The Role of Language in Cultural Identity
• The Impact of Cultural Context on Cognitive Processes
• The Role of Environment on Human Behavior
• Understanding the Psychological Impact of Climate Change
• The Impact of Urbanization on Mental Health
• The Role of Green Spaces in Psychological Well-being
• Understanding the Use of Environmental Design in Promoting Well-being
• The Impact of Environmental Stressors on Behavior
• The Role of Environmental Psychology in Disaster Response
• Understanding the Impact of Noise Pollution on Cognitive Function
• The Role of Architecture in Influencing Behavior
• The Impact of Natural Disasters on Mental Health
• Understanding the Psychological Effects of Overcrowding
• The Role of Environmental Awareness in Behavior Change
• The Impact of Climate Change on Community Mental Health
• Understanding the Role of Environmental Psychology in Sustainable Behavior
• The Impact of Environmental Design on Learning and Performance
• The Role of Motivation in Athletic Performance
• Understanding the Impact of Anxiety on Sports Performance
• The Role of Goal Setting in Sports Achievement
• The Impact of Team Dynamics on Sports Success
• Understanding the Use of Mental Imagery in Sports Performance
• The Role of Coaching Style on Athlete Motivation
• The Impact of Stress on Athletic Performance
• Understanding the Role of Sports Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation
• The Impact of Self-Confidence on Sports Performance
• The Role of Psychological Skills Training in Sports
• Understanding the Use of Biofeedback in Sports Psychology
• The Impact of Personality on Athletic Success
• The Role of Sports Psychology in Youth Sports Development
• Understanding the Impact of Performance Anxiety on Athletes
• The Role of Team Cohesion in Sports Success
• The Role of Gratitude in Enhancing Well-being
• Understanding the Impact of Positive Emotions on Health
• The Role of Strength-Based Interventions in Therapy
• The Impact of Mindfulness on Psychological Well-being
• Understanding the Use of Positive Psychology in Education
• The Role of Optimism in Coping with Adversity
• The Impact of Social Connections on Happiness
• Understanding the Role of Resilience in Mental Health
• The Impact of Positive Psychology on Workplace Satisfaction
• The Role of Flow in Enhancing Performance
• Understanding the Use of Positive Interventions in Therapy
• The Impact of Altruism on Psychological Well-being
• The Role of Positive Psychology in Aging Well
• Understanding the Impact of Character Strengths on Happiness
• The Role of Positive Psychology in Building Strong Relationships
• The Role of Antidepressants in Treating Depression
• Understanding the Impact of Antipsychotics on Mental Health
• The Role of Psychostimulants in Treating ADHD
• The Impact of Benzodiazepines on Anxiety Disorders
• Understanding the Use of Mood Stabilizers in Bipolar Disorder
• The Role of SSRIs in Treating Anxiety Disorders
• The Impact of Substance Abuse on Brain Function
• Understanding the Use of Medication in Treating Schizophrenia
• The Role of Pharmacotherapy in Addiction Treatment
• The Impact of Drug Interactions on Mental Health
• Understanding the Use of Psychotropic Medications in Children
• The Role of Pharmacogenetics in Psychopharmacology
• The Impact of Long-Term Medication Use on Cognitive Function
• Understanding the Ethics of Psychopharmacological Treatment
• The Role of Medication in Treating Sleep Disorders

This extensive list of psychology research paper topics reflects the diversity and richness of the field. From exploring fundamental theories to delving into modern-day challenges, these topics cover a wide range of interests and academic pursuits. As you browse through the categories, consider the topics that resonate most with your personal and professional goals. Choosing a topic that genuinely excites you will not only make the research process more enjoyable but also allow you to contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving discipline of psychology.

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Psychology and the Range of Research Paper Topics It Offers

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, encompassing a wide range of phenomena, from the biological underpinnings of cognition to the complex social interactions that shape our experiences. As a scientific discipline, psychology plays a crucial role in understanding human behavior, providing insights that help improve mental health, enhance education, and inform public policy. The field is incredibly diverse, offering numerous branches that explore different aspects of human thought and behavior. From cognitive psychology, which delves into how we process information, to social psychology, which examines how we interact with others, the range of research areas within psychology is vast and continually expanding.

Historical Context

Psychology as a scientific discipline has a rich and varied history. It emerged in the late 19th century, with the establishment of the first psychology laboratory by Wilhelm Wundt in 1879, marking the formal beginning of psychology as a distinct field of study. Early psychologists like Wundt and William James focused on understanding consciousness and the basic elements of human experience. Over time, the field expanded to include various approaches and perspectives, such as behaviorism, which emphasized observable behavior, and psychoanalysis, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, which explored the unconscious mind. As psychology evolved, it began to incorporate more scientific methods and diversified into numerous subfields, each focusing on different aspects of human behavior and mental processes.

Core Areas of Psychology

Psychology today is a multifaceted discipline, with several core areas that each contribute to our understanding of the human mind and behavior.

• Cognitive Psychology focuses on mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving. It seeks to understand how people acquire, process, and store information, offering insights that are applicable in fields ranging from education to artificial intelligence.
• Developmental Psychology examines how people grow and change throughout their lives, from infancy to old age. This branch explores physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, providing valuable information for improving educational practices and understanding the aging process.
• Social Psychology explores how individuals are influenced by their social environment. It investigates topics such as group behavior, social perception, and interpersonal relationships, which are critical for understanding societal issues like prejudice, conformity, and leadership.
• Clinical Psychology is focused on diagnosing and treating mental illness. It combines science and practice to address psychological disorders, offering therapies and interventions that improve mental health outcomes for individuals and communities.
• Biological Psychology (or biopsychology) investigates the biological underpinnings of behavior, examining how the brain and nervous system influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions. This area is particularly important in understanding the physiological basis of mental health disorders and developing pharmacological treatments.

These core areas of psychology form the foundation of the discipline and are highly relevant in contemporary research. Each offers unique insights into different facets of human behavior, making them essential for advancing our understanding of the mind.

Emerging Trends in Psychology Research

While the core areas of psychology provide a solid foundation, the field is also evolving to include emerging trends and interdisciplinary research areas that address modern challenges.

• Neuropsychology is one such area, focusing on the relationship between the brain and behavior. By studying brain injuries, neurological disorders, and brain imaging techniques, neuropsychologists gain insights into how brain function affects cognitive processes and behavior, leading to more effective treatments for conditions like traumatic brain injury and dementia.
• Psychopharmacology explores the effects of drugs on the mind and behavior. This area is critical for developing medications that treat mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Research in psychopharmacology not only enhances our understanding of how different substances affect the brain but also contributes to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
• Positive Psychology is another emerging field that shifts the focus from mental illness to mental wellness. It explores what makes life worth living, investigating topics like happiness, resilience, and personal strengths. Positive psychology has gained traction in recent years, influencing areas such as education, workplace productivity, and mental health care by promoting well-being and flourishing.

Interdisciplinary research is also becoming increasingly important in psychology. By integrating knowledge from fields such as neuroscience, sociology, and anthropology, psychologists can address complex issues that require a holistic approach. For example, understanding the impact of digital technology on mental health involves combining insights from cognitive psychology, social psychology, and communication studies. This interdisciplinary approach not only broadens the scope of psychological research but also enhances its applicability in solving real-world problems.

Importance of Research in Psychology

Research is the cornerstone of psychology, driving the advancement of knowledge and the development of evidence-based practices. Through research, psychologists can test theories, explore new ideas, and apply their findings to improve various aspects of human life. In clinical settings, research is essential for developing effective therapies and interventions, ensuring that treatments are based on scientific evidence rather than anecdotal reports. In educational psychology, research informs teaching strategies and educational policies, helping to create learning environments that foster student success.

Moreover, research in psychology contributes to public health by identifying factors that influence mental well-being and developing programs to prevent mental illness. For example, studies on the impact of stress on health have led to interventions that reduce stress and improve overall well-being, benefiting both individuals and society as a whole.

Psychology research also plays a critical role in addressing societal challenges. By studying topics such as prejudice, discrimination, and social inequality, psychologists can inform policies and programs that promote social justice and equality. This highlights the broader impact of psychological research, extending beyond the individual to benefit communities and societies.

The field of psychology offers a vast array of research paper topics, reflecting its diversity and depth as a scientific discipline. From traditional areas like cognitive and developmental psychology to emerging fields such as neuropsychology and positive psychology, the range of research opportunities is immense. For students, selecting a research topic in psychology is not just about fulfilling an academic requirement; it is an opportunity to explore their interests, contribute to the field, and potentially make a difference in the lives of others. Whether you are passionate about understanding the brain, improving mental health care, or exploring the complexities of human behavior, psychology offers a research area that aligns with your goals. As you embark on your research journey, choose a topic that excites you and challenges you to think critically, paving the way for a rewarding academic and professional career in psychology.

How to Choose Psychology Research Paper Topics

Choosing the right research paper topic in psychology is a critical step in ensuring the success of your academic work. A well-selected topic not only keeps you engaged throughout the research process but also contributes meaningfully to the field of psychology. The topic you choose should be both interesting to you and academically relevant, allowing you to explore an area that sparks your curiosity while meeting the requirements of your course. With the vast array of possibilities in psychology, it’s essential to approach this decision thoughtfully and strategically.

Tips for Choosing a Psychology Research Paper Topic

• Identify Your Interests: Begin by considering what aspects of psychology intrigue you the most. Whether it’s cognitive processes, developmental stages, or social dynamics, focusing on a topic that genuinely interests you will make the research process more enjoyable and fulfilling. Your passion for the subject will also be reflected in the quality of your work.
• Consider the Scope: It’s important to select a topic with an appropriate scope—neither too broad nor too narrow. A broad topic may be overwhelming and difficult to cover comprehensively, while a narrow topic might not provide enough material for a thorough analysis. Aim for a balance that allows you to explore the topic in depth within the constraints of your paper.
• Check Available Resources: Before finalizing your topic, ensure that there is enough research material available. A topic with limited resources can lead to frustration as you struggle to find enough credible sources. Check academic journals, books, and online databases to confirm that your topic is well-supported by existing research.
• Review Recent Literature: Stay current by reviewing the latest studies and publications in your area of interest. This will not only help you identify a timely and relevant topic but also give you insights into emerging trends and gaps in the research that you could address in your paper.
• Consult Your Professor: Your professor is an invaluable resource when choosing a research topic. They can provide feedback on your ideas, suggest potential areas of focus, and help you refine your topic to ensure it meets the academic standards of your course. Don’t hesitate to seek their guidance early in the process.
• Evaluate Relevance: Choose a topic that contributes to the field of psychology. Whether it’s advancing theoretical knowledge, offering new insights, or addressing a practical issue, your research should add value to the discipline. Consider how your topic fits within the broader context of psychological research and its implications for practice or policy.
• Consider the Audience: Think about who will be reading your paper. Select a topic that will engage your audience, whether they are fellow students, professors, or professionals in the field. A topic that resonates with your readers will make your paper more impactful and memorable.
• Reflect on Future Career Goals: If you have specific career aspirations within psychology, choose a topic that aligns with these goals. For example, if you’re interested in clinical psychology, consider topics related to mental health disorders or therapeutic interventions. This approach not only enhances your knowledge in your desired field but also strengthens your resume or CV for future job or graduate school applications.
• Explore Unanswered Questions: One of the most exciting aspects of research is the opportunity to explore unanswered questions or gaps in existing literature. Look for areas where there is a lack of consensus or where further investigation is needed. By addressing these gaps, you can contribute original findings to the field.
• Stay Flexible: Research is an evolving process, and you may discover new information that prompts you to adjust your topic. Stay open to refining or slightly altering your focus as you gather more data and insights. Flexibility allows you to respond to new developments and ensures that your paper remains relevant and well-informed.

Selecting a psychology research paper topic requires careful consideration and thoughtful planning. By taking the time to choose a topic that aligns with your interests, academic goals, and available resources, you set the stage for a successful and rewarding research experience. Remember, the right topic will not only keep you motivated throughout the process but also enable you to produce a paper that contributes meaningfully to the field of psychology. Take the time to explore your options, seek guidance when needed, and choose a topic that you are passionate about—this will ultimately lead to a more engaging and impactful research paper.

How to Write a Psychology Research Paper

Tips for Writing a Psychology Research Paper

• Start with a Strong Thesis: Your thesis statement is the foundation of your research paper. It should clearly define your research question or hypothesis, providing a focused direction for your study. A well-defined thesis helps guide your research and ensures that your paper has a clear and specific purpose. Take the time to craft a thesis that is both precise and debatable, setting the stage for a compelling argument.
• Create an Outline: Before you begin writing, create an outline to organize the structure of your paper. An outline serves as a roadmap, helping you arrange your ideas logically and ensuring that you cover all necessary points. Include sections for the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. This framework will help you stay on track and maintain a coherent flow throughout your paper.
• Conduct Thorough Research: A strong psychology research paper is built on a foundation of thorough and credible research. Use a variety of sources, including academic journals, books, and reputable online databases, to gather information that supports your thesis. Ensure that your sources are up-to-date and relevant to your topic. Take detailed notes and organize your references to make the writing process smoother.
• Write Clearly and Concisely: Clarity and conciseness are key in academic writing. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language that might confuse your readers. Instead, aim to express your ideas in a straightforward and accessible manner. Each paragraph should convey a single idea or argument, and transitions between paragraphs should be smooth and logical. This approach helps ensure that your paper is easy to read and understand.
• Cite Your Sources Properly: Proper citation is crucial in academic writing to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. Familiarize yourself with the required citation style for your paper, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago, or another format, and consistently apply it throughout your work. Accurate citations not only enhance the credibility of your paper but also allow readers to locate the sources you used.
• Maintain a Logical Flow: Your research paper should have a clear and logical structure, with each section building on the previous one. Start with a strong introduction that presents your thesis and outlines the structure of your paper. The body of your paper should provide a detailed exploration of your research question, supported by evidence and analysis. Conclude with a summary of your findings and their implications for the field of psychology. Maintaining a logical flow ensures that your paper is cohesive and persuasive.
• Review and Revise: Writing is a process that often involves multiple drafts. After completing your first draft, take the time to review and revise your work. Look for areas where your arguments can be strengthened, where transitions can be made smoother, or where clarity can be improved. Don’t hesitate to rewrite sections to enhance the overall quality of your paper. Revising is an essential step in producing a polished and well-argued research paper.
• Seek Feedback: Before submitting your paper, seek feedback from peers, mentors, or professors. A fresh pair of eyes can help identify areas for improvement that you might have missed. Constructive criticism can be invaluable in refining your arguments, improving the clarity of your writing, and ensuring that your paper meets academic standards.
• Proofread: Proofreading is the final step in the writing process and is essential for catching grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues. Carefully review your paper to ensure that it is free from mistakes that could detract from its professionalism and readability. Consider reading your paper aloud or using a proofreading tool to catch errors that might be missed during a standard read-through.
• Stay Ethical: Maintaining academic integrity is crucial when writing a research paper. Always ensure that you properly attribute ideas and information to their original sources, and avoid any form of plagiarism. Additionally, if your research involves human or animal subjects, adhere to ethical guidelines and obtain the necessary approvals. Ethical writing practices not only uphold the standards of the academic community but also ensure that your research is respected and credible.

Writing a successful psychology research paper involves careful planning, thorough research, and diligent revision. By following these key steps and tips, you can approach the writing process with confidence and produce a paper that contributes meaningfully to the field of psychology. Remember, the effort you invest in selecting a strong thesis, conducting in-depth research, and polishing your final draft will pay off in the quality of your work. As you navigate this process, stay focused, seek support when needed, and maintain a commitment to academic integrity. With these principles in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to produce a research paper that is both academically rigorous and personally rewarding.

iResearchNet’s Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand that writing a psychology research paper can be a daunting task, especially when juggling multiple assignments and responsibilities. That’s why we offer custom research paper writing services tailored to meet the unique needs of psychology students. Whether you’re struggling to find the right topic, need help with in-depth research, or require assistance with formatting and structure, our team of expert writers is here to support you. By ordering a custom paper from iResearchNet, you can save time, reduce stress, and ensure that your research is of the highest academic quality.

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers: Our team consists of writers who hold advanced degrees in psychology, ensuring that your paper is crafted by someone with deep knowledge and expertise in the field. This guarantees that your research is both accurate and insightful, reflecting the latest developments in psychology.
• Custom Written Works: Each paper we produce is tailored to meet the specific requirements of your assignment. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions; instead, we take the time to understand your needs and create a paper that is uniquely yours.
• In-Depth Research: Our writers conduct thorough research on your chosen topic, using credible and up-to-date sources. This ensures that your paper is well-supported by evidence and provides a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter.
• Custom Formatting: We format your paper according to the required citation style, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard. Proper formatting is crucial for academic success, and we ensure that every detail is correctly applied.
• Top Quality: We are committed to delivering papers of the highest academic standards. Our rigorous quality control process includes multiple rounds of editing and proofreading to ensure that your paper is free of errors and meets all academic requirements.
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Choosing iResearchNet for your psychology research paper needs offers a host of benefits, from expert writing and in-depth research to personalized service and timely delivery. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that you receive a paper that meets the highest academic standards, tailored specifically to your requirements. If you’re looking for reliable and professional assistance with your next psychology research paper, consider iResearchNet as your partner in academic success. Let us help you achieve your goals and take the stress out of the research paper writing process.

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101 Examples of Dissertation Research Topics for Psychology Students

The journey of a psychology student culminates in the all but dissertation stage and the challenging task of selecting a good dissertation topic for psychology. The decision you make at this point will set the stage for your academic and professional trajectory.

This momentous project is not just a rite of passage but an opportunity to delve deeply into a niche area of interest, contribute to a body of knowledge, and possibly even ignite a career-long pursuit. With the vast expanse of psychology stretching from the neural synapses of the brain to the complex social interactions of communities, the challenge lies not in finding a topic, but in narrowing down the multitude of possibilities!

In this article, we present an expansive list of dissertation topics for psychology students who are in the process of choosing a good dissertation topic .

The ideas provided are designed to encourage exploration of both traditional and avant-garde topics, reflecting the current trends and enduring questions that shape the evolving landscape of psychological research. From the psychological impacts of digital detox to the cognitive rehabilitation techniques for stroke survivors, these topics are designed to accommodate various interests and academic pursuits. They cater not only to a comprehensive academic challenge but also to the practical implications that such research can have on individuals, systems, and societies.

As you take a look at these suggestions, it’s important that you consider not only what interests you but also what excites you. The best dissertation topic is one that you can commit to with passion and curiosity, one that promises a journey of discovery replete with challenges and rewards.

Before we present the list of dissertation ideas for psychology students, let’s take a look at what makes a good dissertation research topic.

What Makes a Good Dissertation Research Topic for Psychology Students?

A good psychology research topic should meet several key criteria to ensure it is valuable, feasible, and has the potential to contribute to the field. Here’s an overview of the characteristics that make a research topic stand out:

• Relevance : The topic should address current issues or gaps in the field of psychology. It needs to be pertinent to contemporary debates, practices, or policies. Relevance also means that the research could have practical applications or implications, potentially informing practitioners, policymakers, or the general public.
• Originality : A good research topic brings a new perspective to a known issue or explores an understudied area. The aim is to contribute original knowledge or insights rather than replicating past studies without adding substantial value.
• Specificity : Broad topics can be overwhelming and impractical to tackle within the constraints of a typical research timeline and budget. A well-defined and focused research question allows for a more thorough and in-depth study.
• Clarity : The topic should be framed in a way that is understandable and clear. This means avoiding jargon when unnecessary and defining key terms. A clearly articulated research question guides the methodology and helps maintain focus throughout the project.
• Feasibility : This involves considering the researcher’s access to subjects, resources, and data. The research should be achievable within the given time frame and with available resources. Feasibility also concerns the ethical considerations and approval processes required for conducting research.
• Interest : A researcher’s personal interest and passion for a topic can significantly influence the quality of the research. It’s beneficial if the topic resonates with the researcher’s own scholarly interests and curiosities.
• Scope for Scientific Method : Good psychology research topics should allow for systematic investigation through accepted scientific methods. This includes the potential for hypothesis testing, operationalization of variables, and the use of statistical analysis to draw conclusions.
• Ethical Soundness : Psychology research often involves human subjects, which necessitates careful ethical consideration. A good topic should conform to ethical standards, ensuring the privacy, consent, and welfare of participants.
• Implications : Lastly, a good research topic should have clear theoretical, practical, or clinical implications. It should contribute to a greater understanding of the human mind and behavior, potentially leading to better psychological interventions or therapies.

While selecting a research topic for your dissertation is important, you should never overlook the importance of the writing and editing process. Dissertation proofreading services can help you refine your final draft and ensure it presents you in the best possible light.

101 Psychology Dissertation Ideas

• The Role of Social Media in Adolescent Mental Health: Investigate how different levels of social media use affect mood disorders in adolescents.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Depression: Analyze the efficacy of CBT interventions in treating depression among various age groups.
• Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation After Brain Injuries: Study how different rehabilitation techniques can affect the brain’s plasticity and recovery trajectory post-injury.
• The Psychology of Pandemics: Explore the long-term psychological impact of pandemics on different populations, focusing on coping mechanisms and resilience.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood: Examine the challenges and support systems available for adults with autism, including employment, social relationships, and healthcare.
• Sleep Patterns and Academic Performance: Investigate the correlation between sleep quality and academic success in college students.
• The Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Development: Analyze how different parenting styles affect a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.
• Workplace Psychology and Employee Well-being: Explore the effects of workplace culture on mental health and job satisfaction.
• Memory and Aging: Study the patterns of cognitive decline in memory with aging and the effectiveness of interventions to slow down this process.
• The Influence of Cultural Background on Psychological Treatment Outcomes: Research how cultural beliefs and practices affect the efficacy of psychological treatments for mental health issues.
• Psychological Resilience in First Responders: Investigate the coping strategies used by first responders to manage stress and trauma-related to their line of work.
• The Effect of Nature on Mental Health: Examine how regular exposure to natural environments influences psychological well-being and stress levels.
• Intergenerational Trauma and Healing: Study patterns of trauma transmission in families and communities and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at breaking these cycles.
• The Psychology of Fake News: Explore the cognitive biases that contribute to the belief in and spread of misinformation, and strategies for critical thinking promotion.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Chronic Pain: Evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation practices in managing chronic pain and improving quality of life.
• Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Grief and Mourning: Research how different cultures process and express grief and the implications for counseling practices.
• The Impact of Bilingualism on Cognitive Development: Investigate how learning and using multiple languages from an early age affects cognitive abilities and neural plasticity.
• Social Isolation and Cognitive Function in the Elderly: Examine the long-term cognitive effects of social isolation in senior populations and potential interventions.
• Attachment Styles and Romantic Relationships: Study how early attachment patterns influence adult romantic relationships, including partner selection and relationship satisfaction.
• Cyberpsychology and Identity Formation: Investigate how online environments and social networks contribute to or disrupt the process of identity formation in adolescents and young adults.
• Emotional Regulation in High-Stress Professions: Study strategies and their effectiveness in managing emotional responses in professions such as surgery, law enforcement, or air traffic control.
• Virtual Reality as a Tool for Phobia Treatment: Explore the use of VR environments in the systematic desensitization of individuals with specific phobias.
• Influence of Dietary Patterns on Children’s Behavioral Disorders: Investigate the relationship between nutritional choices and behavioral outcomes in children with ADHD or autism spectrum disorders.
• Psychological Impacts of Climate Change: Examine the effects of climate change on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of loss or grief.
• The Role of Art Therapy in Treating PTSD: Evaluate the efficacy of art therapy interventions for veterans or victims of violence suffering from PTSD.
• Gender Identity Development in Adolescence: Research the factors that influence gender identity and expression during the critical developmental stage of adolescence.
• Cognitive Dissonance and Consumer Behavior: Study how cognitive dissonance affects purchasing decisions and brand loyalty in the retail sector.
• Psychology of Pain Management: Investigate the role of psychological factors in the perception of pain and the effectiveness of psychological pain management techniques compared to pharmacological treatments.
• Social Perception in Online vs. Face-to-Face Interactions: Compare the accuracy of social perception and formation of first impressions in online settings versus in-person encounters.
• The Impact of Social Support on Recovery from Substance Abuse: Explore how different types and sources of social support contribute to the recovery process from drug and alcohol addiction.
• Effects of Microaggressions on Workplace Performance: Investigate how subtle forms of discrimination impact employees’ job satisfaction and productivity.
• The Psychology of Financial Decision-Making in Young Adults: Explore how psychological factors influence financial literacy and decision-making in the transition to adulthood.
• The Role of Pet Ownership in Managing Chronic Mental Illness: Examine the therapeutic benefits of pet ownership for individuals with chronic mental health conditions.
• Mindfulness Interventions in Elementary Education: Study the effects of mindfulness practices on attention and emotional regulation in young children.
• Narrative Identity and Life Transitions: Analyze how personal storytelling and narrative identity evolve during major life transitions, such as retirement or career change.
• Cultural Competence in Psychotherapy: Evaluate the importance of cultural competence in therapeutic practices and client outcomes.
• Psychological Impact of Body Image Portrayed in Social Media: Explore the effects of social media on body image dissatisfaction and the development of eating disorders.
• Eco-Anxiety and Environmental Activism: Examine the psychological effects of climate change concerns on environmental activism behaviors.
• Psychological Processes in Extreme Sports: Study risk assessment, decision-making, and flow states in athletes who participate in extreme sports.
• The Effect of Music Therapy on Cognitive Decline in Dementia Patients: Research the impact of music therapy sessions on the progression of cognitive symptoms in dementia.
• Social Cognition in Virtual Teams: Evaluate how individuals understand and operate within teams that interact exclusively through digital means.
• Attachment Patterns and Social Media Usage: Investigate the connection between attachment styles and usage patterns of social media platforms.
• Psychological Safety and Learning in Academic Settings: Explore the concept of psychological safety and its impact on students’ willingness to engage in learning activities.
• Humor and Coping Mechanisms in Stressful Occupations: Analyze the role of humor as a coping strategy for professionals in high-stress fields like emergency medicine.
• Impact of Sleep Hygiene Education on Student Performance: Evaluate the effectiveness of sleep education programs in improving the sleep quality and academic performance of university students.
• Color Psychology in Marketing and Branding: Study how color influences consumer perceptions and behaviors towards products and brands.
• The Role of Psychological Flexibility in Chronic Pain Management: Explore how acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can aid individuals with chronic pain in improving their quality of life.
• Cyberbullying and Self-esteem in Adolescents: Examine the long-term effects of cyberbullying on self-esteem and identity formation during adolescence.
• Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution: Investigate how emotional intelligence skills facilitate conflict resolution in personal and professional relationships.
• Digital Detox and Psychological Well-Being: Examine the psychological effects of taking regular breaks from digital devices.
• Stress Resilience in Space Exploration: Study psychological resilience strategies for astronauts during long-duration space missions.
• Language Acquisition in Mixed-Language Households: Explore how children in bilingual homes acquire and separate languages cognitively.
• The Role of Play in Child Development: Investigate different play therapies and their impact on developmental disorders in children.
• Implicit Bias and Decision Making in Jury Deliberations: Examine how implicit biases can influence the decision-making process in legal settings.
• Cognitive Effects of Chronic Sleep Deprivation: Research the long-term cognitive impacts of chronic sleep deprivation in adults.
• The Psychology of Superstitions in Sports: Study the role and impact of superstitious behaviors on athletes’ performance.
• The Mental Health Effects of Urban vs. Rural Living: Compare the prevalence and types of mental health issues in urban versus rural populations.
• Psychological Outcomes of Genetic Testing: Explore the emotional and psychological impact of undergoing genetic testing for diseases.
• Intergenerational Effects of Historical Trauma: Investigate the psychological effects across generations within communities that have experienced historical trauma.
• The Impact of Social Comparisons on Self-Esteem: Examine how individuals’ self-esteem is affected by comparisons made on social media platforms.
• Emotion Recognition and AI Interactions: Study how humans perceive and react to emotional expressions by artificial intelligences and robots.
• Personality Development in Space Colonies: Speculate on how living in space colonies might affect personality development and social dynamics.
• The Effect of Parental Leave on Child Psychological Development: Research the long-term effects of various lengths and types of parental leave on children.
• Sensory Processing Disorders and Educational Outcomes: Examine the impact of sensory processing disorders on children’s educational achievements.
• The Influence of Scent on Memory Recall: Explore the connection between olfactory cues and the accuracy or vividness of memory recall.
• Peer Influence on Risky Behavior in Adolescence: Analyze how peer groups can impact the decision-making process in teenagers regarding risky behaviors.
• The Effect of Minimalism on Mental Health: Study the psychological impact of adopting a minimalist lifestyle in a consumer-driven society.
• Psychological Mechanisms of Radicalization: Investigate the cognitive and emotional pathways that lead individuals to adopt radical ideologies.
• Multitasking and Cognitive Load: Investigate the limits of cognitive load and its impact on multitasking efficiency.
• Psychological Effects of Long-Term Spaceflight: Explore the mental challenges astronauts face during extended missions.
• Therapeutic Effects of Creative Writing: Study how creative writing can be used as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression.
• Psychology of Religious Extremism: Examine the factors that contribute to religious extremism from a psychological perspective.
• Mental Health Implications of Climate Migration: Research the psychological impact of relocating due to climate change.
• Social Psychology of Urbanization: Explore how urban living influences social behavior and community dynamics.
• Gestures and Language Development in Children: Investigate the role of gestural communication in early language acquisition.
• Technology Addiction and Family Dynamics: Study the impact of technology addiction on interpersonal relationships within families.
• Psychology of Solitude: Examine the effects of solitude on mental health and personal growth.
• Cognitive Rehabilitation Techniques for Stroke Survivors: Explore effective cognitive rehabilitation methods for post-stroke recovery.
• Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Music on Infant Development: Research the long-term developmental effects of prenatal music exposure.
• Psychological Impacts of Participatory Art: Study how engagement with participatory art can affect psychological well-being.
• Neuroethics of Brain-Computer Interfaces: Delve into the ethical implications of using BCIs in neurology and psychiatry.
• Empathy Development in Virtual Reality Training: Investigate how VR can be used to enhance empathy in professional training programs.
• Social Media and Collective Memory Formation: Examine how social media platforms influence the formation of collective memories.
• Psychological Aspects of Cosmetic Surgery: Research the motivations and outcomes of cosmetic surgery from a psychological standpoint.
• Personality Traits and Online Dating Success: Analyze how different personality traits affect success in online dating.
• Psychological Strategies in Competitive Esports: Study the mental techniques used by esports players to enhance performance.
• Attachment Security and Pet Ownership: Explore the connection between attachment styles and the bond with pets.
• Psychological Effects of Autonomous Vehicles: Investigate how trust and control issues impact the acceptance of self-driving cars.
• Mental Health Services in Rural Communities: Examine the challenges and effectiveness of delivering mental health care in rural areas.
• Cross-Cultural Communication in Global Teams: Research the psychological barriers and facilitators of communication in international teams.
• Psychology of Sustainable Behavior: Study the motivators and deterrents of engaging in environmentally sustainable behaviors.
• Impact of Witnessing Parental Conflict on Children: Investigate the long-term effects of exposure to parental conflict during childhood.
• Sleep Disorders and Emotional Regulation: Examine the relationship between sleep quality and the ability to regulate emotions.
• Trauma-Informed Practices in Education: Explore the implementation and outcomes of trauma-informed approaches in schools.
• Psychology of Menu Design: Analyze how menu layout and choice architecture influence dining decisions.
• Motivational Factors in Crowdfunding: Investigate what psychological factors motivate people to contribute to crowdfunding campaigns.
• Perception of Time in Different Cultures: Research how the cultural background affects the perception and value of time.
• Psychological Resilience in Extreme Athletes: Study the mental toughness and resilience strategies of athletes in extreme sports.
• Influence of Indoor Plants on Mood and Productivity: Explore the psychological benefits of having plants in indoor workspaces.

Each of these topics has a broad range of literature to draw from and the potential to contribute new knowledge or insights to the field of psychology. It’s important to refine these ideas further to create a specific, researchable question that can be addressed within the scope of a dissertation.

PhD in Psychology

Our program trains graduate students to make original contributions to knowledge in the field of psychology. We offer intensive research training with the aim to foster competence in seven domains as follows:

• Written scientific communication.
• Oral scientific communication.
• Evaluating and synthesizing relevant psychological research literature.
• Designing and conducting independent, ethical, and rigorous scientific research.
• Statistical techniques common to psychological research.
• Professional visibility in the broader research community.
• Teaching techniques common in psychology courses.

Graduate students in our program achieve competence in these domains primarily by planning, doing, presenting, and publishing their research. For example, they write manuscripts for publication in academic journals and to satisfy program requirements. They revise their written work with the benefit of feedback from faculty reviewers in our department and via peer review at academic journals. They also present their research to faculty members of milestone committees, to all members of our community in departmental conferences, and to outside scientists at academic conferences.

Graduate students in our program also take courses that build expertise in statistics, various topics in psychology, and in other fields, depending on their interests. Most graduate students in our program obtain teaching experience by serving as a teaching assistant in one or more courses or, occasionally, teaching their own independent courses.

Ultimately, graduate students emerge from our program as experts in their chosen area of psychology. Our program is an excellent fit for applicants interested in pursuing the intensive research training and coursework that facilitates this expertise.

Advancing to PhD Stage

After completion of the master's degree, students formally request to advance to the PhD stage of our program. The decision to advance is made by a majority vote of the department faculty based on satisfactory progress in meeting master’s degree requirements (including performance in classes and as teaching and/or research assistants, laboratory experience, and statistical competence) and scholarly potential.

Although most students enter the program with a bachelor's degree, students may be admitted with a master's degree from another institution and receive advanced standing in the program pending departmental approval and successful completion of first-year program requirements (see Transfer Students section below).

All students are expected to be full-time and actively involved in research throughout their graduate studies.

Research Requirements

The program is based around  five major annual milestones :

• Year 1:  First year project
• Year 2:  Propose master's thesis and at least 6 months later defend master's thesis.   *Request to advance to the PhD stage of the program.
• Year 3:  Conceptual review paper
• Year 4:  Conceptual presentation
• Year 5:  Propose dissertation and at least 6 months later defend dissertation

General Requirement (Years 1-4):  Grant/Publication submission

Besides providing an easy way for you to measure your progress in the program, these major projects are designed, along with the associated coursework, to provide you with a strong research oriented background in your specialty. The specific requirements for these milestones are described in detail in the  Psychology Department Graduate Handbook .

Course Requirements

Graduate students in our program earn credit in class-based courses and by doing lab-based research in the master’s and PhD stages of our program. The credit requirements are as follows: 

Master’s Degree (30 credits):

• Two semesters of proseminar (Psy 201, 202) (3 credits)
• Two semesters of statistics (Psy 207, 208) (9 credits)
• One Psychology core course (3 credits)
• One 100- or 200-level course* (3 credits)
• Graduate Research I (Psy 289 Fall) (3 credits)
• Graduate Research II (Psy 290 Spring) (3 credits)
• Master's Thesis (Psy 295 Fall) (3 credits)
• Master's Thesis (Psy 296 Spring) (3 credits)

PhD Degree (39 credits):

• One 200-level Psychology course (3 credits)
• One 200-level course* (3 credits)
• One career preparation course (3 credits)**
• One 100- or 200-level course*, or research*** (3 credits)
• Graduate Research Advanced I (Psy 291) (3 credits)
• Graduate Research Advanced II (Psy 292) (3 credits)
• Graduate Research Advanced III (Psy 293) (3 credits)
• Graduate Research Advanced IV (Psy 294) (3 credits)
• Dissertation Research I (Psy 297) (4 credits)
• Dissertation Research II (Psy 298) (4 credits)
• Dissertation Research III (Psy 299) (4 credits)

* Psychology or another department ** One of Psy 260, 261, or 262 OR 200-level course of student's choice (PSY or another department) *** Students may take Psy 293/294 twice for credit

Transfer Students

Students entering the program with a master's degree in psychology from another institution should discuss with the Director of Graduate Studies which course and program requirements remain to be met.

Students entering the program with some graduate credits but without a master's degree may transfer up to two graduate-level courses toward the MS in our department unless the courses have already been counted toward another degree, as described on the university’s Graduate Student Transfer Credit page. If approved by the Director of Graduate Studies, graduate courses that have already been counted toward another degree may be used to waive one or more course requirements in our program.

Students who did not do an empirical thesis as part of earning an MS degree in psychology elsewhere must do a thesis project at Tufts. All students who earned an MS degree in psychology elsewhere must still do a first-year project and demonstrate statistical competence. Review the Psychology Department Graduate Handbook for more details.

Psychology, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Psychology

The PhD program in psychology offers comprehensive training in innovative research methods and the application of psychological principles across various human conditions. This program stands out with six highly ranked areas of study:

• behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology
• clinical psychology
• cognitive psychology
• developmental psychology
• quantitative research methods ( formal degree concentration )
• social psychology

Each specialization shapes the core curriculum for its students, encouraging interdisciplinary learning opportunities across the university.

Faculty engage students in groundbreaking research, fostering theoretical exploration in areas such as evolution and behavior; cognitive processes such as attention and memory; personality studies; and societal issues such as stigma and prejudices. Students investigate diverse topics, including individual resilience, cultural influences, neurobiological and psychosocial factors impacting behavior and health, child mental health prevention and life span developmental aspects of emotion and cognition.

A unique strength of this doctoral psychology program is the wealth of outstanding faculty who excel in quantitative methods. No matter their specialized area of focus, students gain access to a wide variety of courses and hands-on experiences, seamlessly integrating quantitative methodologies into their work.

Psychology PhD specializations

Behavioral neuroscience and comparative psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive science, developmental psychology, social psychology, quantitative research methods, degree requirements, curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 or 4 credit hours) PSY 502 Professional Issues in Psychology (3) or PSY 531 Multiple Regression in Psychological Research (4)

Electives and Research (68 or 69 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) PSY 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information In addition to required coursework pertaining to the training area, students take courses related to their area of interest, as determined in consultation with their supervisory committees. Requirements vary across training areas.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• SlideRoom application and fee
• statement of purpose form
• curriculum vitae or resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

To apply to the doctoral programs, applicants must follow the instructions on the doctoral program admission instructions and checklist. It is strongly recommended that applicants download and print this form to ensure completion of the application process and include all of the required supplemental forms.

The Department of Psychology application process is completed online through ASU's graduate admission services, which includes the application form and official transcripts. Application to Department of Psychology doctoral programs is also completed via SlideRoom, for processing of supplemental application materials. The SlideRoom account requires an additional fee.

Applicants must submit three academic letters of recommendation from faculty members who know the student well. Three letters are required, but four letters of recommendation may be submitted.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

The doctorate in psychology opens up diverse career opportunities across academia, education, health care, industry, government and community organizations. This program equips students with a versatile skill set in research design, data analysis, measurement, mental health assessment, treatment and program evaluation.

Graduates are prepared for impactful roles such as consultants, data scientists-biostatisticians, program evaluation specialists, licensed clinical psychologists, psychology professors, research associates, research professors, senior analysts, staff psychologists and teaching faculty.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/727-4561

Research Paper Guide

Psychology Research Topics

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

Psychology Research Topics - 170+ Ideas for Your Paper

By: Nathan D.

17 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Feb 10, 2023

Choosing psychology research topics is not as easy as one might think. If you have to write a good research paper, choosing a good topic is the foremost step. You may have several ideas in your mind while thinking of a topic for the research paper.

Good  research paper writing  needs a good topic. If you have chosen a broad topic, you will have to do a lot of research and background study. It is better to choose a narrow topic to focus on a particular subject while researching and writing.

Psychology is a vast subject that discusses different multidisciplinary issues and brings together a wide range of topics.

You can conduct analysis and research before deciding your topic. This is the reason that it is better to go for a narrow topic. It is also easier for the researcher to research the topic in psychology and conduct analysis with proper details.

On this Page

How to Choose a Topic?

You can choose a topic from any social branch of psychology. You can also select a topic that is related to some sort of mental illness or mental disorder.

The topic may be complex and require a lot of research and analytical study. But the writer can cover all the aspects of the specific topic.

Choosing a good topic is the essential step when you start writing a research proposal. An interesting and new topic is what catches your teacher’s attention. And it gets your idea accepted, apart from, of course, a well-written proposal itself.

Studying some good psychology topics for your papers is the first step when conducting research. Once you have selected the topic, the next step is writing the research paper.

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Psychology Research Topics For High School Students

High school students often explore psychology through research as a great way to learn more. With so many interesting topic, it can be hard to decide which one to study. 

Here are some ideas for psychological research topics that may help narrow down your search.

• How does color affect human behavior?
• Examine the mental health of children with disabilities
• Analyzing the effects of racism on an individual's mental health 
• The role of technology in student learning
• Investigating the correlation between depression and social media usage 
• Is there a connection between video games and violence?
• Understanding the impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior 
• Exploring gender identity in adolescence 
• How does sleep deprivation affect mental health?
• Examine the psychological effects of media consumption on teenagers

Psychology Research Topics for College Students

If you are a psychology student struggling to develop a topic for your research, the following ideas will be helpful. The professional writers of 5StarEssays.com have gathered some exceptional topics to help college students draft compelling papers.

• The social identity theory of Tajfel and Turner.
• Significance of strong self-perception?
• REM phase and continuous sleep disruption.
• How does the brain function when a person is in love?
• Differences in the functioning of the brain of a man and woman.
• How do different forms of amnesia damage brain activity?
• Can PTSD lead to Alzheimer’s disease?
• Impact of yoga on human psychology.
• An autistic brain under MRI.
• Causes and effects of sleep paralysis
• How to treat multiple personality disorders?
• Symptoms and treatment of ADHD
• Social factors that trigger panic attacks.
• Symptoms, causes, and treatment of dementia
• Similarities and differences among midlife crises of a man and a woman.

Research Topics In Psychology For University Students

Psychology allows us to explore the depths of human behavior and gain insight into why people think, feel, and act the way they do. For university students interested in exploring this area further, there are many interesting research topics to choose from. 

Here are some options to consider:

• The Role of Genetics in Mental Health
• How Technology Impacts Mental Health Outcomes
• The Psychological Impact of Racism
• Cyberbullying Prevention Strategies
• Sleep and Memory
• The Influence of Social Media on Adolescents’ Self-Esteem
• The Effects of Music on Emotion
• Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace
• The Role of Gender in Mental Health
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a Treatment for Stress

Criminal Psychology Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Criminal Behavior 
• Examining the Impact of Poverty and Socioeconomic Disadvantage on Crime Rates 
• Exploring the Role of Technology in Modern Day Crime 
• Investigating Media Portrayals of Criminals and their Effectiveness 
• Analyzing Trends and Patterns in Juvenile Delinquency 
• Examining the Effectiveness of Drug Abuse Treatment Programs on Criminal Behavior 
• Understanding the Relationship between Mental Illness and Crime 
• Exploring Effective Strategies for Rehabilitating Criminals in Prisons 
• Investigating the Impact of Religion on Criminal Mindsets 
• Examining Gender Differences in Criminal Behavior 

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

• The Role of Neurotransmitters in Emotional Regulation 
• Brain Development and the Impact of Early Childhood Experiences 
• Exploring Neural Network Connectivity and Its Role in Behavior 
• How Do Cortical Mechanisms Contribute to Cognitive Processes? 
• The Effects of Stress on Memory Formation 
• The Impact of Social Interactions on the Development of Mental Illness 
• Examine the Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning 
• Investigating Neuroplasticity in Response to Environmental Stimuli 
• Exploring Hormone-Induced Changes in Brain Activity  
• The Role of Neurotransmitters in Addiction 
• Exploring Sex Differences in Brain Circuitry and its Impact on Behavior.

Social Psychology Research Topics

• Racism and its effects
• What is Homophobia?
• Social issues involving or related to culture
• What is social depression?
• What is social cognition?
• How does social anxiety affect people?
• Gender roles in our society
• Gender discrimination and its causes
• How does peer pressure affect teenagers?
• Effect of marital disputes on children
• How do violent video games affect children and their brain development?
• Effect of violent cartoons on children's behavior and mental state
• How does divorce affect the emotional development of a child?
• Social anxiety and social depression on an introverted child
• How does bullying affect the social interaction of teenagers in high school or college?

Cognitive Psychology Research Topics

• What are the effects of attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder on the development of a child?
• Discuss the effects of Autism.
• How is color psychology effective in cognitive development studies?
• What is the attention span, and how to measure it?
• Memory loss and different ways to recover it
• How do memories affect the behavior of individuals?
• Which factors can help improve problem-solving abilities in children?
• What is a speech disorder, and how does it affect cognitive development?
• What is critical thinking, and how to measure its ability in cognitive psychology?
• How can subconsciousness affect decision-making ability?
• Increasing violence among teenagers and children
• What causes bullying behavior among children?
• Factors that can contribute to delay in the mental development of a child.
• The effect of romantic movies on a child
• Is single parenting suitable for a child’s mental development?

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Controversial Psychology Research Paper Topics

• The influence of video games on aggression in teenagers
• Gender roles in society: An analysis of stereotypes
• The impact of race and ethnicity on mental health
• The effects of television violence on children’s behavior
• Attitudes towards death penalty: Should it be abolished?
• Causes and effects of anxiety disorders
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating depression
• The role of media in promoting body image dissatisfaction among youth
• Is intelligence determined mainly by genetics or environment?
• Impact of poverty on psychological development
• Workplace bullying and its consequences for employees’ mental health 

Cultural Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Analyzing the Role of Social Communication Platforms in Shaping Culture 
• Examining the Impact of Cultural Diversity on Mental Health 
• Exploring Linguistic Influences on Cognitive Development 
• Investigating How Media Portrayal Affects Cultural Expectations and Ideologies 
• Assessing the Influence of Different Cultural Values on Identity Development 
• Studying the Relationship between Cultural Practices and Gender Roles 
• Examining Intergenerational Transmission of Culture through Family Dynamics 
• Analyzing the Effects of Political and Economic Structures on Cultural Beliefs and Behaviors 
• Understanding How Social Norms Impact Moral Decision Making 
• Investigating the Impact of Religion on Cultural Attitudes and Practices 

Developmental Psychology Research Topics

• Bullying and its effect on mental development.
• The role of media and cartoons in increasing violence.
• How violent video games and cartoons can make children violent?
• Underlying causes that can create a serial killer
• Causes of increase in the psychopathic behavior of teenagers and youth
• Stereotypes and gender roles in our society
• Abusive parents and child development
• Effects of child abuse on the mental development of a child
• Factors that can accelerate the aging process
• Is psychology related to the aging process?
• Long term effects of mental health issues
• How can drugs affect our youth’s mental health in the long run?
• The effects of medication on your mental health
• Effects of postpartum depression on mental health
• How does sleeping disorder lead to other mental illnesses?

Found a topic to write about but don’t know how to start? Here’s an informative video on how to write your research paper.

Abnormal Psychology Research Topics

• What are the causes of the increasing anorexia rate in children?
• Causes of anorexia in adults
• Causes of anxiety disorder and how to overcome it
• Why is there an increase in eating disorders among the youth?
• What are the factors that contribute to an eating disorder?
• Is lying related to the psychology of a person?
• Causes of the rise in teenage suicides
• Is asexuality related to the psychology of a person?
• Psychology and suicidal thoughts
• How to control anxiety and depressing thoughts regarding death?
• What factors can cause multiple personality disorders?
• Violent video games are a cause of mood disorders among children.
• Reasons for phobias and how to deal with them
• Causes of PTSD in offices or workplace
• Is stalking considered a psychological disorder?

Clinical Psychology Research Topics

• Psychology can be used to get control of chronic pain.
• Recent studies suggest that anxiety and panic attacks can be treated using cognitive therapy.
• Is behavioral therapy effective in treating criminals?
• Antidepressants can be addictive, and their usage should be avoided.
• Factors that contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder
• What are the therapy practices effective in dealing with depression?
• Effect of an abusive relationship on the psychology of the victim
• Are antidepressants effective as a remedy for therapy?
• Insomnia – How to treat it in a clinical scenario?
• Which therapy practices are effective in treating addictions?
• Panic attacks and anxiety disorder - How to treat them through therapies?
• Psychological disorders and their clinical treatments
• Causes of Social anxiety and how to treat them?
• Phobias and Paranoias - Treatment through medication and therapy.
• Schizophrenia and the recommended therapies.

Child Psychology Research Topics

• Describe the legal, ethical, and psychological aspects of adoption.
• Negligence of parents is the main cause of childhood obesity. Agreed?
• What are the reasons behind the rising depression in children?
• Explain the introvert personality. What are the consequences of being an introvert, especially in children?
• What are the psychological effects of child abuse? Explain the preventive and remedial measures of childhood abuse.
• What are the consequences of a self-centered mother on a child’s mental wellbeing?
• Explain the phases of a child’s psychological development and growth.
• Does the birth order have any effect on a child’s personality and accomplishments? If yes, then explain how and why?
• How do violent music and video games impact a child’s behavior and mind?
• What are the different kinds of torture, and what are their effects on a child’s mind and adult life?
• Causes of increasing depression among the youth
• What are the physical symptoms of a mental disorder in children?
• Causes of antisocial behavior among teenagers
• Causes and effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children
• Impact of spanking on child’s psychology.

Sports Psychology Research Topics

• What are the future trends in sports psychology? Explain the arguments in light of the high chances of head injuries in football, hockey, and rugby.
• What are the recent changes in team sport and locker room dynamics in sports? Explain your claims with solid evidence and present some future implications also.
• What are the reasons for low health in low-income neighborhoods? How can we use sports and physical activities to promote good health?
• What are the effects and role of the Olympics in promoting sports in the nations that are not active in sports due to underfunding? How can they change their state and invest in games?
• What role do the psychological tests play in determining whether a new athlete coming from the collegiate level will be prone to steroids or violence?
• What are the psychological implications of having a well-known coach on the team? Does it matter if the coach is famous?
• What are the problems faced by young and new coaches? Do they feel pressured and are more prone to injuries? State the reasons with examples.
• Explain the term team chemistry. What is the role of team chemistry in building a sound team and supporting the teammates?
• What are the tactics that athletes can use to control and manage their emotions effectively? Discuss the role of negative emotions in violent sports like boxing.
• How has sport psychology evolved in the last twenty years?
• Significance of sports psychology to promote mental health.
• Effects of steroids on the mental activity of athletes. How does it negatively affect you? What can be done to avoid it?
• Relationship issues and the sports performance of an athlete. How are they related?
• Are panic attacks common in a sportsman’s life? How to deal with them?
• How does a sleeping disorder influence the stamina of the sportsman?

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Experimental Psychology Research Topics

• Can colors play a role in enhancing a person’s mood? Explain how the color blue can make a person feel relaxed and calm.
• Explain the notorious human experiments in history. What are their ethical shortcomings?
• What is the impact of breakfast on a person's overall day-to-day activities?
• What is the relationship between the use of social media and the rising cases of violence in adolescents?
• It is said that geniuses are made, not born. How true is this statement?
• Explain the term Mood Freezing and its implications.
• What is hindsight bias, and how can it be prevented?
• What is a double foot-in-door, and how is it used to manipulate someone?
• What affects the heuristic? Explain it with examples.
• Human cloning can be the answer for childless couples. How true is the statement?
• Causes and effects of dehumanization in Stanford prison.
• Analysis of Milgram’s shock experiment on the unfamiliar environment.
• How can aggression be controlled?
• Obedience and compliance as a function of social status.
• How does group belonging influence an individual’s behavior?

Forensic Psychology Research Topics

• The increasing susceptibility that has led to more home-grown terrorists emerging
• The effectiveness of rehabilitation in prisons and the criminal justice system
• Juvenile murders and what factors affect areas with higher rates of murders carried out by children.
• How does a role in law enforcement impact an individual’s private life?
• Is enough being done to minimize the risks of those in special education ending up in the penal system?
• What is the cause of mass killings in the U.S.?
• Is society neglecting domestic violence that is aimed towards men?
• Explain the role of the internet, movies, and video games in augmenting copycat crimes.
• What is internet police? Explain some useful strategies for effective internet policing.
• What is the role of upbringing in preventing the making of a serial killer? Can a better upbringing prevent it?
• Rules of conduct to follow by the forensic psychologist in the court.
• Risk factors for unreliable evidence.
• Reliability and legitimacy of an eyewitness’s memory.
• The credibility of the statement of a mentally challenged eyewitness.
• Rules to follow by psychologists when verbally interacting with criminals in court.

Interesting Psychology Research Topics

• The effects of media exposure on mental health 
• The role of social media in the formation of relationships 
• How childhood experiences shape personality development 
• The impact of personality traits on academic performance 
• Relationship between drug use and criminal behavior 
• Understanding the motivations behind substance abuse 
• The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy 
• Exploring the effects of different parenting styles 
• Investigating the role of memory in decision making 
• Examining gender roles and their impact on behavior 
• Analyzing the relationships between emotion and cognition

Another easy way to choose psychology research paper topics for your research paper is to write about a famous historical person.

The topic, as narrow as it is, allows the researcher to focus on specific areas. You can also choose to research and write about a psychology career. A case study on an individual by providing a detailed analysis using your research techniques will be great.

Some additional  research paper topics  will help you carry out meaningful and interesting research.

Tips to Write a Research Paper

However, there are no universal processes for writing a good research paper, but you can follow the following steps:

1. Develop an outline

Before you start writing your research paper, it’s important to develop an outline that will guide your writing process.  An outline should include the main points and arguments you want to make throughout the paper. It will help keep your ideas organized and help you stay on track.

2. Research thoroughly

Research is the most important part of writing a research paper. 

Make sure you do your due diligence in researching thoroughly and that you’re gathering reliable sources from trusted experts or academics.

3. Develop a thesis statement

Once you have researched, it’s time to develop a thesis statement that’ll act as the main argument throughout your paper. This should be clear and concise while still conveying all the most important points you want to make.

4. Write a first draft

Once you’ve developed an outline and a thesis statement, it’s time to start writing your first draft. This is where you can really get creative and start fleshing out your ideas and arguments in full sentences. 

Remember not to get too bogged down in the details. Just focus on getting your ideas on paper.

5. Use citations

Once you’ve finished your research, it’s important to correctly cite all your sources. 

This will ensure that you’re giving credit where it’s due. It will also help your readers verify the accuracy of your research.

6. Revise and proofread

Once you’ve finished your first draft, it’s time to go back over it and make any necessary revisions or edits. Make sure that all of your arguments are still clear and supported by evidence and that your paper flows in a logical and coherent manner. 

Additionally, make sure you check for any typos, spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes.

After you’ve revised and proofread your research paper, it’s time to submit it! 

Make sure that you follow all the required submission guidelines of the publication or professor you’re submitting to.

Let’s sum it up!

Writing a research paper can seem like an arduous task, but you can write a winning paper with enough determination and focus. Remember to always back up your points with evidence and create a logical flow in order for your message to be effectively communicated. 

With hard work and dedication, you can create an impactful research paper that will engage your readers. So make sure to take the time to hone your skills and craft a compelling piece of writing!

If you need help, here is a complete guide to writing a research paper that includes everything you need to write a perfect paper. 

Not every student has the writing skills or time to dedicate to a research paper. In this case, seeking help from professional writers is the best available option.

5StarEssays.com has a team of professional writers who can write high-quality academic papers, including term papers to custom essays. Ask our writers to ‘ write my essay ’ and avail of all the professional services.

Our professional essay writers have exceptional writing skills, and they can help you with writing assignments within your deadline.

You can also check out AI essay typer and generate parts of your research paper through it with accurate citations to use as reference. 

Masters Essay, Economics Essay

Nathan completed his Ph.D. in journalism and has been writing articles for well-respected publications for many years now. His work is carefully researched and insightful, showing a true passion for the written word. Nathan's clients appreciate his expertise, deep understanding of the process, and ability to communicate difficult concepts clearly.

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Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

Mental Health PhD Program

A multidisciplinary PhD Program in Mental Health

This Program brings together graduate researchers addressing mental health from diverse disciplinary perspectives - psychiatry, psychology, epidemiology and community mental health, history and philosophy of psychiatry, general practice, paediatrics, psychiatric nursing and social work, among others. Launched in March 2018, the Program is a joint initiative of the University of Melbourne's School of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry. These were joined in 2020 by the Centre for Youth Mental Health and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health.

Our goal is to provide all University of Melbourne PhD students researching mental health with a platform to connect, share and discover new disciplines so that they can become fully-rounded researchers who can approach the field of mental health from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Host departments

The  Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences is one of the most highly regarded schools of psychology in Australia. The School attracts some of the best students nationally and internationally to its broad range of APAC-accredited undergraduate, graduate, professional and research programs. The School's teaching is underpinned by excellence in research across a range of fields, including cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, quantitative psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology and clinical science.

The  Centre for Mental Health is part of the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and aims to improve mental health and mitigate the impact of mental illness at a population level. It does this through high-quality, collaborative, interdisciplinary research, academic teaching, professional and community education, and mental health system development. The Centre contributes to evidence-informed mental health policy and practice in Australia and internationally through the work of its three units:

• Global and Cultural Mental Health
• Mental Health Policy and Practice
• Population Mental Health.

The Centre's three units are involved in active and productive collaborations within the University and beyond. These relationships range from not-for-profit agencies like Mind Australia through to international NGOs such as the World Health Organization, and enables the translation of their research into policy and practice.

The   Department of Psychiatry is committed to the prevention of mental illness and improved quality of life for individuals affected by mental illness, both nationally and internationally. The Department has unique strengths around biological and translational psychiatry research which are internationally recognised. Together with clinical collaborations and involvement in mental health policy and practice, this provides a stimulating environment for learning and research training programs. Their research is driven by pure and applied questions that require cross-disciplinary approaches and partnerships with diverse community organisations - especially those effected with mental illness. The research informs our teaching and clinical training and engagement with the wider community.

The Centre for Youth Mental Health brings together the experience and expertise of world leaders in the field of youth mental health and has become an internationally renowned research centre in this field. The Centre focuses on understanding the biological, psychological and social factors that influence onset, remission and relapse of mental illnesses in young people. Its research findings are actively translated into improved policy, practice and training that inform the development of better interventions, treatments and service systems for young people at different stages of mental ill-health. The multidisciplinary nature of its research provides a diverse and stimulating environment for students. The local and international collaborations with other universities and research institutes link it with a broader research community, with unique global perspectives and the opportunity for an exciting exchange of ideas.

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health (The Florey) is the largest brain research group in the southern hemisphere and one of the world’s top brain research centres. It is an independent medical research institute with strong connections to other research groups, globally. Our scientists are found at three research facilities, one on the grounds of the University of Melbourne in Parkville, one in the adjacent Royal Melbourne Hospital and the other at Austin Health in Heidelberg.

Program activities

Mental health is a multidisciplinary, complex and rapidly growing research domain. Your years as a graduate researcher at the University of Melbourne are the perfect time for you to broaden your skill set, build your network and expand your understanding of this dynamic field. At the moment we have over 70 graduate researchers in our community who come from over a dozen different Centres and Schools within the University and we would love for you to join us!

Our online platform

In order for you to get to know others and learn from the MHPP community's wide variety of disciplines and expertise, we have an online platform with different channels offering a host of opportunities:

• PhD Progress and Professional Development Channel: Ask any questions  you might have about all aspects of your PhD, get peer support and develop your research skills by making the most of professional development opportunities such as online workshops and skills training.
• MHPP Events Channel: Find information here about the events organised by the Program , including social get-togethers, webinars and workshops.
• Members and Alumni Channel: Connect with your fellow PhD students across the many different institutes and schools represented in the Program, learn from alumni and build your research network.
• Items of Interest Channel: Be kept up to date about University of Melbourne events related to mental health and get invited to attend colloquium talks  by local and visiting experts across the different academic host units, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge research in mental health.

And more…

In addition, you can also use the MHPP as a unique opportunity to expand your CV by working on your transferable skills and help run an event or become a Mental Health PhD Program Event Coordinator ( not mandatory ).

Program structure

Mhpp co-directors team.

“This PhD Program provides currently enrolled University of Melbourne PhD students working within the domain of mental health with the opportunity to become accomplished graduate researchers who are not only prepared to engage with their own discipline, but are equipped with the capacity to place their work in a broader multidisciplinary context within mental health.”

Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health

“A PhD position is a big commitment and this program creates a platform to support a true cohort experience and provide a network of support, aimed to help PhD candidates working within the mental health domain through their doctorate and beyond.”

Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Medical School

“Undertaking a PhD can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life, yet sometimes, as one buries deeper into their topic, there is risk of feeling quite isolated and disconnected. The Mental Health PhD Program provides a wonderful opportunity to share the journey, connect with others with similar interests, and gain exposure to the broader mental health research landscape.”

Centre for Youth Mental Health

“The Mental Health PhD Program is a vibrant community of post-graduate students who share a common passion and interest in creating new knowledge in the field of mental health, but who come at this through different disciplines, lenses and research methodologies. This program provides a wonderful and unique opportunity for exposure to different ways of thinking about similar problems in a supportive, collaborative and engaging way.”

Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health

“To transform our understandings into mental health and metal ill-health, we really need multifaceted complimentary approaches that span preclinical tools to clinical approaches and services. This PhD Program provides a unique opportunity for students to be exposed to this breadth of multidisciplinary research that is available within Parkville and the University of Melbourne, and to share their PhD journey with a diverse cohort that will get them thinking about all the levels at which we need to tackle research in the mental health field.”

MHPP Operations Manager

The Mental Health PhD Program now has a wonderful Operations Manager: Brendan Pearl (Department of Psychiatry). Brendan is involved in the organisation, coordination and promotion of many of our great events.

MHPP Event Coordinators

The Mental Health PhD Program has a new online platform with a team of Event Coordinators. This is a team of current MHPP PhD students who help organise events and provide a true cohort experience.  The invaluable contributions of these wonderful MHPP members is what makes the Program truly great!

It is also a great way for members to work on their transferable skills, expand their CVs and create a vast multidisciplinary network with the University of Melbourne. If you would like to join the MHPP and are perhaps interested in taking on the role of Event Coordinator for some time during your PhD journey then please visit the application tab here . We would love to hear from you!

Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health

Centre for Mental Health

Department of General Practice

Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry

Department of Psychiatry

Please find below testimonials from some of our current graduate researchers about their experience of the Mental Health PhD Program.

If you are a mental health graduate researcher, this program is a fundamental building block to understanding how dynamic, complex, inspirational, positive and exciting the field of mental health can be.

Tam Dennis - Graduate Researcher at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

I am very fortunate to be a part of this amazing community and highly recommend it for any PhD student in the area of mental health!

Kavisha Fernando - Graduate Researcher at the Department of Psychiatry

The Mental Health PhD Program (MHPP) is a wonderful program which promotes learning and professional development during your PhD journey.

Carra Simpson - Graduate Researcher at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

What I like about the MHPP is that it provides a platform which is graduate-researcher driven and truly multidisciplinary; it provides opportunities for developing skills which we identify as useful and are above and beyond the scope of our individual departments.

Brendan Pearl - Graduate Researcher at the Department of Psychiatry

I recommend all students with a project related to mental health join the program, get involved and reap the benefits!

Hannah Savage -Graduate Researcher at the Department of Psychiatry

I highly recommend this program to any PhD students in the field of mental health research.

Phoebe Thomson - Graduate Researcher at the Department of Paediatrics

The Mental Health PhD Program creates an inspiring and supportive community of researchers who are united by a common passion for improving mental health and well-being.

Annai Charlton - Graduate Researcher at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

The Mental Health PhD Program provides me with lots of different opportunities; networking, career development and the opportunity to ask experts from interdisciplinary fields for advice.

"The MHPP has helped me develop skills that I otherwise wouldn’t have developed, such as being able to communicate about research to people who work in related fields but use very different research techniques (animal work or qualitative research). It’s also a very social program, and I’ve met a lot of other very friendly PhD students. Being an off-campus PhD student, I sometimes felt a bit disconnected from the university, but this program has helped alleviate this feeling. The new online Teams platform is great, I get to check it whenever I want and there are optional events to join. I’ve found lots of them very useful and I ended spending about 1.5 hours a fortnight engaged with the program (5 minutes a day reading updates and chatting to other students and 1 hour attending an event such as an expert discussion, watching an interview or a coffee moment). I’m hoping to meet you soon and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!"

Yara Toenders - Graduate Researcher at the Centre for Youth Mental Health

Being a part of the MHPP community has been one of the best parts of my PhD.

Anna Ross, Graduate Researcher at the Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health

How to apply?

The Mental Health PhD Program is offered by the University's School of Psychological Sciences, the Centre for Mental Health, the Department of Psychiatry, the Centre for Youth Mental Health and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health.

Graduate researchers at any stage of their PhD candidature and in any Department, Centre or School at the University of Melbourne are eligible to participate.

The Mental Health PhD Program is intended to be a supplement to the training graduate researchers receive in their home department. Program participants will remain enrolled in their current faculties and departments.

Eligibility

To be eligible, graduate researchers must be currently enrolled in a PhD, have their primary supervisor based at the University of Melbourne and be undertaking doctoral research on a topic related to mental health.

Prospective graduate researchers

If you are not currently enrolled, you will need to apply separately for entry to a PhD in a relevant field. This will generally involve finding an appropriate supervisor in a suitable academic Department, School or Faculty. Once you have commenced your mental health-related PhD course, you can then register to join the Mental Health PhD Program.

Check that you meet the University's eligibility and entry requirements to undertake a PhD, and find instructions on how to apply on MDHS' Graduate Research pages . You can also read more general information about the MDHS PhD course .

Applications

The application procedure is currently closed. Due to unforeseen technical issues, the opening for 2021 applications has unfortunately been delayed until February 8, 2020. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

Applications to join the Program can be submitted throughout the year and graduate researchers can join the Program at any time during their candidature.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and you are interested in meeting your peers from throughout the University of Melbourne and creating a more multidisciplinary understanding of mental health research then please apply below. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!

Apply for the Program

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us .

Frequently Asked Questions

What will i get out of the program.

It has never been more important for PhD students to be strategic about career moves, build broad networks and master the right skills to get into their career of choice. The Mental Health PhD Program offers you a platform to:

• Increase your understanding of the multidisciplinary field of mental health
• Save you time finding support and learning about events and resources at the University of Melbourne
• Engage in professional development opportunities specific to the domain of mental health
• Expand your CV
• Present your work, to practice your conference talks or poster presentations
• Get access to extra professional development opportunities workshops, lectures and events that are organised within the University of Melbourne PhD Program Network and only advertised to PhD students who are enrolled in one of the University of Melbourne PhD Programs
• Socialise, share, reflect and learn with and from your peers.

What will the time investment be?

We understand that as a PhD student you have a busy schedule and often competing demands, so we have created an online platform that you can access when and where you like. As a member of the MHPP, we kindly ask you to meet the following time commitment of around three hours per month:

• A weekly active contribution to the online platform. This can be done by posting a question, sharing a tip with your peers, replying to a question posted by another member, liking a post, etc (5-10 minutes per week).
• Join our bi-weekly online events. We really encourage you to attend these live online events so you can ask any questions or join the discussion and share your expertise. That way we really can learn with and from each other. However, we understand you might not always be able to make it so we record most of our events so you can access them at a later point (one hour fortnightly).
• Read any emails you get from the MHPP carefully and reply promptly when needed.

Do I need formal approval from my supervisor to be part of the Mental Health PhD Program?

As of 2020, the Mental Health PhD Program has a new model and formal proof of approval from your Primary Supervisor is no longer required. However, we strongly encourage you to discuss your enrolment into this specific program, as well as your professional development in general, with your supervisor before signing up.

Does the Mental Health PhD Program offer PhD positions?

This multidisciplinary PhD Program is an academic and professional development initiative for currently-enrolled PhD students who are researching a topic within Mental Health. Therefore, this program does not directly enrol students.

Eligible students will need to apply separately for entry to a PhD in a relevant field. This will typically involve finding an appropriate supervisor in a suitable academic Department, School or Faculty. Once students have commenced their mental health-related PhD course, they can register to join the Mental Health PhD Program, which is intended to be a supplement to the training that students receive in their home department.

How can I unsubscribe?

If you need to terminate your enrolment you can do so by unsubscribing from the Mental Health PhD Program Newsletter.

Where can I go for further information?

Please email Anna Schroeder at [email protected] with any questions or feedback. I’d love to hear from you.

This interdisciplinary PhD Program provides participants with the opportunity to become accomplished graduate researchers who are not only prepared to engage with their own discipline, but are also equipped with the capacity to place their work in a broader multidisciplinary context within mental health, maximising their graduate career outcomes.

If you have any questions about the Program or our events, please contact the Program Coordinator Anna Schroeder at [email protected] .

Program Co-Directors

Professor Nick Haslam Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

Professor Jane Pirkis Centre for Mental Health

Professor Chris Davey Department of Psychiatry

Associate Professor Kelly Allot Centre for Youth Mental Health

Professor Andrew Lawrence Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health

Operations Manager

Brendan Pearl Department of Psychiatry

Main Content

Psychology - research topics.

The following Research Topics are led by experts in their field and contribute to the scientific understanding of psychology. These Research topics are published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology , as open access articles .

Physical Activity Applied to Learning and Psycho-social Variables in Young People

The main objective of this Research Topic is to compile the most recent work on physical activity applied to learning and psycho-social variables in young people.

Creativity and Creativity Awareness: New Directions

This article collection aims to bridge the extant literature gap by inviting interdisciplinary, empirical, and theoretical efforts focused on understanding and enhancing creativity awareness.

Optimizing the Therapeutic Potential in Clinical Settings: Leveraging Placebos and Mitigating Nocebo Effects

This Research Topic seeks to inspire scholarly contributions that address the disparity by proposing solutions or mechanisms facilitating the translation of placebo and nocebo research into clinically meaningful practices.

Culture and Emotion in Educational Dynamics - Volume II

The aim of this research topic is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in the field of emotional dynamics in education, with a particular focus on the ways in which culture mediates these dynamics.

Positive Higher Education: Empowering Students through Learning and Wellbeing

This Research Topic focuses on positive higher education, which encompasses positive psychology and education research in higher education.

Demystifying Academic Writing in Higher Education: A Process View on Academic Textual Production

The goal of this Research Topic is to bring a process-oriented and dynamic perspective to the study of textual production in academic contexts by both encouraging an expanded view of existing research paradigms, and also welcoming novel approaches.

Scales Validation in the Context of Inclusive Education

This Research Topic will focus on scales validation in the context of inclusive education.

When (and how) Theory of Mind is useful? Evidence from Innovative Assessment Tools, Training, and Treatments Strategies - Volume II

This proposed research topic endeavors to advance our understanding of ToM while contributing to the development of effective assessment tools and treatment strategies.

Combat Sports Athletes: Influence of Rapid Weight Loss on Psychological and Physiological Responses

The scope of the topic would be exploring various psychological and physiological responses to Rapid Weight Loss in combat sports athletes including both Olympic and non-Olympic sports and martial arts in both striking and grappling sports.

At the Borders of Movement, Art, and Neurosciences

This new Research Topic is dedicated to publishing high-quality scholarly papers on pivotal topics in the interactive field of Art, Movement, and Neuroscience.

Spatial-temporal Metrics to Assess Collective Behavior in Team Sports

The objective of this Research Topic is to compile applied research from experts in the field of team sports performance analysis.

Visual Perception and Mental Imagery in Aging, Health and Disease

This Research Topic will further our understanding of 1) the brain circuits involved in visual perception and mental imagery and 2) the roles of the dorsal and ventral visual pathways in visual perception and mental imagery.

Maximize Performance: Prevention of Health Problems and Optimization of Health and Wellbeing in a (Pre) Professional Dance Context

Background: The high physiological and psychological demands of dancing means that (pre-) professional dancers are prone to health-related problems, such as injuries and mental health problems.

Towards a Psychophysiological Approach in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sports-Volume III

Volume III of this Research Topic delves deeper into the intricate relationship between psychological factors, such as depression, anxiety, and motivation, and their impact on physiological variables during physical activity

Students sit around a table and discuss with a professor nearby. Photo source: Sallie

PhD Admissions

The PhD program in Psychology trains students for careers in research and teaching. In addition to a wide range of courses, the PhD program is characterized by close collaboration between students and their faculty advisors. 

General Information

The Department of Psychology holistically reviews each candidate's complete application to assess the promise of a career in teaching and research. Consideration is based on various factors, including courses taken, grade point average, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Additionally, the Department of Psychology places considerable emphasis on research training, and admitted students have often been involved in independent research as undergraduate students or post-baccalaureate settings. Although there are no course requirements for admission, all applicants should have sufficient foundational knowledge and research experience to engage in graduate-level coursework and research.

We accept students with undergraduate degrees and those with both undergraduate and master's degrees. An undergraduate psychology major is not required; the Department welcomes applicants from other academic backgrounds.

Our application portal is now OPEN for the AY25-26 admissions cycle.

How to Apply

Application and deadline.

Our 2025-26 Admissions application will open on September 15, 2024.

Applications will be due on November 22, 2024

The deadline for letters of recommendation will be  November 22, 2024 . 

Once an applicant submits the recommenders' information, the recommenders will receive an automated email with instructions for submitting the letter. Late letters should be sent directly to psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) . Staff will add them to the application file if the review process is still underway. Still, the faculty reviewers are not obligated to re-review files for materials submitted after the deadline.

Generally, students will hear from us by the end of January. 

The status of submitted applications can be viewed anytime by logging in to the   application portal . 

The deadline to apply for the '25-26 PhD cohort this year is  November 22, 2024 . Applicants who are admitted to the program will matriculate in Autumn 2025. 

Our next admissions cycle will open in September 2025 and have a November 2025 deadline.

In addition to the information below, please review the  Graduate Admissions  website prior to starting your application. The Department of Psychology does not have rolling admissions. We admit for the Autumn term only.

Requirements

• U.S. Bachelor's degree or its  foreign equivalent
• Statement of Purpose (submitted electronically as part of the graduate application). You will be able to specify three  Psychology Department faculty members , in order of preference, with whom you would like to work. 
• Three  Letters of Recommendation  (submitted electronically). A maximum of six letters will be accepted.
• Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges you have attended for at least one year must be uploaded to the graduate application. Applicants who reach the interview stage will be asked to provide official transcripts as well; Department staff will reach out to these applicants with instructions for submitting official transcripts. Please do  not  submit official transcripts with your initial application.
• Required for non-native English speakers: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, submitted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) electronically to Stanford. 

Application Fee

The fee to apply for graduate study at Stanford is $125. Fee waivers are available for some applicants. Please visit Graduate Admissions for information on applying for an  Application Fee Waiver .

Application Review & Status Check

The Department of Psychology welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

To check the status or activity of your application, please log into your  application account . You can also send reminders to recommenders who have not yet submitted their letter of recommendation.

Due to limited bandwidth, the Department of Psychology staff will not answer any phone or email queries about application status, including requests to confirm the receipt of official transcripts.

Our faculty will interview prospective students before making final admission decisions. Candidates who progress to the interview round will be informed in January. Interviews are generally conducted in February.

The Department of Psychology recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

• Diversity and Engagement in Psychology PhD Programs 
• Vice Provost for Graduate Education
• Stanford IDEAL
• Graduate Application Fee Waiver Information

For More Information

Please see our  list of Frequently Asked Questions  and  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (contact us)  should you have additional questions.

Department of Psychology

You are here, recent ph.d. dissertation titles.

Bailey, April H ,   Men at the Center: Androcentric Bias in Cultural Practices and Cognitive Structure

Boswell, Rebecca G ,  Food Craving and Its Regulation: Implications for Obesity and Binge Eating Disorder

Casados, Ava T ,   Understanding Parents’ Judgments of Childhood Mental Illness: Development of the Perceptions of Psychological Symptom Scale

Chung, Yoonho ,   Deviance in Neuroanatomical Maturity as a Biological Marker to Predict the Onset of Psychosis in Youth at Clinical High Risk

Crossman, Molly K ,   Establishing the Influence of Interactions With Animals on Psychological Distress

Jordan, Matthew R ,  Misbelieving: Optimism, Self-deception, and the Shape of Beliefs

Kraft-Todd, Gordon ,   Leading By Example Motivates Prosociality through Second-Order Belief Inference

Lambert, Robert C ,   From Probability to Familiarity: Explorations on the Relationship between Statistical Learning and Processing Fluency

Melnikoff, David E ,   Towards a Goals-First Framework of Cognitiion and Action

O’Connell, Thomas P,   Reconstructing Visual Cognition

Santascoy, Nicholas,   Hostile Attribution for Bias

Vanderlind, William M ,   Understanding Positive Emotion in Depression: The Role of Emotion Regulation

• People Directory
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Cognitive Psychology Concentration

• PSYC100 Research Requirement
• Neuroscience 4+1 (B.S./M.S.)
• Behavioral Neuroscience Requirements
• Clinical Science Requirements
• Cognitive Psychology Requirements
• Social Psychology Requirements
• Delaware Bridge Program
• Psychological & Brain Sciences Labs
• Make a Gift
• Institute for Community Mental Health Clinic

Welcome to Cognitive Psychology

Welcome to the cognitive psychology graduate program, offered by the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences at the University of Delaware. Our primary goal is to train a new generation of theoretically focused scientists to understand the mind and brain.

Our apprenticeship program is designed to rapidly engage new students. During their first semesters, students begin conducting research and consulting with their advisors to select courses that complement their research interests. Throughout the year students choose among a number of colloquia offered by the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Readings are drawn from a variety of areas (courses, cognitive area seminar, independent reading) that help them​ to prepare for the qualifying exam. ​

We provide exciting opportunities for training in research with a number of different populations (including brain-damaged adults, infants, and children) and a range of state-of-the-art techniques. The  Center for Biomedical and Brain Imaging  houses a 3T Siemens Prisma scanner, and we provide extensive training in neuroimaging, including fMRI, DTI, MVPA, and other analysis techniques. We also provide training in EEG, brain stimulation (TMS), eye tracking, computational modeling, and behavioral experiments.

UD's  Early Learning Center  provides on-campus opportunities for research on cognitive development. We encourage collaborative, interdisciplinary research, so our students can obtain the kind of broad training that is required in today’s research environment.

Along with methodological expertise, students develop a strong theoretical foundation in understanding cognitive processes. Students develop these skills via formal coursework in statistics, methods, and special topics in cognition.

Our students will also receive training in teaching, provided in the form of teaching assistantships and courses on best practices in teaching. 

Nature and goals of the program

This apprenticeship program in cognitive psychology for University of Delaware graduate students is designed to rapidly engage new students in research. Students begin conducting research their first semester. The number of  required  courses/seminars is minimal allowing the student in consultation with his/her advisor to select whatever additional courses would be most valuable to that student’s research interests. For breadth in the field, our students attend a weekly cognitive area seminar at which faculty and graduate students present their research and discuss current topics in the field. Throughout the year students can choose among a number of colloquia offered by the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. In addition, during their first two years, students’ readings are drawn from a variety of areas (courses, cognitive area seminar, independent reading) that will help them​ to prepare for the qualifying exam. ​

Collaborations

Our labs tackle core aspects of information-processing, such as scene representation, body representation, language, attention, emotion, learning, and categorization. Many of our faculty have expertise in spatial cognition: how we think about, navigate and perceive the world around us. Given that our faculty have complementary strengths, we strongly encourage bridge-building between labs.

Cognitive students collaborate freely with researchers not only from the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, but also from Linguistics, Education, and Philosophy. Developmental research is enhanced by strong ties to the Early Learning Center and the Cognitive Science Program in Linguistics. Neuropsychological and brain stimulation research is enhanced by collaborations with the Delaware Rehabilitation Institute and faculty in the College of Health Sciences.

Our faculty also have active collaborations with labs at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nevada-Reno, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Research with faculty mentors

Psychological and Brain Sciences faculty have been awarded APA and APS Fellowships and have been appointed as editors or editorial board members of journals such as Attention, Perception & Psychophysics, Child Development, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, Psychological Science, Psychology and Aging, and Psychonomic Bulletin & Review. Faculty research has been featured in The New York Times, The Economist, The Guardian, Parents Magazine, CNN, and Discovery Channel.

Our faculty are currently funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. ​This includes grants using functional neuroimaging to understand dyslexia, robotics to assess visuoproprioceptive integration in brain-damaged individuals, and a new NSF grant to create a post-baccalaureate BRIDGE program in data science and psychology for underrepresented students.​​​

Program Requirements >

Work with our faculty.

Visit each researcher's bio page, linked below, for information on research interests and current funding.

Faculty accepting graduate students for 2025–2026:

• Adrian Gilmore
• Alon Hafri​​
• ​​ Keith Schneider
• Tim Vickery
• ​Maryam Vaziri-Pashkam​

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How To Pick a Research Topic For Your Doctorate in Psychology

by Jasmine Childs-Fegredo

But as a graduate of a BSc in Psychology, I would suggest that while it’s of course a big decision to choose your specialty for your doctorate, the bigger decision by far can be what research topic you choose. Given that you will be spending three to four years on your thesis, and the ultimate goal is to even have it published, the pressure is on to pick a topic that not only motivates you to do your best but is one that you won’t lose interest in.

What’s the best way to approach this daunting decision, and how can you be sure you’ll produce a research project you can be proud of?

5 Ways to choose the best research topic for your doctorate in psychology

1. know what interests you..

It might sound obvious to say start with your existing experience and areas of interest. But it’s not as simple as seeing your interests as exactly what your research should be about. I’d suggest using what you are already involved with as instead a sort of springboard.

For example, I worked as part of a Personality disorders service in a private hospital and delivered mindfulness groups for a Dialectical behaviour therapy programme. I was particularly interested in how mindfulness could assist people diagnosed with Borderline personality disorder, where it seemed to help with serious symptoms such as self-harm .

So I began to explore mindfulness first. I asked some of the patients what they thought of the mindfulness groups. Their response ranged from ‘it’s ok’ to ‘I like it’ to ‘people that think this stuff works need to re-evaluate their lives’. This made me think that perhaps mindfulness was too broad and experiential and perhaps the patients’ treatment itself would give more focus and structure to a research topic. So I began to look at Dialectical behaviour therapy as an intervention for Borderline personality disorder.

Of course you do not have to have direct experience in a topic. It’s not a prerequisite to go with what you know, and certainly a research subject that you have a strong natural motivation for is worth your attention as well.

2. Do your initial literature searches.

Many trainees become overwhelmed by the idea that their thesis for their psychology doctorate must be an ‘original’ piece of work. They think this translates into ‘something that has never been researched before’. But it’s not what it sounds. You aren’t being tasked with changing the face of psychology!

What is actually been asked for is not something entirely groundbreaking, but rather that you add to the literature already available. This means you either address a gap, or build on existing findings.

And instead of being totally original, it is actually wiser to find a topic for which a small body of literature already exists. Why? Because there is usually good reason that some things have never been researched. Perhaps they are topics that won’t generate solid research questions, or don’t pertain strongly enough to psychological thinking. For example, you might want to research how music influences behaviour and think looking at the ways a DJ chooses a playlist could work. But you would run out of psychology to attribute to the research. Instead, the influence of music therapy on hospital inpatients would be a richer psychological angle.

To go back to my personal journey of choosing a research topic for my doctorate in psychology, and remembering I first considered a thesis around mindfulness, my search first took me to mindfulness papers which I found using the online search at the University library. My next step was a training day at the Institute of Psychiatry. This helped me to understand more about the current positioning of the topic as well as gave me the most up-to-date research. I found out mindfulness research was gravitating more towards psychosis than BPD. So I moved to looking at mindfulness as a working part of the DBT programme, refocussing on DBT. I started my search into DBT through websites such as ScienceDirect or NIH (National Institutes of Health) as well as again at my university library.

3. Answer the most important question of all – quantitative, or qualitative?

This is really the most important thing to consider when deciding on your research topic – not just what research to do but what kind of researcher you are. Are you a quantitative researcher, concerned with cause and effect with a statistical outcome, or a qualitative researcher interested in people’s experiences and narratives of events?

You need to ask yourself questions such as:

are you interested in proving if something is effective and works or does not work? (quantitative)

or are you more interested in the experiences of as people/therapists/patients and how they/you make sense of their experiences? (qualitative)

In my situation, I have always been very interested in people’s lived experience of a particular event, and in helping them to develop their own understanding of their experiences. I fit more into the qualitative researcher column. This boded well for me in my field of interest, where there was already a large body of research into the efficacy of DBT, but less focus on the direct experiences of the patients. I was far more interested in understanding how patients understood their treatment, which could perhaps help to inform future delivery of DBT and enhance treatment intervention.

4. Know your methodology and epistemology.

Horrible long words to face as you embark on your doctorate, but both methodology and epistemology are essential to understand. Methodology is the system of procedures you’ll approach your research with, and epistemology is how you position it. Positioning your research means to think about where it fits in relation to other pieces of research on the same topic, and where it fits on the qualitative-quantitative spectrum.

The mistake many trainees make is choosing their methodology before having considered what they would like to find out. It’s crucial not to make this mistake so that your methodology is consistent to answering your research questions, not the other way around. You will get into trouble if you choose the methodology first, as you will be on shaky ground when trying to justify using a particular methodology in order to answer your research questions. Instead, once have found a topic of interest and are familiar with the current research on that topic, ask yourself, what am I trying to find out?

In my situation of looking at how DBT works for Borderline Personality disorder, a quantitative study might have used the methodology of measuring severity of symptoms at the start and then end of treatment, thus coming up with a statistic. But research had already ascertained that DBT is effective in reducing BPT symptoms, and I knew I was more of a qualitative researcher. I wanted to find out how patients experience their DBT treatment and how they made sense of the changes that resulted from the treatment. This led me to look at qualitative methodologies, such as Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a method that is concerned with the lived experiences of people and how they make sense of what has happened to them.

Methodologies to look up – Qualitative: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis IPA); thematic analysis (TA); discourse analysis (DA); narrative analysis. Quantitative: Statistics such as ANOVAs, ANCOVAs, T-tests.

5. Consider Feasibility and Ethics.

The most important point for you to note as a trainee is that rather than wanting to change the world with an innovative and radical piece of research, your thesis should be methodologically and ethically sound.

This means enquiring at your university with regards to who could supervise you, and ensuring that you have adequate support and some input from an experienced academic in your field of interest.

And no matter how dear a topic is to your heart there is no point choosing a project for your doctorate in psychology that would be impossible to recruit subjects for. So think carefully about how you will access your sampl e ( the people that will take part in the research ) . I was lucky in that I had contact with a private hospital that ran a day patient DBT programme, and would also have the backing of the therapies team there. NHS Trusts are a good avenue for recruiting, although keep in mind that as a trainee you need to apply for ethical clearance through the trust you will be recruiting with, once the proposal has been passed by your university.

You can explore any challenges with feasibility and ethics in your reflexive journal. This is essentially a diary of your progress on the project from start to finish – how you felt about your research, dilemmas you faced, how you overcame challenges. Keeping a reflexive journal will enable you to confidently talk about the process of your research when it comes to VIVA – the oral panel examination at the end of the course.

In summary, here is your quick list for choosing your area of research for your professional psychology doctorate.

• CHOOSE something you are interested in
• ASK clinicians or university tutors with regards to your ideas
• THINK are you a qualitative or quantitative researcher? What are you trying to find out?
• READ online journals and be familiar with the most up to date research

Really, counselling psychology is still in its infancy. It’s exciting because this means that there is an opportunity available for the thesis you choose to write to make a real impact. You might want to consider if you can come up with a project that challenges recent criticism that counselling psychologists like to ‘navel gaze’ and look at experiences of other therapists in the profession. Consider instead a project that may have something to offer the delivery of services by influencing clinical practice, outcomes and delivery. I believe as a counselling psychologist trainee , together with qualified psychologists, we all now have the opportunity to raise the profile of counselling psychology, move the field forwards, and perhaps even one day inform government policy.

Have a question we haven’t answered? Ask below, we love hearing from you, or join us on Facebook and start a conversation.

yes, that was wonderful information made me inspired to pic a wonderful topic for my PHD. thank you so much for your information.

Glad it helped!

Hi, Could you advise me if this question it is good to writing a research proposal? How effective is behaviour therapy with ADHD migrants children?

Thank you Kind regards Claudia

Hi Claudia, it definitely sounds interesting. You’ll come up against the debate of whether it is ADHD or trauma. PTSD has very similar symptoms, and there is a good argument that many children diagnosed with “ADHD” often rather have PTSD.

Thanks so much, it helps me a lot. Kind regards

Hi Harley therapy, I was thinking if this question will be better to write a research proposal. How effective is cognitive behavioural therapy with ADHD migrants children? I think it makes more sense, about you? Thank you Regards

Hi Harley therapy, Could you give me an advice ? My question is ‘ how effective is behaviour therapy with ADHD migrants children? So first I have to look at behaviour therapy? Or how this therapy influence ADHD migrants children? Thanks

It could work! It sounds more streamlined. Although again, ADHD in economically challenged communities and struggling families is often PTSD in disguise.

hi, good information thank you

Glad it helped.

Hi Harley Therapy, Thank you for the information. I found it clear and inspiring. I currently work in a therapeutic prison and we use group therapy to work with the clients. In relation to a research topic for the doctoral programme, I was wondering if researching the “staying resolve in group therapy in relation to levels of trauma, shame and vulnerability experienced in childhood” makes any sense. ie what makes people walk out, compromise or self-sabotage so they are kicked out and what makes them stay? Is it the therapeutic model or life experiences or a personal resolve. Are these topics related to counselling psychology at all. On the other hand, Is it possible to talk about interviews stages for the counselling doctorate, especially the written exercise and what to expect. If you have blogged this topic in the past please share the link. Many thanks Obi

Hi Harley therapy, Should the counselling doctoral programme thesis always access the effect of a therapeutic model. I’m not really sure. thanks for all your support.

Hi There Obi, this would be something to raise with your course supervisor, as we would imagine it depends on where you are taking the course and what the school you are taking the course at prefers or if they have such limits.

Hi Obi, unfortunately we don’t know about the second question we don’t have articles on it. This article was written by a writer who is no longer on the team. Your research idea makes a lot of sense, but you’d want to differentiate it from the research already done on this topic. good luck!

Very informative… God blessed you. Suicide incidents occuring very frequently in youth now a days in Pakistan… I intended to find out it causes and prevalence in my Doctorate theses,, should i go for this topic???

Hi Ishrat, unfortunately that decision is up to you!

It’s really a great ,helpful, useful and ofcourse informative! Thanks a lot!! Could you please advise me how to prepare for PhD entrance exam and viva as I’m non-psychological background student. I’ve done my masters in psychology from ignou in the age of 49. Thanks and regards!!

Greetings of the day!

Yog and meditation ,how it is useful to depression and stress management Can this be a topic and if yes, let me know further how could I refine it for my PhD programme

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Ph.D. Graduate Program in Psychological Sciences and Human Development

Introduction.

The Graduate Field of Psychological Sciences and Human Development (PSYHD)  includes faculty members from departments across the university including Psychology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Communication, and Philosophy.  See below for more on the Cornell Field System. The dominant strengths of the PSYHD Field lie in four broadly defined areas: Cognition , Development ,  Neuroscience , and Social and Personality . The goal of the Field is to educate students to become researchers, scholars, and teachers who will contribute to the future of psychology as a scientific discipline in academic or other research-oriented settings.

Our program prepares students for research and teaching careers in academic life, work in government agencies, and careers in industry or other public and private sectors.  We encourage you to explore the history of our M.A. and Ph.D. theses through the  Cornell University Theses/Dissertations guide .

Please note that we do not offer training in clinical psychology, counseling, school psychology, community psychology, industrial psychology, or clinical neuropsychology.  Applicants with primary interests in these subjects are not admitted.

To enter the PSYHD Doctoral (Ph.D.) program, you must  apply directly  to the Cornell University Graduate School. You may also want to investigate the  Cornell Graduate School  site for additional information about applying.

Application portal opens on September 1   Application portal closes on December 1 (11:59 pm)

Ph.D. Program

We offer three Ph.D. Degrees:

•Ph.D. in Psychology  •Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology  •Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies

The Ph.D. Graduate Student Handbook (Quick Guide) can be found here.

The Ph.D. program in PSYHD is a research focused, apprentice-styled (mentor-mentee) graduate program.  The curriculum and requirements are designed for a 5 year program; the median time to complete the Ph.D. is 5.5 years.

Student progress is supervised by a Primary Advisor who serves as the Chair of a Special Committee comprised of two faculty members, typically within the Psychological Sciences and Human Development graduate field . Prospective students should investigate the faculty members within the PSYHD field, and particularly within the Department of Psychology, whose research interests are compatible with the students' interests.  Prospective students for the Ph.D. program should then contact those faculty directly before applying.

Application requirements

• Unofficial transcript of the undergraduate record
• Three letters of recommendation , with a fourth letter optional, which your recommenders will upload to the application.

Academic Statement of Purpose

Describe (within 1000 words) the substantive research questions you are interested in pursuing during your graduate studies, and explain how our program would help you achieve your intellectual goals. Additionally, detail your academic background, intellectual interests and any training or research experience you have received that you believe has prepared you for our program. Within your statement, please also identify specific faculty members whose research interests align with your own interests.

Personal statement of interest

Please describe (within 1000 words) how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, provide insight on your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together. We also encourage you to include information on any of the following areas:

• How your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient especially when navigating challenging circumstances.
• How you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive teams.
• How you have experienced or come to understand the barriers faced by others whose experiences and backgrounds may differ from your own.
• If relevant, how your research interests focus on issues related to diversity, inclusion, access, inequality, and/or equity.
• Your service and/or leadership in efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, access, and equity especially by those from backgrounds historically underrepresented and/or marginalized.
• Additional context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record (including, but not limited to, personal and family struggles with unemployment and health as a result of the pandemic, systemic discrimination and the fight for civil rights, and any other situational factors that may have impacted achievements throughout your life).

Applicants are not required to submit scores on the GRE; the GRE subject test in psychology, or to have had an undergraduate major in psychology. 

Prior research experience is highly desirable; applicants may submit research reports or work.

Additional requirements for International applicants:

• English Language Proficiency requirement (TOEFL or IELTS)
• International Degree Equivalencies

The Field Structure

At Cornell, graduate study is organized using a field structure.   Fields are composed of faculty members from a number of departments who come together around a shared intellectual interest, and may draw from different campuses or colleges.  Graduate students are admitted to fields of study.  Within each field, they select major and minor subjects, which are research interests or concentrations.

Fields span departments and even disciplines.  It’s possible for a student in the field of economics to include faculty on his or her special committee from industrial labor and economics, civil and environmental engineering, and sociology, along with the more traditional economics and management.

Click here for the complete "Fields of Study, Subjects, and Concentrations" in PDF form .

Student Life

Alexander G. Ophir, Director of Graduate Studies Uris Hall, Room 218 E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-3714

Pamela A. Cunningham, Graduate Field Assistant   •  Psychology Ph.D. Uris Hall, Room 211A E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-3834 Fax: 607-255-8433

Marianne Arcangeli, Graduate Field Assistant   •  Developmental Psychology Ph.D.   •  Human Development and Family Studies Ph.D. Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Room G201B E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-4661

Speaking of Psychology: Supporting mental health for youth of color, with Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD

Episode 301.

Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD, a psychologist who has spent decades working to advance the mental health of youth of color, was selected as one of 12 global leaders to receive a $20-million grantmaking fund from philanthropist Melinda French Gates. Dr. Alfiee discusses the state of youth mental health—particularly for intersectional youth of color—the biggest challenges facing young people today, how the conversation around youth mental health has changed in recent years, and how she hopes to use the new funding to make a difference in young people’s lives.

About the expert: Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD

Mills: In May, Melinda French Gates announced that she would donate $1 billion to organizations and individuals working to improve the lives of women and girls around the world. As part of that initiative, Gates's Pivotal Ventures Group chose 12 global leaders each to head a $20-million fund in their area of expertise. One of those leaders is Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, a psychologist who has spent decades working to advance the mental health of intersectional youth and youth of color. Today we’re going to talk to Dr. Alfiee, as she’s known, about the state of youth mental health—particularly for youth of color—what are the biggest challenges facing young people today, how has the conversation around youth mental health changed in recent years, and how does she hope to use the new funding to make a difference in the lives of young people? 

Welcome to Speaking of Psychology , the flagship podcast of the American Psychological Association that examines the links between psychological science and everyday life. I’m Kim Mills.

My guest today, as I mentioned, is Dr. Alfiee Breland Noble, a psychologist, scientist, author, mental health correspondent, and founder of the mental health nonprofit the AAKOMA Project. A thought leader in her field, Dr. Alfiee focuses on mental health and suicide prevention for intersectional youth and young adults of color. Dr. Alfiee holds a PhD in counseling psychology. Before founding the nonprofit AAKOMA Project, she spent nearly 2 decades in academia as a professor at Duke University and Georgetown University. She’s a sought-after public speaker and a regular media contributor to outlets including TheGrio, the Today show, and The New York Times . She hosts the Audacy Radio suicide prevention special, I’m Listening, with Carson Daley and Katie Neal, and cohosted the Born This Way Foundation’s World Kindness Day short film, The Power of Kindness with Lady Gaga. 

Dr. Alfiee, thank you for joining me today.

Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD: Thank you for having me. What a great introduction.

Mills: There was so much to say about you, but let’s start with this new recognition and the $20-million fund you will be leading. It’s a life-changing amount of money. What was it like to get that call? And had you applied for it or was it a total surprise?

Breland-Noble: This is an easy question to answer. It was a complete utter and total surprise, number one, and I got an email and it was mind-blowing. I wasn’t sure it was real until I had an opportunity to communicate with the colleague who was like, Yes, it’s very real. This is not spam, and at that point it was just kind of, I felt like my world sort of exploded. What I like to say to people is I imagine that it’s something like what happens when people get the call for the MacArthur? You know what they call them—the Genius Award? It’s like, right, so MacArthur is a one amount, but you’ve already shared with this $20 million and it’s like, wait, what? Who are you talking to? You sure you got the right person. So it was mind-blowing to say the least.

Mills: Yeah. Wow. We’ll talk more about that fund a little later, but first I want to ask you about the work you’ve been doing with the AAKOMA Project over the past several years. So how did it start and what kind of work does the project do?

Breland-Noble: Alright, so I’ll start with the second question first because that’s really easy. My elevator pitch for the AAKOMA Project is we are an organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which is a Black woman—and a Black woman leader in the nonprofit space was very important to me for the independence, obviously with the checks and balances that a 501(c)(3) provides as opposed to as many people in your audience will know, a fiscally sponsored organization. Nothing wrong with that, but it was important for me for AAKOMA to be a 501(c)(3). Before that, AAKOMA was my research lab. So as you shared, I spent the bulk of my career in academic medicine in departments of psychiatry. So at Duke, because I was in the department of psychiatry, and at Georgetown, I was in the department of psychiatry and I was a health disparities researcher.

So I AAKOMA three pillars: a raising consciousness, empowering people, and changing the system of mental health. And really all of that has to do with creating and finding space for young people of color. And when I talk about young people of color, I’m talking about youth, young adults, the families and communities that they are a part of because no child exists in isolation and they’re also people with multiple identities. So our young people might be LGBTQAI+ and of color, they might have a disability and be of color. They might be all those things together. So at AAKOMA, we’re really about finding and creating space without taking up space from our young people to train them, to collaborate with them, to learn from them, and to empower them to find and create space for themselves within the conversations on mental health and not just find space, but to be centered and uplifted and empowered to know and to recognize that their mental health is important.

So that’s what the AAKOMA Project is. We do programming. I’m a researcher at heart, so we do research. The State of Mental Health of Youth of Color was a seminal report that we put out 2022 and 2023, and that’s who we are and what we do. Then in terms of this being a critical, important part of my career in my life, like I said, when I started, I was in academic medicine and what became apparent to me was that there was flexibility that I needed to do this work that I wasn’t going to be able to find in traditional academic medicine. So we took that research lab, turned it into a 501(c)(3), and we’ve just had the wonderful fortune of having somebody like Melinda French Gates see me and see our work at AAKOMA and say, We want to support this, we want to promote this, and we want to give a person like Dr. Alfiee an opportunity to go out there and do for other people what she was able to do for herself, which is carve out a space to do boots on the ground work for a community that is too underserved, too overlooked, too often not centered in conversations around mental health.

Mills: Now, when you do this research, are you just publishing it yourself or are you going through the peer-review process? Are you going to journals or you’re just putting it out there because people need it?

Breland-Noble: We do all of the above. And so in our field, I always joke, I’m a liberated academic. I was at a convention over the weekend and I said that, and people kind of know what I mean. As soon as I say it, like being a liberated attorney, I have a lot of friends who say, yeah, I’m a liberated attorney. So for us, there are multiple audiences that we’re speaking to and I can’t tell you how elated I am to have the opportunity. I’m so grateful to my team—Catalina and other folks—for helping put this together because psychology and APA has always been important to me. I’ve been in APA since the '90s, the early '90s, and I’ve been able to at different points in time, find a home within APA. And so I have to say how important and meaningful it is for me to be here in this moment.

So when I think about how important this work is and why we do this work and how valuable this work is, it is just really important to me for everybody to understand and recognize that who they are in their core being is perfect as is, and that over time what we’re looking for is for them to grow into more perfect versions of themselves. So when I’m publishing, I want to reach people where they are. So you have young people, they’re not reading peer-reviewed journals unless maybe they’re in grad school, right? When you have our academic peers, they’re not reading generally what laypeople are reading. The gravitas your Baf days come from what peer-reviewed publications? I was a journal editor for a while. I have multiple books that I’ve edited. I have three books out. Two are edited, one is coauthored with a music producer who’s a phenomenal human being. So we put our out everywhere. So it’s on our website. We put information out on socials. I have multiple peer-review, many peer-review, probably over 50 peer-reviewed publications. As I said, the books, and we have a newsletter, so our information gets disseminated in all these places because again, the goal is to center and acknowledge and recognize people who are often left out of these conversations. So we have to go places beyond just peer-reviewed journal publications.

Mills: Now, intersectionality is key to the AAKOMA Project’s mission. Can you talk more about what that means? What exactly is intersectionality for our listeners? Why is it important to consider it in the context of mental and wellbeing?

Breland-Noble: Oh, that’s a wonderful question. So I always love the opportunity to shout out scholars with marginalized identities and the sister professor Kimberly Crenshaw, an attorney from out in California is the person who coined the term, and for her, it really was, as I understand it, an outgrowth of recognizing particularly for her as a Black woman, which I also am am African-American by ethnicity and culture that we don’t ever just exist as women or as Black people. We’re both at the same time. So there are these intersections and people have taken that and have really blown that concept up, but all praise goes to Kimberly Crenshaw, professor Crenshaw, for being the first one to put it out there. And so how it shows up at the AAKOMA Project, I’ll give you a great example from our state of mental health of Youth of Color report, the full report which we put out in 2023, we were able to look at African American, Black American young people who can be from families that have immigrated from the Caribbean or the continent of Africa or Black Latinos, Latino, Latina folks, Native American, Asian American Pacific Islander, and people who primarily identify as multiracial.

Those were the racial ethnic groups that we included in our sample. That gives us the ability to talk about intersectionality, right? Because how often do people talk about multiracial people as an ethnic group? By the same token, we have data on trans girls and trans girls experience of dealing with their mental health, depression, anxiety, exposure to racial trauma, the experience of COVID. That’s not the kind of data that we typically see in our field. We will either see a story or a journal article that talks about queer youth, right? LGBTQIA+ youth or it talks about youth in generally is Black, White, and Latino. That’s generally how people will—everybody else gets shoved into "other." Intersectionality, doesn’t believe in "other." Intersectionality says everybody’s identity is important, and that’s how we try to make it visible at the AAKOMA project in our work.

Mills: Let’s get back to that amazing grant from Melinda French Gates. Now, did you get that money all at once or is it spread out over time?

Breland-Noble: So the way it’s set up is we have a year to push that money out, and as soon as we’re ready to hit go—we’re still in the process of getting up and running with the funds. All of us are all dozen of the people who are doing this, and so it’ll be over the course of the next year that you will see this start to work and to go out there into the public. But we haven’t fully, fully finished the background checks and everything that we need to do to get everything set up fully. We’re still working on getting set up and running, but we have a year to get it out.

Mills: And you have set up this organization called the MATTIE Fund to distribute the money, right? Can you talk about that? Why is it called the MATTIE Fund and what kind of work and organizations will you be looking to support through it?

Breland-Noble: The MATTIE Fund is an acronym. It stands for Mindful Advocacy for Totally Transformative Inclusion and Equity. So if anybody who knows me knows I’m all about diversity, equity, and inclusion, those are golden words to me. Those are not bad words to me. They’re very important, and MATTIE is an acronym, as I said, but the name is my mother’s name. My mom passed away from pancreatic cancer 18 years ago in September, and she was a person who loved everybody even before it was cool. So my mom—they have this organization called Best Buddies and many people are familiar with and Best Buddies focuses on young people with disabilities and partnering them with people who don’t have disabilities and inclusion. My mom was taking care of young people and supporting young people with disabilities before anybody knew what a Best Buddies was. By the same token, my mother was in what we call an ally now, before we knew what an ally was, I remember growing up and she had queer Black students to mentor my brother and me.

And so it gave me the opportunity through watching how my mom walked through the world and how inclusive and loving she was to also incorporate that and to honor her legacy in the work that I do. And so my focus obviously is going to be on mental health and emotional wellbeing with a focus as Melinda French Gates said, focusing primarily on women and girls of diverse backgrounds. But of course, if you’re going to focus on women and girls, you also have to talk to the men and non-binary people and boys who love them, who are a part of their lives. And so that’s what the work is going to be. Looking for people out there working really hard and grinding to create equity in the mental health and emotional wellbeing space for diverse people, diverse young people in particular.

Mills: How will the MATTIE Fund find these recipients and then when they get the money, do they apply for it and do they have to tell you how they’re going to use it? Is this for education? Is this for other reasons that people might need money?

Breland-Noble: So we’re interested in organizations where they can demonstrate through their work—whatever kind of work it is—a commitment to centering not just including, but centering and uplifting diverse young people and their mental health. That is the core. We are not in a place where we’re opening a formal application process. At this stage, we’re not doing that. I’m not sure that we will, but in terms of how are we going to identify organizations, our goal is to identify these organizations organically through personal outreach and through extending our networks beyond just the people we know. So I don’t want it to be just a snowball effect that the people we reach are the friends of the friends of the friends. I think there are other ways that we’re working on sourcing and determining of how do we reach people who are underrepresented, who nobody else is paying attention to.

Right now, some of that—because I do have a marginalized identity and because I am a person who runs an organization that’s focused on these communities, I will already some organizations that other folks don’t know. But I’m also clear, I don’t know everybody. I don’t know everything. So there are people and entities and organizations I won’t have visibility of where I want to figure out how do we get to those folks because the goal is to reach way out into the margins for people doing good work and to bring them into the center to uplift and support them because they’re doing good work for the communities that they serve.

Mills: So it’s all organization to organization, so it’s not MATTIE Fund to individuals. Is that correct?

Breland-Noble: Correct. I don’t think it’ll be funding any individuals.

Mills: There’s been a lot of discussion of a mental health crisis among young people in the last few years, and interestingly recently, CDC released new data found a slight improvement in young people’s mental health since 2021, including among young people of color. But the rates of persistent sadness and suicide attempts were down slightly among girls, though they were still high compared to 10 years ago. I’m curious whether you think that we’re still in a mental health crisis right now, and if so, how much of that is due to the after effects of the pandemic and how much to other factors? 

Breland-Noble:  I think we’re still in the midst of a crisis, a mental health crisis. I remember hearing Dr. Arthur Evans talk about an endemic or something he called it. It was three things happening at once, right? The fight for social justice, COVID, and this mental health crisis. So all these things have converged. I don’t see those things going away anytime seem, if anything, what I see is more willingness to talk about these issues, and this is a critical distinction. What I’m not seeing is a huge uptick in communities of color of people seeking care. One, I don’t know that we have measured it accurately. I don’t know if we’ve measured it at all looking specifically at marginalized communities. So we can talk about representative samples, but remember, for what it’s worth, representative samples means that the vast majority of the sample, probably 50 to 60% of that sample is going to be White.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but it means if we’re lumping everybody else into 40% of the sample and they’re small numbers based on people’s representation in the population, then you’re going to have some folks in these studies where their ethnic group is teeny tiny, 2%, 1%. So we need to know more. So I don’t think we know, and I do think that this critical distinction I’m making is, while we talk about it, do we see, can we identify whether or not everybody is increasing in the right proportions based on need versus actually receiving the support that they need? I’m not sure that we’re there. And I think stigma—the argument would be the stigma has reduced. I think it has somewhat, but when you look across generations, I would not argue that stigma has reduced drastically. I’m Gen X, so you look at Gen X, the Baby Boomers, I’m not sure the stigma has reduced that much, and we’re the parents and grandparents of the kids who are clamoring and fighting for, We need more mental health support. So I think the jury’s still out.

Mills: Here’s a broad question. What do you believe based on the work that you do, are the biggest mental health challenges facing young people today and youth of color in particular?

Breland-Noble: I’ll start with youth of color. I think the biggest challenge is that we as the adults who love them and care for them, don’t do a good enough job of either preparing our young people with the plethora of coping skills that they will need to navigate the society that they’re in now, including navigating, taking care of their mental health, number one. And number two, I don’t think we talk about the social injustices that our young people face enough. We don’t talk about it enough, and I think when you look at data, it’s new for a lot of, now, we’ve been doing this at AAKOMA project since we started, so you talking about 20 something years. The challenge is really we don’t talk about those things enough in the literature. So we’re missing a whole chunk of the lived experience of young people of color because we don’t talk about these things. So for me, that’s a critical inflection point. Until we have those conversations and they’re full, I think we’re going to be behind the eight ball, so to speak, in terms of really being able to understand what is it that our young people are dealing with and where are the points where we can go in and help. I just want to see the data get better and catch up to the actual world that we live in, not the representative sample world that we think we live in.

Mills: I want to talk for a minute about the role of social media, which has become so pervasive in all of our lives and how it affects young people’s mental health. Is it—in your view, is social media more of a problem for young people’s mental health, or is it something that’s good that keeps them connected?

Breland-Noble: I think it’s both. So I had the great fortune of working with the surgeon general who put out the advisory earlier this year. I think Dr. Vivek Murthy is phenomenal in terms of how he’s out front on these issues of mental health and mental illness, particularly for our young people. I’ll also say that I’m not sure that we know fully what all the positive benefits are. I think we have ideas and what all the negative detractors are in terms of social media. I think that there’s room for both. I think you phrased it perfectly. There are ways in which social media allows people to have connection, I think in particular about queer kids, LGBTQIA+ young people. Sometimes home is not safe. The physical home is not safe, but that device is safe because I can connect with people who understand me, who can give me advice, who can support me, who know what’s going on in my life because they’re going through the same thing or they have gone through it, and it creates representation.

Young people always talk about representation matters. That’s true. You need to see people who look like you succeeding to know that you can succeed too. I think on the downside, it comes back to those coping skills. If we don’t help set healthy boundaries, because we as caregivers and parents don’t have healthy boundaries with our relationship to social media, we can’t model for young people what those healthy boundaries need to look like, and that in and of itself becomes a problem. So I really think it’s both. I think we’re still trying to figure out how do we manage both the algorithm in terms of what it feeds us, and how do we manage taking care of our brains and our brain health so that we don’t get caught up in the algorithm and we don’t get caught up in those cues and the psychology that keeps pulling us back into the use of social media. So I think we have a ways to go, but I think it has both positive and negative sides to it for our young people.

Mills: Do you see any differences between young people of color and White kids in the way that they’re using social media or is it all the same?

Breland-Noble: I’m not sure it’s all the same. Again, that’s a question I don’t think we’ve looked at enough. What I do know is that data, I remember this data from Pew Charitable Trust years ago that said that over 80% of Black and Latino, Latin@ kids have smartphones compared to White kids—compared to a lower number of White kids, I should say, to clarify, right? So these children of color, they are on these devices. They have these devices across socioeconomic strata. I think that that means almost by definition there are going to be differences in terms of how they’re engaging. I think as well, we don’t know the answer to this definitively because I’m not sure who studied it intensively. There’s a sister out—Benicia, I think her name is Brendesha Tynes out in California, who’s a professor who studies social media use among kids of color, and I believe I’ve seen her talk about, I know this is the case from our data that young people of color are encountering harassment, racial harassment, gender identity based harassment, LGBTQIA+ harassment at different levels than their White peers.

Because remember, you have another layer, so if you’re something other than White, there’s another layer on top of your gender identity or your queer identity or whatever that identity might be other than race. When you add race to it, when you add culture to it, when you add maybe immigration status to it, when you add language, English may not be your first language. That adds layers, and so what we found in our data was about 18 to 20% of all of our young people, not one incident, but report general experiences over the course of a year periodically with racial harassment. I don’t know what that data is for White young people. I don’t know that anybody studied that. So I would say we know that there’s some data there to tell us that there are differences. I don’t know that we have a preponderance of data. You know how we are in our field. If it’s not in print, it doesn’t exist. If it doesn’t have a regression, it doesn’t mean anything. I don’t know that we have enough data to be able to say definitively that we know for certain that there are these significant differences between White kids and kids of color, but we know there are some differences.

Mills: What are the next questions that you want to study through the AAKOMA project and the data that you’re able to collect?

Breland-Noble: The biggest thing I want to add is we did not—we failed in not adding an Arab MENA population, subsample to our first iteration of the study. So we’re going to rectify that with the next iteration of the study in this climate. Young people who have ties to North Africa in the Middle East, I don’t know that we know what these young folks experience is, particularly when you think about the history of how people from that region are classified in the United States. I can remember being in graduate school with a brother from the Middle East, and he told me—now, remember, this is the '90s. He labeled himself, this is how they were encouraged, as White on the census. He had a very different, and he didn’t look White to me. He had a very different experience racially in this country than someone who does visibly appear White.

So I think we’ve passed that now. There’s a colleague who I sort of mentored years ago named Dr. Gigi Awad, I think she’s at Michigan. She’s a Middle Eastern woman, and she studies this a lot. She actually published a chapter in a book I put out about diversity and mental health. I think we still have to gain more insight into what is the experience of that population. That’s one thing I want to study. Another thing I want to study is I want to get a larger sample because I want to understand through equitable sample sizes, which we had, our subsamples were relatively equal in size in the first iteration, I want to do a larger sample and have it even more equitably distributed. Then I want a larger sample of kids who identify as LGBTQIA+, we did have that sample represented in our data. This time we want to do it again and have a larger sample. So I think I just want to get more into the meat of understanding. When you look at more young people, are we going to start to see some differences emerge that maybe we at the AAKOMA Project didn’t see what our initial sample of 3000 young people, and it’s really important to me to make sure that we’re representing the Arab MENA community in the next iteration of the study.

Mills: Anything else you want our listeners to know about AAKOMA or the MATTIE project? Anything that I neglected to ask you?

Breland-Noble: No, I think you asked wonderful questions. The thing that always comes to me, which is why our research at AAKOMA is so meaningful for me, is that coming from academic medicine, it was such a challenge to get research funding to do this kind of work, to focus on this population, and my hope is always, every time I have an opportunity, again, thank you for this platform to talk about it. It is just to sort of beg and plead with folks who are in power and have the capacity to do this, to increase the funding so that other folks out here who are interested in the mental of diverse young people also have an opportunity to generate knowledge so we can answer some of the questions that we’ve taken a stab at answering today. That’s the only other thing I would add.

Mills: Well, I want to thank you so much for joining me today and congratulate you on this wonderful grant that you’ve been given.

Breland-Noble: Thank you so much for having me. This has been a joy and a pleasure, and I love my colleagues at APA. You all are wonderful.

Mills: Thank you. You can find previous episodes of Speaking of Psychology on our website at www.speakingofpsychology.org or on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. And if you like what you’ve heard, please subscribe and leave us a review. If you have comments or ideas for future podcasts, you can email us at [email protected] . Speaking of Psychology is produced by Lea Weinman. 

Thank you for listening. For the American Psychological Association, I’m Kim Mills.

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Episode 301: Supporting mental health for youth of color, with Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD

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• The AAKOMA Project
• Alfiee Breland-Noble, PhD

Speaking of Psychology

Speaking of Psychology is an audio podcast series highlighting some of the latest, most important, and relevant psychological research being conducted today.

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Your host: Kim I. Mills

Kim I. Mills is senior director of strategic external communications and public affairs for the American Psychological Association, where she has worked since 2007. Mills led APA’s foray into social media and envisioned and launched APA’s award-winning podcast series Speaking of Psychology  in 2013. A former reporter and editor for The Associated Press, Mills has also written for publications including The Washington Post , Fast Company , American Journalism Review , Dallas Morning News , MSNBC.com and Harvard Business Review .

In her 30+-year career in communications, Mills has extensive media experience, including being interviewed by The New York Times , The Washington Post , The Wall Street Journal , and other top-tier print media. She has appeared on CNN, Good Morning America , Hannity and Colmes , CSPAN, and the BBC, to name a few of her broadcast engagements. Mills holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Barnard College and a master’s in journalism from New York University.

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