psychology dissertation suggestions

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

Psychology research is an exciting and competitive study area, making it the perfect choice for projects or papers.

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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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.

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50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

• Specific Branches of Psychology
• Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy
• Human Cognition
• Human Development
• Critique of Publications
• Famous Experiments
• Historical Figures
• Specific Careers
• Case Studies
• Literature Reviews
• Your Own Study/Experiment

Are you searching for a great topic for your psychology paper ? Sometimes it seems like coming up with topics of psychology research is more challenging than the actual research and writing. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to find inspiration and the following list contains just a few ideas to help get you started.

Finding a solid topic is one of the most important steps when writing any type of paper. It can be particularly important when you are writing a psychology research paper or essay. Psychology is such a broad topic, so you want to find a topic that allows you to adequately cover the subject without becoming overwhelmed with information.

I can always tell when a student really cares about the topic they chose; it comes through in the writing. My advice is to choose a topic that genuinely interests you, so you’ll be more motivated to do thorough research.

In some cases, such as in a general psychology class, you might have the option to select any topic from within psychology's broad reach. Other instances, such as in an  abnormal psychology  course, might require you to write your paper on a specific subject such as a psychological disorder.

As you begin your search for a topic for your psychology paper, it is first important to consider the guidelines established by your instructor.

Research Topics Within Specific Branches of Psychology

The key to selecting a good topic for your psychology paper is to select something that is narrow enough to allow you to really focus on the subject, but not so narrow that it is difficult to find sources or information to write about.

One approach is to narrow your focus down to a subject within a specific branch of psychology. For example, you might start by deciding that you want to write a paper on some sort of social psychology topic. Next, you might narrow your focus down to how persuasion can be used to influence behavior .

Other social psychology topics you might consider include:

• Prejudice and discrimination (i.e., homophobia, sexism, racism)
• Social cognition
• Person perception
• Social control and cults
• Persuasion, propaganda, and marketing
• Attraction, romance, and love
• Nonverbal communication
• Prosocial behavior

Psychology Research Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy

Exploring a psychological disorder or a specific treatment modality can also be a good topic for a psychology paper. Some potential abnormal psychology topics include specific psychological disorders or particular treatment modalities, including:

• Eating disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Profile a  type of therapy  (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, psychoanalytic therapy)

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition

Some of the possible topics you might explore in this area include thinking, language, intelligence, and decision-making. Other ideas might include:

• False memories
• Speech disorders
• Problem-solving

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Development

In this area, you might opt to focus on issues pertinent to  early childhood  such as language development, social learning, or childhood attachment or you might instead opt to concentrate on issues that affect older adults such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Some other topics you might consider include:

• Language acquisition
• Media violence and children
• Learning disabilities
• Gender roles
• Child abuse
• Prenatal development
• Parenting styles
• Aspects of the aging process

Do a Critique of Publications Involving Psychology Research Topics

One option is to consider writing a critique paper of a published psychology book or academic journal article. For example, you might write a critical analysis of Sigmund Freud's Interpretation of Dreams or you might evaluate a more recent book such as Philip Zimbardo's  The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil .

Professional and academic journals are also great places to find materials for a critique paper. Browse through the collection at your university library to find titles devoted to the subject that you are most interested in, then look through recent articles until you find one that grabs your attention.

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Famous Experiments

There have been many fascinating and groundbreaking experiments throughout the history of psychology, providing ample material for students looking for an interesting term paper topic. In your paper, you might choose to summarize the experiment, analyze the ethics of the research, or evaluate the implications of the study. Possible experiments that you might consider include:

• The Milgram Obedience Experiment
• The Stanford Prison Experiment
• The Little Albert Experiment
• Pavlov's Conditioning Experiments
• The Asch Conformity Experiment
• Harlow's Rhesus Monkey Experiments

Topics of Psychology Research About Historical Figures

One of the simplest ways to find a great topic is to choose an interesting person in the  history of psychology  and write a paper about them. Your paper might focus on many different elements of the individual's life, such as their biography, professional history, theories, or influence on psychology.

While this type of paper may be historical in nature, there is no need for this assignment to be dry or boring. Psychology is full of fascinating figures rife with intriguing stories and anecdotes. Consider such famous individuals as Sigmund Freud, B.F. Skinner, Harry Harlow, or one of the many other  eminent psychologists .

Psychology Research Topics About a Specific Career

​Another possible topic, depending on the course in which you are enrolled, is to write about specific career paths within the  field of psychology . This type of paper is especially appropriate if you are exploring different subtopics or considering which area interests you the most.

In your paper, you might opt to explore the typical duties of a psychologist, how much people working in these fields typically earn, and the different employment options that are available.

Topics of Psychology Research Involving Case Studies

One potentially interesting idea is to write a  psychology case study  of a particular individual or group of people. In this type of paper, you will provide an in-depth analysis of your subject, including a thorough biography.

Generally, you will also assess the person, often using a major psychological theory such as  Piaget's stages of cognitive development  or  Erikson's eight-stage theory of human development . It is also important to note that your paper doesn't necessarily have to be about someone you know personally.

In fact, many professors encourage students to write case studies on historical figures or fictional characters from books, television programs, or films.

Psychology Research Topics Involving Literature Reviews

Another possibility that would work well for a number of psychology courses is to do a literature review of a specific topic within psychology. A literature review involves finding a variety of sources on a particular subject, then summarizing and reporting on what these sources have to say about the topic.

Literature reviews are generally found in the  introduction  of journal articles and other  psychology papers , but this type of analysis also works well for a full-scale psychology term paper.

Topics of Psychology Research Based on Your Own Study or Experiment

Many psychology courses require students to design an actual psychological study or perform some type of experiment. In some cases, students simply devise the study and then imagine the possible results that might occur. In other situations, you may actually have the opportunity to collect data, analyze your findings, and write up your results.

Finding a topic for your study can be difficult, but there are plenty of great ways to come up with intriguing ideas. Start by considering your own interests as well as subjects you have studied in the past.

Online sources, newspaper articles, books , journal articles, and even your own class textbook are all great places to start searching for topics for your experiments and psychology term papers. Before you begin, learn more about  how to conduct a psychology experiment .

What This Means For You

After looking at this brief list of possible topics for psychology papers, it is easy to see that psychology is a very broad and diverse subject. While this variety makes it possible to find a topic that really catches your interest, it can sometimes make it very difficult for some students to select a good topic.

If you are still stumped by your assignment, ask your instructor for suggestions and consider a few from this list for inspiration.

• Hockenbury, SE & Nolan, SA. Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers; 2014.
• Santrock, JW. A Topical Approach to Lifespan Development. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2016.

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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100 Psychology Thesis Topics for 2023

Students know the importance of developing great psychology dissertation topics for a graduate assignment. However, many don’t have the time to brainstorm ideas that meet the requirements their professors expect. We’ve done a lot of the heavy lifting and have put together a list of 100 psychology thesis topics suitable for several situations. Feel free to pick a topic and start writing your thesis proposal .

General Psychology Topics for High School

• Give five top reasons why you would want to become a psychologist.
• What kind of influence has psychology research had in other sciences?
• Why are teenagers at higher risk of developing an eating disorder?
• How are phobias developed in children under the age of twelve?
• In what ways did Pavlov’s conditioning experiment contribute to our understanding of addiction therapy?

Child Psychology Research Paper Topics

• What are the major differences between psychiatry and psychology?
• Discuss mental tools that can be used to determine when children are lying to adults.
• What were the ethical complications involve 12d in the Little Albert Experiment?
• What does research suggest is the origin of intelligence in children?
• How does emotional intelligence in children affect their learning abilities?

Cognitive Psychology Topics

• How did Alan Turing’s suggestion that the brain is an organized machine lead to computers?
• Do the “seven chunks of information” still hold through in research?
• Can we develop working memory to retain greater long-term memory?
• Can a person that has been convicted of a felony charge change into a law-abiding citizen?
• How can cognitive therapy be used to help patients suffering from emotional disorders?

Developmental Psychology Topics

• How do our perceptions of our experiences affect development in teenagers?
• What are the four levels of development and which is most important in children?
• Can a moral judgment be taught to toddlers who have latent reasoning skills?
• How are our personalities developed through the influence of others?
• Are children naturally beholden to one parent or the other?

Social Psychology Topics for College Students

• How are a person’s original opinions influenced by the opinions of larger groups?
• What psychological effects does spending too much time on social media have?
• How do social psychologists deal with aggression and violence in young adults?
• What impact has social psychology had on our understanding of online bullying?
• How do family dynamics change when a member of the immediate family dies?

Sports Psychology Research Topics

• Does aging have a bigger impact on retired athletes’ mental health than head trauma?
• How is mental health affected by long recovery schedules for serious body injuries?
• How does neuro-linguistic programming in professional athletes affect performance?
• How do professional athletes mentally prepare for competitions?
• How have approaches to sports training and preparation been affected by developments in psychology?

Controversial Topics in Psychology

• How did the Milgram Obedience Experiments of the 1960s help us understand how we view authority figures?
• How did the Stanford Experiment help further our knowledge of situational variables on human behavior?
• How did Harlow’s experiments of affection (especially the lack of affection) lead to advancements in child development theories?
• Does the implementation of capital punishment on sex offenders prevent them from committing a crime?
• What is the link between criminal acts and teenagers that were bullied?

Health Psychology Topics for College Students

• What impact do regular exercise and healthy eating have on mental health in young adults?
• How have the media’s depictions of body ideals have negatively impacted how young adults see themselves?
• What are the most effective strategies for getting people to develop healthy eating habits?
• What can local governments do to help people maintain mental health after a disaster?
• How do stress management techniques help people cope with difficult situations in the workplace?

More Controversial Psychology Topics

• What did the “lost in a mall” study lead to a better understanding of how memories are formed and stored?
• Why was were the Voodoo Correlation studies of the 1960s so controversial and what did they reveal about human behavior?
• What did showing a lack of affection in infants reveal about the need to nurture one’s young?
• What did the Kirsch Anti-Depressant reveal about the impact that harmless placebos have on humans?
• What are the potential risks of taking part in multiple health studies throughout a given year?

Great Educational Psychology Topics

• How can different technologies help students perform better at school?
• Does working in a small group help students retain more information?
• How does physical activity help students perform better on standardized tests?
• What psychological factors should teachers consider as they develop each year’s curriculum?
• In what ways do psychologists help develop confidence in students with learning disabilities?

Excellent Cultural Psychology Topics

• What are some of the most difficult cultural situations young people face?
• In what ways does developing culture roots with one’s family positively impact social behavior?
• What stresses do young people feel when they return to their native countries?
• What impact does cultural learning have on students in elementary school?
• How does family support help young people cope with difficult decisions?

Psychology Topics to Write About

• Why are adolescents more at risk of developing some type of eating disorder?
• What are the negative effects of insomnia in patients being treated in a medical facility?
• In what ways does group therapy positively impact a patient’s ability to overcome addiction?
• Why should therapists refrain from prescribing ADHD medications to children?
• What are the most effective ways of treating PTSD without using prescription medication?

Abnormal Psychology Topics

• What are the psychological effects of telling either a truth or a lie among young adults?
• What are the major causes of borderline personality disorder in teenagers?
• In what ways does the level of insanity change in patients under specific treatment?
• Why are some people more prone to suffer from personality disorders?
• Can the Oedipus complex first introduced by Freud be used in treatment today?

Developmental Psychology Research Topics

• What role does television media play in promoting violence in adults?
• What are the major psychological characteristics in a child prone to aggression?
• What are the major factors in sociopathic behavior among youth?
• What are some traditional ways of parenting that have been proven ineffective?
• What environmental factors increase the chances of child abuse by a parent?

Biological Psychology Topics

• How are cognitive diseases related to the development of certain disorders?
• How are our perceptions of the world around us affecting the way we behave?
• Can alcohol addiction and other drug-related dependencies be tied to genetics?
• Does biology prevent humans from experiencing a pure sense of free will?
• In what ways does functionalism play into biological psychology?

More Sports Psychology Topics

• What are the negative effects on the mind of exercising to lose weight?
• How is having a network of supporters important for athletic performance?
• How does the attention of PHDs affect the way people feel about sports?
• What impact do sports role models have on a youth’s development?
• Is the NCAA giving an adequate education to its student-athletes?
• What are the most effective ways of dealing with school bullying?
• What are the major causes of psychopathic tendencies in teenagers?
• How does our modern society deal with gender roles?
• What are the key characteristics that improve the abilities to learn a new language?
• Do children require a good foundation to excel academically?

Forensic Psychology Topics

• How can psychology be used to identify and put suspects on trial for certain crimes?
• How has forensic psychology assisted in the way we look at death penalty cases?
• Can psychotic disorders be reevaluated as a result of better psych understanding?
• Should mental diseases be considered in capital punishment cases?
• How would you evaluate the mitigating effects of capital cases in people?

What did you think of our list of psychology thesis topics? Our professional dissertation writers keep our list of ideas up-to-date so that students are always pushing the envelope of research in every discipline. Check back for new general psychology topics or contact us to have a list custom-made for a specific research project.

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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

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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.

10 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

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

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List of 150+ Psychology Dissertation Topics and Ideas to Write About

Updated 23 Jul 2024

Starting your psychology dissertation is like unlocking a treasure trove of fascinating discoveries. Psychology, the study of how our minds work and why we behave the way we do, offers a wide array of topics to explore. Selecting a compelling psychology dissertation topic can be challenging, so if you're feeling overwhelmed, you might consider hiring a professional to write my dissertation for me to ensure your research is thorough and well-structured. It's crucial to choose a dissertation topic in a subject not only of personal interest but also one where fresh insights can be gained.

To help you get started with brainstorming psychology dissertation topics, we have developed a list of the latest topics that can be used for writing your paper. We cover everything from cognitive psychology, and clinical psychology to how we think and act in social situations. This list is here to spark your creativity and help you find a topic that really speaks to you. So, let's dive into the amazing world of psychology together!

Top 30 psychology dissertation topics

• The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques in the workplace.
• The role of parental involvement in children's academic achievement and emotional well-being.
• The influence of sleep quality on cognitive functioning and mental health.
• The psychological effects of chronic pain on quality of life and mental health.
• The impact of bullying on adolescent mental health and academic performance.
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and organizational success.
• The impact of aging on memory and cognitive decline: Prevention strategies.
• The relationship between personality traits and coping mechanisms during stress.
• The effects of virtual reality therapy on phobia treatment outcomes.
• The influence of childhood trauma on adult psychological disorders.
• The role of genetics versus environment in the development of personality.
• The impact of exercise on depression and anxiety in adults.
• The psychological effects of unemployment on individuals and their families.
• The role of psychological resilience in overcoming adversity.
• The effectiveness of art therapy for individuals with PTSD.
• The impact of social support systems on recovery from mental illness.
• The relationship between job satisfaction and mental health among employees.
• The influence of cultural factors on the manifestation and treatment of mental illnesses.
• The role of technology in enhancing cognitive development in children.
• The impact of meditation and yoga on mental health and cognitive function.
• The relationship between stress, inflammation, and chronic diseases.
• The psychological implications of infertility on couples.
• The effectiveness of peer support groups in mental health recovery.
• The role of psychoeducation in managing bipolar disorder.
• The impact of attachment styles on romantic relationship satisfaction.
• The influence of media violence on aggressive behavior in children.
• The role of self-compassion in mental health and well-being.
• The effectiveness of online therapy platforms in providing mental health support.

Social psychology dissertation topics

There are countless possible topics that one can explore when it comes to Social Psychology Dissertation Ideas, which delve into the way individuals behave within social contexts. Some interesting areas to consider include investigating how self-esteem is affected by social media, analyzing the influence of conformity on group decision-making, or investigating how stereotype threat can impact academic performance.

• The influence of group identity on individual decision-making processes.
• The impact of social norms on environmentally friendly behaviors.
• The role of social media in shaping political opinions and activism.
• The effects of stereotype threat on academic performance among minorities.
• The psychological mechanisms behind conformity and disobedience.
• The impact of first impressions on interpersonal relationships.
• The role of empathy in reducing intergroup conflicts.
• The influence of cultural diversity on team dynamics and performance.
• The psychological effects of perceived social isolation in the digital age.
• The role of social support in the recovery process of addiction.
• The impact of parental attitudes on the development of children's prejudice.
• The influence of social comparison on self-esteem and body image.
• The role of communication in maintaining long-distance relationships.
• The psychological effects of crowd behavior and mass gatherings.
• The impact of social exclusion on mental health and behavior.
• The role of social identity in consumer behavior and brand loyalty.
• The influence of societal expectations on gender roles and identity.
• The psychological mechanisms behind altruism and prosocial behavior.
• The effects of social media on relationship satisfaction and longevity.
• The role of group dynamics in organizational change and innovation.

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Clinical psychology dissertation ideas

• The effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy in treating borderline personality disorder.
• The role of early intervention in preventing the development of psychosis.
• The impact of therapeutic alliance on treatment outcomes in psychotherapy.
• The effectiveness of exposure therapy in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• The role of family therapy in the treatment of eating disorders.
• The impact of neuropsychological assessment in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.
• The effectiveness of cognitive remediation therapy for schizophrenia.
• The role of psychological interventions in managing chronic pain.
• The impact of attachment-based therapy on adult attachment styles.
• The effectiveness of motivational interviewing in substance abuse treatment.
• The role of psychoeducation in improving outcomes for bipolar disorder patients.
• The impact of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy on PTSD symptoms.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in treating depression.
• The role of psychological support in enhancing cancer patients' quality of life.
• The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety disorders in children.
• The effectiveness of play therapy in addressing behavioral issues in children.
• The role of lifestyle interventions in managing symptoms of ADHD.
• The impact of sleep interventions on mental health disorders.
• The effectiveness of group therapy in treating social anxiety disorder.
• The role of positive psychology interventions in enhancing well-being and resilience.

Personality psychology dissertation topics 

• The influence of personality traits on career success and job satisfaction.
• The role of resilience in coping with life stressors among different personality types.
• The impact of social media on personality development in adolescents.
• The relationship between personality disorders and criminal behavior.
• The effectiveness of personality assessments in organizational settings.
• The influence of birth order on personality traits and family dynamics.
• The role of genetics and environment in shaping personality.
• The impact of personality traits on romantic relationship satisfaction and longevity.
• The relationship between personality traits and coping mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The influence of personality on consumer behavior and marketing strategies.
• The role of personality in leadership effectiveness and team dynamics.
• The impact of mindfulness practices on personality traits and emotional well-being.
• The relationship between personality traits and academic achievement.
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy interventions in modifying maladaptive personality traits.
• The influence of cultural factors on personality development and expression.
• The role of personality in the development and maintenance of psychological disorders.
• The impact of early life experiences on adult personality structure.
• The relationship between personality traits and physical health outcomes.
• The influence of personality on social networking site usage and online behaviors.
• The role of personality in resilience and recovery from trauma.

Cognitive psychology dissertation ideas

Cognitive psychology is a sub-field of psychology that delves into mental processes, including attention, perception, memory, and problem-solving. Students looking for dissertation ideas in this area can explore topics such as the effects of cognitive biases on decision-making, the interplay between emotions and cognitive processes, and the impact of technology on cognitive development. Let's look at a few of them!

• The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functions and decision-making.
• The role of attention in the perception of visual illusions.
• The impact of aging on memory retention and retrieval processes.
• The effectiveness of cognitive training programs in enhancing brain function.
• The relationship between language development and cognitive growth in children.
• The influence of emotion on memory formation and recall.
• The cognitive processes involved in problem-solving and creativity.
• The effects of digital technology usage on attention span and cognitive control.
• The role of working memory in multitasking abilities.
• The impact of stress on cognitive functions and mental flexibility.
• The relationship between cognitive styles and learning outcomes.
• The cognitive mechanisms of false memories and their implications.
• The effects of bilingualism on cognitive flexibility and executive function.
• The role of perception in decision-making and judgment.
• The impact of mindfulness meditation on cognitive processes and mental health.
• The relationship between cognitive biases and social perception.
• The cognitive underpinnings of phobias and fear responses.
• The effects of music on cognitive performance and mood regulation.
• The role of cognitive dissonance in attitude change and decision-making.
• The impact of neurofeedback training on cognitive enhancement.

Dissertation topics in counseling psychology

Dissertation topics in counseling psychology investigate the psychological and social factors that influence human behavior and explore ways in which counseling can promote mental health and well-being. Common areas of focus include the effectiveness of counseling interventions, the role of diversity in counseling, and the impact of trauma on mental health.

• The effectiveness of online counseling services in reducing symptoms of depression.
• The role of cultural competence in counseling diverse populations.
• The impact of counselor self-disclosure on therapeutic alliance and client outcomes.
• The role of mindfulness in enhancing therapeutic outcomes in counseling.
• The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health and counseling strategies.
• The effectiveness of expressive arts therapy in treating PTSD.
• The role of family counseling in addressing adolescent behavioral problems.
• The impact of grief counseling on coping with bereavement.
• The effectiveness of career counseling in improving job satisfaction and career development.
• The role of counseling in managing chronic illness and improving quality of life.
• The impact of counseling interventions on reducing substance abuse relapse rates.
• The effectiveness of marriage and relationship counseling on relationship satisfaction.
• The role of positive psychology interventions in counseling practice.
• The impact of counseling on improving self-esteem and body image.
• The effectiveness of trauma-informed counseling approaches.
• The role of counseling in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals.
• The impact of counselor training on empathy and client satisfaction.
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in counseling settings.
• The role of counseling in addressing internet and gaming addiction.

Dissertation topics in industrial psychology

Industrial psychology dissertation topics typically center around the application of psychological theories and principles in the workplace to enhance employee performance, motivation, and overall well-being. Possible subject matters may cover leadership skills acquisition, personnel training and development, job satisfaction, and achieving a healthy work-life balance.

• The impact of organizational culture on employee motivation and productivity.
• The effectiveness of leadership development programs on leadership skills and organizational outcomes.
• The role of work-life balance initiatives in reducing employee burnout and turnover.
• The impact of team diversity on innovation and performance in the workplace.
• The effectiveness of performance appraisal systems in enhancing employee performance.
• The role of psychological safety in promoting team learning and collaboration.
• The impact of employee engagement strategies on organizational commitment and loyalty.
• The effectiveness of conflict resolution training in improving workplace relationships.
• The role of organizational justice in employee satisfaction and trust.
• The impact of telecommuting on employee productivity and job satisfaction.
• The effectiveness of reward systems in motivating employee performance.
• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness.
• The impact of workplace bullying on employee mental health and organizational climate.
• The effectiveness of training programs in reducing workplace accidents and injuries.
• The role of job design in enhancing job satisfaction and performance.
• The impact of corporate social responsibility on employee engagement and organizational reputation.
• The effectiveness of mentoring programs in career development and succession planning.
• The role of organizational change management in successful business transformations.
• The impact of technology on job satisfaction and employee well-being.
• The effectiveness of workplace wellness programs in improving employee health and reducing healthcare costs.

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Forensic psychology dissertation ideas

When it comes to forensic psychology dissertation ideas, the common themes usually involve the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. Prospective areas of investigation may include dissecting the psychological makeup of offenders, exploring the intricacies of eyewitness testimony and memory, delving into the psychology behind jury decision-making, and examining the evaluation and treatment of criminal offenders.

• The effectiveness of risk assessment tools in predicting violent reoffending.
• The role of psychological profiling in solving criminal cases.
• The impact of eyewitness testimony reliability on jury decision-making.
• The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in reducing recidivism among juvenile offenders.
• The role of mental illness in criminal defense and sentencing.
• The impact of victim impact statements on sentencing outcomes in criminal trials.
• The effectiveness of sex offender treatment programs in preventing reoffending.
• The role of forensic psychology in child custody evaluations.
• The impact of police interrogation techniques on false confessions.
• The effectiveness of diversion programs in addressing mental health issues among offenders.
• The role of psychological factors in the development of criminal behavior.
• The impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on law enforcement officers.
• The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in victim and offender rehabilitation.
• The role of psychology in understanding and preventing terrorism.
• The impact of substance abuse on criminal behavior and legal outcomes.
• The effectiveness of psychological interventions in managing aggression in prison populations.
• The role of forensic psychology in assessing competency to stand trial.
• The impact of childhood trauma on adult criminality.
• The effectiveness of psychological support services for crime victims.
• The role of psychology in ethical issues and decision-making in forensic settings.

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39 Interesting Psychology Dissertation Topics and Ideas

by  Antony W

June 28, 2024

Psychology can be an interesting area to explore in your dissertation assignment provided you choose the right topic. That’s why in this guide, we give you a list of 30+ psychology dissertation topics from which you can pick one interesting topic to investigate.

There are many areas to explore as a psychology student, including personality, social, biological, cognitive, behavioral, industrial, psychosocial, and personality psychology. So it should be easy to find an interesting topic that you can investigate provided it falls within the scope of the project.

Our guide to choosing topics for dissertation remains unchanged. That means the topic you choose to investigate has a gap in existing literature that your research can fill. With that said, let’s look at some of the psychology dissertation topics that you can explore right now.

Psychology Dissertation Topics: 30+ Examples

The following is a list of 30+ psychology dissertation topics. You can use them as inspiration to help you come up with a unique topic of your own. Or you can pick one topic idea from the list, improve it, talk to your supervisor about the topic, and then begin your investigation.  

Developmental Psychology Dissertation Topics

Development psychology explores how behaviors change from time to time based on motor skills, language, and intelligence.

Researchers develop a number of theories and models to explain how these changes take place, making this an interesting area to explore. Some of the topics that may be interesting to explore under this category of study include:

• Explaining cognitive development change: one sort of learning mechanism or several learning paradigms for various problems
• The extent to which knowing neuro development mechanisms can provide insight into how early cognition happens.
• Conversational comprehension as a domain-wide enhancement in processing speed and working-memory capacity in cognitive effort.
• The acquisition of culture and biological growth is critical for the development of a kid.
• Are children with dyscalculia’s talents unrelated to numeracy affected by the disorder, or are they largely independent?
• How the concept of plasticity in child development may account for a kid’s capacity to alter in response to both positive and bad life experiences.

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Abnormal Psychology Dissertation Topics

This area of study focuses on analyzing abnormal behavior with an effort to establish a positive change.

Ideally, this area of study suits students interested in studying psychological traits that go against what we consider to be normal and goes further into exploring uncommon conditions.

Some topics that may be worth exploring in this area of study are as follows:

• Subtypes of drug dependency are linked to dissociable networks of disturbance in the limbic brain.
• The efficacy of the DSM-V as a tool for categorizing aberrant psychiatric symptoms is being questioned.
• How do the cognitive processes of people with schizophrenia vary from those of those with conventional cognitive processes?
• What distinguishes Intellectual Development Disorders (IDD) from Autism Spectrum Disorders?
• The relevance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in evaluating neurobiological ideas that schizophrenia is caused by aberrant fronto-temporal lobe connections.
• Schizophrenia is studied as a multi-dimensional condition.
• Is it possible that the fact that some autistics have isolated skills might assist explain the syndrome’s cause?
• A malfunctioning amygdale and ventromedial prefrontal cortex have a role in psychopathology.

Evolutionary Psychology Dissertation Topics

In evolutionary psychology, the focus is on explaining psychological characteristics by applying evolutionary behavior with an effort to derive and explain adaptation and natural selection.

With this respect, researchers hold that humans’ psychological mechanisms are ancestral inheritance, which has played a major role in solving problems throughout human’s history .

Evolutionary psychology is an interesting area of study that lets you dig deeper into human history and explain the impact if evolutionary psychology on the modern society. Some interesting topics to explore here are: 

• The relative relevance of face symmetry, averageness, and secondary sex features as valid predictors of mate selection.
• The application of evolutionary psychology to group behavior helps explain how humans act in organizations, whether that behavior is logical or irrational.
• Examining if artificially produced instances of evolutionary game theory may be used to evaluate human behavior in the actual world.
• Why individual features and cognitive modules can’t account for the intricacies of human social behavior.
• Understanding the evolution of the human brain through human cognitive growth.
• Investigating if reciprocal altruism is sufficient to explain altruism in various social circumstances.
• What role does evolutionary psychology play in explaining anomalies in human decision-making?

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Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

Social psychology is an interesting area of study that focuses on how people in groups interact through influential behavior.

You may study behavioral factors such as social influence, non-verbal communication, and attitudes in controlled situations to investigate how the behavior of individuals influences each other in groups.

Here are some suggestions of dissertation topics that you can explore under this category:

• Behavioral game theory: How players learn from and influence others in strategic thinking.
• The impact of priming’s automatic effects on complicated behavior in real-life circumstances.
• Nature or nurture? The early development of nonverbal communication in infants: nature or nurture?
• Assessing the amount and duration of factors affecting automatic priming effects in relation to social behavior.
• The social intuitionist paradigm is used to assess the role of reason and emotion in moral judgment.
• Demonstrating how cognitive neuroscience may inform social psychology by merging social cognition and understanding of brain networks and systems

Cognitive Psychology Dissertation Topics

If you’re interested in learning how the human brain perceives and represents information, then you should immerse yourself in studying cognitive psychology.

You’ll be studying the processes involved information presentation through computer modelling, neuropsychology, and experimentation to understand the encoding of information in the human brand at both micro and macro levels.

Some of the most interesting dissertation topics to explore in this area include the following:

• Is MRI testing an accurate predictor of brain function?
• The idea of “grandmother cells” is important for explaining neuronal selectivity to high-level information processing, such as during facial recognition.
• Effective cognition entails picking the right information at the right moment and in the proper order.
• Changes in brain processing in response to event segmentation: distinguishing between cause and effect in boundary recognition
• Bias in visual working memory and attention: a study of the link between working memory and attention.
• The connection between poor social cognition, emotion, and anxiety disorders.
• The cerebellum’s contribution to higher-order cortical activities.
• The dependability, validity, and applicability of cognitive psychology study findings to real-life behavior and cognition.
• Evaluating Gibson’s theory of direct perception in comparison to constructivist explanations and more modern cognitive theories.
• The concept that the right and left hemispheres of the brain have different processing methods is critical to understanding how the brain works.
• The mature human brain’s adaptability is limited.
• Is there really a thing as subliminal perception, or is it part of a more complicated phenomenon?

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Student Notebook

Choosing a dissertation topic.

Graduate students may take several approaches to choosing a dissertation topic. While a perfunctory approach may hasten a degree, establishing a standard of quality will enable you to both advance the field and also evolve our own career. Eight steps are presented below to aid the graduate student in selecting a dissertation topic.

1. THE DISSERTATION TAKES PRIORITY. Following completion of comprehensive examinations and coursework, graduate students may often view their graduate education as almost over. On the contrary, the dissertation actually marks a new era of study. As a doctoral candidate, your procedural formalities are no longer dictated by faculty. Rather, you must examine the selected topic, create a timeline for its development, and alter your lifestyle to assure its completion.

2. PICK AN INTERESTING TOPIC. If your topic is simply your professor’s pet area, you should be aware the topic may lose appeal before it’s even “housebroken.” Furthermore, if your professor moves on to another interest area, you will be stranded and possibly unable to complete your work. Remember, this is a topic that should keep you engrossed and motivated for at least one to two years. Pick it as carefully as you would a new pair of dress shoes.

3. BE AWARE OF ONGOING RESEARCH. Many students may spend a year researching a topic before finally selecting one for their dissertation. You must examine current literature both specifically and generally. One way to do this is to contact key researchers to help you identify published and unpublished studies. Conduct periodic key word searches in computerized databases to identify new angles or problems associated with your topic. Keep in mind this is a daunting and interminable task, as new research is always evolving. Be sure your time is not monopolized studying new research at the expense of analyzing your own.

4. DEFINE YOUR CONSTRUCTS CLEARLY. Terms such as “memory,” “intelligence,” and “educational level” may derive different meanings among diverse psychological scientists. Evaluate your constructs and obtain references to support your construct definition. If your definition veers from the accepted literature, be prepared to defend the definitional defiance to your committee and reviewers who may later, hopefully, publish your results.

5. EVALUATE WHETHER YOUR TOPIC IS PUBLISHABLE. While reviewing the literature, determine if your completed project will “fit” the Zeitgeist of an existing journal. You should be able to place yourself in the desk of a reviewer and assess, with minimal doubt, whether or not your dissertation would enhance the integrity of a reputable journal.

6. EVALUATE YOUR TOPIC’S IMPORTANCE. Certainly your topic must be important to you, but it must also add to your field of interest. Your topic should offer additional insight into an existing problem, and offer an opportunity to demonstrate your level of expertise and quality of scholarship.

7. ESTABLISH GOOD COMMITTEE RELATIONSHIPS. Your dissertation committee will establish either a direct or de facto relationship with both you and your topic. Obtain feedback from committee members if they can offer specialized support or, if individual members have an area of interest that can be incorporated as a hypothesis subtopic, try to include a discussion of this somewhere in the dissertation. The more committee members who “own” a part of your topic, the more who will support your defense, leading you toward appropriate publication.

8. ESTABLISH A TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION. A timeline will further assist you in selecting your topic. Some projects may be completed in one year, while others may take two years or longer. Select a topic that will be manageable within the selected deadline parameter.

Of course there are many other questions not answered above: Is the project fundable? Will it pass IRB review? Should you use parametric or non-parametric statistics? What is an appropriate research design? These are all very important questions that will also require evaluation. Making a list of your questions and carving out proposed answers may prove helpful in this process.

Completing a dissertation requires careful planning and insight from choosing a topic to the final defense. Perhaps, the above suggestions will aid in not only identifying an appropriate topic, but also prompt completion of a project that will add to the field of psychological science.

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About the Author

SCOTT SMITH is a graduate student in educational psychology at Texas A&M University at Commerce. His research interests include flashbulb memories, autobiographical memories, and effects of processing on cognitive tasks.

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Psychology Dissertation Topics: 170 Compelling Ideas

So, you've decided to dive into the fascinating world of psychology and write a dissertation? Congrats! But with so much to explore in the human mind, picking a topic can feel like staring down a bottomless pit.

Within psychology, the dissertation is a cornerstone of graduate study, demanding the knowledge of human thought and behavior complexities. While the breadth of potential research areas is undeniably exciting, selecting a singular topic that fosters impactful research can be a significant challenge.

Don't worry, fellow psych explorer! This guide is designed to serve as a springboard for researchers, offering a curated selection of psychology dissertation topics across diverse subfields.

Top 30 Psychology Dissertation Topics

Choosing a dissertation topic can feel daunting. Here’s a springboard of psychology dissertation ideas for your research activity:

• Positive Affirmations: Boosting Confidence Through Self-Talk
• Social Media's Impact on Body Image
• Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Cognitive Functioning
• Music and Mood: The Uplifting Power of Upbeat Tunes
• Play Therapy: Enhances Children's Emotional Development
• The Bystander Effect: Why People Don't Always Help in Emergencies
• The Need for Belonging: A Driving Force in Our Behavior
• The Placebo Effect: Healing Through Belief
• Procrastination: Unraveling the Science of Putting Things Off
• Technology Use: A Double-Edged Sword for Mental Health
• Gratitude and Happiness: The Power of Thankfulness
• Effective Stress Management Techniques
• Media Violence: Does Exposure Lead to Aggression in Children?
• Nature vs. Nurture: The Complexities of Shaping Personality
• The Science of Love: Unveiling Attraction and Attachment
• The Power of Forgiveness: Healing Through Letting Go
• Culture Shapes Emotion Perception: Expression and Interpretation Across Backgrounds
• The False Memory Phenomenon: Exploring Untrue Memories
• Color Psychology: How Colors Affect Mood and Behavior
• Human Perception Biases: How Our Brains Mislead Us
• The Psychology of Addiction: Why Breaking Bad Habits Is Difficult
• Exercise and Mental Health: The Mood-Boosting Power of Physical Activity
• Mindfulness for Stress Reduction: The Benefits of Meditation
• Language Development: How Babies Learn to Speak
• The Psychology of Crowds: Understanding Group Behavior
• The Science of Dreams: Unveiling the Meaning Behind Our Dreams
• Video Games and Cognitive Skills: Can Gaming Enhance Attention and Problem-Solving?
• The Placebo Effect in Education: Does Believing You're Smart Make You Smarter?
• The Rise of AI: How Artificial Intelligence Will Impact Psychology
• Decision-Making Under Pressure: Making Choices in Uncertain Times

Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

Social psychology explores the fascinating interplay between individuals and social contexts. Here are 20 concise dissertation topics to delve into this captivating field:

• Groupthink vs. Healthy Debate: Optimizing Collaboration in Teams
• Social Influence: How Do Others Shape Our Opinions and Behaviors?
• Conformity vs. Independence: When Do We Follow the Crowd?
• The Power of First Impressions: Lasting Impact of Initial Encounters
• Nonverbal Communication: Decoding Hidden Messages
• Altruism and Prosocial Behavior: Understanding the Desire to Help
• Social Perception: How We Form Impressions of Others
• Social Comparison: Measuring Up and Its Impact on Self-Esteem
• Social Norms: The Unwritten Rules of Society
• Social Identity: How Group Membership Shapes Our Identity
• Intergroup Conflict: Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination
• Social Media and Relationships: The Impact of Online Interaction
• Social Networking and Loneliness: A Paradoxical Connection?
• Social Learning: How We Acquire Behaviors Through Observation
• The Power of Persuasion: Techniques Used to Influence Others
• The Placebo Effect in Social Interactions: Can Beliefs Influence Reality?
• The Psychology of Crowds: Why People Behave Differently in Groups?
• Social Anxiety: Understanding Fear of Social Situations
• The Bystander Effect: Why People Sometimes Don't Help in Emergencies
• Humor and Social Connection: The Power of Laughter to Bond

Clinical Psychology Dissertation Ideas

Clinical psychology focuses on mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. These 20 dissertation ideas explore various aspects of this field:

• Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Effectiveness in Treating Anxiety
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) vs. Other Therapies: A Comparative Analysis
• Teletherapy vs. In-Person Therapy: Evaluating Treatment Outcomes
• The Impact of Stigma on Mental Health Treatment-Seeking Behavior
• Cultural Considerations in Clinical Psychology: Tailoring Treatment for Diverse Populations
• Early Intervention for Mental Health Issues: Preventing Future Problems
• The Role of Technology in Mental Health Assessment and Monitoring
• Treatment Adherence in Clinical Psychology: Strategies for Improved Outcomes
• The Neurobiology of Mental Illness: Exploring the Brain-Behavior Connection
• Group Therapy vs. Individual Therapy: Advantages and Disadvantages
• The Effectiveness of Psychopharmacology in Treating Mental Disorders
• The Link Between Trauma and Mental Health: Understanding the Impact
• The Development of Mental Disorders Across the Lifespan
• The Role of Exercise in Promoting Mental Well-Being
• Sleep and Mental Health: Exploring the Bidirectional Relationship
• Culturally Adapted Parenting Interventions: Improving Outcomes for Children
• The Ethical Considerations of Clinical Research in Psychology
• The Mental Health of Marginalized Communities: Addressing Disparities
• The Role of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Treatment
• Technology Addiction: Exploring Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Personality Psychology Dissertation Topics

Personality psychology delves into the core aspects of who we are. Here are 20 concise dissertation topics to explore this captivating subfield:

• The Five-Factor Model (OCEAN): A Comprehensive Personality Framework
• Nature vs. Nurture Debate: Unveiling the Origins of Personality
• Personality Traits and Career Choice: Exploring the Link
• Personality and Leadership: Traits of Effective Leaders
• Personality and Academic Achievement: Investigating the Connection
• Personality and Relationship Compatibility: Finding the Right Fit
• The Impact of Personality on Mental Health: Exploring Vulnerability
• Personality Change Across the Lifespan: Development and Stability
• Cultural Influences on Personality: How Culture Shapes Who We Are
• Genetics and Personality: Exploring the Role of Heritability
• The Dark Triad: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy
• Personality Assessment Methods: Evaluating Strengths and Weaknesses
• The Link Between Personality and Decision-Making: Risk-Taking and Choice
• Personality and Creativity: Understanding the Creative Process
• Personality and Motivation: Traits That Drive Behavior
• The Role of Self-Esteem in Personality Development
• First Impressions and Personality: Accuracy and Bias
• The Impact of Birth Order on Personality: Exploring the Evidence
• Personality and Social Media Use: How We Present Ourselves Online
• The Future of Personality Psychology: New Research Directions

Cognitive Psychology Dissertation Ideas

Cognitive psychology explores the fascinating workings of the human mind. Here are 20 concise dissertation ideas to kickstart your creativity:

• Attention and Memory: Exploring How We Focus and Remember Information
• Decision-Making: Understanding the Biases and Processes at Play
• Language Acquisition: How Children Learn to Speak and Understand Language
• Problem-Solving Techniques: Strategies for Efficient Thinking
• Visual Perception: Decoding the Visual World Around Us
• The Science of Sleep: How Sleep Impacts Cognitive Functioning
• Working Memory: The Limited Space for Holding Information
• False Memories: Exploring the Creation and Persistence of Untrue Memories
• The Impact of Technology on Cognitive Abilities: Boon or Bane?
• The Power of Metacognition: Understanding Our Own Thinking Processes
• Individual Differences in Cognitive Performance: Exploring Variations
• The Link Between Emotion and Cognition: How Emotions Shape Our Thinking
• The Role of Motivation in Learning and Memory: Fueling the Mind
• Bilingualism: Cognitive Advantages and Challenges of Speaking Two Languages
• The Neuroscience of Cognition: Brain Mechanisms Underlying Mental Processes
• Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Modeling: Simulating Human Thought
• Expertise and Cognitive Performance: How Knowledge Enhances Thinking
• The Influence of Culture on Cognitive Processes: Thinking Across Cultures
• Mindfulness and Cognitive Function: Can Meditation Enhance Mental Performance?
• The Future of Cognitive Psychology: Emerging Areas of Research

Counseling Psychology Dissertation Topics

Counseling psychology offers a pathway to understanding and supporting emotional well-being. Here are 20 concise dissertation topics to spark your research journey:

• Culturally Adapted Therapy Approaches for Ethnic Minorities
• The Impact of Mindfulness Training on Stress Management in Adolescents
• Virtual Reality Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: A Comparative Study
• Exploring the Effectiveness of Art Therapy in Treating Depression
• The Role of Social Media in Promoting Body Image Dissatisfaction
• Counselor Self-Disclosure: Ethical Considerations and Client Outcomes
• The Effectiveness of Online Counseling Platforms for Rural Communities
• Financial Barriers to Mental Health Services: A Qualitative Study
• Examining the Long-Term Effects of Group Therapy for Substance Abuse
• Telehealth Interventions for Improving Access to Mental Healthcare
• The Influence of Cultural Background on Grief and Bereavement Practices
• The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain
• Exploring the Experiences of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Couples Counseling
• Impact of Parental Separation Anxiety on Children's Emotional Well-Being
• The Role of Forgiveness in the Therapeutic Process for Trauma Survivors
• Investigating the Efficacy of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Veterans with PTSD
• The Impact of Sport Participation on Mental Health and Resilience in Youth
• Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Depression in Adults
• The Development and Evaluation of a School-Based Bullying Prevention Program
• The Ethical Implications of Using Artificial Intelligence in Counseling Practices

Industrial Psychology Dissertation Topics

Effective dissertation topics in counseling psychology bridge the gap between theory and practice. These 20 topics explore real-world challenges and interventions to improve mental health and well-being.

• Culturally Adapted Therapy: Can Tailored Approaches Improve Outcomes for Ethnic Minorities?
• Mindfulness for Adolescents: Does Mindfulness Training Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Teenagers?
• Virtual Reality Therapy: Is VR a Viable Tool for Treating Anxiety Disorders Compared to Traditional Methods?
• Art Therapy for Depression: Can Art Expression Alleviate Symptoms and Promote Healing in Individuals with Depression?
• Social Media and Body Image: How Does Social Media Use Contribute to Body Image Dissatisfaction?
• Counselor Self-Disclosure: Does Therapist Transparency Enhance or Complicate the Therapeutic Relationship?
• Online Counseling Platforms: Can Online Platforms Bridge the Gap in Mental Health Services for Rural Communities?
• Financial Barriers to Care: How Do Financial Constraints Limit Access to Effective Mental Health Services?
• Group Therapy for Substance Abuse: Does Group Therapy Offer Long-Term Benefits for Individuals Struggling with Substance Abuse?
• Telehealth Interventions: Can Telehealth Technology Improve Access to Mental Healthcare for Diverse Populations?
• Cultural Grief Practices: How Do Cultural Backgrounds Influence the Way People Grieve and Cope with Loss?
• ACT for Chronic Pain: Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) an Effective Approach for Managing Chronic Pain?
• LGBTQ+ Couples Counseling: Exploring Unique Challenges and Needs of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Couples Therapy
• Parental Separation Anxiety: Impact on Children's Emotional Well-Being
• Forgiveness in Trauma Therapy: Role of Forgiveness in the Healing Process for Trauma Survivors
• Animal-Assisted Therapy for PTSD: Benefits for Veterans with PTSD
• Sport and Mental Health: Influence of Sport Participation on Mental Health and Resilience in Young People
• Sleep and Depression: Link Between Sleep Quality and Depression in Adults
• School Bullying Prevention: Developing and Evaluating Effective School-Based Programs
• AI in Counseling: Ethical Considerations of Using Artificial Intelligence in Counseling Practices

Forensic Psychology Dissertation Ideas

Forensic psychology bridges the gap between law and mental health. These dissertation topics explore the complex interplay between criminal behavior, mental state, and the legal system. Here are 20 concise ideas to ignite your research:

• The Impact of Social Media on False Confessions in Juveniles
• Can Virtual Reality Enhance Eyewitness Memory Accuracy?
• Psychopathy vs. Sociopathy: A Re-evaluation in Forensic Assessment
• The Influence of Media Portrayals on Jury Decision-Making
• Culturally Competent Risk Assessment Tools for Violent Offenders
• The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Prison Rehabilitation
• The Interplay Between Trauma and Substance Abuse in Repeat Offenders
• The Ethical Use of Hypnosis in Recovering Repressed Memories
• Factors Influencing Jury Bias Based on Appearance and Demeanor
• Exploring the Link Between Mental Illness and Recidivism Rates
• Deception Detection Techniques: Sci-Entific vs. Intuition
• The Role of Forensic Psychologists in Domestic Violence Investigations
• The Development of Empathy in Delinquent Youth Programs
• The Psychological Impact of Incarceration on Solitary Confinement
• Age-Related Differences in False Confessions: Children vs. Adults
• The Effectiveness of Online Interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress in Law Enforcement
• Cingulate Cortex Activity and Psychopathic Traits in Criminal Behavior
• The Influence of Sleep Deprivation on Interrogation Techniques
• Exploring the Neuropsychology of Firesetting in Adolescent Offenders
• Can Video Game Violence Desensitize Players to Real-World Aggression?

Stuck in dissertation topic purgatory? This article is your escape hatch! Dive into a comprehensive list of research prompts across diverse disciplines. Ditch the generic, ditch the uninspiring – find your perfect topic here and write a paper that screams excellence. Let this be the springboard to your academic dissertation triumph!

Frequently asked questions

How do i choose a dissertation topic in psychology, how do i find a unique dissertation topic.

• Dissertation examples | Study and research support | Library | University of Leeds. (n.d.). https://library.leeds.ac.uk/dissertation-examples
• Dittmann, M. (n.d.). Starting the dissertation. https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2005/01/starting

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Possible educational psychology dissertation topics

The topics in educational psychology are related to learning and its related aspects. Examples include:

6. The relationship between harsh parenting on a secondary school student's performance. The idea can be used to determine the impacts of harsh parenting on the performance of students in secondary schools.

7. Impacts of bullying on student learning outcomes in tertiary education level institutions. One can use the idea to study the forms of bullying and how they affect learning outcomes in tertiary institutions.

8. The role of educational psychologists in cognitive development studies for children born with autism spectrum disorders. One can use this idea to inquire about the contribution of educational psychologists in enabling a child born with an autism spectrum disorder to excel at a better educational attainment level.

9. Cultural perceptions and differences of autism spectrum disorders in educational psychology. The topic idea can be used to determine the impacts of cultural differences on the perception of autism among educational psychologists.

10. Assessing and managing anxiety disorders among doctors in tertiary institutions through formal training workshops. This idea can be used to determine the role of formal training workshops in reducing/managing anxiety among doctor trainees in tertiary learning institutions.

Developmental psychology dissertation ideas

Developmental changes in human societies result from various developmental disorders. Dissertation topics in developmental psychology include:

11. Tracing the link between antisocial behavior and developmental psychology among adults. A literature review approach can be used to determine whether certain antisocial behaviors may have resulted from developmental psychology.

12. The relationship between happiness and performance in children and adults. The idea can be used to determine whether happiness can enhance how children and adults perform their tasks in different settings.

13. Developmental differences between children who spend the most time watching television and those who play a lot. One can use this idea to find out whether spending time watching television or playing outdoors can affect child development.

14. Maternal stress in pregnancy and the cognitive development of children. A qualitative study can be carried out on this topic idea to determine the impacts of maternal stress during pregnancy on the cognitive development of the child.

15. The relationship between religious orientations and spiritual/moral development. One can research the topic to determine whether a relationship exists between religious orientation and the spiritual or moral development of an individual.

Abnormal psychology dissertation topics

The psychology branch entails the study of abnormal patterns of behavior, thoughts, or emotions that may lead to mental disorders. In dissertation writing, psychology students can use abnormal psychology ideas such as:

16. Professional contributions and learning in promoting the mental health and psychological well-being of children. A multidisciplinary team can be used to study how professional and learning environments can contribute to the psychological and mental well-being of children.

17. Children's home routines and the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study on the topic idea can be used to explore the relationship between home routines and treatment procedures for ADHD among children.

18. Depression and diet. One can use the idea to find out whether eating certain foods can reduce depression levels.

19. Social media and self-harm among adolescents. The idea can be used to explore the relationship between exposure to social media sites with self-harm among adolescents.

20. Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among assaultive violence victims. One can explore the relationship between assaultive violence and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Social psychology dissertation topics

Social psychology research aims at understanding the nature and types of individual behaviors in social situations. Possible research topics in social psychology dissertation writing include:

21. Gender bias and individual attitudes and behaviors. The idea can be used to explore the impact of gender issues on individual attitudes and behaviors and their role in increasing gender inequalities.

22. Social attitudes to mental illness. One can use the topic idea to assess the change in social attitudes on mental health after the target audience is subjected to certain stimuli.

23. Music and crime rates. One can explore the role of music in reducing crime rates among youths.

24. Patterns of cognitive dissonance among smokers. A study on this topic can be used to determine the impact of cognitive dissonance on subsequent intentions to quit smoking.

25. Use of women's images in website branding. One can use this idea to assess whether gender plays a significant role in marketing, branding, and online presence.

Counseling psychology dissertation topic ideas

The counseling branch of psychology focuses on the growth of an individual and interpersonal development. Possible topic ideas in counseling psychology include:

26. The gap between social expectations from counseling and its practical impacts. A study can be conducted on the topic idea to determine whether there are gaps between what is expected from counseling to the practical impacts on the target audience.

27. Empathy in counseling psychology. The idea can be used to determine whether being empathetic can improve patient outcomes in counseling psychology.

28. The role of gender in seeking help with psychological and physical issues. One can explore the reasons men find it difficult to seek help more than women.

29. Counseling and management of obesity in children. The idea can be used to determine the role of counseling in managing obesity among children.

30. Counseling psychology and teenage pregnancies. One can explore whether incorporating counseling sessions into the school curriculum can help in reducing teenage pregnancies.

Cognitive psychology dissertation topics

Cognitive psychology involves the study of the processes of the human mind such as thinking, problem-solving, perceiving, neuropsychology, and language use among others. Topic ideas for dissertations in cognitive psychology include:

31. Color psychology in cognitive development studies. The idea can be used to determine the role of color in enhancing visual cognitive development in children.

32. Emotions and cognitive flexibility. The student can explore the impacts of emotional memory on the cognitive flexibility of individuals.

33. Cognitive vulnerability and depression. One can use this topic idea to find out whether there is an association between depression and cognitive vulnerability.

34. Video games in the psychological development of children with special needs. The topic idea can be used to explore whether video games can promote successful learning outcomes among children with special needs.

35. Emotion, anxiety disorders, and impaired social cognition. The idea entails determining the relationship between impaired social cognition, emotions, and anxiety disorders.

Forensic psychology dissertation ideas

Forensic psychology deals with legal aspects in social environments such as police stations and rehabilitation centers. Forensic psychology dissertation topic ideas include:

36. Use of self-appraisal questionnaires in assessing the risks of antisocial and aggressive behaviors. One can study the efficacy of self-appraisal questionnaires used by forensic psychologists in predicting the risk of antisocial behavior and aggressiveness.

37. Childhood trauma, aggression, and adult antisocial behavior. The idea can be used to explore the relationship between childhood trauma, aggression, and antisocial behavior in adults.

38. YouTube in forensic psychologists' learning and information gathering. The research aim for this topic idea will be to evaluate the effectiveness of YouTube as a source of information and learning in forensic psychology.

39. The internet, video games, movies, and copycat crimes. This topic idea can be used to determine the role played by the internet movies, and video games in increasing emulated crimes.

40. Societal attitudes and perception of domestic violence inflicted on men. One can use the idea to determine the reasons why society may neglect cases of domestic violence against men.

41. Upbringing and serial killing. A student can write a dissertation on this topic idea to find out whether there is a correlation between child upbringing and the curbing of a serial killer.

Possible mental health dissertation topic

Possible mental health psychology dissertation ideas include:

42. Divorce/separation and psychological child development. The study seeks to explore the psychological impacts of divorce on the children of divorcees.

43. Child trauma, quality of life, and the mental health/self-worth of a child. The topic idea can be used to assess the long-term impacts of childhood trauma and quality of life on an individual's mental health and self-worth.

44. Social media and aggression. The topic idea aims at determining the role of media in provoking aggression among certain internet users.

45. Emotional attachment and mental well-being. A psychology student can use this topic idea to determine the relationship between emotional attachment and the mental well-being of partners in long-distance relationships.

Organizational or industrial psychology dissertation ideas

Industrial psychologists help in managing issues in marketing, sales, administration, human resources, or operations faced by organizations. Possible dissertation topics in this branch of psychology include:

46. Employee rewards, motivation, and productivity. The research aims at studying the relationship between the productivity of an organization and employee motivation levels.

47. Interior design and industrial psychology. A dissertation written on this topic idea would focus on determining how the interior design/appearance of a working environment can affect employee motivation and productivity.

48. Industrial psychology and hate crime. One can use the idea to design a research study to explore the psychological consequences of hate crime in a specified target population.

49. Psychological management, motivation, and depression/boredom among employees. The study seeks to determine the role of effective psychological management and employee motivation in reducing repetitive work-related depression and boredom.

50. Work attitudes of the digital generation and the quality of professional decisions. The dissertation topic idea can be used to explore the attitudes of the modern generation towards work and the impacts of such attitudes on professional decision-making

Among the topics addressed in this article, one can choose an idea that is most appropriate for their research objectives, specialty area, or the type of psychological disorder they seek to address.

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As you prepare for your thesis, you might want to get a sense of what you can accomplish in your finished product. Reading past theses can show you the scope and nature of well-done undergraduate projects. Because theses in different areas of psychology often look quite different, it will help you to examine several in the same general area you plan to conduct your research in.

The Psychology Undergraduate Office has hard copies of several prize-winning theses from the past five years that you may sign out to see what the best undergraduate work looks like. Above, you can browse the titles of past undergraduate theses to give you an idea of the topics of theses students typically write.

Only hard copies of recent prize-winning theses are currently available.

Please note: Recent theses stored in the Social Relations Library (which recently closed) are unavailable. Inquirers needing a thesis that is not listed in HOLLIS should contact the authors of theses directly to attempt to obtain a copy.  

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130+ Psychology Dissertation Topics for Students in 2024

A psychology dissertation is a research project undertaken by graduate students seeking a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or PsyD) in psychology. It represents a significant part of their academic work and is usually completed at the end of their programme. The psychology dissertation topics aim to demonstrate the learner’s ability to conduct original research, contribute new knowledge to the field of psychology, and communicate his or her findings effectively.

To help you get started with psychology dissertation topics, we have created a list of the latest topics and ideas that can be used for writing your paper. We are the top online  Psychology Assignment Help service provider.

How to Write a Good Psychology Dissertation Paper?

• Decide Your Type Of Paper : Before starting to write, you must decide what type of paper you want to write. Some common types of psychology papers are literature reviews, lab reports, and original research.
• Select The Best Idea For Your Report : After figuring out your type of research paper on psychology , you have to choose a good topic. In some cases, your instructor might choose a topic for you, but otherwise, you have the freedom to choose your own topic. While selecting your topic, try to avoid very generic ones. Always try to choose a topic that really interests you in all respects.
• Develop Your Own Research Strategy : Here, you can take important notes on the data and information you already have and write the bibliography. Thus, you must always stay very organized while developing your psychology research paper strategy.
• Make A Proper Outline : Before starting to write the research paper , you need to create a strong foundation. Your outline should always start with three basic sections: introduction, body, and conclusion. Now, you need to write the subsections based on the given topic. If you write your outline in detail, it will be easier for you to write the whole research paper.
• Drafting, Revising, and Editing: You can start writing after making a detailed outline. Here, you can follow the APA format and find all the essential in-text citations. Always be sure to cite the information in your body with reference to the section at the end of your document.

Our experts will provide you with the best online Psychology dissertation writing services in the UK, Australia, the US and all academic countries.

How to Structure Your Psychology Dissertation

• The Title : The title page of your research paper makes the first impression on your readers. Thus, you always need to write a very good and attractive title. A few features of a good and catchy title are succinct, representative, specific, etc. It needs to cover a very broad area of your research, sharply focus on the main area of your research paper , and indicate your own research design.
• The Acknowledgement : The acknowledgement section allows you to show your gratitude to people who have helped you in your psychology paper writing journey. These people can be your supervisor, mentor, lecturer, professor, instructor, peer, friend, family member, relative, or advisor. This section needs to be brief but interesting.
• The abstract: This part gives your reader a clear picture of your research project topic. Your abstract should help your first-time reader understand your research paper’s key points and findings.

Don’t worry; we will also provide you with ideas for a good psychology dissertation topic .

List of 130+ Psychology Dissertation Topics and Ideas for You

Choosing a dissertation topic in psychology can be both exciting and challenging. It’s important to select a topic that aligns with your interests, fits within the scope of your program’s requirements, and contributes to the existing body of knowledge in psychology. Here are some ideas across different subfields of psychology:

Psychology Dissertation topics

• Challenges and opportunities involved with childhood anxiety
• Relapsing in various addictive behaviours
• Hyperactivity Disorder takes place from attention deficiency
• Effect on the mental health of women after suffering miscarriage
• The usefulness of psychology therapy for family members
• Social Anxiety vs Social Phobia
• Mental illness among patients suffering from HIV/AIDS
• Effects of PTSD
• Biophysical significance of human aggression
• How to cure insomnia- a psychological point of view

Social Psychology Dissertation topics

• Effect of complicated behaviour in the daily life of the adult
• Effectiveness of moral decision-making among the adult population
• What are the major effects of cognitive dissonance?
• Ill effects of spanking the kids
• Effects of ADHD in later life
• What are the main causes of antisocial behaviour?
• Early signs of psychological disorders in kids
• Ill Effects of Depression and Stress in the Modern Society
• Bad effects of violent video games on the minds of growing children
• Philological well-being of physically disabled people

Clinical Psychology Dissertation ideas

• How social media inked people’s minds
• Compare and contrast between different methods of clinical psychological therapies.
• What are the different types of psychological therapies? Explain with examples
• What are the different types of eating disorders, and how to deal with them?
• How ageing affects mental illness
• Things leading to adolescent depression and mental illness
• Are online clinical phonological therapies and sessions really helpful?
• Can media violence influence children’s behaviour?
• What causes an anxiety disorder and why?
• What are the main causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD?)

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Personality Psychology Dissertation Topics

• Can various personality traits affect one’s creativity?
• How is the personality traits related to prosaic behaviour?
• What are the effects of type A behaviour on children in schools?
• Is there really any connection between personality traits and creative art?
• How petting animals can really help with mental issues
• What is personality assessment, and why is it needed
• How do various personality traits influence families?
• Does birth order affect personality traits?
• How effective is music therapy on the psychological patients
• Are people of different professional backgrounds bound to have different personality traits?

Cognitive Psychology Dissertation ideas

• What is autism?
• How reliable are the fMRI measures
• Will colour psychology research and experiments be successful in the future?
• What is attention span, and how is it measured
• Do memories impact people’s behaviour?
• The architecture of the human intelligence system explains.
• How to enhance problem-solving skills in kids
• How cognitive ill development affects speech disorders
• Is subliminal perception true?
• Explain the concept of parallel and flow distribution in the hierarchy model.

Dissertation Topics in Counseling Psychology

• Effect of happiness as well aggression in the parenting styles at various acts of youth
• Delinquent Behavior vs Personality Traits
• Explain various stages of Schizophrenia
• Decision-making vs Self-awareness
• Interacting with human beings and machines future from a psychological point of view
• Effect of COVID-19 on mental health
• How an t various self-help books and techniques help the mental well-being of people of different ages
• Child mental development stages – explain
• Are meditation and yoga helpful to reduce mental stress- justify
• Effect of various family dynamics on people’s health

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Dissertation Topics in Industrial Psychology

• The effect of shift duties and job stress on the policemen
• Do bankers show organisational citizenship behaviour?
• Effect of family conflicts among various industrialist families
• Effect on the minds of the working women to carry out the responsibilities of both family and office
• Explain pre-retirement anxiety and contact it with post-retirement depression.
• Mental health issues of the doctors and the nurses post-COVID-19 pandemic
• Mental health awareness among the fire brigade workers
• Anxiety factors of factory workers in various industries
• Exam anxiety among students at various education levels
• Effect of night shift duties among BPO employees

Forensic Psychology Dissertation Ideas

• Can Forensic psychologists decide on child custody?
• How to become a juvenile offender
• Is childhood trauma related to antisocial behaviour during the adolescent age?
• What are the ethical considerations for interrogating kids as major eyewitnesses?
• Are many Criminal Behaviors associated with the disorder of Schizophrenia?
• Forensic psychological studies related to Mental Illness, Death Penalty and child abuse
• Is rewarding mentally ill criminals with sentences justified- explain
• What are the main guidelines for speaking with criminals for psychologists in court?
• How to make the forensic assessments in the conjecture?
• Are forensic psychologists more prone to exposure to danger in the future?

Covid-19 Psychology Dissertation Topics

• The mental health of the doctors under the pressure of COVID-19 pandemic patients
• Psychological health of the nurses to deal with the COVID-19 patients during the pandemic
• Mental stress on the non-medical staff in the hospitals too during the COVID-19 pandemic
• How can the Corona patients cooperate with the health care practitioners?
• How to abide by the coronavirus protocols and its psychological effects
• Psychological effects of lockdown on people of the households
• Post-COVID-19 trauma among the population and communities
• How to remove the COVID-19 phobia now from the minds of the masses
• How to keep kids safe from pandemic
• Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Trauma on the Minds of the elderly population

Organizational Psychology Dissertation Topics

• Are there any limitations to the online reteaches and usage of various personal information?
• Explain the process of selection and retirement via the Internet.
• Effect of virtual office in the age of globalization
• Workplace press vs corporate Coaching Strategies
• Worker Relation with Employee Performance Development
• How the psychological innovation of the company staff helps in company progress
• Phycological effects of technology-driven training over manual hands-on training programs
• Societal effects of various electronic platforms like apps and social media
• Relation between Organization Profit with Employee mental Health
• Explain the work-life balance of any individual from the psychological viewpoint

Best Abnormal Psychology Dissertation Topics

• What are the various dimensions of Schizophrenia
• Visual and social causes of face processing among people with autism
• DSM-IV criticisms
• Ways to study the frontotemporal lobe issues among patients with Schizophrenia by MRI studies
• A detailed study of the long-term psychological effects of separations and divorces
• Major mental health issues faced by the prisoners
• Explain the clear link between unemployment and mental health
• Explain how mental illness has a direct relationship with detreating physical health and vice versa
• Effect of the TV ads on the mental health of the kids
• Reconsider the state of mental under the tremendous influence of social media and smartphones

Choose Developmental and Educational Psychology Dissertation Topics

• School vs college student counselling effects
• How cultural differences affect higher education
• The study time pressure of the college and university students- compare and contrast.
• A detailed study and research of the emotional and social learning among British students
• Does race, ethnicity or religion of the study play any role in their education?
• Psychological effects of technical and online classes on the Minds of the Students
• How can mentally disabled children be helped to study physiologically
• Studies for the well-being of mentally stressed children
• How to get over the exam stress for the students
• How to develop a strong concert of maths among the students

Dissertation Topics on Mental Health

• Cure for PTSD among the servicemen
• Helping students to cope with the study pressure and tremendous competition
• How to carry out successful psychological counselling sessions for the students
• Rising cases of Alzheimer’s among the elderly population in the society
• How to reduce stress, tension, anxiety and fatigue among working people of today’s era
• How to take care of teenage mental health
• Healing kids and adolescent people to cope after parents’ divorce
• How to test the counselling success rate of the patients
• How to cope with obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Explain the psychological issue of split personality- a very rare and complicated case.

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201 Best Psychology Dissertation Topics for Research

Table of Contents

Are you ready to delve into the fascinating world of psychology dissertation topics? Whether you’re embarking on your dissertation journey or simply seeking inspiration, let’s explore some captivating dissertation topics in psychology together.

Picture this: you’re sitting in your favorite spot, sipping on a warm cup of coffee, and brainstorming ideas for your psychology dissertation topics. The possibilities are endless, but fear not, for we’re here to guide you through this exhilarating process.

Let’s start with the basics. How about investigating the impact of social media on mental health? In today’s digital age, it’s a topic that’s both timely and relevant.

You could explore the effects of excessive screen time on anxiety levels or delve into the phenomenon of FOMO (fear of missing out) and its psychological implications.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? How about exploring the psychology of decision-making? From consumer behavior to political choices, our decisions shape every aspect of our lives. Dive deep into the cognitive processes behind decision-making and uncover the factors that influence our choices.

Or perhaps you’re intrigued by the power of positive psychology? Delve into the science of happiness and well-being and explore interventions that promote resilience and mental flourishing. Who knows, you might just uncover the secret to leading a fulfilling life!

But wait, there’s more! What about the psychology of dreams? Explore the mysterious realm of the subconscious mind and unravel the meanings behind our nocturnal adventures. From Freudian theories to modern-day interpretations, the world of dreams is ripe for exploration.

And let’s not forget about the psychology of persuasion. Investigate the tactics used in advertising and politics to influence our behavior and examine the ethical implications of such techniques.

No matter which paths you choose, remember that your dissertation is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the field of psychology. So, go forth and explore, dear scholar, for the world of psychology awaits your unique insights and discoveries.

Tips to Find Good Dissertation Topics for Psychology

Selecting an intriguing and relevant dissertation topic on Psychology is the foundation of a successful research endeavor. Here are tips to help you find compelling psychology dissertation topics:

• Explore Social Psychology Dissertation Topics: Investigate social psychology dissertation topics to uncover areas that intersect with your interests and have the potential for unique contributions.
• Consider Mental Health in Psychology Dissertation Ideas: Delve into psychology dissertation ideas related to mental health, exploring issues that are both timely and critical in contemporary society.
• Positive Psychology Research Topics for College Students: Explore positive psychology research topics tailored for college students, focusing on promoting well-being and positive mental health in educational settings.
• Personal Appeal for Sustained Interest: Choose a topic that personally appeals to you to maintain enthusiasm throughout the writing process, ensuring the quality of your dissertation remains high.

Cognitive Psychology Dissertation Topics:

• a. The effects of multitasking on cognitive performance in college students.
• b. Investigating the role of memory consolidation during sleep.
• c. The impact of mindfulness meditation on attentional control.
• d. Cognitive biases in decision-making processes.
• e. Examining the relationship between language acquisition and cognitive development in infants.

Clinical Psychology Dissertation Topics:

• a. Exploring the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
• b. The role of family dynamics in the development of eating disorders among adolescents.
• c. Examining the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy for phobias.
• d. Investigating the relationship between childhood trauma and adult psychopathology.
• e. Evaluating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for depression.

Social Psychology Dissertation Topics:

• a. The influence of social media on self-esteem and body image perception.
• b. Examining conformity and obedience in group settings.
• c. Investigating the bystander effect in emergency situations.
• d. The impact of stereotypes on academic performance among minority students.
• e. Exploring the psychology of online dating and mate selection.

Developmental Psychology Dissertation Topics:

• a. Examining the effects of parental attachment styles on adolescent identity formation.
• b. Investigating the role of play in early childhood development.
• c. The impact of divorce on children’s socioemotional development.
• d. Parental influences on gender identity development in children.
• e. Exploring the effects of bullying on adolescent mental health and social adjustment.

Health Psychology Dissertation Topics:

• a. Investigating the psychological factors influencing adherence to medical treatments.
• b. The role of stress in the development and progression of chronic illnesses.
• c. Examining the effects of exercise on mental health and well-being.
• d. Exploring the relationship between personality traits and health outcomes.
• e. Investigating the psychological impact of chronic pain on quality of life.

Forensic Psychology Dissertation Topics:

• a. The reliability of eyewitness testimony in criminal investigations.
• b. Investigating the effectiveness of forensic interviewing techniques with children.
• c. psychological profiling in criminal investigations: methods and limitations.
• d. The role of mental illness in criminal behavior and legal responsibility.
• e. Evaluating the impact of media portrayals of crime on public perceptions and attitudes towards offenders.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology:

• a. Examining the relationship between job satisfaction and employee turnover.
• b. The impact of leadership styles on organizational culture and employee morale.
• c. Investigating the effectiveness of diversity training programs in reducing workplace discrimination.
• d. The role of emotional intelligence in workplace success and job performance.
• e. Exploring the psychology of work-life balance and its implications for employee well-being.

Educational Psychology Dissertation Topics:

• a. The effects of classroom environment on student motivation and academic performance.
• b. Investigating the role of self-efficacy beliefs in academic achievement.
• c. The impact of technology on learning outcomes and student engagement.
• d. Examining the effectiveness of interventions for students with learning disabilities.
• e. Exploring the psychology of bullying in schools and strategies for prevention.

Neuropsychology:

• a. Investigating the neural correlates of decision-making processes in the brain.
• b. The effects of traumatic brain injury on cognitive functioning and behavior.
• c. Examining the relationship between sleep disorders and cognitive impairment.
• d. Neural mechanisms underlying addiction and substance abuse disorders.
• e. Exploring the role of genetics in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Environmental Psychology:

• a. The psychological impacts of urbanization and city living on mental health.
• b. Investigating the effects of natural environments on stress reduction and well-being.
• c. The role of environmental attitudes and behaviors in promoting sustainable living.
• d. Exploring the psychology of environmental activism and collective action.
• e. Examining the relationship between built environments and social interactions in public spaces.
• Investigating the psychological effects of urban environments on stress and well-being
• Exploring the role of nature exposure in promoting cognitive restoration and mental health
• Assessing the impact of environmental sustainability initiatives on individual and collective behavior
• Examining the psychological barriers to pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors
• Exploring the role of environmental justice in addressing disparities in health and well-being

Social Psychology

• Exploring the dynamics of social identity and its influence on intergroup relations
• Investigating the psychological mechanisms underlying conformity and obedience to authority
• Examining the role of empathy in prosocial behavior and altruism
• Assessing the impact of prejudice and discrimination on individual and group outcomes
• Exploring the intersection of psychology and social justice, including advocacy and activism

Personality Psychology Dissertation Topics

• Investigating the stability and change of personality traits across the lifespan.
• Exploring the genetic and environmental influences on personality development
• Examining the role of personality in romantic relationships and partner selection
• Assessing the effectiveness of personality assessment tools in predicting behavior and outcomes
• Exploring the implications of personality disorders for individual functioning and treatment approaches

Positive Psychology Dissertation Topics

• Investigating the factors that contribute to subjective well-being and life satisfaction.
• Exploring the role of gratitude, forgiveness, and resilience in promoting mental health and thriving
• Assessing the effectiveness of positive interventions such as mindfulness, gratitude journals, and acts of kindness
• Examining the relationship between positive emotions and physical health outcomes
• Exploring the application of positive psychology principles in educational, clinical, and organizational settings

Cultural Psychology Dissertation Topics

• Investigating cultural variations in cognition, emotion, and behavior
• Exploring the impact of globalization on cultural identity and psychological well-being
• Examining the role of cultural norms and values in shaping social interactions and relationships
• Assessing the implications of cultural diversity for multicultural competence and intercultural communication
• Exploring the intersectionality of culture with other social identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality

Top Dissertation Topics in Psychology

Social media influence on body image.

• How social media use affects adolescents’ perception of their bodies.
• Exploring the correlation between social media engagement and body dissatisfaction in teens
• The role of celebrity endorsements on body image ideals among adolescents
• Investigating the impact of body-positive social media campaigns on self-esteem in adolescents
• Examining gender differences in social media’s influence on body image perception

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression

• Evaluating the effectiveness of CBT in treating depression compared to other therapeutic approaches.
• Investigating the long-term outcomes of CBT for individuals with recurrent depressive episodes
• Exploring the role of cognitive restructuring in CBT interventions for depression
• Examining the impact of therapist-client rapport on CBT outcomes for depression
• Assessing the feasibility of integrating mindfulness techniques into CBT for depression treatment

Parental Attachment and Child Development

• The influence of parental attachment styles on children’s emotional regulation abilities
• Exploring the relationship between parental attachment and social competence in children
• Investigating the role of parental warmth and responsiveness in fostering secure attachment in infants
• Examining the impact of early attachment experiences on later romantic relationships in adulthood
• Assessing the effects of insecure attachment patterns on children’s academic performance and behavior

Mindfulness for Stress Reduction

• The physiological mechanisms underlying the stress-reducing effects of mindfulness practices.
• Exploring the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs in workplace settings
• Investigating the role of mindfulness in buffering the effects of chronic stress on mental health
• Examining the impact of mindfulness interventions on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Assessing the feasibility of incorporating mindfulness techniques into daily life for stress management

Sleep Quality and College Performance

• Exploring the relationship between sleep duration and academic achievement in college students
• Investigating the effects of sleep quality on cognitive functioning and learning outcomes in college students
• The role of sleep hygiene practices in improving academic performance among college students
• Examining the impact of irregular sleep schedules on college students’ psychological well-being
• Assessing the effectiveness of sleep intervention programs in promoting better sleep habits and academic success among college students

Parental Divorce and Children’s Mental Health

• Understanding the psychological effects of parental divorce on children’s emotional well-being
• Exploring the factors that moderate the relationship between parental divorce and children’s mental health outcomes.
• Investigating the role of co-parenting dynamics in mitigating the negative effects of divorce on children’s adjustment
• Examining the long-term consequences of parental divorce on adult children’s mental health and relationship functioning
• Assessing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions for children coping with the aftermath of parental divorce

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35 Best Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Carmen Troy at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

A dissertation or a thesis paper is the fundamental prerequisite to the degree programme, irrespective of your academic discipline. The field of social psychology is not different.

When working on the dissertation, the students must demonstrate what they wish to accomplish with their study. They must be authentic with their ideas and solutions to achieve the highest possible academic grade.

A dissertation in social psychology should examine the influence others have on people’s behaviour. This is because the interaction of people in different groups is the main focus of the discipline. Social connections in person are the main focus of social psychology and therefore your chosen social psychology topic should be based on a real-life social experience or phenomenon.

Also read: Sociology dissertation topics

We have compiled a list of the top social psychology dissertation topics to help you get started.

List of Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

• What impact do priming’s automatic effects have on complex behaviour in everyday life?
• The social intuitionist model examines the role that emotion and reason play in moral decision-making.
• Examine the lasting effects of cognitive dissonance.
• What psychological consequences does spanking have on kids?
• Describe the consequences and root causes of childhood attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Explain the causes of antisocial behaviour in young people.
• Discuss infants’ early warning symptoms of mental disease.
• List the main factors that young adults most commonly experience; increased stress and depression.
• Describe several forms of torture in detail, emphasising how they affect children’s minds and adult lives.
• Describe the impact of violent video games and music on a child’s development.
• Talk about how the family influences early non-verbal communication in infants.
• Examine the scope and persistence of the variables influencing the impact of automatic priming on social behaviour.
• What does this mean for upholding one’s integrity and comprehending interpersonal relationships?
• Examine the connection between loneliness and enduring health issues.
• Identify several approaches to measuring older people’s social networks.
• Compare and contrast the types of social networks, housing, and elderly people’s health across time.
• The primary causes of young people’s moral decline are social influences. Discuss.
• Discuss what has improved our understanding of social psychology using examples from social psychology theories.
• What are the socio-psychological reasons and consequences of drinking alcohol?
• What makes some persons more attractive in social situations?
• Discuss how culture affects a society’s ability to be cohesive and united.
• Discuss how a person’s career affects their social standing in society.
• What psychological effects might long-term caregiving have?
• How ddoesa leader’s relationship and followers change under charismatic leadership?
• Discuss the tactics that support and thwart interpersonal harmony using the group identity theory as your foundation.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of intimate cross-cultural relationships.
• Examine and clarify the socio-psychological components of cults using examples.
• Discuss how sociocultural perceptions have an impact on socio-psychology.
• How has technology affected communication and interpersonal relationships?
• What part does religion play in bringing people together?
• Describe the socio-psychological impacts of dense population and crowded living.
• What are the effects of a child’s introverted personality on others?
• Explain how carelessness on the part of parents and childhood obesity are related.
• Study the psychological, moral, and legal ramifications of adoption.
• What are the corrective and preventative steps that can stop child abuse?

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Psychology Dissertation Topics

A psychology dissertation needs to contribute original knowledge to the discipline. Normally, this is based on previous, well-documented research and should demonstrate a good understanding of the issues concerned. In particular, a good psychology dissertation requires a sound rationale, such as that of addressing a gap in the research literature. The dissertation usually has to follow a specific standardised format, and involves attempting to support or confirm a hypothesis based on the investigator’s individual insights and prior research in the field. However, qualitative psychology dissertations attempt to explore and answer a specific research question rather than confirming a hypothesis. Research aims and procedures need to be clearly stated and follow a standard format. The title should be succinct and accurately reflect the substance of the dissertation. It is also essential that research cited is linked together logically, in a way that is consistent with the research aim. Perhaps most importantly, there needs to be critical analysis of past research to highlight the need for the dissertation, but also critical evaluation of the study conducted for the dissertation itself. The conclusion needs to summarise the main arguments in relation to the claims, and presented in a way that indicates whether the initial hypothesis is supported or rejected. Alternatively, for qualitative research, the discussion and conclusion need to discuss whether the research question has been fully explored. If you are looking to complete a psychology dissertation, here are some ideas of topics that you could research:

• Cognitive Psychology dissertation topics
• Developmental Psychology dissertation topics
• Social Psychology dissertation topics
• Evolutionary Psychology dissertation topics

Abnormal Psychology dissertation topics

• The Psychology of Personality dissertation topics
• Additional Psychology dissertation Topics

Cognitive Psychology Dissertation Topics

Cognitive psychology investigates the way the human brain represents information. It seeks to explore the underlying processes involved through experimentation, computer modelling and neuropsychology. Theories attempt to understand how information is encoded in the brain at macro and micro levels. This is a vast subject and there are many topics to choose from. If you are looking to base your dissertation on the area of cognitive psychology, below are just some psychology dissertation topics that could be researched further:

• The contribution of expectations, attention and emotional states to the perception of pain.
• The extent to which objective methods of measurement can support theoretical approaches to consciousness.
• Limitations of the modular view of the brain: The importance of feedback and cross-modulation in information processing.
• Are indirect and direct theories of perception incompatible or can recent enactive accounts potentially lead to a compromise?
• Assessing the development of implicit intergroup cognition in relation to in-groups and out-groups: social learning or pre-specified?
• How studies of bilingualism and trilingualism in infants can indicate the degree of interaction between representational systems encoding for different languages in the brain.
• The usefulness of the concept of ” grandmother cells ” for understanding the selectivity of neurons to high-level information processing, such as during facial recognition.
• The relationship between impaired social cognition, emotion and anxiety disorders.
• The role of implicit visual processing in the identification of objects: neural mechanisms and pathways.
• Changes in neural processing in response to event segmentation: separating cause and effect in boundary recognition.
• The sum of its parts? Consciousness is best explained as an output of implicit processes: implications for understanding intentionality.
• Of all the areas of the cortex, the prefrontal area is paramount in demarcating what makes humans human.
• The function of the prefrontal cortex can only be understood properly by considering how it relates to other areas of the brain.
• Rather than being related to specific areas of the brain, language is best explained as a function of multiple overlapping neural circuits existing throughout the cortex.
• Neural network theories might be able to account for some lower order functions of the brain but are unable to explain the representations that occur at higher areas: does the evidence reflect this?
• As information flows from earlier sensory-specific areas to higher regions of the brain, representations become more integrated: consequences and implications.
• Contribution of the cerebellum in relation to the higher functions of the cortex.
• Limits to the plasticity of the adult human brain.
• Are MRI studies a reliable indicator of brain function?
• The claim that the right and left brain hemispheres have different processing styles is fundamental to understanding how the brain functions.
• Parallel distributed processing is unable to provide an explanation for the higher functioning aspects of the human brain.
• Baddeley’s model of working memory compared to contemporary alternative theories.
• Working memory can best be explained as a function of long-term memory.
• Evidence for the role of the hippocampus in memory formation and consolidation: application of evidence to neurodegenerative disorders like dementia.
• The relationship between working memory and attention: bias in visual working memory and attention.
• The role of the prefrontal cortex in short-term memory.
• How emotional memory relates to episodic memory.
• Attention depends on the progressive activation of forward areas of the brain.
• Attention is better interpreted as a multivariate rather than a uni-modal concept.
• View-dependent theories of vision are more successful in accounting for natural perception than view-independent theories.
• Computer models of how perception occurs can lead to a misunderstanding of how the mechanisms of perception actually operate.
• How visual illusions help understand perceptual processes.
• Assessing the validity of Gibson’s theory of direct perception compared to constructivist accounts and more recent cognitive theories.
• Why does the sense of time vary according to circumstances?
• Is memory for past events partially influenced by the situation or context in which recall takes place?
• Effective cognition is about selecting appropriate information at the right time in the correct order.
• Does subliminal perception exist or is it part of a more complex phenomenon?
• Hierarchical explanations of information flow and parallel distributed processing.
• Can fMRI measures be used to accurately identify and distinguish deceptive information from guilty knowledge?
• The reliability, validity, and usefulness of research findings from cognitive psychology applied to real-life behaviour and cognition.
• The Network Neuroscience Theory: is general intelligence in humans a consequence of individual differences in neural network structure and architecture?

Developmental Psychology Dissertation Topics

Developmental psychology investigates how children’s behaviour changes over time, by studying experience and behaviour. Change is, for example, studied in a variety of areas including language, intelligence and motor skills. Theories of development propose a number of models to account for how change occurs, and gives pre-eminence either to experience or more enduring criteria. Some approaches take a mid-way position, however, by proposing an interaction between the two. Developmental psychology is an interesting area and relevant to many people, including doctors, teachers and parents. A psychology dissertation on developmental psychology may indeed be useful and well read.

• Are abilities unconnected with numeracy of children with dyscalculia affected by the condition or are they relatively independent?
• The role of face stimuli in assessing the development of the human ventral pathway from infancy to adulthood.
• The extent and role of plasticity in shaping visual cognitive development.
• Explaining change during cognitive development: one type of learning mechanism or diverse learning paradigms for different problems?
• Assessing whether intrinsic factors or the quality of interaction between human caregivers and children lead to successful learning outcomes.
• The extent to which understanding the mechanisms of neural development can be informative as to how early cognition occurs.
• Explaining how evidence for increasing integration of systems during the course of development can be assimilated with the increasing dissociation of structures.
• The development of conversational understanding as a domain-general improvement in processing speed and working-memory capacity in cognitive effort.
• The influence of culture on conversational understanding, where children do not normally communicate with adults.
• Scale errors and action planning in children: Assessing the implications of DeLoache’s findings for understanding the “what/where” pathways in the human brain.
• Developmental cognitive neuroscience’s significance for the early detection and treatment of developmental disorders.
• Is Piaget’s theory of cognitive development still a valid theory in the light of modern findings in cognitive neuroscience?
• How young children learn and thrive when their childhood is shaped by positive, secure relationships with knowledgeable adults, who are able to support their child’s learning and development.
• How the notion of plasticity in child development can account for the child’s ability to change in response to negative or positive life experiences.
• The acquirement of culture and biological growth is essential for child development.

Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

Social psychology involves studying how individuals in groups interact. This is achieved through investigating how individual behaviour is influenced by others. Immediate social interactions comprise the main focus of concern in which such behaviours as social influence, attitudes and non-verbal communication etc., may be studied in controlled situations, particularly that of traditional laboratory experiments, but also field experiments. Nevertheless, there is a growing trend in social psychology towards the use of qualitative research methods, such as that of interviews or focus groups, which provide more in-depth explanations of social psychology. Below are just some suggestions for psychology dissertation topics based on social psychology:

• Factors modulating automatic priming effects in relation to social behaviour: assessing magnitude and duration.
• The influence of automatic effects of priming on complex behaviour in real-life situations.
• An overlapping neural network representing the concept of self and other: Implications for sustaining self-integrity and understanding interpersonal relations.
• Behavioural game theory: How players learn from and influence others in relation to strategic thinking, and the implications for real-life social interaction.
• Assessing the contribution of reason and emotion in moral judgment through the social intuitionist model.
• Early stable development of implicit social cognition and preference for in-groups: assessing how evaluation is assigned.
• Charting how cognitive neuroscience can inform social psychology in terms of integrating social dimensions of cognition and knowledge of neural networks and mechanisms.
• Agent-based computational models of collective behaviour: understanding group behaviour from the bottom-up.
• The early onset of non-verbal communication in infants: nature or nature?
• The Behaviour Stimulus Interaction (BSI) theory and cognitive conflict in approach/avoidance situations: The duration of the devaluation effect.
• The enduring legacy of cognitive dissonance.

Evolutionary Psychology Dissertation Topics

Evolutionary psychology seeks to explain psychological attributes through applying evolutionary theory to behaviour that is held to derive from natural selection and adaptation. In this regard, humans have inherited psychological mechanisms from their ancestors that helped solve enduring problems throughout evolutionary time. Such mechanisms are assumed to constrain the behaviour of modern-day individuals. The study of evolutionary psychology enables you to research into history of man, as well as the application of evolutionary psychology to many areas of modern day society, such as organisations. Writing a psychology dissertation in this area may prove enjoyable for the author, as well as the reader.

• Is evolutionary psychology merely a field of enquiry or a robust paradigm for investigating human behaviour?
• Investigating whether reciprocal altruism is adequate in explaining altruism in different social situations.
• Why individual traits and cognitive modules fail to explain the complexities of human social behaviour.
• Assessing the relative importance of facial symmetry, averageness and secondary sex characteristics as reliable indicators of mate choice.
• Investigating whether artificially-induced examples of evolutionary game theory can be a valid means of assessing human behaviour in the real world.
• Comparing sex differences in emotional outlook as a function of parental investment theory between principal biological carers and principal non-biological carers.
• Discriminating between phobias and anxiety states that are adaptive compared to those that are learned.
• Humans engage in social exchange behaviour using the same cognitive reasoning that enables them to engage in everything else they do.
• Are human mental abilities better described by a general learning mechanism based on language or a more dedicated mechanism?
• Human cognitive development as a proxy for understanding the evolution of the human brain.
• The executive functions of the frontal cortex are what make humans unique.
• An appraisal of Fodor’s modular account of the brain in the light of recent neuroscientific research.
• A cheater detection module: fact or fantasy?
• Ethnographic examples as a valid measure of universal human abilities.
• Sex differences in attitudes to self as a function of evolutionary constraints.
• How can evolutionary psychology explain anomalies in human decision-making?
• Evolutionary psychology on group behaviour can explain the way in which humans behave in organisations whether that behaviour is rational or irrational.
• Is Darwin’s theory of sexual selection still applicable for explaining cross-cultural activities and the human expression of emotions?

Abnormal psychology is about the scientific study of abnormal behaviour that serves to describe and explain such behaviour in order to affect positive change. Abnormal, in this context, is defined as any person that has psychological traits that deviate from the norm. Abnormal psychology is for those students who want to explore more uncommon conditions. The topics below will make it easier to research for a specific topic on which to write your psychology dissertation.

• Questioning the validity of DSM-V as a tool for categorising abnormal psychological symptoms.
• Relating subtypes with substance dependence to dissociable networks of disruption in the limbic system.
• The significance of the anterior cingulated cortex for understanding cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
• The role of a dysfunctional amygdale and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in psychopathology.
• A study of Schizophrenia as a multi-dimensional syndrome.
• The extent to which the use of cannabis leads to deficits in working memory.
• The role of MRI studies for assessing neurobiological theories that schizophrenia is caused by abnormal fronto-temporal lobe connections.
• Can a malfunctioning mirror neuron system sufficiently account for autism or are additional explanations based on cognitive models of social behaviour required to understand the syndrome more fully?
• The probable causes of face processing deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder: social or visual?
• Is category deficits evidence of category-specific knowledge or a more distributed system of processing?
• Why do schizophrenics tend to experience auditory rather than visual hallucinations?
• Can phobias be treated more effectively by medication, cognitive retraining therapies, behavioural techniques or psychotherapeutic approaches?
• Can the fact that some autistics display isolated talents help explain the syndrome’s cause?
• Assessing the symptoms of ADHD in adults and in children: Is there a different ADHD disorder for adults?
• How do cognitive processes in individuals with schizophrenia differ to those of an individual with typical cognitive processes?
• How, and in what ways is Intellectual development disorders (IDD) different to Autism Spectrum Disorders?

The Psychology of Personality Dissertation Topics

Personality is a set of unique features possessed by an individual that, according to a given situation, will govern their behaviour. The psychology of personality is therefore the study of the similarity and differences that exist amongst various individuals. There have been two main approaches to the study of this subject area; those that seek to formulate general characteristics that apply to many individuals and those that are more focused upon the nuances of personality traits. For psychology dissertation topics to base your dissertation on, see below:

• Evaluating whether the Health Personality Inventory can predict risk of substance misuse in adolescents.
• In relation to cognitive dissonance, to what extent do extroverts and introverts differ when involved in group discussion.
• To what extent can different forms of perfectionism predict attitudes to success and failure?
• Can the use of personality inventories accurately assess different personality traits?
• Can the identification of personality traits at a young age predict personality profiles in adults?
• Creativity as a multi-faceted propensity: identifying the crucial traits and cognitive factors.
• Drugs of choice and personality: differences between sensation seekers and the internally conflicted.
• Personality and decision making: the role of impulsivity and rational thinking.
• First impressions and the impact they have on assessing personality traits.
• Predicting individuals at risk of suicide through identification of personality traits associated with extroversion and introversion.
• Which personality inventories are the most effective in assessing personality?
• To what extent can personality change over a period of time?
• The effectiveness of using personality inventories for identifying personality disorders
• The effectiveness of the current approach used to diagnosis personality disorders

Additional Psychology Dissertation Topics

• To what extent can colour influence sporting performance?
• The influence of colour on emotion.
• How does colour and design influence time perception?
• Can language influence perception?
• Does language influence thought? The linguistic-relativity debate.
• The cross-cultural differences in number processing.
• The psychology of religion: a systematic review.
• How does religion impact mental wellbeing?
• The physical and mental impact of cannabis use in healthy adults.
• The effect of cannabis on creativity.
• Models of memory: a systematic review.
• Can learning memory techniques effectively improve academic performance?
• Can mindfulness improve mental wellbeing?
• The history of 20th century psychology movements.
• Individual personality differences and their impact on creativity.
• Creative thought: a systematic review.
• How is creativity influenced by environment?
• The psychology of happiness: a systematic review.
• Does the use of social media decrease happiness?
• To what extent does exposure to nature increase happiness?
• Can exercise improve happiness?
• The influence of exercise on wellbeing.
• The influence of exercise on cognitive functioning.
• To what extent do indoor plants increase employee productivity?
• To what extent do video games affect personal wellbeing?
• How does sleep influence personal wellbeing?
• Financial markets and the impact on the psychology of the masses.
• The role of psychology in modern day sport.
• Internet pornography: the effects on a generation of users.
• The problem of death: how we all deal with knowing the end of our story.
• The link between socio-economic status and being able to access therapy.
• To what extent can executive function become impaired by emotion?
• The use of effective therapies for psychological conditions.

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Degree In Sight

Starting the dissertation

Experts offer tips on picking a topic, conducting a lit review and narrowing your focus.

By MELISSA DITTMANN

gradPSYCH Staff

You've watched other classmates sweating over their dissertation topics, poring over the literature, agonizing over their research design, writing and editing. Now, it's your turn.

But, when and how do you begin?

Ideally, dissertation advisers say, students identify a research interest in the first or second year of their program and then use that general area as a theme throughout their coursework. But students don't need to view that general area as a trajectory of their career. Instead, experts encourage students to view the dissertation as a teaching exercise, in which they learn how to conduct, design and analyze independent research.

So first off, you need a topic.

"The topic is the foundation for everything-with a good topic and research question, you'll be set to go," says Melinda Stoops, PhD, a director of the counseling center at Framingham State College in Framingham, Mass., who has spoken at APA conferences on writing the dissertation.

Experts offer the following advice on tackling these beginning stages of your dissertation-from getting organized to narrowing your topic to identifying your problem and research questions.

Then, take it one chapter at a time, dissertation advisers say.

  PICKING A TOPIC

When deciding your topic, keep in mind that you will undoubtedly spend the next few years immersed in it, says psychologist John Cone, PhD, a professor emeritus at Alliant International University (AIU) and co-author with Sharon Foster, PhD, of "Dissertations and Theses from Start to Finish" (APA, 1993). Cone advises the following steps to pick a topic:

Ask a favorite professor, preferably one active in research, about possible topics.

Read departmental information on the research interests of the faculty to find a topic a faculty member is interested in as well. Consider asking the faculty member to be a part of your dissertation committee, which will help guide you in your research.

Read an empirical paper that interests you and see what future research is suggested in the discussion section.

Think about term papers you enjoyed writing and choose a topic that reflects those interests.

Sift through literature reviews in your areas of interest-such as in the Annual Review of Psychology, Psychological Bulletin and Clinical Psychology Review.

Avoid topics in which you are overly emotionally involved-such as research on depression if you or a family member is depressed. Such emotional elements can interfere with your research, Cone says.

To narrow your focus, identify what within your chosen topic area interests you, says Foster, a psychology professor at AIU. Bounce ideas off a mentor and consult the literature to determine what has been done before, she advises. Also, consider choosing a topic that you've already been exposed to, such as through your master's thesis or a research project.

That's exactly what sixth-year doctoral student Jody Ernst did. Ernst-who is in the University of Texas at Austin's individual differences and evolutionary psychology program-has spent her entire graduate career researching behavioral genetics.

"Selecting the topic sort of fell into place naturally as a product of the research I have been doing for the past five years," Ernst says. In particular, her dissertation investigates the genetic factors that influence problem behavior development over the life span.

"It is helpful to choose a topic that builds upon past work you have done," Ernst says. "I think this makes the process of identifying the big questions much easier because you are already familiar with the relevant literature."

But, make sure you have passion for the topic. Nate Tomcik-a fifth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the University of Tennessee-has an interest in his research on therapists' views of couples therapy because it allowed him to integrate research with his clinical work with couples.

"My advice would be to not choose a topic that is an unappealing offshoot of your adviser's work or a project that you have lukewarm feelings about in general," Tomcik suggests. "It's important to remember that the dissertation is a marathon, not a sprint, and lukewarm feelings can turn cold quickly.

"If I didn't love my dissertation idea as much as I do, I know it would have been much harder to stay on track and focused," he adds.

  CONDUCTING THE LIT REVIEW

Once you've identified a topic, the next step is to write a review of the literature in the area. The lit review section will include a brief introduction to your topic, introduce key concepts and review the existing literature.

But be prepared: The lit review often is the most difficult part of the dissertation, Foster maintains.

"Sometimes you are going to feel lost and like you don't know where you're going," Foster says. "The reason for that is because you are trying to do several things concurrently-you're trying to learn about this whole field and get a conceptual framework of how to map out this area of research."

But, it's nothing your classes haven't prepared you to take on, Foster says.

Cone and Foster also suggest that students:

Determine how experts in the field have organized their thinking by reading chapters or integrative articles they've written.

Find meta-analyses, journal articles or books on the topic and scan their reference sections for other references.

Identify key journals that cover the topic and scan their table of contents from the past five years for material.

Search electronic bibliographies-such as PsycINFO (which contains nearly 2 million citations of journal articles, books and dissertations in psychology) or the Education Resources Information Center, or ERIC, which offers a database of journal and other education literature.

Identify major authors in the area and search for them by name in databases, such as PsycLIT, to determine if they've written on other related items.

Determine if related research might be published under different keywords.

For example, Foster says in her research on girls' aggression, "aggression" as a keyword didn't cover it. Without trying other keywords, she would have missed key information on "delinquency" and "conduct disorders," which use similar criteria to define the population.

Jennifer Reese-a fourth-year doctoral student in the PsyD program at the University of Denver-used what she calls the "scavenger hunt" approach for her lit review; she scanned reference sections of relevant books and journal articles and then found those referenced sources as well. She is validating the use of Jane Elliott's Blue Eyes Brown Eyes exercise, a behavior training method that uses discrimination against a person's eye color to teach Caucasians about prejudice and oppression. Reese even spoke with Elliott-a retired schoolteacher who created the experiment in the 1960s-to get background on what similar studies had been done.

So how do you know when you've gathered enough for your lit review? "I know when I go to the reference sections, and I'm not finding any new things-when I keep turning up the same things over and over again," Foster says.

  IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM AND QUESTIONS

Once you feel confident that you've covered the literature, identify the rationale for your study, why it's important and what hasn't been studied about it before, Foster says.

To do that, Cone suggests writing a paragraph or two summarizing the literature review. Then, determine what unresolved issues are identified in the most recently cited studies-and most relevant to your study. Select one of these issues and formulate one or two research questions and associated hypotheses.

When formulating the research question, consider whether you'll be able to recruit enough participants, Stoops says. Ask your dissertation committee-which usually comprises three or four faculty members you choose when you first begin your dissertation-for feedback on whether they believe you'll be able to recruit enough participants or obtain animals, if needed, dissertation advisers suggest.

After her extensive lit review, Ernst was able to pinpoint her research questions for her dissertation on problem behavior development, including: Are there predictable developmental trajectories for problem behaviors? What factors influence the development of problem behaviors for vulnerable individuals across the life span? She identified these questions by finding the gaps within the problem behavior development literature.

Both the statement of the problem and research questions will be lumped in the introduction of your dissertation, which provides an overview of your study. But, while the introduction is sometimes the first chapter in your dissertation, don't feel compelled to have it be the first thing you do, says Framingham State College's Stoops. She didn't write her introduction until after doing her lit review and methodology.

However, Ernst wrote her statement first and then continually added relevant citations as she came upon them.

"Writing the intro first helped me to organize my thoughts about gaps in current research and helped me to identify what new and relevant information I would be adding to this line of research," she says.

  STAYING ON TRACK

Whatever methods you choose, even these beginning stages to your dissertation may seem overwhelming. So treat your dissertation as a job, Cone advises. He suggests committing 10 to 20 hours per week for 12 to 18 months to avoid becoming a casualty to the All But Dissertation (ABD) label. Set specific work hours and choose a specific place to work, he advises.

And tap the guidance of others-such as professors, peers or other mentors-who can help you through the process, Foster adds. (For tips to finding a mentor, see Building mentorships for success .)

"People who are a little ahead of you in the process can be very helpful," Foster says. "They will tell you what they've gone through and normalize your experience and give you leads."

One way to get a peer network for your dissertation: Join the APAGS dissertation listserv . 

Another is taking a class on the dissertation process. That certainly helped Chris Bernuth, a sixth-year counseling psychology doctoral student at University of Missouri-Columbia, to stay on track. The professor's due dates and the class's extra support prevented procrastination, he says.

"Very smart people can become ABD because they procrastinate or think they can write the dissertation in a couple of all-night sessions, and you cannot do that with a dissertation," Foster says.

When Stoops was working on her dissertation, she combated tendencies to procrastinate by setting deadlines with her dissertation chair. One way to set those deadlines, Cone says, is to list each step in chronological order and then use it to create a milestone chart.

And most importantly, Cone says students can be confident about their ability to complete the dissertation.

"After all," he says, "you have made it this far."

The dissertation, start to finish

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Home > Academic Units > SPFC > CPY Dissertations

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

The Seattle Pacific University Department of Clinical Psychology is an APA-accredited doctoral program offering both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

This series contains successfully defended doctoral dissertations.

Dissertations from 2024 2024

Examining the Effects of Social Group Persecution and Traumatic Humiliation in Survivors of Torture , Tilda Cvrkel

The Survivability Hierarchy Behind Bars: Themes, Reforms, and Prevention Program Evaluations in Washington State Jail Suicides , Rocky B. Marks

Dissertations from 2023 2023

Unhealed Wounds: From Complex Trauma Exposure to Wellbeing and the Role of Coping , Mohammed K. Alsubaie

Prospective Relationship Between Co-rumination and Depressive Symptoms in Early Adolescence: Brooding Rumination as a Mechanism , Katherine S. Benjamin

Understanding the Effects of Empathy and Masculine Gender Role Stress on the Relationship Between Gender and the Understanding of Consent in adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Framework , Kate Degenhardt

Suicidal Ideation and Community Connectedness in LGBTQ+ Adults: Can Emotion Regulation and Mindfulness Skills Help? , Samantha V. Jacobson

Sensory processing impacts on sleep patterns in children with neurodevelopmental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic , Julianne M. Myers

Dissertations from 2022 2022

The Impact of COVID-19 on Secondary Victimization and Resiliency Following Sexual Assault , Elena Cantorna

Developmental Trajectories of Positive Emotion Regulation: The Moderating Effects of Gender and Parenting , Hailey Caudle

The Role of Coping Self-Efficacy, Coping Strategies, and Resiliency Following Sexual Assault , Lauren Hirsch

Ableist Microaggressions and Well-being: Investigating the Moderating Effect of Coping Strategies , Whitney Morean

Relations of EEG and Perceived Response to Methylphenidate among Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , Tara M. Rutter

Integrative Meaning, Mindfulness, and Traumatic Grief Among Bereaved Adults , Brandy Tidwell

Parental Attachment and Compassion as Predictors of Distress Disclosure Among Young Adults , Ellie N. Wilde

School Related Criminal Acts, Interpersonal Problems, and Classroom Behaviors as a Function of The Proportion of Black Students and Black Teachers , LeAnne Zaire

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Telehealth Mindful Parenting Training on Executive Function in Autistic Children and their Parents , Vanessa Zhou

Dissertations from 2021 2021

Investigating the Effects of Endurance of Marriage on the Relationship between Attachment and Love Style , Melissa Caris

Parental Accommodation as a Mediator of Parenting Style on Changes in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms , Jennifer Cataldi

Predicting First Responder Resilience: Investigating the Indirect Effect of Posttraumatic Cognitions through Coping Processes , Michael Dolezal

How Social Support Affects Career Adaptability through the Academic Career , Megan Fox

Longitudinal Trauma Treatment Outcomes in an Immigrant and Refugee Sample , Shuen-En Ho

Attachment, Trait Mindfulness, and Expectations in Married Women: A Moderated Mediation Model , Elizabeth Larson

Depression as a Moderator of the Relationship between Perceived Injustice and Neuropsychological Performance Validity among Individuals Previously Diagnosed with a Concussion , Jeremiah Lum

Psychometrics of a Measure of Sexual Assault Coping Self-Efficacy: A Comparison of Across Age Groups , Thomas Pankau

Posttraumatic Cognitions as a Pathway from Resilience to Sleep in First Responders , Emily Peterman Cabano

Detachment and Antagonism as Moderators of Effects of Psychosocial Stressors on Emotional Distress in Daily Life , Christina My Quach

Development of the Sexual Shame Inventory , Jyssica Seebeck

School Violence and Suicidal Ideation: The Mediating Roles of Perceived School Safety and Substance Use Among Adolescents , Jordan Skalisky

Shame Proneness as a Vulnerability Factor for Negative Emotions in the Context of Interpersonal Stressors: An Experience Sampling Study , Oxana L. Stebbins

An Examination of the Role of Interpersonal Stressors and Attachment Style in Dissociative Experiences , Erin Verdi

Dissertations from 2020 2020

What Happens When Youth Talk About Their Problems? Co-Rumination as a Mechanism of Stress Generation , Jaclyn T. Aldrich

Moderation of Effects of Anxiety on Verbal and Visuospatial Short-Term Memory in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Rachael Arowolo

Impacts of Motor and Sensory Impairment on Language in Young Children with Autism , Elizabeth A. Bisi

Psychometric Evaluation of the Calling and Vocation Questionnaire-Revised (CVQ-R) and Calling and Vocation Questionnaire-10 Item (CVQ-10) , Caitlin Coyer

An Integrated Analysis of the Mechanisms by Which Parents Facilitate the Development of Emotion Regulation in Young Adolescents , Andrew Fox

Examining the Factors that Mediate the Relationship from Legal Advocacy Satisfaction to Resilience , Desta T. Gebregiorgis

The Costs of COVID-19: Loneliness, Coping, and Psychological Distress in the United States Population , Lauren Hammond

Autism and Externalizing Behaviors: Attachment as a Protective Factor , Rebecca Kramer

Generalized Anxiety Symptoms and Interpersonal Self-Perceptions During Stressors: A Prospective Examination of Psychological and Biological Stress , Jamie A. Lewis

Parent Emotion Coaching and Affect Recognition in Theory of Mind in Autism Spectrum Disorder , Audrey L. O'Connor

The Missing Moral Dimension: Perceptions of Transgressions and the Moderating Role of Moral Foundations on Psychological Distress , Hannah Reas

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms as a Moderator of Affective Reactions to Perceived Interpersonal Behaviors , Narayan B. Singh

Posttraumatic Growth in the Context of Grief: Testing the Mindfulness-to-Meaning Theory , Honey Williams

Trauma Exposure, Depressive Symptoms, and Responding to Positive Events and Affect in Young Adults , Jana DeSimone Wozniak

Dissertations from 2019 2019

The Impact of Trauma Experience, Adverse Early Circumstances and Unit Cohesion on Posttraumatic Growth in Active Duty Service Members , John Charleson

Cognitive Functioning, Depression, and Strengths as Predictors of Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis , Tara Annthea Crouch

The Roles of Pragmatic Language and Theory of Mind in the Adaptive Communication Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Taja Estrada

Campus Shootings: Does Religious Faith and Relationship with Victims Affect Psychological Well-Being? , Melissa J. Gowen

Attachment and Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Adolescence: Exploring the Mediating Role of Physiological Self-Regulation Capacity , Michelle A. Kuhn

The Effect of a Substance Use Intervention on Co-occurring Adolescent Depression Symptoms , Elizabeth Ann Lehinger PhD

The Effect of Substance Use on the Relationship between PTSD Symptom Clusters and Suicide in Adolescents , Lindsay S. Moore

Emotional Clarity in Young Adults: Operationalization, Measurement, and Associations with Mental Health Outcomes , Madeline D W Noland

Examining Depression Symptoms, Parental Stress, and Dispositional Mindfulness in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Tracey Ward

RSA in Young Adults: Identifying Naturally-Occurring Response Patterns and Correlates , Brittany K. Willey

Dissertations from 2018 2018

Examining the Interaction between Stress Exposure and Stress Reactivity as Predictors of Reward Sensitivity and Anhedonia Symptoms , Joshua Ahles

The Impact of Bully Victimization and Substance Use on Suicidal Behavior in Sexual Minority Youth , Ashley Christine Estoup

The Role of Joint Attention in Pragmatic Language Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders , Ellen F. Geib

Investigating the Effects of Adult Insecure Attachment on Interpersonal Attraction , Fiona B. Kurtz Ms.

A Grounded Theory Qualitative Research Approach to Understanding Enduring Marriage , Heather Lucas

Examining the Moderating Role of Anxiety Symptoms on Insistence on Sameness in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Wayne Eric Mason Jr

Physiological Activation as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Perseverative Cognition and Somatic Symptoms , Karly M. Murphy

Examining the Interacting Effects of Marital Role Salience and Satisfaction on Mental Health Trajectories of Female Expatriates , Kaitlin M. Patton

Sexual Violence and Legal Advocacy: Psychometric Evaluation of the Legal Advocacy Services Satisfaction Survey , Joanne K. Sparrow

The Association of Attachment and Marital Satisfaction Mediated by Implicit Theories of Relationships , Sadie Teal

Summer Treatment Program for ADHD and ASD: The Role of Physical Activity, Sleep and Inhibitory Control , Erin G. Underbrink

A program evaluation of ZGiRLS: The role of cognitive emotion regulation in predicting mental health outcomes in adolescent girls , Julie Vieselmeyer

Dissertations from 2017 2017

Risky Sex and Alcohol-Related Behaviors and Cognitions in Adolescents: Evaluating a Values-Based Intervention , Meredith K. Chapman

The Etiology and Phenomenology of Sexual Shame: A Grounded Theory Study , Noel Clark

The Effect of Emotional Vulnerability and Invalidation on Emotion Dysregulation in Early Adolescence: An Empirical Investigation of Linehan’s Biosocial Theory of Borderline Personality Disorder , Sarah Crystal

The Effectiveness of Text Coaching on Substance Use Treatment Outcomes in Adolescence , Emily Hu

Sexual Assault Coping Self-efficacy as Moderated by Legal Advocacy Social Support , Clara Jane Roberts

The Relationship Between Trauma and Well-Being: Moral Emotions in Sex-Trafficked Women , Gina M. Scarsella

Dissertations from 2016 2016

Internalizing Symptoms: Relations to Executive Functions in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Jessica L. Berg

Ecosystemic Effects of Military Sexual Trauma in Male Service Members and Veterans , Jessica A. Carlile

International Interests and Psychological Well-Being Following Global Service Learning as a Function of Sociocultural Adaptation and Cultural Distance , Elizabeth C. Dykhouse

Stress and Somatic Symptoms: Rumination and Negative Affect as Moderators , Melissa Joy Garner

Integrating Cognitive Mechanisms in the Relationship Between Trait Affect and Depressive Symptoms: The Role of Affect Amplification , Kaitlin A. Harding

Brooding, Avoidance, and Suppression as Mechanisms Linking Shame-Proneness with Depressive Symptoms , Melissa Rose Hudson

Courage, Psychological Well-being, and Somatic Symptoms , Christopher J. Keller

The Role of Emotional Distress in Predicting Opiate Analgesic Medication Use in Chronic Pain Patients , Amy E. Kupper

Temperament and Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia as Contributors to Externalizing Behavior Among Early Adolescents , Tyler Laney Ph.D.

Impact of Situational Context on Gratitude and its Affective Outcomes , Adam P. McGuire

Does Use of Neutralization Techniques Predict Delinquency and Substance Use Outcomes? , Erin C. Siebert

Psychometric Evaluation of the Offender Coping Self-Efficacy Scale in the Context of Incarceration and Upon Re-entry , Minhdan Thuy Ta

Queers in the Hands of a Loving God: God Image, Strength of Faith, and Campus Climate in Predicting Self-Stigma , Sage Liam Willis

Dissertations from 2015 2015

Adaptive Functioning Deficits and Internalizing Problems in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders , Hayley A. Dauterman

The Relation of Hyperactivity to Parenting Stress within the Parent-Child Relationship in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders , Heather Davis

Negative Cognitive Style, Rumination, and Negative Emotionality as Mediators of the Antidepressive Effects of Physical Activity Among Young Adults , Kara Pegram

Examining the Relationship between Forgiveness and Subjective Well-Being as Moderated by Implicit Religiousness and Spirituality , Jessica Peterson

The ABCs of stress responding: Examining the time course of affective, biological, and cognitive responses to induced stress as prospective predictors of depressive symptoms , Marissa Erin Rudolph

Behavioral Health among Asian American and Pacific Islanders: The Impact of Acculturation and Receipt of Behavioral Health Services on Depression and Anxiety , Mari E. Yamamoto

Perspectives on a Positive Youth Development Environment for Youth with Developmental Disabilities in 4-H , Megan E. Zurawski

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Home > School, College, or Department > CLAS > Psychology > Dissertations and Theses

Psychology Dissertations and Theses

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Faculty Mentors' Influence on Latino/a/x STEM Undergraduates' STEM Identity Development , Sandy Cerda-Lezama

The Nuanced Relationship Between Mindfulness, Racial Prejudice, and Policy Support , Jared Michael Cutler

Individual and Structural Contributors to Implicit and Explicit Anti-Muslim Bias in the United States , Aeleah M. Granger

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Juvenile Offender Typology , Aliza Beth Lipman

A Cognitive Approach to Supervisor Training Intervention Evaluation: Analyzing Change with Response Shift Theory and Models of Measurement Invariance , Luke Daniel Mahoney

The Exploration of Latino BIP Participants' Experiences of Oppression and Expressions of Critical Consciousness , Adrian Luis Manriquez

Permission to Play: A District's Initiative to Innovate Kindergarten and Promote Developmentally Appropriate Practices , Cristin McDonough

The Wage of Wellness: The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status, Race, and Work Recovery , Emily Julia Ready

Seguir Adelante: A Qualitative Exploration of Latino Farmworkers' Work and Non-Work Resources , Faviola Robles Saenz

It Takes a Village: An Examination of Social Relationships and Mental Health , Em Francis Trubits

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Examining Factors Impacting the Service Needs of Unhoused Women , Holly Brott

Main, Mediated, and Moderated Effects of Participating in an After-School Social and Emotional Learning Program on Young Children's Development of Social-Emotional Skills , Amy L. Cordier

Who Puts the "Support" in Supportive Housing? The Impact of Housing Staff on Resident's Well-Being, and the Potential Moderating Role of Self-Determination , Kenna Estell Dickard

Motivation to Collaborate: A Qualitative Exploration of the Perspectives of Service Providers on an Alternative First Response Program , Desiree' J. DuBoise

Tell Me, Do You Feel It Too? A Meta-analysis of Dyadic Emotional Contagion in the Workplace , Stefanie Fox

Left on "Read" and All Alone: Instigated Cyber Incivility, Shame, and Experienced Ostracism at Work , Alison Lucia Hunt

Exploring Associations between Military Identity and Well-being Outcomes among Post-9/11 Veterans after Separation , James David Lee

Experiences of People with Serious Mental Illness Seeking Services at Community Mental Health Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic , Emily Leickly

Why So Serious? Using the Belongingness Need Tenet from the Self-Determination Theory to Examine Workplace Humor and Its Outcomes , Katharine Lucille McMahon

Emotion Knowledge, Its Applications, and Their Associations With African American Children's Social Relationships With Teachers and Peers in Kindergarten and First Grade , Brielle Emily Petit

Stress-Reduction from Positive Support: Impacts of Receiving Partner Capitalization Support on Veteran Stress/Work Stress , MaryAnn Dona Samson

Diversity in Recruitment: The Role of Realistic Website Job Previews for Racial and Ethnic Minority Applicants , Jennifer Saucedo

Antecedents of FSSB: Evaluating the Demographic Basis of Support , Erika Ann Schemmel

A Daily Investigation of the Recovery Paradox: Examining the Dynamic Interplay of Workload, Recovery Experiences, and Microbreaks , Morgan Rose Taylor

Not on the Menu: Customer Sexual Harassment in the Restaurant Industry , Fernanda Wolburg Martinez

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Model.Disclose(): Examination of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Disclosure at Work , Timothy Allen Carsey

Transforming Learning Communities, Transforming Ourselves: A Qualitative Investigation of Identity Processes in a Participatory Action Research-themed Undergraduate Course , Julia Sara Dancis

Clarifying and Measuring Inclusive Leadership , Kelly Mason Hamilton

Intersections of Masculinity, Culturally Relevant Factors, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Among Asian American Men , Jason Z. Kyler-Yano

Sleeping to Support: An Examination of the Relationship Between Leader Sleep and Positive Support Behaviors , Jordyn Jan Leslie

Work-Related IPV Among Latinos: Exploring the Roles of Fatherhood Status, Gendered Expectations, and Support for Intimate Partner's Employment , Adrian Luis Manriquez

Masculinity Instability and Ideologies as Predictors of IPV Perpetration: The Mediating Role of Relationship Power , Emma Christine Marioles O'Connor

The Benefits of Social Support on Health and Well-Being in Military Populations: Examining Mechanisms, Source of Support, and the Reach of a Workplace Well-Being Intervention , AnnaMarie Sophia O'Neill

Do Motives Matter? The Role of Motivation in Shaping the Impact of Mindfulness Training on Teachers' Psychological Distress and Wellbeing , Cristi N. Pinela

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

The Longitudinal Effects of a Family and Sleep Supportive Intervention on Service Member Anger and Resilience , Shalene Joyce Allen

Drug Conviction and Employment Restriction: Experiences of Employees with Drug-Related Criminal Histories , Liana Bernard

Sustaining Boys' Motivation Over the Transition to Middle School: Can Interpersonal Resources Protect Boys from Engagement Declines Across Sixth Grade? , Brandy Anne Brennan

Returning to Rejection: Outcomes and Boundary Conditions of Mental Illness Stereotypes , Stefanie Fox

Guarding Against Strain: The Moderating Role of Nonwork Experiences in the Relationship Between Work-Related Hypervigilance and Strain in Correctional Officers , Samantha Getzen

Anti-Muslim Bias: Investigating Individual Differences, Threat Perceptions, and Emotions in Islamophobic Policy Support , Aeleah M. Granger

Black Children's Development of Self-Regulation within Stressful Contexts of Parenting: Investigating Potential Buffering Effects of a Kindergarten Social-Emotional Learning Program , Eli Labinger

"Like I Was an Actual Researcher": Participation and Identity Trajectories of Underrepresented Minority and First-Generation STEM Students in Research Training Communities of Practice , Jennifer Lynn Lindwall

Claiming Miscommunication to Justify Rape: The Role of Liking the Perpetrator , Alyssa Marie Glace Maryn

An "I" for an "I" : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Instigated and Reciprocal Incivility , Lauren Sarah Park

Parenting and Children's Academic Coping as a Dynamic System: Feedforward, Feedback, and Mediators of Changes Across the School Year , Kristen Elizabeth Raine

Does Experiencing Spousal Support and Strain Impact the Quality of Family-Based Support that Supervisors Provide to Employees? , Joseph Alvin Sherwood

"B-ing Flexible" : Examining Creativity in Bisexual Employees , Megan Jane Snoeyink

Exploring the Relationships Between Community Experiences and Well-Being among Youth Experiencing Homelessness , Katricia Stewart

Mothers' Drinking Motives , Sheila Kathleen Umemoto

An Examination of Nurses' Schedule Characteristics, Recovery from Work, and Well-Being , Sarah Elizabeth Van Dyck

Preventing Sexual Violence Through Understanding Perceptions of Sexual Offenders , Judith G. Zatkin

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Examining Employee Needs at Work and Home: a Self-Determination Theory Perspective , Dana Anuhea Auten

Trajectories, Time Windows, and Alternative Pathways of Engagement: Motivational Resources Underlying Academic Development during Middle School , Heather Anne Brule

Examining Mindfulness Training for Teachers: Theoretical and Methodological Extensions of Intervention Effectiveness , Jaiya Rae Choles

Detecting Reinforcement Patterns in the Stream of Naturalistic Observations of Social Interactions , James Lamar DeLaney 3rd

An Investigation of the Temporal Relationship Between Agitation and Sleep Disturbances , Emily Catherine Denning

Peers' Academic Coping as a Resource for Academic Engagement and Motivational Resilience in the First Year of Middle School , Daniel Lee Grimes

Home Resources Supporting Workplace Resources: an Investigation of Moderated Intervention Effects From the Study for Employment Retention of Veterans (SERVe) , Sarah Nielsen Haverly

"It Puts a Face to All the Knowledge We've Gotten" : a Program of Research on Intimate Partner Violence Surrogate Impact Panels , Kate Louise Sackett Kerrigan

A Daily Examination of Anger and Alcohol Use Among Post-9/11 Veterans , James David Lee

An Examination of Daily Family-Supportive Supervisor Behaviors, Perceived Supervisor Responsiveness and Job Satisfaction , Luke Daniel Mahoney

Nurse Can't Even: the Immediate Impact of Incivility on Affect, Well-being, and Behavior , Katharine Lucille McMahon

Perceptions of Police Use of Force at the Intersection of Race and Pregnancy , Emma Elizabeth Lee Money

The Impact of Paternal Caregivers for Youth Who Commit Sexual Offenses , Miranda Hope Sitney

Human Energy in the Workplace: an Investigation of Daily Energy Management Strategies, Job Stressors and Employee Outcomes , Morgan Rose Taylor

Individual and Community Supports that Impact Community Inclusion and Recovery for Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses , Rachel Elizabeth Terry

Investigating Sexual Fantasy and Sexual Behavior in Adolescent Offenders , Hayley Lauren Tews

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Integrating Work Ability into the Organizational Science Literature: Advancing Theory and Developing the Nomological Network , Grant Brady

Family Linked Workplace Resources and Contextual Factors as Important Predictors of Job and Individual Well-being for Employees and Families , Jacquelyn Marie Brady

The Role of Teacher Autonomy Support Across the Transition to Middle School: its Components, Reach, and Developmental Effects , Julia Sara Dancis

Does X Mark the Applicant? Assessing Reactions to Gender Non-Binary Job Seekers , Kelly Mason Hamilton

Urbanicity as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Stigma and Well-being Outcomes for Individuals with Serious Mental Illnesses , Emily Leickly

The Relationship Between Undergraduate Research Training Programs and Motivational Resources for Underrepresented Minority Students in STEM: Program Participation, Self-efficacy, a Sense of Belonging, and Academic Performance , Jennifer Lindwall

Perceived Partner Responsiveness, Sleep and Pain: a Dyadic Study of Military-Connected Couples , AnnaMarie Sophia O'Neill

Recruitment Marketing: How Do Wellness and Work-Life Benefits Influence Employer Image Perceptions, Organizational Attraction, and Job Pursuit Intentions? , Amy Christine Pytlovany

The Combined Effects of Parent and Teacher Involvement on the Development of Adolescents' Academic Engagement , Nicolette Paige Rickert

Examining the Development and Classroom Dynamics of Student Disaffection Over Multiple Time Periods: Short-term Episodes and Long-term Trajectories , Emily Anne Saxton

Drinking on a Work Night: a Comparison of Day and Person-Level Associations with Workplace Outcomes , Brittnie Renae Shepherd

Development and Validation of the Workplace Mental Illness Stigma Scale (W-MISS) , Nicholas Anthony Smith

Relational Thriving in Context: Examining the Roles of Gratitude, Affectionate Touch, and Positive Affective Variability in Health and Well-Being , Alicia Rochelle Starkey

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse and Juvenile Offending Through Parental Monitoring , Kelly E. Stewart

"To Call or Not to Call?" The Impact of Supervisor Training on Call Center Employee Attitudes and Well-Being , Whitney Elan Schneider Vogel

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Impact of Leader Race and Gender on Perceptions of Organizations in Response to Corporate Error , Nicolas Derek Brown

Impacts of Mindfulness Training on Mechanisms Underlying Stress Reduction in Teachers: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial , Jaiya Rae Choles

Student Motivation Profiles as a Diagnostic Tool to Help Teachers Provide Targeted Support , Cailin Tricia Currie

Insufficient Effort Responding on Mturk Surveys: Evidence-Based Quality Control for Organizational Research , Lee Cyr

Affirmative Consent Endorsement and Peer Norms Supporting Sexual Violence Among Vulnerable Students on College Campuses , Alyssa Marie Glace

Gendered Partner-Ideals, Relationship Satisfaction, and Intimate Partner Violence , Sylvia Marie Ferguson Kidder

Organizational Calling and Safety: the Role of Workload and Supervisor Support , Layla Rhiannon Mansfield

Bystander Intervention to Prevent Campus Sexual Violence: the Role of Sense of Community, Peer Norms, and Administrative Responding , Erin Christine McConnell

Benevolent Sexism and Racial Stereotypes: Targets, Functions, and Consequences , Jean Marie McMahon

Perceived Overqualification and Withdrawal Among Seasonal Workers: Would Work Motivation Make a Difference? , Anthony Duy Nguyen

Differential Well-Being in Response to Incivility and Surface Acting among Nurses as a Function of Race , Lauren Sarah Park

Financial Strain and the Work-Home Interface: a Test of the Work-Home Resources Model from the Study for Employment Retention of Veterans (SERVe) , MacKenna Laine Perry

Neighbor Perceptions of Psychiatric Supportive Housing : the Role of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors , Amy Leigh Shearer

The Role of Caregiver Disruption in the Development of Juvenile Sexual Offenders , Miranda Sitney

Intrapersonal and Social-Contextual Factors Related to Psychological Well-being among Youth Experiencing Homelessness , Katricia Stewart

Age-based Differences in the Usefulness of Resources: a Multi-Study Investigation of Work and Well-being Outcomes , Lale Muazzez Yaldiz

Pathways to Kindergarten Growth: Synthesizing Theories of the Kindergarten Transition to Support Children's Development , Rita Yelverton

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Force of Manhood: the Consequences of Masculinity Threat on Police Officer Use of Force , Aurelia Terese Alston

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Home > CLA > PSYCH > PSYCH_THESES

Clinical Psychology Masters Theses Collection

This collection contains open access and campus access Masters theses, made possible through Graduate Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The full content of open access theses is available to all, although some files may have embargoes placed on them and will be made available as soon as possible. The full content of campus access theses is only available to those either on the UMass Boston campus or with a UMass Boston campus username and password. Click on the "Off-Campus UMass Boston Users" link on the record page to download Campus Access publications. Those not on campus and those without a UMass Boston campus username and password may gain access to this thesis through resources like Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global or through Interlibrary Loan.

Theses from 2024 2024

A Qualitative Meta-Analysis Examining the Functions and Meanings of Gender in Transgender Identity Development , Kelsey Kehoe

Emotional Social Support Among Asian Americans: Associations with Psychological Symptoms, Well-Being and Buffering Against Effects of Racism , Amelia Bijen Yang

Theses from 2023 2023

Taking Back the "Permission to Narrate": Examining a Grassroots Organization's Process of Supporting BIPOC Youth in Developing Counternarratives and Counterspaces as Decolonial Resistance , Michelle Gabriela Del Rio

Exploring Predictors of Healing from an Expressive Writing Intervention About Heterosexism and Why LGBTQ+ Clients Might Withhold from their Therapists , Ally B. Hand

Meta-Method Analysis on Therapists’ Experiences: An Inquiry into Qualitative Psychotherapy Research Methodology , Javier L. Rizo

We Resist, We Heal, We Transform: Exploring Youth of Color Journeys Towards Healing Justice in a Grassroots Organization in Urban Boston , Rhyann Leslie Robinson

A Re-Examination of the Role of Cognitive Reappraisal in Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder , Jenny Liang Wu

No Injustice So Peace: The Interaction Between Race-Related Stress, Colorblind Racial Attitudes, and Resistance and Empowerment Against Racism , Kaela A. Yamini

Theses from 2022 2022

Exploring the Association Between Mentoring Focus and Change in Mentee Depression Symptoms in Youth , Selen Amado

Associations Between the Content and Level of Parent Concerns Pre-Diagnosis and Timeliness of Autism Screening and Diagnostic Evaluation Among a Diverse Sample of Children in Part C Early Intervention , Kohrissa Joseph

"Until Society Evolves:" Access to Gender-Affirming Care in Historic Assessment Criteria and Current Models of Care , Elliot Marrow

Responders and Nonresponders Undergoing Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Trajectories of Symptom Change Across Treatment Stages as Potential Predictors of Outcome , Sriramya Potluri

Theses from 2021 2021

Acknowledgment of Culture and Stereotypes: Black Participants’ Perceptions of Specific Therapist Behaviors , Tsotso T. Ablorh

Religious Coping After Natural Disaster: Predicting Long-Term Mental and Physical Health in Survivors of Hurricane Katrina , Monica Arkin

Stigma and Prodromal Psychosis: Self-Disclosure of Symptoms and Diagnoses in At-Risk Youth , Caitlin Bryant

Excess Stress and Natural Mentors in the Lives of Sexual Minority Youth , Cherrelle Gipson

Addressing the White Problem Critically: An Exploratory Latent Profile Analysis of Racial Attitudes , Ryan Parigoris

Sex Differences in Symbolic Play of Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) , Looknoo Patcharapon Thammathorn

Developmental Profiles of 57,966 Children in Early Intervention: A Confirmatory Latent Profile Analysis , Mary E. Troxel

Theses from 2020 2020

Parent-Teacher Relationship Quality as a Predictor of Changes in Externalizing Behaviors at School for Children with ASD , Lana Andoni

Unique Syndemic-Related Clusters in a Sample of Sexual Minority Men , Christopher Chiu

Bilingual Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Language Abilities and Social Communication , Ingrid Hastedt

Examining the Interrelations Among Trajectories of Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Valued Actions in Acceptance-Based Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder , Stephanie Marando-Blanck

The Association Between Anger in Response to Racism and Depression Among Black Americans: Exploring Potential Moderating Effects of Active Coping and Collective Self-Esteem , Darrick Scott

Theses from 2019 2019

Appraisals of Trust Development within the Therapist-Client Relationship: Impacts on Client Retention in a Hypothetical First Session of Therapy , Lorraine U. Alire

Parent Negative and Positive Impacts: Reciprocal Associations Between Child Behaviors and Parenting Experiences in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Alison E. Chavez

A Heavy Burden: Associations Between Sexual Minority Status, Mental Health, and BMI in Women , Alison E. A. Goldblatt

Working Memory and Mindfulness in an RCT of ABBT and AR , Anna M. Hall

Racial Microaggression Distress and Depression among Black Americans: Examining the Roles of Racial Identity Importance, Social Support, and Gender , Shannon M. Hughley

“It’s More Complicated Than That!”: The Influence of Multiple Presenting Problems on Youth Outcomes in Formal Mentoring Programs , Yui Sum Poon

Theses from 2018 2018

Healing from Heterosexism Through Expressive Writing , Kathleen M. Collins

Clients’ Critical Experiences in Psychotherapy: Initial Measure Development , Lauren M. Grabowski

Neuropsychology and Neurogenetics of Mental Health: Risk, Resilience & Wellbeing , Keira E. O'Donovan

Reciprocal Associations between Language Ability and Social Functioning Development over a Two-Year Period in Young Pre-Verbal Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Devon R. Oosting

Effects of Racism-Related Stress on Resistance against Racism in Black Americans , Noor N. Tahirkheli

Identifying Child Correlates of Parent-Reported Executive Functioning Impairments in Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Examination of both Early and Concurrent Child Characteristics , Deanna Toner

Theses from 2017 2017

Attentional and Emotional Consequences of Emotional Acceptance and Suppression in an Elevated Anxiety Sample , Natalie Arbid

The Interpersonal Effects of Mindfulness and Social Anxiety in Romantic Relationships , Bryan Balvaneda

It’s Not You, it’s My Schedule: An Exploratory Study of Early Termination in School-Based Mentoring Programs , Samantha Burton

The Role of Athletic Coach Mentors in Promoting Youth Academic Success: Evidence from a National Longitudinal Study , Kirsten M. Christensen

Ethnic Differences in Race-Related Stress Among Blacks in the US: Racial Colorblindness as a Potential Moderator , Samantha Duterville

Social Skills as a Predictor of Peer Relationship Quality for School-Age Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Melanie S. Feldman

Examining Attentional Control and Processing Speed Deficits as Underlying Mechanisms of Neuropsychological Impairment in Schizophrenia , Mayte Forte

Drinking Motives, Drinking Problems, and Mental Health Symptoms in Sexual Minority Men , Hamish A. Gunn

Psychosocial Profiles of Youth who Acquire a Natural Mentor During a School Year , Matthew A. Hagler

Whether or not 'It Gets Better'…Coping with Parental Heterosexist Rejection , Cara Herbitter

Language Subdomains among Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Associations with Social Skills , Sarah A. Levinson

Relations between Family Demographic Characteristics and Early Intervention Service Receipt after Children's Initial ASD Diagnosis , Thanh Phuong Thi Nguyen

Theses from 2016 2016

The Importance of Action: Understanding Characteristics of Social Action Campaigns and Their Impact on Youth's Motivation and Engagement , Jacqueline G. Hargrove

Patterns of Parent-Teacher Disagreement on Behavior Problems of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Juliana Neuspiel

Theses from 2015 2015

The Trajectory of the Co-Occurrence of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder , Amber L. Calloway

Developing Autism Screening Criteria for the Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) , Ivy Giserman Kiss

Being and Becoming an Ally: The Lived Experience of Social Justice Action from Privileged Spaces , Alissa L. Gross

Social Cost Bias, Probability Bias, and Self-Efficacy to Achieve a Specific Goal or Outcome as Mechanisms of Behavioral Action in Social Anxiety , Carol S. Lee

Coping With Racism: Emotional Acceptance and Systemic Attribution of Racism as Buffers against Social Anxiety among People of Color , Jennifer H. Martinez

Theses from 2014 2014

A Model of Social Functioning in Schizophrenia: Symptomatology, Personality, and Brain Region Volumes , Victoria Choate

Reductions in Experiential Avoidance as a Mediator of Change in Symptom Outcome and Quality of Life in Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy and Applied Relaxation for Generalized Anxiety Disorder , Elizabeth Hemenway Eustis

Promoting Maternal Well-Being and Child Behavioral Health: The Role of Positive Beliefs , Sara Kaplan-Levy

Validation of the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory: Relationships between Perceived Post-Traumatic Growth and Measured Pre- to Post-Disaster Changes in Analogous Constructs in a Sample of Low-Income Mothers who Survived Hurricane Katrina , Emily E. Manove

Reciprocal Influences amongst Early Childhood Externalizing Behavior, Maternal Distress, and Parenting Style: A Longitudinal Analysis , Shirley Marie Immacula Poyau

Psychopathy and Disadvantageous, Risky Decision-Making in a Sample of Ex-Offenders , Ashley-Ann C. Shirai

The Relation between Cultural Values and Unprotected Sex among Latino Gay Men , Francisco I. Surace

Cognitive Processes and Moderators of Willingness in Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder and Non-Anxious Controls in Response to a Social Performance Task , Lauren P. Wadsworth

Predictors of Change in Body Mass Index in Young Mothers after Hurricane Katrina , Elyssa Briann Weber

Mentor Motivation as a Predictor of Relationship Approach , Max B. Wu

Adults Who "Get": Adolescents' Perceptions of Relational Engagement with Key Adults , Laura A. Yoviene

Theses from 2013 2013

Latino Youth Experiences of Immigrant Policy, Enforcement, and Exclusion: Exploring Risk and Resilience , Darcy Alcantara

A Person-Oriented Approach to Identifying Parenting Styles in Mothers of Early School Age Children , Amy E. Heberle

The Effects of Racism Related Stress on Asian Americans; Anxiety and Depression among Different Generational Statuses , Charles M. Liu

Predictors of Psychotropic Medication Use in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders , Melissa P. Maye

The Effects of Nesting Environment on Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury , Laura Grace Rollins

Pathways to Well-Being in the Lives of Recently Returning Veterans , Sarah Krill Williston

Theses from 2012 2012

Implications of Self-Other Overlap in Unsuccessful Romantic Relationships , Josephine A. Bell

Exposure to Potentially Traumatic Events, Emotional Adjustment, and Social Competence in Preschoolers Facing Economic Risk , Hillary Hurst

Adolescent Males in Formal Youth Mentoring Programs: The Influence of Same Versus Cross-Gender Matching , Stella S. Kanchewa

Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Responsiveness to Infant Distress: Contingency Analyses of Home Mother-Infant Interactions at 3 Months , Fernanda Lucchese

Parental Well-Being within the Marital Subsytem: A Study of Mother-Father Dyads Raising Young Children with Autism , Frances de Lourdes Martinez-Pedraza

The Relation of Racism-Related Stress to Racial Identity, Ethnic Identity and Racism-Related Empowerment in Asian Americans , Fanny Ng

Young Children's Perspectives on Parent-Child Relationship Quality as Measured by the Berkeley Puppet Interview: Associations with Behavioral Adjustment , Marisa Murphy O'Boyle

The Neuropsychological Functioning of Older Adults Pre- and Post-Cognitive Training with a Brain Plasticity-Based Computerized Training Program , Shannon M. Sorenson

Examining the Relation between Sensory Sensitivity and Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorders as Moderated by Language Acquisition , Timothy W. Soto

Theses from 2011 2011

Children and Spirituality: Understanding the Meaning of Spirituality of Former Street Children in Bolivia , Katia Margarita Canenguez

A Lonely Road: Loneliness, Death Anxiety, Childhood Punishment, and Attributions of Hostility in a University Population , Melody Joy Blass Fisher

The Effects of Trauma Exposure on Cognitive Functioning in Toddlers , Danielle Forbes

The Impact of Exposure to Family and Community Violence on Children's Adaptive Coping and Mental Health Symptoms among Ethnic Minority Families Living in Poverty , Esroruleh Tamim Mohammad

The Practice Effect: The Relationships among the Frequency of Early Formal Mindfulness Practice, Mindfulness Skills, Worry, and Quality of Life in an Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder , Lucas Paul Kawika Morgan

Dyadic Flexibility during the Face-To-Face Still-Face Paradigm: Analysis of Infant-Caregiver Interactions within a Dynamic Systems Framework Using the State Space Grid Analytic Technique , Akhila Venkatachalam Sravish

Black Women's Mental Health in Response to Unwanted Sexual Experiences and Spirituality as a Protective Factor , Speshal T. Walker

Theses from 2010 2010

Latino Immigrant Mothers' Experiences and Adapations to Promote Personal and Family Wellness in Response to Increased Anti-Immigrant Climate , Hercilia B. Corona-Ordoñez

The Relationship between Racist Experiences and Anxiety in a Black Sample: Moderating Effects of Church-Based Social Support , Jessica Rose Graham

Caregiver, Family System, and Environmental Predictors of Child Maltreatment: An Ecological Transactional Approach , Kelly Brooke Graling

Trajectories of Early Externalizing Behaviors: Their Relation to Second Grade Reading , Sarah Gray

What Do You See in this Picture?: Bias and Reflexivity in Physician Narratives of Disparities , Michelle Levine

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