About the Lab
Our Focus
There are two main focus areas for our research. One aspect focuses on how people evaluate their lives (and their well-being) as unfolding over time. This aspect of our research focuses on individuals' beliefs about their past, current, and anticipated future lives. We are particularly interested in the sources and implications of these beliefs for positive functioning across the lifespan (i.e., from younger through older adulthood).
Another aspect of our research focuses on the structure and function of subjective well-being (SWB). SWB is typically defined in terms of three main components: high life satisfaction, frequent experiences of positive affect, and infrequent negative affect. We are interested in several questions concerning SWB, including how its three components fit together, along with its causes, correlates, and consequences.
Our Approach
Our lab employs a variety of research methods and approaches, including experimental, correlational, and longitudinal research designs:
We make use of cross-sectional surveys as well as multi-wave longitudinal study designs. We collect in-person and on-line (web-based) data from students and community participants, as well as individuals living throughout Canada and the United States. We also have access to datasets from several large international samples, allowing us to gain a better perspective on phenomena associated with SWB across the lifespan and around the world.
We also employ lab-based experimental manipulations to evaluate potential causes and consequences of SWB and beliefs concerning how one’s well-being is unfolding over time. These lab-based studies provide a high-level of control over situational factors and offer unique insights into potential causal mechanisms.
Our research is a collaboration between faculty and students, including graduate students, honours thesis students, and undergraduate research assistants.
Our Focus
There are two main focus areas for our research. One aspect focuses on how people evaluate their lives (and their well-being) as unfolding over time. This aspect of our research focuses on individuals' beliefs about their past, current, and anticipated future lives. We are particularly interested in the sources and implications of these beliefs for positive functioning across the lifespan (i.e., from younger through older adulthood).
Another aspect of our research focuses on the structure and function of subjective well-being (SWB). SWB is typically defined in terms of three main components: high life satisfaction, frequent experiences of positive affect, and infrequent negative affect. We are interested in several questions concerning SWB, including how its three components fit together, along with its causes, correlates, and consequences.
Our Approach
Our lab employs a variety of research methods and approaches, including experimental, correlational, and longitudinal research designs:
We make use of cross-sectional surveys as well as multi-wave longitudinal study designs. We collect in-person and on-line (web-based) data from students and community participants, as well as individuals living throughout Canada and the United States. We also have access to datasets from several large international samples, allowing us to gain a better perspective on phenomena associated with SWB across the lifespan and around the world.
We also employ lab-based experimental manipulations to evaluate potential causes and consequences of SWB and beliefs concerning how one’s well-being is unfolding over time. These lab-based studies provide a high-level of control over situational factors and offer unique insights into potential causal mechanisms.
Our research is a collaboration between faculty and students, including graduate students, honours thesis students, and undergraduate research assistants.