sample research title in psychology

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.

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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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80 fascinating psychology research questions for your next project

Last updated

15 February 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Psychology research is essential for furthering our understanding of human behavior and improving the diagnosis and treatment of psychological conditions.

When psychologists know more about how different social and cultural factors influence how humans act, think, and feel, they can recommend improvements to practices in areas such as education, sport, healthcare, and law enforcement.

Below, you will find 80 research question examples across 16 branches of psychology. First, though, let’s look at some tips to help you select a suitable research topic.

• How to choose a good psychology research topic

Psychology has many branches that break down further into topics. Choosing a topic for your psychology research paper can be daunting because there are so many to choose from. It’s an important choice, as the topic you select will open up a range of questions to explore.

The tips below can help you find a psychology research topic that suits your skills and interests.

Tip #1: Select a topic that interests you

Passion and interest should fuel every research project. A topic that fascinates you will most likely interest others as well. Think about the questions you and others might have and decide on the issues that matter most. Draw on your own interests, but also keep your research topical and relevant to others.

Don’t limit yourself to a topic that you already know about. Instead, choose one that will make you want to know more and dig deeper. This will keep you motivated and excited about your research.

Tip #2: Choose a topic with a manageable scope

If your topic is too broad, you can get overwhelmed by the amount of information available and have trouble maintaining focus. On the other hand, you may find it difficult to find enough information if you choose a topic that is too narrow.

To determine if the topic is too broad or too narrow, start researching as early as possible. If you find there’s an overwhelming amount of research material, you’ll probably need to narrow the topic down. For example, instead of researching the general population, it might be easier to focus on a specific age group. Ask yourself what area of the general topic interests you most and focus on that.

If your scope is too narrow, try to generalize or focus on a larger related topic. Expand your search criteria or select additional databases for information. Consider if the topic is too new to have much information published on it as well.

Tip #3: Select a topic that will produce useful and relevant insights

Doing some preliminary research will reveal any existing research on the topic. If there is existing research, will you be able to produce new insights? You might need to focus on a different area or see if the existing research has limitations that you can overcome.

Bear in mind that finding new information from which to draw fresh insights may be impossible if your topic has been over-researched.

You’ll also need to consider whether your topic is relevant to current trends and needs. For example, researching psychology topics related to social media use may be highly relevant today.

• 80 psychology research topics and questions

Psychology is a broad subject with many branches and potential areas of study. Here are some of them:

Developmental

Personality

Experimental

Organizational

Educational

Neuropsychology

Controversial topics

Below we offer some suggestions on research topics and questions that can get you started. Keep in mind that these are not all-inclusive but should be personalized to fit the theme of your paper.

Social psychology research topics and questions

Social psychology has roots as far back as the 18th century. In simple terms, it’s the study of how behavior is influenced by the presence and behavior of others. It is the science of finding out who we are, who we think we are, and how our perceptions affect ourselves and others. It looks at personalities, relationships, and group behavior.

Here are some potential research questions and paper titles for this topic:

How does social media use impact perceptions of body image in male adolescents?

2. Is childhood bullying a risk factor for social anxiety in adults?

Is homophobia in individuals caused by genetic or environmental factors?

What is the most important psychological predictor of a person’s willingness to donate to charity?

Does a person’s height impact how other people perceive them? If so, how?

Cognitive psychology research questions

Cognitive psychology is the branch that focuses on the interactions of thinking, emotion, creativity, and problem-solving. It also explores the reasons humans think the way they do.

This topic involves exploring how people think by measuring intelligence, thoughts, and cognition. 

Here are some research question ideas:

6. Is there a link between chronic stress and memory function?

7. Can certain kinds of music trigger memories in people with memory loss?

8. Do remote meetings impact the efficacy of team decision-making?

9. Do word games and puzzles slow cognitive decline in adults over the age of 80?

10. Does watching television impact a child’s reading ability?

Developmental psychology research questions

Developmental psychology is the study of how humans grow and change over their lifespan. It usually focuses on the social, emotional, and physical development of babies and children, though it can apply to people of all ages. Developmental psychology is important for understanding how we learn, mature, and adapt to changes.

Here are some questions that might inspire your research:

11. Does grief accelerate the aging process?

12. How do parent–child attachment patterns influence the development of emotion regulation in teenagers?

13. Does bilingualism affect cognitive decline in adults over the age of 70?

14. How does the transition to adulthood impact decision-making abilities

15. How does early exposure to music impact mental health and well-being in school-aged children?

Personality psychology research questions

Personality psychology studies personalities, how they develop, their structures, and the processes that define them. It looks at intelligence, disposition, moral beliefs, thoughts, and reactions.

The goal of this branch of psychology is to scientifically interpret the way personality patterns manifest into an individual’s behaviors. Here are some example research questions:

16. Nature vs. nurture: Which impacts personality development the most?

17. The role of genetics on personality: Does an adopted child take on their biological parents’ personality traits?

18. How do personality traits influence leadership styles and effectiveness in organizational settings?

19. Is there a relationship between an individual’s personality and mental health?

20. Can a chronic illness affect your personality?

Abnormal psychology research questions

As the name suggests, abnormal psychology is a branch that focuses on abnormal behavior and psychopathology (the scientific study of mental illness or disorders).

Abnormal behavior can be challenging to define. Who decides what is “normal”? As such, psychologists in this area focus on the level of distress that certain behaviors may cause, although this typically involves studying mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias.

Here are some questions to consider:

21. How does technology impact the development of social anxiety disorder?

22. What are the factors behind the rising incidence of eating disorders in adolescents?

23. Are mindfulness-based interventions effective in the treatment of PTSD?

24. Is there a connection between depression and gambling addiction?

25. Can physical trauma cause psychopathy?

Clinical psychology research questions

Clinical psychology deals with assessing and treating mental illness or abnormal or psychiatric behaviors. It differs from abnormal psychology in that it focuses more on treatments and clinical aspects, while abnormal psychology is more behavioral focused.

This is a specialty area that provides care and treatment for complex mental health conditions. This can include treatment, not only for individuals but for couples, families, and other groups. Clinical psychology also supports communities, conducts research, and offers training to promote mental health. This category is very broad, so there are lots of topics to explore.

Below are some example research questions to consider:

26. Do criminals require more specific therapies or interventions?

27. How effective are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating mental health disorders?

28. Are there any disadvantages to humanistic therapy?

29. Can group therapy be more beneficial than one-on-one therapy sessions?

30. What are the factors to consider when selecting the right treatment plan for patients with anxiety?

Experimental psychology research questions

Experimental psychology deals with studies that can prove or disprove a hypothesis. Psychologists in this field use scientific methods to collect data on basic psychological processes such as memory, cognition, and learning. They use this data to test the whys and hows of behavior and how outside factors influence its creation.

Areas of interest in this branch relate to perception, memory, emotion, and sensation. The below are example questions that could inspire your own research:

31. Do male or female parents/carers have a more calming influence on children?

32. Will your preference for a genre of music increase the more you listen to it?

33. What are the psychological effects of posting on social media vs. not posting?

34. How is productivity affected by social connection?

35. Is cheating contagious?

Organizational psychology research questions

Organizational psychology studies human behavior in the workplace. It is most frequently used to evaluate an employee, group, or a company’s organizational dynamics. Researchers aim to isolate issues and identify solutions.

This area of study can be beneficial to both employees and employers since the goal is to improve the overall work environment and experience. Researchers apply psychological principles and findings to recommend improvements in performance, communication, job satisfaction, and safety. 

Some potential research questions include the following:

36. How do different leadership styles affect employee morale?

37. Do longer lunch breaks boost employee productivity?

38. Is gender an antecedent to workplace stress?

39. What is the most effective way to promote work–life balance among employees?

40. How do different organizational structures impact the effectiveness of communication, decision-making, and productivity?

Forensic psychology research questions

Some questions to consider exploring in this branch of psychology are:

41. How does incarceration affect mental health?

42. Is childhood trauma a driver for criminal behavior during adulthood?

43. Are people with mental health conditions more likely to be victims of crimes?

44. What are the drivers of false memories, and how do they impact the justice system?

45. Is the media responsible for copycat crimes?

Educational psychology research questions

Educational psychology studies children in an educational setting. It covers topics like teaching methods, aptitude assessment, self-motivation, technology, and parental involvement.

Research in this field of psychology is vital for understanding and optimizing learning processes. It informs educators about cognitive development, learning styles, and effective teaching strategies.

Here are some example research questions:

46. Are different teaching styles more beneficial for children at different times of the day?

47. Can listening to classical music regularly increase a student’s test scores?

48. Is there a connection between sugar consumption and knowledge retention in students?

49. Does sleep duration and quality impact academic performance?

50. Does daily meditation at school influence students’ academic performance and mental health?

Sports psychology research question examples

Sport psychology aims to optimize physical performance and well-being in athletes by using cognitive and behavioral practices and interventions. Some methods include counseling, training, and clinical interventions.

Research in this area is important because it can improve team and individual performance, resilience, motivation, confidence, and overall well-being

Here are some research question ideas for you to consider:

51. How can a famous coach affect a team’s performance?

52. How can athletes control negative emotions in violent or high-contact sports?

53. How does using social media impact an athlete’s performance and well-being?

54. Can psychological interventions help with injury rehabilitation?

55. How can mindfulness practices boost sports performance?

Cultural psychology research question examples

The premise of this branch of psychology is that mind and culture are inseparable. In other words, people are shaped by their cultures, and their cultures are shaped by them. This can be a complex interaction.

Cultural psychology is vital as it explores how cultural context shapes individuals’ thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions. It provides insights into diverse perspectives, promoting cross-cultural understanding and reducing biases.

Here are some ideas that you might consider researching:

56. Are there cultural differences in how people perceive and deal with pain?

57. Are different cultures at increased risk of developing mental health conditions?

58. Are there cultural differences in coping strategies for stress?

59. Do our different cultures shape our personalities?

60. How does multi-generational culture influence family values and structure?

Health psychology research question examples

Health psychology is a crucial field of study. Understanding how psychological factors influence health behaviors, adherence to medical treatments, and overall wellness enables health experts to develop effective interventions and preventive measures, ultimately improving health outcomes.

Health psychology also aids in managing stress, promoting healthy behaviors, and optimizing mental health, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.

Here are five ideas to inspire research in this field:

61. How can health psychology interventions improve lifestyle behaviors to prevent cardiovascular diseases?

62. What role do social norms play in vaping among adolescents?

63. What role do personality traits play in the development and management of chronic pain conditions?

64. How do cultural beliefs and attitudes influence health-seeking behaviors in diverse populations?

65. What are the psychological factors influencing the adherence to preventive health behaviors, such as vaccination and regular screenings?

Neuropsychology research paper question examples

Neuropsychology research explores how a person’s cognition and behavior are related to their brain and nervous system. Researchers aim to advance the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and cognitive effects of neurological disorders.

Researchers may work with children facing learning or developmental challenges, or with adults with declining cognitive abilities. They may also focus on injuries or illnesses of the brain, such as traumatic brain injuries, to determine the effect on cognitive and behavioral functions.

Neuropsychology informs diagnosis and treatment strategies for conditions such as dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and psychiatric disorders. Understanding the neural basis of behavior enhances our ability to optimize cognitive functioning, rehabilitate people with brain injuries, and improve patient care.

Here are some example research questions to consider:

66. How do neurotransmitter imbalances in specific brain regions contribute to mood disorders such as depression?

67. How can a traumatic brain injury affect memory?

68. What neural processes underlie attention deficits in people with ADHD?

69. Do medications affect the brain differently after a traumatic brain injury?

70. What are the behavioral effects of prolonged brain swelling?

Psychology of religion research question examples

The psychology of religion is a field that studies the interplay between belief systems, spirituality, and mental well-being. It explores the application of the psychological methods and interpretive frameworks of religious traditions and how they relate to both religious and non-religious people.

Psychology of religion research contributes to a holistic understanding of human experiences. It fosters cultural competence and guides therapeutic approaches that respect diverse spiritual beliefs.

Here are some example research questions in this field:

71. What impact does a religious upbringing have on a child’s self-esteem?

72. How do religious beliefs shape decision-making and perceptions of morality?

73. What is the impact of religious indoctrination?

74. Is there correlation between religious and mindfulness practices?

75. How does religious affiliation impact attitudes towards mental health treatment and help-seeking behaviors?

Controversial topics in psychology research question examples

Some psychology topics don’t fit into any of the subcategories above, but they may still be worthwhile topics to consider. These topics are the ones that spark interest, conversation, debate, and disagreement. They are often inspired by current issues and assess the validity of older research.

Consider some of these research question examples:

76. How does the rise in on-screen violence impact behavior in adolescents.

77. Should access to social media platforms be restricted in children under the age of 12 to improve mental health?

78. Are prescription mental health medications over-prescribed in older adults? If so, what are the effects of this?

79. Cognitive biases in AI: what are the implications for decision-making?

80. What are the psychological and ethical implications of using virtual reality in exposure therapy for treating trauma-related conditions?

• Inspiration for your next psychology research project

You can choose from a diverse range of research questions that intersect and overlap across various specialties.

From cognitive psychology to clinical studies, each inquiry contributes to a deeper understanding of the human mind and behavior. Importantly, the relevance of these questions transcends individual disciplines, as many findings offer insights applicable across multiple areas of study.

As health trends evolve and societal needs shift, new topics emerge, fueling continual exploration and discovery. Diving into this ever-changing and expanding area of study enables you to navigate the complexities of the human experience and pave the way for innovative solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.

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Research Paper Guide

Psychology Research Topics

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

Psychology Research Topics - 170+ Ideas for Your Paper

By: Nathan D.

17 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Feb 10, 2023

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

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

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

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

On this Page

How to Choose a Topic?

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

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

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

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

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Psychology Research Topics For High School Students

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

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

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

Psychology Research Topics for College Students

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

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

Research Topics In Psychology For University Students

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

Here are some options to consider:

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

Criminal Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Social Psychology Research Topics

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

Cognitive Psychology Research Topics

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

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Controversial Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Cultural Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Developmental Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Abnormal Psychology Research Topics

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

Clinical Psychology Research Topics

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

Child Psychology Research Topics

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

Sports Psychology Research Topics

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

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Experimental Psychology Research Topics

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

Forensic Psychology Research Topics

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

Interesting Psychology Research Topics

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

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

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

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

Tips to Write a Research Paper

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

1. Develop an outline

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

2. Research thoroughly

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

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

3. Develop a thesis statement

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

4. Write a first draft

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

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

5. Use citations

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

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

6. Revise and proofread

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

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

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

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

Let’s sum it up!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Chapter 11: Presenting Your Research

Writing a Research Report in American Psychological Association (APA) Style

Learning Objectives

• Identify the major sections of an APA-style research report and the basic contents of each section.
• Plan and write an effective APA-style research report.

In this section, we look at how to write an APA-style empirical research report , an article that presents the results of one or more new studies. Recall that the standard sections of an empirical research report provide a kind of outline. Here we consider each of these sections in detail, including what information it contains, how that information is formatted and organized, and tips for writing each section. At the end of this section is a sample APA-style research report that illustrates many of these principles.

Sections of a Research Report

Title page and abstract.

An APA-style research report begins with a  title page . The title is centred in the upper half of the page, with each important word capitalized. The title should clearly and concisely (in about 12 words or fewer) communicate the primary variables and research questions. This sometimes requires a main title followed by a subtitle that elaborates on the main title, in which case the main title and subtitle are separated by a colon. Here are some titles from recent issues of professional journals published by the American Psychological Association.

• Sex Differences in Coping Styles and Implications for Depressed Mood
• Effects of Aging and Divided Attention on Memory for Items and Their Contexts
• Computer-Assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Child Anxiety: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial
• Virtual Driving and Risk Taking: Do Racing Games Increase Risk-Taking Cognitions, Affect, and Behaviour?

Below the title are the authors’ names and, on the next line, their institutional affiliation—the university or other institution where the authors worked when they conducted the research. As we have already seen, the authors are listed in an order that reflects their contribution to the research. When multiple authors have made equal contributions to the research, they often list their names alphabetically or in a randomly determined order.

In some areas of psychology, the titles of many empirical research reports are informal in a way that is perhaps best described as “cute.” They usually take the form of a play on words or a well-known expression that relates to the topic under study. Here are some examples from recent issues of the Journal Psychological Science .

• “Smells Like Clean Spirit: Nonconscious Effects of Scent on Cognition and Behavior”
• “Time Crawls: The Temporal Resolution of Infants’ Visual Attention”
• “Scent of a Woman: Men’s Testosterone Responses to Olfactory Ovulation Cues”
• “Apocalypse Soon?: Dire Messages Reduce Belief in Global Warming by Contradicting Just-World Beliefs”
• “Serial vs. Parallel Processing: Sometimes They Look Like Tweedledum and Tweedledee but They Can (and Should) Be Distinguished”
• “How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Words: The Social Effects of Expressive Writing”

Individual researchers differ quite a bit in their preference for such titles. Some use them regularly, while others never use them. What might be some of the pros and cons of using cute article titles?

For articles that are being submitted for publication, the title page also includes an author note that lists the authors’ full institutional affiliations, any acknowledgments the authors wish to make to agencies that funded the research or to colleagues who commented on it, and contact information for the authors. For student papers that are not being submitted for publication—including theses—author notes are generally not necessary.

The  abstract  is a summary of the study. It is the second page of the manuscript and is headed with the word  Abstract . The first line is not indented. The abstract presents the research question, a summary of the method, the basic results, and the most important conclusions. Because the abstract is usually limited to about 200 words, it can be a challenge to write a good one.

Introduction

The  introduction  begins on the third page of the manuscript. The heading at the top of this page is the full title of the manuscript, with each important word capitalized as on the title page. The introduction includes three distinct subsections, although these are typically not identified by separate headings. The opening introduces the research question and explains why it is interesting, the literature review discusses relevant previous research, and the closing restates the research question and comments on the method used to answer it.

The Opening

The  opening , which is usually a paragraph or two in length, introduces the research question and explains why it is interesting. To capture the reader’s attention, researcher Daryl Bem recommends starting with general observations about the topic under study, expressed in ordinary language (not technical jargon)—observations that are about people and their behaviour (not about researchers or their research; Bem, 2003 [1] ). Concrete examples are often very useful here. According to Bem, this would be a poor way to begin a research report:

Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance received a great deal of attention during the latter part of the 20th century (p. 191)

The following would be much better:

The individual who holds two beliefs that are inconsistent with one another may feel uncomfortable. For example, the person who knows that he or she enjoys smoking but believes it to be unhealthy may experience discomfort arising from the inconsistency or disharmony between these two thoughts or cognitions. This feeling of discomfort was called cognitive dissonance by social psychologist Leon Festinger (1957), who suggested that individuals will be motivated to remove this dissonance in whatever way they can (p. 191).

After capturing the reader’s attention, the opening should go on to introduce the research question and explain why it is interesting. Will the answer fill a gap in the literature? Will it provide a test of an important theory? Does it have practical implications? Giving readers a clear sense of what the research is about and why they should care about it will motivate them to continue reading the literature review—and will help them make sense of it.

Breaking the Rules

Researcher Larry Jacoby reported several studies showing that a word that people see or hear repeatedly can seem more familiar even when they do not recall the repetitions—and that this tendency is especially pronounced among older adults. He opened his article with the following humourous anecdote:

A friend whose mother is suffering symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) tells the story of taking her mother to visit a nursing home, preliminary to her mother’s moving there. During an orientation meeting at the nursing home, the rules and regulations were explained, one of which regarded the dining room. The dining room was described as similar to a fine restaurant except that tipping was not required. The absence of tipping was a central theme in the orientation lecture, mentioned frequently to emphasize the quality of care along with the advantages of having paid in advance. At the end of the meeting, the friend’s mother was asked whether she had any questions. She replied that she only had one question: “Should I tip?” (Jacoby, 1999, p. 3)

Although both humour and personal anecdotes are generally discouraged in APA-style writing, this example is a highly effective way to start because it both engages the reader and provides an excellent real-world example of the topic under study.

The Literature Review

Immediately after the opening comes the  literature review , which describes relevant previous research on the topic and can be anywhere from several paragraphs to several pages in length. However, the literature review is not simply a list of past studies. Instead, it constitutes a kind of argument for why the research question is worth addressing. By the end of the literature review, readers should be convinced that the research question makes sense and that the present study is a logical next step in the ongoing research process.

Like any effective argument, the literature review must have some kind of structure. For example, it might begin by describing a phenomenon in a general way along with several studies that demonstrate it, then describing two or more competing theories of the phenomenon, and finally presenting a hypothesis to test one or more of the theories. Or it might describe one phenomenon, then describe another phenomenon that seems inconsistent with the first one, then propose a theory that resolves the inconsistency, and finally present a hypothesis to test that theory. In applied research, it might describe a phenomenon or theory, then describe how that phenomenon or theory applies to some important real-world situation, and finally suggest a way to test whether it does, in fact, apply to that situation.

Looking at the literature review in this way emphasizes a few things. First, it is extremely important to start with an outline of the main points that you want to make, organized in the order that you want to make them. The basic structure of your argument, then, should be apparent from the outline itself. Second, it is important to emphasize the structure of your argument in your writing. One way to do this is to begin the literature review by summarizing your argument even before you begin to make it. “In this article, I will describe two apparently contradictory phenomena, present a new theory that has the potential to resolve the apparent contradiction, and finally present a novel hypothesis to test the theory.” Another way is to open each paragraph with a sentence that summarizes the main point of the paragraph and links it to the preceding points. These opening sentences provide the “transitions” that many beginning researchers have difficulty with. Instead of beginning a paragraph by launching into a description of a previous study, such as “Williams (2004) found that…,” it is better to start by indicating something about why you are describing this particular study. Here are some simple examples:

Another example of this phenomenon comes from the work of Williams (2004).

Williams (2004) offers one explanation of this phenomenon.

An alternative perspective has been provided by Williams (2004).

We used a method based on the one used by Williams (2004).

Finally, remember that your goal is to construct an argument for why your research question is interesting and worth addressing—not necessarily why your favourite answer to it is correct. In other words, your literature review must be balanced. If you want to emphasize the generality of a phenomenon, then of course you should discuss various studies that have demonstrated it. However, if there are other studies that have failed to demonstrate it, you should discuss them too. Or if you are proposing a new theory, then of course you should discuss findings that are consistent with that theory. However, if there are other findings that are inconsistent with it, again, you should discuss them too. It is acceptable to argue that the  balance  of the research supports the existence of a phenomenon or is consistent with a theory (and that is usually the best that researchers in psychology can hope for), but it is not acceptable to  ignore contradictory evidence. Besides, a large part of what makes a research question interesting is uncertainty about its answer.

The Closing

The  closing  of the introduction—typically the final paragraph or two—usually includes two important elements. The first is a clear statement of the main research question or hypothesis. This statement tends to be more formal and precise than in the opening and is often expressed in terms of operational definitions of the key variables. The second is a brief overview of the method and some comment on its appropriateness. Here, for example, is how Darley and Latané (1968) [2] concluded the introduction to their classic article on the bystander effect:

These considerations lead to the hypothesis that the more bystanders to an emergency, the less likely, or the more slowly, any one bystander will intervene to provide aid. To test this proposition it would be necessary to create a situation in which a realistic “emergency” could plausibly occur. Each subject should also be blocked from communicating with others to prevent his getting information about their behaviour during the emergency. Finally, the experimental situation should allow for the assessment of the speed and frequency of the subjects’ reaction to the emergency. The experiment reported below attempted to fulfill these conditions. (p. 378)

Thus the introduction leads smoothly into the next major section of the article—the method section.

The  method section  is where you describe how you conducted your study. An important principle for writing a method section is that it should be clear and detailed enough that other researchers could replicate the study by following your “recipe.” This means that it must describe all the important elements of the study—basic demographic characteristics of the participants, how they were recruited, whether they were randomly assigned, how the variables were manipulated or measured, how counterbalancing was accomplished, and so on. At the same time, it should avoid irrelevant details such as the fact that the study was conducted in Classroom 37B of the Industrial Technology Building or that the questionnaire was double-sided and completed using pencils.

The method section begins immediately after the introduction ends with the heading “Method” (not “Methods”) centred on the page. Immediately after this is the subheading “Participants,” left justified and in italics. The participants subsection indicates how many participants there were, the number of women and men, some indication of their age, other demographics that may be relevant to the study, and how they were recruited, including any incentives given for participation.

After the participants section, the structure can vary a bit. Figure 11.1 shows three common approaches. In the first, the participants section is followed by a design and procedure subsection, which describes the rest of the method. This works well for methods that are relatively simple and can be described adequately in a few paragraphs. In the second approach, the participants section is followed by separate design and procedure subsections. This works well when both the design and the procedure are relatively complicated and each requires multiple paragraphs.

What is the difference between design and procedure? The design of a study is its overall structure. What were the independent and dependent variables? Was the independent variable manipulated, and if so, was it manipulated between or within subjects? How were the variables operationally defined? The procedure is how the study was carried out. It often works well to describe the procedure in terms of what the participants did rather than what the researchers did. For example, the participants gave their informed consent, read a set of instructions, completed a block of four practice trials, completed a block of 20 test trials, completed two questionnaires, and were debriefed and excused.

In the third basic way to organize a method section, the participants subsection is followed by a materials subsection before the design and procedure subsections. This works well when there are complicated materials to describe. This might mean multiple questionnaires, written vignettes that participants read and respond to, perceptual stimuli, and so on. The heading of this subsection can be modified to reflect its content. Instead of “Materials,” it can be “Questionnaires,” “Stimuli,” and so on.

The  results section  is where you present the main results of the study, including the results of the statistical analyses. Although it does not include the raw data—individual participants’ responses or scores—researchers should save their raw data and make them available to other researchers who request them. Several journals now encourage the open sharing of raw data online.

Although there are no standard subsections, it is still important for the results section to be logically organized. Typically it begins with certain preliminary issues. One is whether any participants or responses were excluded from the analyses and why. The rationale for excluding data should be described clearly so that other researchers can decide whether it is appropriate. A second preliminary issue is how multiple responses were combined to produce the primary variables in the analyses. For example, if participants rated the attractiveness of 20 stimulus people, you might have to explain that you began by computing the mean attractiveness rating for each participant. Or if they recalled as many items as they could from study list of 20 words, did you count the number correctly recalled, compute the percentage correctly recalled, or perhaps compute the number correct minus the number incorrect? A third preliminary issue is the reliability of the measures. This is where you would present test-retest correlations, Cronbach’s α, or other statistics to show that the measures are consistent across time and across items. A final preliminary issue is whether the manipulation was successful. This is where you would report the results of any manipulation checks.

The results section should then tackle the primary research questions, one at a time. Again, there should be a clear organization. One approach would be to answer the most general questions and then proceed to answer more specific ones. Another would be to answer the main question first and then to answer secondary ones. Regardless, Bem (2003) [3] suggests the following basic structure for discussing each new result:

• Remind the reader of the research question.
• Give the answer to the research question in words.
• Present the relevant statistics.
• Qualify the answer if necessary.
• Summarize the result.

Notice that only Step 3 necessarily involves numbers. The rest of the steps involve presenting the research question and the answer to it in words. In fact, the basic results should be clear even to a reader who skips over the numbers.

The  discussion  is the last major section of the research report. Discussions usually consist of some combination of the following elements:

• Summary of the research
• Theoretical implications
• Practical implications
• Limitations
• Suggestions for future research

The discussion typically begins with a summary of the study that provides a clear answer to the research question. In a short report with a single study, this might require no more than a sentence. In a longer report with multiple studies, it might require a paragraph or even two. The summary is often followed by a discussion of the theoretical implications of the research. Do the results provide support for any existing theories? If not, how  can  they be explained? Although you do not have to provide a definitive explanation or detailed theory for your results, you at least need to outline one or more possible explanations. In applied research—and often in basic research—there is also some discussion of the practical implications of the research. How can the results be used, and by whom, to accomplish some real-world goal?

The theoretical and practical implications are often followed by a discussion of the study’s limitations. Perhaps there are problems with its internal or external validity. Perhaps the manipulation was not very effective or the measures not very reliable. Perhaps there is some evidence that participants did not fully understand their task or that they were suspicious of the intent of the researchers. Now is the time to discuss these issues and how they might have affected the results. But do not overdo it. All studies have limitations, and most readers will understand that a different sample or different measures might have produced different results. Unless there is good reason to think they  would have, however, there is no reason to mention these routine issues. Instead, pick two or three limitations that seem like they could have influenced the results, explain how they could have influenced the results, and suggest ways to deal with them.

Most discussions end with some suggestions for future research. If the study did not satisfactorily answer the original research question, what will it take to do so? What  new  research questions has the study raised? This part of the discussion, however, is not just a list of new questions. It is a discussion of two or three of the most important unresolved issues. This means identifying and clarifying each question, suggesting some alternative answers, and even suggesting ways they could be studied.

Finally, some researchers are quite good at ending their articles with a sweeping or thought-provoking conclusion. Darley and Latané (1968) [4] , for example, ended their article on the bystander effect by discussing the idea that whether people help others may depend more on the situation than on their personalities. Their final sentence is, “If people understand the situational forces that can make them hesitate to intervene, they may better overcome them” (p. 383). However, this kind of ending can be difficult to pull off. It can sound overreaching or just banal and end up detracting from the overall impact of the article. It is often better simply to end when you have made your final point (although you should avoid ending on a limitation).

The references section begins on a new page with the heading “References” centred at the top of the page. All references cited in the text are then listed in the format presented earlier. They are listed alphabetically by the last name of the first author. If two sources have the same first author, they are listed alphabetically by the last name of the second author. If all the authors are the same, then they are listed chronologically by the year of publication. Everything in the reference list is double-spaced both within and between references.

Appendices, Tables, and Figures

Appendices, tables, and figures come after the references. An  appendix  is appropriate for supplemental material that would interrupt the flow of the research report if it were presented within any of the major sections. An appendix could be used to present lists of stimulus words, questionnaire items, detailed descriptions of special equipment or unusual statistical analyses, or references to the studies that are included in a meta-analysis. Each appendix begins on a new page. If there is only one, the heading is “Appendix,” centred at the top of the page. If there is more than one, the headings are “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” and so on, and they appear in the order they were first mentioned in the text of the report.

After any appendices come tables and then figures. Tables and figures are both used to present results. Figures can also be used to illustrate theories (e.g., in the form of a flowchart), display stimuli, outline procedures, and present many other kinds of information. Each table and figure appears on its own page. Tables are numbered in the order that they are first mentioned in the text (“Table 1,” “Table 2,” and so on). Figures are numbered the same way (“Figure 1,” “Figure 2,” and so on). A brief explanatory title, with the important words capitalized, appears above each table. Each figure is given a brief explanatory caption, where (aside from proper nouns or names) only the first word of each sentence is capitalized. More details on preparing APA-style tables and figures are presented later in the book.

Sample APA-Style Research Report

Figures 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, and 11.5 show some sample pages from an APA-style empirical research report originally written by undergraduate student Tomoe Suyama at California State University, Fresno. The main purpose of these figures is to illustrate the basic organization and formatting of an APA-style empirical research report, although many high-level and low-level style conventions can be seen here too.

Key Takeaways

• An APA-style empirical research report consists of several standard sections. The main ones are the abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references.
• The introduction consists of an opening that presents the research question, a literature review that describes previous research on the topic, and a closing that restates the research question and comments on the method. The literature review constitutes an argument for why the current study is worth doing.
• The method section describes the method in enough detail that another researcher could replicate the study. At a minimum, it consists of a participants subsection and a design and procedure subsection.
• The results section describes the results in an organized fashion. Each primary result is presented in terms of statistical results but also explained in words.
• The discussion typically summarizes the study, discusses theoretical and practical implications and limitations of the study, and offers suggestions for further research.
• Practice: Look through an issue of a general interest professional journal (e.g.,  Psychological Science ). Read the opening of the first five articles and rate the effectiveness of each one from 1 ( very ineffective ) to 5 ( very effective ). Write a sentence or two explaining each rating.
• Practice: Find a recent article in a professional journal and identify where the opening, literature review, and closing of the introduction begin and end.
• Practice: Find a recent article in a professional journal and highlight in a different colour each of the following elements in the discussion: summary, theoretical implications, practical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research.

Long Descriptions

Figure 11.1 long description: Table showing three ways of organizing an APA-style method section.

In the simple method, there are two subheadings: “Participants” (which might begin “The participants were…”) and “Design and procedure” (which might begin “There were three conditions…”).

In the typical method, there are three subheadings: “Participants” (“The participants were…”), “Design” (“There were three conditions…”), and “Procedure” (“Participants viewed each stimulus on the computer screen…”).

In the complex method, there are four subheadings: “Participants” (“The participants were…”), “Materials” (“The stimuli were…”), “Design” (“There were three conditions…”), and “Procedure” (“Participants viewed each stimulus on the computer screen…”). [Return to Figure 11.1]

• Bem, D. J. (2003). Writing the empirical journal article. In J. M. Darley, M. P. Zanna, & H. R. Roediger III (Eds.),  The compleat academic: A practical guide for the beginning social scientist  (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. ↵
• Darley, J. M., & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility.  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 4 , 377–383. ↵

A type of research article which describes one or more new empirical studies conducted by the authors.

The page at the beginning of an APA-style research report containing the title of the article, the authors’ names, and their institutional affiliation.

A summary of a research study.

The third page of a manuscript containing the research question, the literature review, and comments about how to answer the research question.

An introduction to the research question and explanation for why this question is interesting.

A description of relevant previous research on the topic being discusses and an argument for why the research is worth addressing.

The end of the introduction, where the research question is reiterated and the method is commented upon.

The section of a research report where the method used to conduct the study is described.

The main results of the study, including the results from statistical analyses, are presented in a research article.

Section of a research report that summarizes the study's results and interprets them by referring back to the study's theoretical background.

Part of a research report which contains supplemental material.

Research Methods in Psychology - 2nd Canadian Edition Copyright © 2015 by Paul C. Price, Rajiv Jhangiani, & I-Chant A. Chiang is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Carmen Troy at January 10th, 2023 , Revised On April 16, 2024

Introduction

Psychology entails the study of mental processes and behaviour. Over the last several years, the demand for psychology graduates has continuously risen due to the growing number of people with psychic problems.

As a psychology student, you can explore one of the many areas of psychology as part of your dissertation project. You can specialize in industrial physiology, mental health, behavioural psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, personality psychology, social psychology, biological psychology, and psychosocial psychology.

While there are many topic options for psychology students, make sure that you choose one where there is a gap in the literature and more work needs to be done.

To help you get started with brainstorming for psychology topic ideas, we have developed a list of the latest topics that can be used for writing your psychology dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question ,  aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics here.

2024 Psychology Research Topics

Impact of automation in the manufacturing sector on employee distress and happiness in the uk- an exploratory study finding the psychoeconomic factors.

Research Aim: This study intends to find the impact of automation in the manufacturing sector on employee distress and happiness in the UK. It will explore the moderating Psychoeconomic (Psychological and Economic) factors affected by the increasing automation in the manufacturing industry, affecting the employees’ distress and happiness levels. Furthermore, it will examine the strategies implemented by the manufacturing companies to prevent their employees from the anxiety and unhappiness induced by automation after the technological revolution.

Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Performance Among Adults Working from Home during COVID-19 in the UK

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance among adults working from home during COVID-19 in the UK. It will identify how sleep deprivation during COVID-19 affected various mental abilities of employees who were forced to work from home. It will also see how these abilities affect the employees’ productivity during COVID-19. Additionally, it will show the policies adopted by the companies to prevent their employees from working overtime to have a proper sleep. And how does it improve their cognitive performance and productivity?

Effects of Bad Incidents on the Children’s Intelligence- A Critical Assessment through a Clinical Psychology Lens

Research Aim: This research shows the effects of bad incidents on children’s intelligence. It will use a clinical psychology lens to show how clinicians see the relationship between bad incidents in childhood and their impact on children’s intelligence in later life. And in which was these incidents shape the intelligence of children while growing up. Furthermore, it will present a wide range of clinical procedures to overcome the lingering effects of bad incidents on children’s intelligence in later life.

Impact of Marriage Satisfaction on Job Performance in High-Stress Jobs- A Case of Individuals Working in Investment Firms in the UK

Research Aim: This research analyses the impact of marriage satisfaction on job performance in high-stress jobs. It will use investment firms in the UK as a case study to analyse how marriage satisfaction affects the performance of men and women working in these high-stress jobs such as trading and investments. Moreover, it will explore various psychological parts of the job affected by the problems in a marriage. Lastly, it will recommend ways to offset the bad effects of unstable marriage to improve job performance.

The Role of Educational-Psychological Counseling in Career Selection among Immigrant Children in the UK

Research Aim: This research investigates the role of educational-psychological counselling in career selection among immigrant children in the UK. It will show how educational-psychological counselling different aspects of their academic life and help them decide what to pursue in later life. It will also show how this counselling can help them believe that despite coming from outside of the UK, they still have a chance to succeed.

Covid-19 Psychology Research Topics

Topic 1: impacts of coronavirus on the mental health of various age groups.

Research Aim: This study will reveal the impacts of coronavirus on the mental health of various age groups

Topic 2: Mental health and psychological resilience during COVID-19

Research Aim: Social distancing has made people isolated and affected their mental health. This study will highlight various measures to overcome the stress and mental health of people during coronavirus.

Topic 3: The mental health of children and families during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will address the challenging situations faced by children and families during lockdown due to COVID-19. It will also discuss various ways to overcome the fear of disease and staying positive.

Topic 4: Mental wellbeing of patients during Coronavirus pandemic

Research Aim: This study will focus on the measures taken by the hospital management, government, and families, to ensure the mental wellbeing of patients, especially COVID-19 patients.

Psychology Dissertation Topics for 2024

Topic 1: kids and their relatives with cancer: psychological challenges.

Research Aim: In cancer diagnoses and therapies, children often don’t know what happens. Many have psychosocial problems, including rage, terror, depression, disturbing their sleep, inexpiable guilt, and panic. Therefore, this study identifies and treats the child and its family members’ psychological issues.

Topic 2: Hematopoietic device reaction in ophthalmology patient’s radiation therapy

Research Aim: This research is based on the analysis of hematopoietic devices’ reactions to ophthalmology’s radiation.

Topic 3: Psychological effects of cyberbullying Vs. physical bullying: A counter study

Research Aim: This research will focus on the effects of cyberbullying and physical bullying and their consequences on the victim’s mental health. The most significant part is the counter effects on our society’s environment and human behaviour, particularly youth.

Topic 4: Whether or not predictive processing is a theory of perceptual consciousness?

Research Aim: This research aims to identify: whether or not predictive processing is a theory of perceptual consciousness?

Topic 5: Importance of communication in a relationship

Research Aim: This research aims to address the importance of communication in relationships and the communication gap consequences.

Topic 6: Eating and personality disorders

Research Aim: This research aims to focus on eating and personality disorders

Topic 7: Analysis of teaching, assessment, and evaluation of students and learning differences

Research Aim: This research aims to analyse teaching methods, assessment, and evaluation systems of students and their learning differences

Topic 8: Social and psychological effects of virtual networks

Research Aim: This research aims to study the social and psychological effects of virtual networks

Topic 9: The role of media in provoking aggression

Research Aim: This research aims to address the role of media and in provoking aggression among people

Psychology Dissertation Topics for 2023

Topic 1: assessing the advantages and disadvantages of positive reinforcement in special education.

Research Aim: The strength and importance of praise in the workplace can have a significant impact on employees and move them from apathy to more happiness and satisfaction. Positive reinforcement motivates and encourages people for their respective tasks. This research aims to assess the advantages and disadvantages of positive reinforcement in special education.

Topic 2: Assessing the relationship between depression and anxiety from the perspective of student academic performance

Research Aim: Emotional disturbance is considered to be a psychological element that can lead to the deterioration of the daily activities of students. Since academic achievements are an integral dimension of students’ lives, depression, anxiety, and other emotional disturbance might lead to poor academic performance. Therefore, this research aims to assess the relationship between depression and anxiety on student academic performance.

Topic 3: How cognitive behaviour therapy helps in dealing with depressed adolescents

Research Aim: Cognitive behavioural theory is regarded as a well-established therapy for depression and other various mental illnesses in children and adolescents. It might be because CBT can reduce suicidal behaviour and thoughts amongst adolescents. The main purpose of this research is to identify how cognitive behaviour therapy can help in dealing with depressed adolescents.

Topic 4: Analysing the psychological impact of bullying on children’s personality and development

Research Aim: Any public humiliation can result in a child’s misconceptions, confusion and misunderstanding about their own personality and the surrounding world. Public humiliation can damage the psychology of children and hinder their overall physical and mental development. The key purpose of this study is to analyse the psychological impact of bullying on children’s personalities and development.

Topic 5: Assessing the impact of psychological pricing on consumer purchase intention

Research Aim: Psychological pricing, also known as charm pricing and price ending, is a market pricing strategy in which certain prices can have a psychological impact on consumers. This strategy also includes a slightly less than a round number, e.g. 2.99, which could incline consumers to make purchase decisions in favour of the seller. Hence, this research aims to assess the impact of psychological pricing on consumer purchase intention.

Topic 6: Borderline Personality Disorder and Self-Cutting Behaviors – Are they Inter Related?

Research Aim: Borderline Personality Disorder is a mental health disorder that impacts the thinking process of an individual. This disorder impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others. Relationships are unstable. There are extreme emotions and distorted self-image when a person is suffering from a borderline personality disorder. This research will discuss this disorder in detail and evaluate whether self-cutting behaviours are a result of this disorder or not.

Topic 7: Depression and its risk factors – How can it be prevented?

Research Aim: Depression is a psychological issue that needs immediate attention. There are a lot of factors that lead to depression. This research will talk about the various risk factors that contribute to depression in an individual. The research will also discuss ways and strategies through which depression can be managed and eliminated in some cases. Case studies will be a part of this research.

Topic 8: Childhood trauma and its long-lasting impacts on individuals in adulthood

Research Aim: This research will talk about an important issue i.e. childhood trauma. This includes emotional and physical trauma that a child had experienced in his childhood. This research will discuss whether this trauma will impact the individual further in his life or not. If an adult’s future life is likely to be affected by childhood trauma, then in what ways will it change the individual, and how will it shape his personality? All these questions will be answered with this research.

Organisational Psychology Dissertation Topics

The role of industrial psychologists, also known as organisational psychologists, is to apply the principles of psychology to marketing, sales, management, administration, and human resources problems that organizations face.

Typical tasks that organisational psychologists perform include but are not limited to organisational development and analysis, training and development, employee evaluation and selection, policymaking, and more. The following dissertation topics are developed with respect to organisational psychology:

Topic 1: Research in industrial and organisational psychology from 1980 to 2015: Changes, choices, and trends

Research Aim: This research will compare the choices, trends, and changes in industrial and organisational psychology. The years compared will be 1990-2000, 2001-2010, and 2011-2020.

Topic 2: Computerized adaptive testing in industrial and organisational psychology

Research Aim: This research will explore the advanced technique i.e. computerized adaptive testing in organisational and industrial psychology.

Topic 3: Leader-member exchange as a moderating variable in the relationship between well-being and job security

Research Aim: This research will analyse the leader-member exchange as a variable that moderates the relationship between job security and well-being.

Topic 4: Intelligent leadership and leadership competencies – Developing a leadership framework for intelligent organizations

Research Aim: This research will understand the leadership competencies and intelligent leadership by analysing a leadership framework for intelligent organisations.

Topic 5: Burnout amongst executive staff: What are the main predictors? A review of literature from the UK and Europe.

Research Aim: This research will talk about the most pressing issue at workplaces right now, i.e. burnout, The study will include predictors of burnout by analysing literature from Europe and the UK.

Topic 6: Interior design and Industrial psychology – Investigating the role of employees' reward and motivation in shaping up the look of the factory or office

Research Aim: This research will understand the role of employee reward and motivation in shaping up workplaces with a focus on how interior design can create a working environment for employees that enhance their motivation levels.

Topic 7: Investigating the impact of strategic business partnering for business organisations – A case study of any UK based company

Research Aim: This research will talk about the impact of strategic business partnering for business organisations. You can provide us with the name of the company you would want to base your research on.

Topic 8: Social science strategies for managing diversity: Industrial and organisational opportunities to enhance inclusion

Research Aim: This research will interrogate an extremely important issue of psychology, i.e., diversity and inclusion at the workplace. The study will be conducted with respect to social science strategies.

Topic 9: Studying Influencing Factors in Effective Training Programs in Organisations

Research Aim: This research will talk about the various psychological factors that influence training programs organised by companies.

Topic 10: To understand international branding in light of the concept of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions

Research Aim: This research will aim to understand international branding in light of the concept of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. The research will be descriptive in nature and make use of secondary data.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Clinical Psychology Dissertation Topics

Clinical psychology can be defined as integrating clinical knowledge, theory, and science to understand and prevent psychologically based dysfunction and distress. Another aim of this branch of psychology is to promote personal development and behavioural well-being.

Clinical psychologists’ job responsibilities include conducting research, teaching, drug and alcohol treatment, assessing disorders, testifying legal settings, and creating and managing programs to prevent and treat social problems.

A well-written dissertation in this area of psychology can help students to fetch a high academic grade. Here are some interesting topics in this area:

Topic 1: Which clinical and demographic factors predict poor insight in individuals with obsessions and compulsions?

Research Aim: This research will discuss the clinical and demographic factors that predict poor insight within individuals with compulsions and obsessions.

Topic 2: Anger beliefs and behaviour; An Investigation of associations with Hypomania in a non-clinical sample

Research Aim: This research will investigate anger, behaviour, and beliefs concerning hypomania in a non-clinical sample.

Topic 3: Clinical psychologists’ experiences of accessing personal therapy during training: A narrative analysis

Research Aim: This research will discuss clinical psychologists’ experiences of accessing personal therapy during training. This will be a narrative analysis.

Topic 4: Exploring body image and identity in people who have had a heart or lung transplant

Research Aim: This research will help explore the identity and body image of people who have had a heart or a lung transplant. All related issues will be discussed in this study.

Topic 5: Psychosocial adjustment to renal failure and consequent dialysis

Research Aim: This research will explore psychosocial adjustment required during renal failure. The study will also discuss dialysis, which will result due to renal failure.

Topic 6: Experiences of psychosocial formulation within a bio-psychosocial model of care for psychosis

Research Aim: This research will talk about psychosocial formulation experiences within a bio-psychosocial model of care for psychosis.

Topic 7: Experiences and their association with eating behaviour in adulthood

Research Aim: This research will investigate the relationship between individual experiences and eating behaviour in adulthood. The study will furthermore present suggestions as to how these conditions can be improved.

Topic 8: Barriers to communicating about sexual dysfunction following heart trauma

Research Aim: This research will talk about an important issue i.e. sexual dysfunction. However, the study will be conducted concerning the issue being developed due to heart trauma.

Topic 9: Validation of a new scale assessing the use of strategies to change another person’s mood or emotional state

Research Aim: This research will investigate and try to validate a new scale that will be used to assess strategies for changing another person’s emotional state or mood.

Topic 10: Examining Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) within a cognitive framework

Research Aim: This research will investigate an important psychology issue, i.e. depression. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) will be assessed with a cognitive framework.

Also Read: Construction Engineering Dissertation Topics

Cognitive Psychology Dissertation Topics

Cognitive Psychology can be defined as the study of mental processes such as thinking, creativity, problem solving, perception, memory, language use, and attention through neuropsychology, computer modeling, and experimentation.

Cognitive psychologists are primarily responsible for investigating how the human brain absorbs and interprets information at micro and macro levels. This area of psychology is broad. Therefore you will have many topic options to choose from. Please see below some titles if you are looking to base your dissertation on the field of cognitive psychology.

Topic 1: Adolescent perceptions and beliefs of proactive-reactive aggression explored through the social information processing model of aggression

Research Aim: This research will talk about various perceptions and beliefs of adolescents with respect to proactive-reactive aggression. These will be explored through the social information processing model of aggression.

Topic 2: Analyzing how cognitive flexibility is influenced by emotions

Research Aim: This research will analyze how emotions influence the cognitive flexibility of individuals.

Topic 3: Tractable cognition: The role of complexity theory in cognitive psychology

Research Aim: This research will discuss tractable cognition. The study will discuss the role of complexity theory in cognitive psychology.

Topic 4: Conflict monitoring across sensory modalities

Research Aim: This research will discuss conflict monitoring during sensory modalities. The study will talk about various conflict monitoring methods.

Topic 5: Familiarity and its effect on facial expression recognition?

Research Aim: This research will discuss the concept of familiarity and its impact on facial expression recognition.

Topic 6: Investigating the relationship between cognitive vulnerability and depression

Research Aim: This research will investigate the relationship between depression and cognitive vulnerability.

Topic 7: Effectiveness of mindfulness training on ratings of perceived stress, mindfulness, and well-being of adolescents enrolled in an international baccalaureate diploma program

Research Aim: This research will discuss the effectiveness of mindfulness training on ratings of well-being and perceived stress of adolescents. The participants of this research will be international baccalaureate diploma students.

Topic 8: Assessing the development of implicit intergroup cognition in relation to in-groups and out-groups: social learning or pre-specified?

Research Aim: This research will assess the development of implicit intergroup cognition with respect to out-groups and in-groups. The study will conclude whether this development classifies as social learning or is pre-specified.

Topic 9: Assessing the relationship between impaired social cognition, emotion, and anxiety disorders.

Research Aim: This research will discuss the relationship between emotion, anxiety disorders, and impaired social cognition.

Topic 10: Investigating the relationship between episodic memory and emotional memory

Research Aim: This research will investigate the relationship between emotional memory and episodic memory and the underlying causes.

Also Read : Project Management Dissertation Topics

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• Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

This branch of psychology has gained tremendous importance in the world of academia in recent times. Essentially, it deals with social interactions, including their influence on the individuals and their origin.

According to Baron, Byrne, and Sulls (1989), “the scientific field seeks to understand the nature and causes of individual behaviour in social situations.”

Therefore, it will not be wrong to say that social psychology primarily investigates how human behaviour can influence other people and the surrounding social environment. Some relevant social psychology dissertation topics are listed below:

Topic 1: Cognitive, affective, and social psychological correlates of psychopathic personality traits in offenders and non-offenders

Research Aim: This research will address cognitive, affective, and social psychological correlations of psychopathic personality traits in offenders and non-offenders.

Topic 2: A social-psychological exploration of word-of-mouth traveller information in the digital age

Research Aim: This research will explore the word of mouth exchange of traveller information in today’s age with a social-psychological perspective.

Topic 3: Investigating the concept of contemporary social and cultural psychology

Research Aim: This research will investigate the concept of contemporary social and cultural psychology.

Topic 4: Methods for social psychological research: fundamental qualitative and fundamental quantitative methods.

Research Aim: This will be an interesting study. The research will explore two major social psychological research methods; fundamental qualitative method and fundamental quantitative method.

Topic 5: The impact of gender mistakes on various individual attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender inequality

Research Aim: This research will explore the impact of gender issues on different individual attitudes and behaviours. Moreover, the study will assess their impact and contribution to increasing gender inequality.

Topic 6: Personality, passion, self-esteem and psychological well-being among junior elite athletes in the UK

Research Aim: This research will study the psychological well-being of junior athletes in the UK. This includes assessing their personality, passion, and self-esteem.

Topic 7: Mad, bad, or dangerous? Assessing changing social attitudes to mental illness through a study of magazine and TV advertising.

Research Aim: This research will assess the changing social attitudes to mental illness by studying TV and magazine advertising. The study will focus on the impact of these advertisements on the mental health of the audience.

Topic 8: Use of images of women in corporate website branding – The role of gender, marketing, and internet presence

Research Aim: This research will assess the use of women’s images in website branding. The study will evaluate and analyze the role of gender, marketing, and internet presence.

Topic 9: How the use of music can help to reduce crime rate – A quantitative study of underground tube stations in London

Research Aim: The study will focus on an ignored socio-psychological aspect i.e. music. The research will assess how music helps to reduce the crime rate. A quantitative study covering underground tube stations will be conducted.

Topic 10: The enduring legacy of cognitive dissonance

Research Aim: This research will talk about the history of cognitive dissonance. It will also discuss its enduring legacy.

Also Read: Sociology Dissertation Topics

Abnormal Psychology Dissertation Topics

The abnormal patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviour that may lead to mental disorders are studied under the abnormal psychology branch of psychology. But what is an abnormality, and who decides what abnormal behaviour is? Historically, societies have been quick to observe and tag individuals as abnormal when they encounter situations that they could not understand.

Abnormal psychologists are responsible for identifying the human characteristics that deviate from the norm. This branch of psychology can interest students who wish to explore unusual human behaviour and unusual conditions. Following topics on abnormal psychology can help to ease the dissertation topic selection process for your thesis project:

Topic 1: Assessing and Investigating the concepts of abnormality and mental health

Research Aim: This research will discuss the basics of abnormality and mental health. The literature review will cover the various mental health conditions and what leads them to these issues.

Topic 2: A neuropsychological investigation of frontal brain asymmetry in depression with comorbid anxiety

Research Aim: This research will investigate a neuropsychological issue, i.e., frontal brain asymmetry in depression with comorbid anxiety.

Topic 3: What is the relationship between children’s home routines and treatment for ADHD? A study of the literature

Research Aim: This research will talk about a common yet ignored issue, ADHD. The study will explore the relationship between children’s home routines and treatment procedures.

Topic 4: Investigating the relationship between depression and diet – A qualitative study of how the Mediterranean diet can help to lower depression levels

Research Aim: This research will investigate an interesting relationship – depression and diet. The study will also explore how the Mediterranean diet can help reduce levels of depression.

Topic 5: Promoting mental health and psychological wellbeing in children: A socio-cultural activity theory analysis of professional contributions and learning in a multidisciplinary team

Research Aim: This research will aim to promote mental health and psychological wellbeing in children. The study will be based on a socio-cultural activity theory analysis of professional contributions and learning in a multidisciplinary team.

Topic 6: A critical inquiry into the views of professionals working with families, parents, and children.

Research Aim: This research will help conduct a critical inquiry into the views of professionals working with parents, families, and children.

Topic 7: Exploring ways of managing stress and coping with poor mental health

Research Aim: This research will help to explore stress and coping issues amongst individuals with poor mental health.

Topic 8: The role of positive irrational beliefs in mental health & wellbeing

Research Aim: This research will talk about the positive role of irrational beliefs associated with mental health and wellbeing.

Topic 9: To understand and establish the relationship between social media websites and self-harm in adolescent females

Research Aim: This research will aim to understand and establish the relationship between social media websites and self-harm in adolescent females.

Topic 10: A biographical narrative study exploring mental ill-health through the life course

Research Aim: This will be a biographical narrative study that will explore the mental illness issues that may cause difficulties to lead the course of life.

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Developmental and Educational Psychology Dissertation Topics

According to Kendra Cherry (2001), “Educational psychology involves the study of how people learn, including topics such as student outcomes, the instructional process, individual differences in learning, gifted learners and learning disabilities.” This branch of psychology considers not only the learning process but also the social and emotional aspects of development.

Developmental and educational psychologists are responsible for designing professional development programmes, evaluating programmes and interventions, designing training programmes, consulting with groups and individuals, counselling, designing effective treatment programmes, assessing developmental learning and behavioural problems among individuals, diagnosing disabilities and disorders, and identifying and clarifying problems.

Here’s a list of developmental and educational psychology dissertation topics for you to choose from:

Topic 1: Investigating parents’ concerns with a child’s development: A Case Study

Research Aim: This research will investigate concerns of parents related to child development. A specific case will be examined in this research.

Topic 2: To examine the parent-child relationship issues

Research Aim: This research will explore the issues related to the parent-child bond. Solutions will also be provided as to how these should be tackled.

Topic 3: Managing a child’s difficult temperament or behaviour

Research Aim: This research will help parents understand how they can manage a child who has a difficult temperament.

Topic 4: How educational psychologists can assist a child with disabilities

Research Aim: This research will explore how educational psychologists help in assisting disabled children.

Topic 5: Exploring the causes of sibling rivalries in the family: Studying How These can Be Tackled.

Research Aim: This research will talk explores the causes behind sibling rivalries in families and will also suggest how these can be controlled.

Topic 6: Problems parents, teachers, and children may face in the transition from early childhood to school years

Research Aim: This study will explore issues and problems parents, teachers, and children face in the transition from early childhood to school years.

Topic 7: Exploring the impact of consultation on educational psychology service users, including pupils, teachers, and parents

Research Aim: This research will explore the impacts of consultation on educational psychology services which include pupils, teachers, and parents.

Topic 8: The development of the theory of mind in deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing preschool children

Research Aim: This research will talk about the developmental theory of mind in deaf people, hard of hearing, and hearing of preschool children.

Topic 9: Cultural differences and perceptions of autism among school psychologists

Research Aim: This research will talk about the cultural differences and perceptions of autism amongst school psychologists.

Topic 10: High school special education teachers’ use of positive behaviour: Effects of a behaviour prompting routine on specific praise rates

Research Aim: This research will discuss the use of positive behaviour by high school special education teachers. Furthermore, the dissertation will also study the impact of behaviour that prompts a routine for specific praise rates.

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Important Notes:

As a psychology student looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing psychology theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

Psychology is vast and interrelated with so many other academic disciplines. That is why it is imperative to create a psychology dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

Keeping our advice in mind while developing a research topic will allow you to pick one of the best psychology dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and adds to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample psychology dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Psychology Dissertation

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analyzing published and unpublished literature on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths while identifying any research gaps. Break down the topic and key terms that can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis : Findings of the research are analyzed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of the results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section is establishing the link between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to the implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : Make sure to complete this following your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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How to Write a Psychology Research Paper

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

 James Lacy, MLS, is a fact-checker and researcher.

Are you working on a psychology research paper this semester? Whether or not this is your first research paper, the entire process can seem a bit overwhelming at first. But, knowing where to start the research process can make things easier and less stressful.

While it can feel very intimidating, a research paper can initially be very intimidating, but it is not quite as scary if you break it down into more manageable steps. The following tips will help you break down the process into steps so it is easier to research and write your paper.

Decide What Kind of Paper You Are Going to Write

Before you begin, you should find out the type of paper your instructor expects you to write. There are a few common types of psychology papers that you might encounter.

Original Research or Lab Report

A report or empirical paper details research you conducted on your own. This is the type of paper you would write if your instructor had you perform your own psychology experiment. This type of paper follows a format similar to an APA format lab report. It includes a title page, abstract , introduction, method section, results section, discussion section, and references.

Literature Review

The second type of paper is a literature review that summarizes research conducted by other people on a particular topic. If you are writing a psychology research paper in this form, your instructor might specify the length it needs to be or the number of studies you need to cite. Student are often required to cite between 5 and 20 studies in their literature reviews and they are usually between 8 and 20 pages in length.

The format and sections of a literature review usually include an introduction, body, and discussion/implications/conclusions.

Literature reviews often begin by introducing the research question before narrowing the focus to the specific studies cited in the paper. Each cited study should be described in considerable detail. You should evaluate and compare the studies you cite and then offer your discussion of the implications of the findings.

Select an Idea for Your Research Paper

Hero Images / Getty Images

Once you have figured out the type of research paper you are going to write, it is time to choose a good topic . In many cases, your instructor may assign you a subject, or at least specify an overall theme on which to focus.

As you are selecting your topic, try to avoid general or overly broad subjects. For example, instead of writing a research paper on the general subject of attachment , you might instead focus your research on how insecure attachment styles in early childhood impact romantic attachments later in life.

Narrowing your topic will make writing your paper easier because it allows you to focus your research, develop your thesis, and fully explore pertinent findings.

Develop an Effective Research Strategy

As you find references for your psychology paper, take careful notes on the information you use and start developing a bibliography. If you stay organized and cite your sources throughout the writing process, you will not be left searching for an important bit of information you cannot seem to track back to the source.

So, as you do your research, make careful notes about each reference including the article title, authors, journal source, and what the article was about. 

Write an Outline

You might be tempted to immediately dive into writing, but developing a strong framework can save a lot of time, hassle, and frustration. It can also help you spot potential problems with flow and structure.

If you outline the paper right off the bat, you will have a better idea of how one idea flows into the next and how your research supports your overall hypothesis .

You should start the outline with the three most fundamental sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Then, start creating subsections based on your literature review. The more detailed your outline, the easier it will be to write your paper.

Draft, Revise, and Edit

Once you are confident in your outline, it is time to begin writing. Remember to follow APA format as you write your paper and include in-text citations for any materials you reference. Make sure to cite any information in the body of your paper in your reference section at the end of your document.

Writing a psychology research paper can be intimidating at first, but breaking the process into a series of smaller steps makes it more manageable. Be sure to start early by deciding on a substantial topic, doing your research, and creating a good outline . Doing these supporting steps ahead of time make it much easier to actually write the paper when the time comes.

• Beins, BC & Beins, A. Effective Writing in Psychology: Papers, Posters, and Presentation. New York: Blackwell Publishing; 2011.

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

Research Topics

Cutting-edge research into the workings of the human mind

Our faculty conducts scientific research on topics that span across all areas of psychology. Some themes of research concentration are listed below. Click the topics to see the list of department faculty associated with each theme.

Addictive Behaviors

Computational Approaches

Decision Science

Developmental Approaches

Interventions

Learning & Memory

Mathematical Cognition

Meaning & Mental Representation

Motivation & Emotion

Neuroimaging

Plasticity & Change

Psychopathology & Risk

Reasoning & Problem Solving

Self & Identity

Self-Regulation & Control

Social Cognition

Stereotyping & Stereotype Threat

Vision Science

Words & Categories

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Reading Sample Theses

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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6 Important Tips on Writing a Research Paper Title

When you are searching for a research study on a particular topic, you probably notice that articles with interesting, descriptive research titles draw you in. By contrast, research paper titles that are not descriptive are usually passed over, even though you may write a good research paper with interesting contents. This shows the importance of coming up with a good title for your research paper when drafting your own manuscript.

Importance of a Research Title

The research title plays a crucial role in the research process, and its importance can be summarized as follows:

Why do Research Titles Matter?

Before we look at how to title a research paper, let’s look at a research title example that illustrates why a good research paper should have a strong title.

Imagine that you are researching meditation and nursing, and you want to find out if any studies have shown that meditation makes nurses better communicators.  You conduct a keyword search using the keywords “nursing”, “communication”, and “meditation.” You come up with results that have the following titles:

• Benefits of Meditation for the Nursing Profession: A Quantitative Investigation
• Why Mindful Nurses Make the Best Communicators
• Meditation Gurus
• Nurses on the Move: A Quantitative Report on How Meditation Can Improve Nurse Performance

All four of these research paper titles may describe very similar studies—they could even be titles for the same study! As you can see, they give very different impressions.

• Title 1 describes the topic and the method of the study but is not particularly catchy.
• Title 2 partly describes the topic, but does not give any information about the method of the study—it could simply be a theoretical or opinion piece.
• Title 3 is somewhat catchier but gives almost no information at all about the article.
• Title 4 begins with a catchy main title and is followed by a subtitle that gives information about the content and method of the study.

As we will see, Title 4 has all the characteristics of a good research title.

Characteristics of a Good Research Title

According to rhetoric scholars Hairston and Keene, making a good title for a paper involves ensuring that the title of the research accomplishes four goals as mentioned below:

• It should predict the content of the research paper .
• It should be interesting to the reader .
• It should reflect the tone of the writing .
• It should contain important keywords that will make it easier to be located during a keyword search.

Let’s return to the examples in the previous section to see how to make a research title.

As you can see in the table above, only one of the four example titles fulfills all of the criteria of a suitable research paper title.

Related: You’ve chosen your study topic, but having trouble deciding where to publish it? Here’s a comprehensive course to help you identify the right journal .

Tips for Writing an Effective Research Paper Title

When writing a research title, you can use the four criteria listed above as a guide. Here are a few other tips you can use to make sure your title will be part of the recipe for an effective research paper :

• Make sure your research title describes (a) the topic, (b) the method, (c) the sample, and (d) the results of your study. You can use the following formula:

[ Result ]: A [ method ] study of [ topic ] among [ sample ] Example : Meditation makes nurses perform better: a qualitative study of mindfulness meditation among German nursing students

• Avoid unnecessary words and jargons. Keep the title statement as concise as possible. You want a title that will be comprehensible even to people who are not experts in your field. Check our article for a detailed list of things to avoid when writing an effective research title .
• Make sure your title is between 5 and 15 words in length.
• If you are writing a title for a university assignment or for a particular academic journal, verify that your title conforms to the standards and requirements for that outlet. For example, many journals require that titles fall under a character limit, including spaces. Many universities require that titles take a very specific form, limiting your creativity.
• Use a descriptive phrase to convey the purpose of your research efficiently.
• Most importantly, use critical keywords in the title to increase the discoverability of your article.

Resources for Further Reading

In addition to the tips above, there are many resources online that you can use to help write your research title. Here is a list of links that you may find useful as you work on creating an excellent research title:

• The University of Southern California has a guide specific to social science research papers: http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/title
• The Journal of European Psychology Students has a blog article focusing on APA-compliant research paper titles: http://blog.efpsa.org/2012/09/01/how-to-write-a-good-title-for-journal-articles/
• This article by Kristen Hamlin contains a step-by-step approach to writing titles: http://classroom.synonym.com/choose-title-research-paper-4332.html

Are there any tips or tricks you find useful in crafting research titles? Which tip did you find most useful in this article? Leave a comment to let us know!

• Hairston, M., & Keene, M. 2003. Successful writing . 5th ed. New York: Norton.
• University of Southern California. 2017. Organizing your social sciences research paper: choosing a title . [Online] Available at: http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/title

Thank you so much:) Have a nice day!

Thank you so much, it helped me.. God bless..

Thank you for the excellent article and tips for creating a research work, because I always forget about such an essential element as the keywords when forming topics. In particular, I have found a rapid help with the formation of informative and sound titles that also conforms to the standards and requirements.

I am doing a research work on sales girls or shop girls using qualititative method. Basicly I am from Pakistan and writing on the scenario of mycountry. I am really confused about my research title can you kindly give some suggestions and give me an approperaite tilte

Hi Zubair, Thank you for your question. However, the information you have provided is insufficient for drafting an appropriate title. Information on what exactly you intend to study would be needed in order to draft a meaningful title. Meanwhile, you can try drafting your own title after going through the following articles our website: https://www.enago.com/academy/top-10-tips-on-choosing-an-attractive-research-title/ , https://www.enago.com/academy/writing-a-good-research-title-things-to-avoid/ , https://www.enago.com/academy/write-irresistible-research-paper-title/ We would be happy to give you feedback and suggest changes if required. Did you get a chance to install our free Mobile App? https://www.enago.com/academy/mobile-app/ . Make sure you subscribe to our weekly newsletter https://www.enago.com/academy/subscribe-now/ .

thanks for helping me like this!!

Thank you for this. It helped me improve my research title. I just want to verify to you the title I have just made. “Ensuring the safety: A Quantitative Study of Radio Frequency Identification system among the selected students of ( school’s name ).

(I need your reply asap coz we will be doing the chap. 1 tomorrow. Thank u in advance. 🙂 )

I am actually doing a research paper title. I want to know more further in doing research title. Can you give me some tips on doing a research paper?

Hi Joan, Thank you for your question. We are glad to know that you found our resources useful. Your feedback is very valuable to us. You can try drafting your own title after going through the following articles on our website: https://www.enago.com/academy/top-10-tips-on-choosing-an-attractive-research-title/ , https://www.enago.com/academy/writing-a-good-research-title-things-to-avoid/ , https://www.enago.com/academy/write-irresistible-research-paper-title/

We would be happy to give you feedback and suggest changes if required. Did you get a chance to install our free Mobile App? https://www.enago.com/academy/mobile-app/ . Make sure you subscribe to our weekly newsletter https://www.enago.com/academy/subscribe-now/ .

That really helpful. Thanks alot

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Thanks for sharing this tips. Title matters a lot for any article because it contents Keywords of article. It should be eye-catchy. Your article is helpful to select title of any article.

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i’m found in selecting my ma thesis title ,so i’m going to do my final research after the proposal approved. Your post help me find good title.

I need help. I need a research title for my study about early mobilization of the mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.

Thank you for posting your query on the website. When writing manuscripts, too many scholars neglect the research title. This phrase, along with the abstract, is what people will mostly see and read online. Title research of publications shows that the research paper title does matter a lot. Both bibliometrics and altmetrics tracking of citations are now, for better or worse, used to gauge a paper’s “success” for its author(s) and the journal publishing it. Interesting research topics coupled with good or clever yet accurate research titles can draw more attention to your work from peers and the public alike. You can check through the following search results for titles on similar topics: https://www.google.com/search?q=early+mobilization+of+the+mechanically+ventilated+patients+in+the+icu&rlz=1C1GCEU_enIN907IN907&oq=&aqs=chrome.0.69i59.4920093j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 .

We hope this would be helpful in drafting an attractive title for your research paper.

Please let us know in case of any other queries.

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In case the topic is new research before you’re writing. And then to stand out, you end up being different.and be inclined to highlight yourself.

There are many free directories, and more paid lists.

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AP® Psychology

Correlational study examples: ap® psychology crash course.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

Do you remember what a correlational study is? Knowing the main types of psychology research is a key point for the Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology exam as it makes up for 8-10% of the content in the multiple choice and free response questions. However, understanding the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each research method is only half of mastering this subject. The other half is understanding in concrete and practical terms how the research methods have been applied to studies in different fields of psychology. In this AP® Psychology crash course review, we will see three correlational study examples that have contributed to the history of psychology, changing the way we perceive our nature, our personality, and our health.

Review: What is a Correlational Study and why is it Important?

Psychology is a science, and like any other, its knowledge must be scientifically obtained, verified and validated. For this, psychologists conduct three types of research:

• Experimental research – the most empirical type of research, where variables can be manipulated in laboratory conditions and different situations can be studied and compared to establish relations of cause and effect between variables.
• Clinical research – done through case studies under the premise that certain individual characteristics can be generalized to the rest of the population.
• Correlational research – seeks the relationship between two variables. The necessary data is gathered through surveys (questionnaires and interviews), archival research (past studies that present the data) and naturalistic observation (observation of the phenomena as they naturally happen, without intervening). The data is then statistically analyzed to verify the relationship between the variables.

The correlation between the variables is shown through a value that goes from -1.00 to +1.00. This value is called the correlational coefficient . When the correlational coefficient is close to +1.00, there is a positive correlation between the variables. In other words, an increase in X accompanies an increase in Y. When the correlational coefficient is close to -1.00, there is a negative correlation between the variables or an increase in X is followed by a decrease in Y. And when the correlational coefficient is close to 0.00 there is no relationship between the variables. The closer the value is to +1.00 or -1.00, the strongest the relationship is. We will see real examples of this later on this post.

Now, the most important thing to remember about correlational studies is that correlation does not imply causation . For example, let’s say that “marriage” has a negative correlation with “cancer,” meaning that people who are married are less likely to develop cancer throughout their lives than those who remain single. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one causes the other or that marriage directly avoids cancer. Maybe one variable does cause the other, but even if it does, in correlational studies it is not possible to determine the direction of causation or what is causing what. And it could also be that a third unknown variable is what causes the correlation. Keep this in mind as we see the correlational study examples.

You might be wondering: if correlational studies only show this – correlations – why are they important in the first place if you could just conduct an experiment manipulating the relevant variables and getting to more solid conclusions?

Indeed, the disadvantages of correlational studies are that they cannot establish causal relationships nor direction of causal influence, there is no control of the variables, they don’t explain behavior, and they could result in illusory correlations. Illusory correlation is when there is a perceived relationship between variables that does not exist, like “a higher ice cream consumption leads to higher crime rate.”

On the other hand, one of the main advantages of a correlational study is that it is a useful way to describe and analyze data especially in cases where experimental research would lead to ethical issues. Take for instance a research that aims to investigate the relationship between child abuse and coping abilities later in adulthood. You obviously can’t take a random group of healthy children and expose them to abusive or traumatic situations to compare it with a control group. In the earlier stages of psychology, researchers could get away with teaching a phobia to a baby or leading participants to think they had electrocuted someone to death and get away with it in the name of science. Such practices are no longer acceptable, and correlational studies play an important role in developing knowledge in psychology.

Other advantages are that correlational studies are usually less expensive and easier to conduct than experiments and they allow for general predictions. They can also represent the first steps in a new field of research, leading to further studies and advances.

Now that you’ve reviewed the main concepts of correlational studies and why they matter, let’s see three important research examples in different fields of psychology and understand how all of this comes to life!

Study #1: Biological Basis of Behavior – A Debate on Nature Versus Nurture

We can easily think of how our genetics influence physical traits like height, hair and eye color. But have you ever considered that your genetics might also play a big role on psychological traits like personality and interests? In 1990 psychologists Thomas Bouchard, David Lykken, and their associates investigated the influence our genes have in psychological attributes. This was hard research to accept at the time considering that for the past fifty years, psychology was mainly focused on behaviorism and how the environment determines behavior. Bouchard and Lykken’s study brought the debate of nature versus nurture back to the spotlight, determined to clarify the genes’ and the environment’s role in who we are.

For this, Bouchard and Lykken conducted a study with monozygotic twins (identical twins) who had been separated at birth and raised in different environments and compared the results with identical twins who had been raised together. Note that this is a study in which one couldn’t simply replicate the situation in laboratory conditions, so a correlational study was the best way to analyze the data of real individuals in this situation.

Bouchard and Lykken gathered a huge amount of data from each pair of twins. They used a variety of personality trait scales, aptitude and occupational interest inventories, intelligence tests, family environment scales and interviews. At the end of the first part of the research, Bouchard and Lykken had information concerning the twins’ physiological traits, intelligence, personality, psychological interests and social attitudes. Next, Bouchard and Lykken analyzed the correlation between the twins in all these fields.

The results were surprising. If the environment were responsible for individual differences, identical twins reared together should be more similar than identical twins reared apart. However, that was not what the results showed. Both categories of twins had a very similar correlational coefficient that neared +1.00. This means that regardless of having being raised in the same or different environments, each person was very similar to his twin in all traits.

Based on this we can say that genetic factors strongly influence human behavior in a variety of ways, both physiological and psychological. This could be seen as a problematic conclusion since we like to put so much importance on environmental factors like education and parenting as if that alone determined who we grow to be, what interests we develop, what careers we choose and so on. However, it is not the case for giving up on all our efforts in life thinking that eventually the genes will just take over and determine our fate.

Bouchard and Lykken emphasize that although intelligence is mainly determined by genetic factors, it can still be enhanced by experiences. Approximately 70% of intelligence is genetically determined, which means there is still 30% that can be worked on or ignored in the environment, either at home with parents or at school with teachers and mentors.

The same can be applied to the other traits. For example, even if your genes hold a natural strength towards communication skills, none of it will matter if you don’t get an opportunity in your environment to make that skill emerge and develop. Recent research on identical twins shows that the older the twins, the more similar they are. Another way to say this is that the more experiences you have, the more your genes can be expressed.

As human beings, we are determined by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. We are nature and nurture. Genes don’t mean destiny, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore their influences on our physiological and psychological characteristics. Let’s truly understand the components of our behavior and overcome the genes versus environment dichotomy.

Study #2: Personality – Who is in Control of Your Life?

Do you think your actions are what matter the most for the outcome of your life? Or do you think that external forces like fate and luck have a major influence in the paths you take? This kind of personal belief, called  locus of control , is associated with all sorts of behaviors we show in different areas of life. The locus of control and its influence on behavior was first studied by the influential psychologist and behaviorist  Julian Rotter in 1966.

Rotter proposed that the way individuals interpret what happens to them and where they put the responsibility for the events in their lives is an important part of the personality that can be used to predict tendencies in certain behaviors. When a person attributes the consequences of their behavior to factors such as luck, fate, and other greater forces, this person believes in an external locus of control . On the other hand, a person that identifies the consequences of her behavior to her own actions believes in an  internal locus of control .

To measure locus of control, Rotter developed a scale called I-E Scale, where “I” stands for “Internal” and “E” for “External.” The scale contains many pairs of statements, and the participant must choose the one that best fits his beliefs. A few examples of the pair of statements are “Many of the unhappy things in people’s lives are partly due to bad luck” versus “People’s misfortunes result from the mistakes they make,” and “Becoming a success is a matter of hard work; luck has little or nothing to do with it” versus “Getting a good job depends mainly on being in the right place at the right time.”

After measuring the locus of control of a relevant quantity of participants, Rotter analyzed the correlation between internal or external locus of control and behaviors such as gambling, persuasion, smoking and achievement motivation. His findings demonstrated that:

• External individuals are more likely to gamble on risky bets while internal individuals prefer “sure things” and moderate odds on the long run.

• Internal individuals are more efficient on persuading peers to change their attitudes and more resistant to manipulation than external individuals.

• Because an internal locus of control is related to self-control, smokers tend to be significantly more external oriented. Those who successfully quit smoking are more internally oriented.

• Internal individuals are more motivated to achieve success than those who believe their lives are ruled by forces outside of their control. Examples of achievements included plans to attend college and time spent on homework.

So translating into terms of correlational studies, there was, for example, a strong correlation between “internal locus of control” and “achievement motivation,” as the correlation coefficient between these two variables neared +1.00.

Furthermore, Rotter identified three sources for the development of an external or internal locus of control: cultural differences, socioeconomic differences, and parenting style. In conclusion, Rotter proposed that locus of control is an important component of personality that explains the differences in behavior between two people who are faced with the same situation. This belief determines the way we interpret the consequences of our behavior and influences the actions we take in our lives.

Study #3: Motivation and Emotion – The Effects of Stress on Our Health

Nowadays it’s almost common sense that stress has an impact on our health, but this was not always an easily accepted idea. In 1967, Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe  studied the correlation between stress and illness. This was a psychosomatic  research because it studied the connection between psychological factors and physical problems.

Since it wouldn’t be ethical to put people under stressful situations to study whether or not they developed more health problems than a comfortable control group, this research was made using the correlational method. First, Holmes and Rahe designed a scale to measure stress in a variety of life situations, which included both happy and unhappy events, like Christmas and death of a spouse. This was because, according to Holmes and Rahe, stress happens in any situation where there is a need for psychological readjustment. This scale was called the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). After having a huge amount of participants answer the scale, Holmes and Rahe studied the correlations between high levels of stress and illnesses.

As you may have already predicted, a strong positive correlation between stress and illness was found. The participants who had had a low level of stress in the past six months reported an average of 1.4 illnesses for the same period. A medium level of stress had an average of 1.9 illnesses and a high level of stress, 2.1 illnesses.

However, we also know that stress is only one component that influences health, and the connection between stress and illness is way more complex than a correlational study can show. Aware of that, Holmes and Rahe cited other factors that must be taken into consideration to help predict psychosomatic problems. They are:

• Your experience with stressful events

• Your coping skills

• The strength of your immune system

• Your way of dealing with health problems when they occur

Psychologists and doctors now recognize that the vast majority of illnesses are influenced by psychological factors, either at their development or in the way they are treated. This puts an end to Descartes’ classical view of split mind and body. Humans are complex beings, who must be understood and treated in their wholeness for an efficient prevention of illness and promotion of health.

So what do you think of each of these correlational study examples? They are in different areas of psychology (Biological Bases of Behavior, Personality, and Motivation and Emotion), so you can encounter this type of research in many questions of the AP® Psychology exam. How do you understand the influence of genetics on your behavior? Is your locus of control more internal or external? What examples of psychosomatic problems have you seen in your day to day experience? Share in the comments below!

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Great Psychology Research Paper Topics

Table of contents

• 1 Psychology Research Paper Definition and Purpose
• 2.1 Social Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.2 Clinical Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.3 Experimental Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.4 Developmental Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.5 Criminal Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.6 Cultural Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.7 Health Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.8 Sports Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.9 Educational Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.10 Social Media Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.11 Abnormal Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.12 Cognitive Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.13 Controversial Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 2.14 Developmental Psychology
• 2.15 Child Psychology
• 3 Psychology Research Paper Tips
• 4 Conclusion

If you are looking for psychology research topics to help you write a better paper and complete it in less time, this page is for you. We will present various research paper topics and give you important details you need to include in your creation. This is not an easy type of writing. You can see a lot of controversial topics in psychology for research paper and a lot more psychology research topics for high school students that are too complicated and require research or even conducting an experiment. Psychology research topics for college students are even more important and even more complicated due to their nature.

These papers usually need a week or even a month to be completed. It is no wonder why so many students want to buy psychology paper and get over it in a minute. If you are one of them, you can use help from our writers. Some are even therapists, so they can help you more than you can imagine. We will also present to you research topics in psychology for college students so you can get more basic types of help if you need it or at least get some inspiration.

Psychology Research Paper Definition and Purpose

All interesting psychology research topics are designed to focus on psychology. You will have to write about a condition, disorder, experiment, or even a literature review. Keep in mind that you can also write about psychology research topics on social media or social elements of society. Yes, psychology affects that as well. The best psychology research topics are complex, and they can even mandate that you perform complete research and provide a lab report. These psychology research topics in 2023 are all common and very popular at the moment. We must add that personality psychology research topics can be extremely difficult.

The first thing here is to know how to write a psychology research paper well and get the grade you are looking for. Always keep in mind that you must use accurate and trustworthy data and research details. The false data here is a huge mistake and something that will cost you a grade. Luckily there are interesting psychology topics that will keep you busy. In a nutshell, these essays aim to present your findings or understanding of a topic. This affects all topics about psychology, and each psychology research paper will have to be unique, have a good balance, and answer all the questions a reader may have.

Writing Tips for Psychology Research Papers

There are a lot of tips we can give you here. These can be used for all unique psychology research topics and can help you write the paper you will be happy with. You will use these tips if you are writing undergraduate research topics psychology, or any other. They are mandatory and will help you get the desired grade. You can use them when writing psychology research topics, cognitive psychology, or any other type. Anyway, here are the tips you are going to need.

• Choose the topic you will love . This can help. You will be more interested in conducting proper research and can enjoy writing. If possible, pick a topic that means something to you. All psychology topics for research can be fun.
• Keep all things simple . You need to write a research paper that is well-researched, simple, and answers all the questions directly. Psychology research topics and clinical psychology are a bit different, but you should use the same tip here.
• Choose trustworthy sources . When writing on any general psychology topics, you need to use a good source or better-said sources. This is true for all research paper writings due to a simple reason. A research paper must be 100% accurate. Good psychology research topics will be perfect if you use this type of help.
• Start soon . All good topics are complicated, so you will need a lot of time to complete them. This means starting as soon as you can. Using this tip, you will have enough time to write and get help if you need it. If you don’t have the time, you can write my research paper type of help and get the research essay done within minutes. Yes, it does work well.

Social Psychology Research Paper Topics

All of these research paper topics are basically a combination of science here and society. As such, we can see all the topics that are common and actually look related more to philosophy than anything else. Nevertheless, these are common topics, and they are very interesting. You will probably have to write good psychology on something like this.

• What effects does racism have?
• Gender role in the modern world
• Side effects of gender discrimination
• Peer pressure and the effect it has on teenagers
• Violent cartoons and their Effect on small children
• How divorce will affect a child
• Explain homophobia
• Explain social depression
• Social cognition: What is it?
• Social Issues and Culture

Clinical Psychology Research Paper Topics

This part of the science will examine and reveal the behavior of people and how they act and react in everyday life. These may touch on behavioral therapy and also cognitive development in one way or another. Below are a few paper topics that are very common, and you will probably have to write on some of them.

• Discrimination from health workers explained
• Human development in developing and developed countries
• Multitasking explained by therapists
• Religion as a factor in the development
• PTSD Analysis and how it affects people
• Internet addiction and which problems it does cause
• Stress in marriages: How does it affect people and marriage?
• Adult separation anxiety and the Effect on Children
• Impact of Patients in Asylums on Staff
• Why do people prefer to watch sports rather than participate

Experimental Psychology Research Paper Topics

When we mention psychology, many of you will instantly think of multiple personalities or something similar. This part of the content is a bit different. Here it is mostly about experiments that were conducted all over the world and found how our brain works, how disorders work, and so much more. Keep in mind that you may have to conduct your own experiment if you have to write on this topic. Many people will need research paper help or at least guidance in order to complete it. These are some of the hardest essays you will have to complete in your life.

• Colors and the effect they have on our mood
• How can breakfast affect our personality and mood during that day?
• The worst medical experiments in history
• Explain dehumanization in poisons
• Mood freezing: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
• Controlling aggression, but how?
• Cloning can help couples without children
• Group belonging and the link to an individual belonging
• Violence and internet use link
• Explain double foot in the door

Developmental Psychology Research Paper Topics

These can be very hard but can be very rewarding as well. As you can assume, good cognitive psychology research topics here will be about forming personality in children, problems, and all the rest that may affect that. Yes, you will write about children most of the time, so you may want to pay close attention to the data you are using. The psychological elements here are massive and very important.

• What kind of effect does bullying has on children?
• Violent PC games and their effect on behavior?
• Too much time online: How will children react?
• Abusive parents: Huge problem these days
• Are gender roles in children still present?
• Abused children’s personality issues
• Mental health issues: Long-term effects
• Things that can cause faster aging
• Medications and their Effect on your mental health
• Sleeping disorder and the effect it has on your mental health

Criminal Psychology Research Paper Topics

Some of you may believe that this is a part of forensic psychology. In general, here, you will have to write why a person will commit a crime and whether any mental issues or links made him do that. You may also have to write about one criminal’s prevention, details, and specifics.

• Brain dysfunction and criminals
• Psychological traits of a serial killer
• What is needed to ”make” a serial killer
• Are criminals made or born
• How childhood and abuse make criminals
• Worst serial killers in history
• Prevention of criminal behavior
• Differences between criminals and ordinary people
• Common disorders of criminals
• What starts violent behavior

Cultural Psychology Research Paper Topics

For the lack of a better word, here you will have to write about how culture affects our mind when forming or later in life. Try to remember that your essay must be well-organized. A too-broad or even too-narrow paper will make the reader get lost in your words. This is not something you will want. The psychological factors are of extreme importance.

• Analyzing culture and its development of it
• Comparing two different cultures
• Culture and its Effects on People
• How cultures around the world view sex
• Definition of global culture
• Explain multicultural communities
• Nationalism and culture are compared and explained
• Do animals have culture?
• Culture of isolated communities
• Check different cultures and the languages

Health Psychology Research Paper Topics

Here you may have to touch anxiety disorders or anything else. In general, you will have to write an essay about brain health. Some ideas focus completely on disorders, while others focus on keeping your mind healthy and dealing with all sorts of issues. For most people, these titles are very amusing and can be very beneficial. You will basically have to cover different psychological elements of the science.

• Rare mental problems
• Stress and it has on the mind
• Substance abuse and the side effects
• Why is depression so common these days?
• The mental health of young people
• Postpartum depression and the treatment
• The mental health of Native Americans
• Common disorders in children
• How mental problems affect the physical condition
• Understanding all eating disorders

Sports Psychology Research Paper Topics

You may have to write about the mind of athletes or how they are affected in the world. The psychological factors here are very powerful and massive, the lack of a better word. These ideas are simple and will keep you busy and interested, especially if you are into sports. Now you can see the best examples of papers related to sports psychology.

• Use of neuro-linguistic programming in sports
• Doping in sports: How does it change the sport and the athlete?
• Sport aggression is explained and defined
• Attention and concentration in shooting sports
• How can you reduce aggression in sports fans
• Emotion and Needs in Sports for Women
• Children of professional athletes: Differences to ordinary children
• Gender studies: Modern problems in sports
• Mental Recovery of athletes after Trauma
• Personality and choosing to do sports

Educational Psychology Research Paper Topics

The psychological elements here are all about education and the effects it has on the mind. This is a simple definition. We can add that you will have to complete paper topics that are also focused on education later in life and the effects they have on our minds.

• Bullying and the effects it has on education and the mind
• Importance of proper teacher program for children
• Child Abuse and its link to Education
• How memory loss affects education
• Education of children with special needs
• Anxiety and depression as huge issues for education
• What motivates children to continue with higher education?
• Goals, gender, and result in education
• Parental Involvement for Children at School
• Perspectives of attention-seeking students

Social Media Psychology Research Paper Topics

Don’t think that here you will have to enjoy paper writing that is all about Facebook and Instagram. You will have to prove how these platforms affect our mental health. You can write about pros, cons, and so much more, so you do need to conduct a lot of research and include tons of details. Here are great ideas that you will like.

• Is Facebook beneficial for humans?
• Instagram: pros and cons for the mind
• Twitter and the effects it has on education
• Addiction to social platforms
• Cyberbullying and Facebook link
• Doing Business and the Correlation with Facebook or Instagram
• Is real-world communication affected by Facebook and similar platforms
• Are these sites killing our productivity?
• Advantages of using these platforms
• Downsides of using these platforms

Abnormal Psychology Research Paper Topics

The main goal here is to explain or research disorders and explain them to people. You will have to use accurate and latest data in order to justify your claims. You may have to explain eating disorders but also severe psychosis.

• Can PC games affect our minds?
• Pros and cons of making marijuana legal
• Prevention of teen suicide
• ICD 10 classification of mental disorders
• Mental problems caused by technology
• History of abnormal psychology
• How effective CBT is for treating anxiety in children
• All about aggression
• Most severe mental disorders
• Extremely rare disorders in humans

Cognitive Psychology Research Paper Topics

This part of the science will affect all the details about memory, language use, processing of information, and so much more of one person. As you can see, the topics are mostly focused on problems and solutions. You need to stay focused while writing and pay close attention to details.

• Autism and how it affects modern society
• How can you recover from losing your memory?
• Judgment in the decision-making process
• Measuring the attention span of your child
• Why will you encounter your memories?
• What factors affect problem-solving in children?
• How speech disorders affect children
• Why will you repress some of your memory?
• Can we use experiments to measure cognitive capability?
• Explain human memories and how they are formed

Controversial Psychology Research Paper Topics

So, what are the most controversial topics in psychology?

• Is it ethical to have clients as Facebook friends?
• Homosexuality.
• Ethics of the Milgram experiment.
• Are women always the victims, or are they also perpetrators of domestic violence?
• Crime as a justification for coping with past trauma – how justified is it?
• Social networks, online dating, and their impact on teenagers.
• Ethics surrounding the Stanford prison experiment.
• The adult content in cartoons and animes.
• Fetishes and sexually deviant behavior.
• Child sexual abuse – when a parent is a perpetrator.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology is one of the most popular fields here since it studies the cognitive development of an individual throughout the entire lifespan. When you write your paper , you might want to check PapersOwl to make things easier. Here, we have some general ideas on where you might want to start:

• The effects of social media on adolescent development: A critical review of research.
• How do parenting styles influence the development of emotional regulation in children?
• The impact of early childhood experiences on adult attachment styles.
• The role of peer relationships in adolescent identity development.
• Examining the long-term effects of childhood trauma on adult mental health and well-being.
• The importance of cultural and ethnic identity in the development of racial attitudes and prejudice.
• Gender identity development: A critical analysis of current theories.
• The effects of poverty on child development: An overview of current research.
• The development of empathy and prosocial behavior in children: The role of parenting and socialization.
• Examining the effects of technology on infant and toddler development: A review of current literature.

Child Psychology

This is yet another exciting field of psychology that focuses on the peculiarities in the development of the child. This is also a prolific ground for finding a proper topic for your paper:

• Influence of video games on Children
• The emotional development of a child
• The role of play in child development: A review of current literature.
• The effects of parenting styles on child socialization and emotional development.
• The impact of divorce and family conflict on child adjustment and well-being.
• How to promote positive sibling relationships in childhood and adolescence.
• The relationship between childhood ADHD and academic achievement: A meta-analysis.
• The effects of media exposure on child behavior and attitudes: An overview of research.
• The development of moral reasoning in children and adolescents.
• The effects of child abuse and neglect on mental health outcomes in adulthood.
• The importance of temperament in child development: A review of current theories.
• How cultural values and beliefs influence parenting practices and child development.
• Does death metal make children smarter?
• Society and children’s cognitive development.

There are more branches of psychology you might want to discuss, so you need to consider your specialization when choosing a proper topic for your study. There are different psychology essay samples , so you just need to pick the one that suits you best and would potentially make for a great paper.

Psychology Research Paper Tips

Do not expect choosing a psychology topic for your paper to be quick or easy! Remember, research takes quite a long time and usually takes even more time than you expect, so do not choose a topic that doesn’t excite you. It is easier to stay motivated and keep writing your project paper when you choose something you are genuinely interested in and passionate about.

After you’ve decided on what you are going to write, the next step is to start searching for some information about it. Take a deep breath and begin your research by looking through encyclopedias, textbooks, and pay attention to all the sources that are cited in the readings. Pay a visit to the library, and use its catalogs to search for different books. You can also look through online databases like PsycNET or PsycINFO to find more recent information.

We hope you have found our examples useful. So, feel free to use any of them while working on your assignment! We understand how hard and challenging school tasks are, so if you are struggling with them, you can buy psychology papers, don’t be afraid to contact us – we will do it for you!

Selecting the proper topic is the most important part of approaching any paper, especially when it comes to complex disciplines such as psychology. There are many branches in this discipline, so choosing one perfect topic might be even more challenging than it seems. That is why we have some general suggestions for you so you could choose your perfect topic yourself.

Now you will have to find a good topic and start your paper writing task. This can be complicated and will take a lot of time, so you may want to stay focused and pay close attention to the details, specifics, and so much more. Always remember that you can get help when you need it and get over a task you don’t like. Don’t forget that you can choose a title you are passionate about that will keep you interested in writing for as long as possible.

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Top 50 Interesting Qualitative Psychology Research Ideas

50 Qualitative Psychology Research Ideas : Examination projects can be challenging, especially when you can’t seem to find a particular area of interest that you can form your study about. This article compiles a few research ideas on categorised based on which psychological concepts suit your paper.

Attachment Styles

Attachment styles are the specific ways in which people relate to one another. The attachment style is developed from the start of life, and once established, it is a style that stays with you and manifests itself today in how you engage in intimate relationships and how you raise your children. The idea entails one’s trust in the attachment figure’s availability for use as a secure base from which one may freely explore the world when not in difficulty, as well as a haven from which one can seek support, protection, and comfort while in distress. This concept allows a wide variety of aspects to be researched; the following are a few examples of research questions one can use in their paper.

• How does the loss of a parent in childhood affect attachment styles in adulthood?
• How do polyamorous relationships affect intimacy and attachment styles?
• Is it possible for someone with rejection sensitivity to develop a secure attachment style?
• How do dismissive teenagers use criticism in romantic relationships to keep their significant other at a distance?
• How does loneliness affect attachment styles in adults?
• What can the perspective of family traditions and frameworks add to Bowlby’s theory of how attachment is transferred through generations?
• How does a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder affect an individual’s attachment style?
• Are there numerous parent-child or couple attachment style models at play at a given time?
• Individual differences in infant attachment patterns.
• Do we observe the same attachment patterns among adults that occur among children?
• Do grown-up interpersonal relationships function the same as infant-caregiver relationships?
• Is it possible to maintain the same attachment patterns from infancy to adulthood?

Cognitive Psychology

The analysis of how individuals think is the centre of cognitive psychology. This branch of psychology investigates various mental processes, such as how people think, utilise language, pay attention to information, and perceive their surroundings.

• Can people with PTSD develop dementia as a result of it?
• What variables can assist children in boosting their problem-solving skills?
• How does subconsciousness influence decision-making abilities?
• Can video games help boost a senior citizen’s memory?
• We are exploring the factors that cause a child’s mental development to be delayed.
• How does music impact one’s psychological being?
• How does adoption affect the psyche of the child? 
• What are the effects of physical punishment on children?
• What psychological effects does a failing marriage have on both spouses, and how does it manifest physically?
• How does being forced to mature at a young age impact the rest of the child’s life?
• What effect does a parent’s divorce have on children?

Criminal Psychology

Criminal psychology is the study of criminals’ beliefs and actions. It is a branch of both criminology and applied psychology. Criminology and criminal psychology are two distinct fields of study in criminal law. They are frequently mistaken, yet they differ significantly. Criminology is the study of crime and its consequences, whereas criminal psychology is the study of the human mind and how it motivates people to commit crimes.

• Does one’s socioeconomic standing influence criminal behaviour?
• What is the relationship between family status and legal violations?
• Crime as social responsibility: the social formation of crime.
• Self-control theory describes how a lack of individual self-control leads to criminal behaviour.
• Is there a link between personality traits and crime?
• The shortcomings of psychological theories in understanding crime.
• Stereotypes in forensic psychology and the best path forward in developed nations
• A psychological viewpoint on how misleading testimony and information impede a criminal investigation.
• Psychotherapy with imprisoned people
• Reincarceration and rehabilitation rates among convicted offenders
• How emotions influence and promote criminal behaviour in young adulthood

Also Read: How to Apply Psychology in Everyday Life

Mental Disorders

Clinically significant impairment in an individual’s cognition, emotional control, or behaviour characterises a mental illness. It is frequently connected with distress or impairment in critical areas of functioning.

• What effects do speech impairments have on children’s life and cognitive development?
• ADHD symptoms and their influence on life quality
• Personality attributes associated with increased incidences of post-traumatic stress disorder
• The current state of knowledge about the genesis of schizophrenia
• Efficient patient recovery: nurses’ contributions in contemporary psychiatry
• The effects of victim-blaming on rape victims
• Variability in obsessive-compulsive disorder-related recurring behaviours
• Is Childhood Trauma Related to Later Mental Health Issues ?
• Should electroconvulsive therapy be used as a last option in treating severe depression and bipolar disorder?
• Childhood sexual abuse and its psychological consequences.
• Prozac’s usage in the treatment of bipolar disorder.  
• Trauma’s impact on future abusive events and relationships
• Fetish behaviour is the outcome of an abnormal mental condition.
• How successful is CBT for treating childhood anxiety?
• How mental illnesses are glorified and hyped in contemporary culture

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Home » 500+ Quantitative Research Titles and Topics

500+ Quantitative Research Titles and Topics

Table of Contents

Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, trends, and relationships among variables. This method is widely used in social sciences, psychology , economics , and other fields where researchers aim to understand human behavior and phenomena through statistical analysis. If you are looking for a quantitative research topic, there are numerous areas to explore, from analyzing data on a specific population to studying the effects of a particular intervention or treatment. In this post, we will provide some ideas for quantitative research topics that may inspire you and help you narrow down your interests.

Quantitative Research Titles

Quantitative Research Titles are as follows:

Business and Economics

• “Statistical Analysis of Supply Chain Disruptions on Retail Sales”
• “Quantitative Examination of Consumer Loyalty Programs in the Fast Food Industry”
• “Predicting Stock Market Trends Using Machine Learning Algorithms”
• “Influence of Workplace Environment on Employee Productivity: A Quantitative Study”
• “Impact of Economic Policies on Small Businesses: A Regression Analysis”
• “Customer Satisfaction and Profit Margins: A Quantitative Correlation Study”
• “Analyzing the Role of Marketing in Brand Recognition: A Statistical Overview”
• “Quantitative Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumer Trust”
• “Price Elasticity of Demand for Luxury Goods: A Case Study”
• “The Relationship Between Fiscal Policy and Inflation Rates: A Time-Series Analysis”
• “Factors Influencing E-commerce Conversion Rates: A Quantitative Exploration”
• “Examining the Correlation Between Interest Rates and Consumer Spending”
• “Standardized Testing and Academic Performance: A Quantitative Evaluation”
• “Teaching Strategies and Student Learning Outcomes in Secondary Schools: A Quantitative Study”
• “The Relationship Between Extracurricular Activities and Academic Success”
• “Influence of Parental Involvement on Children’s Educational Achievements”
• “Digital Literacy in Primary Schools: A Quantitative Assessment”
• “Learning Outcomes in Blended vs. Traditional Classrooms: A Comparative Analysis”
• “Correlation Between Teacher Experience and Student Success Rates”
• “Analyzing the Impact of Classroom Technology on Reading Comprehension”
• “Gender Differences in STEM Fields: A Quantitative Analysis of Enrollment Data”
• “The Relationship Between Homework Load and Academic Burnout”
• “Assessment of Special Education Programs in Public Schools”
• “Role of Peer Tutoring in Improving Academic Performance: A Quantitative Study”

Medicine and Health Sciences

• “The Impact of Sleep Duration on Cardiovascular Health: A Cross-sectional Study”
• “Analyzing the Efficacy of Various Antidepressants: A Meta-Analysis”
• “Patient Satisfaction in Telehealth Services: A Quantitative Assessment”
• “Dietary Habits and Incidence of Heart Disease: A Quantitative Review”
• “Correlations Between Stress Levels and Immune System Functioning”
• “Smoking and Lung Function: A Quantitative Analysis”
• “Influence of Physical Activity on Mental Health in Older Adults”
• “Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Community Hospitals: A Quantitative Study”
• “The Efficacy of Vaccination Programs in Controlling Disease Spread: A Time-Series Analysis”
• “Role of Social Determinants in Health Outcomes: A Quantitative Exploration”
• “Impact of Hospital Design on Patient Recovery Rates”
• “Quantitative Analysis of Dietary Choices and Obesity Rates in Children”

Social Sciences

• “Examining Social Inequality through Wage Distribution: A Quantitative Study”
• “Impact of Parental Divorce on Child Development: A Longitudinal Study”
• “Social Media and its Effect on Political Polarization: A Quantitative Analysis”
• “The Relationship Between Religion and Social Attitudes: A Statistical Overview”
• “Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Educational Achievement”
• “Quantifying the Effects of Community Programs on Crime Reduction”
• “Public Opinion and Immigration Policies: A Quantitative Exploration”
• “Analyzing the Gender Representation in Political Offices: A Quantitative Study”
• “Impact of Mass Media on Public Opinion: A Regression Analysis”
• “Influence of Urban Design on Social Interactions in Communities”
• “The Role of Social Support in Mental Health Outcomes: A Quantitative Analysis”
• “Examining the Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Employment Status”

Engineering and Technology

• “Performance Evaluation of Different Machine Learning Algorithms in Autonomous Vehicles”
• “Material Science: A Quantitative Analysis of Stress-Strain Properties in Various Alloys”
• “Impacts of Data Center Cooling Solutions on Energy Consumption”
• “Analyzing the Reliability of Renewable Energy Sources in Grid Management”
• “Optimization of 5G Network Performance: A Quantitative Assessment”
• “Quantifying the Effects of Aerodynamics on Fuel Efficiency in Commercial Airplanes”
• “The Relationship Between Software Complexity and Bug Frequency”
• “Machine Learning in Predictive Maintenance: A Quantitative Analysis”
• “Wearable Technologies and their Impact on Healthcare Monitoring”
• “Quantitative Assessment of Cybersecurity Measures in Financial Institutions”
• “Analysis of Noise Pollution from Urban Transportation Systems”
• “The Influence of Architectural Design on Energy Efficiency in Buildings”

Quantitative Research Topics

Quantitative Research Topics are as follows:

• The effects of social media on self-esteem among teenagers.
• A comparative study of academic achievement among students of single-sex and co-educational schools.
• The impact of gender on leadership styles in the workplace.
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic performance of students.
• The effect of mindfulness meditation on stress levels in college students.
• The relationship between employee motivation and job satisfaction.
• The effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning.
• The correlation between sleep duration and academic performance among college students.
• The impact of exercise on mental health among adults.
• The relationship between social support and psychological well-being among cancer patients.
• The effect of caffeine consumption on sleep quality.
• A comparative study of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy in treating depression.
• The relationship between physical attractiveness and job opportunities.
• The correlation between smartphone addiction and academic performance among high school students.
• The impact of music on memory recall among adults.
• The effectiveness of parental control software in limiting children’s online activity.
• The relationship between social media use and body image dissatisfaction among young adults.
• The correlation between academic achievement and parental involvement among minority students.
• The impact of early childhood education on academic performance in later years.
• The effectiveness of employee training and development programs in improving organizational performance.
• The relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare services.
• The correlation between social support and academic achievement among college students.
• The impact of technology on communication skills among children.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction programs in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• The relationship between employee turnover and organizational culture.
• The correlation between job satisfaction and employee engagement.
• The impact of video game violence on aggressive behavior among children.
• The effectiveness of nutritional education in promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents.
• The relationship between bullying and academic performance among middle school students.
• The correlation between teacher expectations and student achievement.
• The impact of gender stereotypes on career choices among high school students.
• The effectiveness of anger management programs in reducing violent behavior.
• The relationship between social support and recovery from substance abuse.
• The correlation between parent-child communication and adolescent drug use.
• The impact of technology on family relationships.
• The effectiveness of smoking cessation programs in promoting long-term abstinence.
• The relationship between personality traits and academic achievement.
• The correlation between stress and job performance among healthcare professionals.
• The impact of online privacy concerns on social media use.
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
• The relationship between teacher feedback and student motivation.
• The correlation between physical activity and academic performance among elementary school students.
• The impact of parental divorce on academic achievement among children.
• The effectiveness of diversity training in improving workplace relationships.
• The relationship between childhood trauma and adult mental health.
• The correlation between parental involvement and substance abuse among adolescents.
• The impact of social media use on romantic relationships among young adults.
• The effectiveness of assertiveness training in improving communication skills.
• The relationship between parental expectations and academic achievement among high school students.
• The correlation between sleep quality and mood among adults.
• The impact of video game addiction on academic performance among college students.
• The effectiveness of group therapy in treating eating disorders.
• The relationship between job stress and job performance among teachers.
• The correlation between mindfulness and emotional regulation.
• The impact of social media use on self-esteem among college students.
• The effectiveness of parent-teacher communication in promoting academic achievement among elementary school students.
• The impact of renewable energy policies on carbon emissions
• The relationship between employee motivation and job performance
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating eating disorders
• The correlation between physical activity and cognitive function in older adults
• The effect of childhood poverty on adult health outcomes
• The impact of urbanization on biodiversity conservation
• The relationship between work-life balance and employee job satisfaction
• The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in treating trauma
• The correlation between parenting styles and child behavior
• The effect of social media on political polarization
• The impact of foreign aid on economic development
• The relationship between workplace diversity and organizational performance
• The effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy in treating borderline personality disorder
• The correlation between childhood abuse and adult mental health outcomes
• The effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive function
• The impact of trade policies on international trade and economic growth
• The relationship between employee engagement and organizational commitment
• The effectiveness of cognitive therapy in treating postpartum depression
• The correlation between family meals and child obesity rates
• The effect of parental involvement in sports on child athletic performance
• The impact of social entrepreneurship on sustainable development
• The relationship between emotional labor and job burnout
• The effectiveness of art therapy in treating dementia
• The correlation between social media use and academic procrastination
• The effect of poverty on childhood educational attainment
• The impact of urban green spaces on mental health
• The relationship between job insecurity and employee well-being
• The effectiveness of virtual reality exposure therapy in treating anxiety disorders
• The correlation between childhood trauma and substance abuse
• The effect of screen time on children’s social skills
• The impact of trade unions on employee job satisfaction
• The relationship between cultural intelligence and cross-cultural communication
• The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy in treating chronic pain
• The correlation between childhood obesity and adult health outcomes
• The effect of gender diversity on corporate performance
• The impact of environmental regulations on industry competitiveness.
• The impact of renewable energy policies on greenhouse gas emissions
• The relationship between workplace diversity and team performance
• The effectiveness of group therapy in treating substance abuse
• The correlation between parental involvement and social skills in early childhood
• The effect of technology use on sleep patterns
• The impact of government regulations on small business growth
• The relationship between job satisfaction and employee turnover
• The effectiveness of virtual reality therapy in treating anxiety disorders
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic motivation in adolescents
• The effect of social media on political engagement
• The impact of urbanization on mental health
• The relationship between corporate social responsibility and consumer trust
• The correlation between early childhood education and social-emotional development
• The effect of screen time on cognitive development in young children
• The impact of trade policies on global economic growth
• The relationship between workplace diversity and innovation
• The effectiveness of family therapy in treating eating disorders
• The correlation between parental involvement and college persistence
• The effect of social media on body image and self-esteem
• The impact of environmental regulations on business competitiveness
• The relationship between job autonomy and job satisfaction
• The effectiveness of virtual reality therapy in treating phobias
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic achievement in college
• The effect of social media on sleep quality
• The impact of immigration policies on social integration
• The relationship between workplace diversity and employee well-being
• The effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy in treating personality disorders
• The correlation between early childhood education and executive function skills
• The effect of parental involvement on STEM education outcomes
• The impact of trade policies on domestic employment rates
• The relationship between job insecurity and mental health
• The effectiveness of exposure therapy in treating PTSD
• The correlation between parental involvement and social mobility
• The effect of social media on intergroup relations
• The impact of urbanization on air pollution and respiratory health.
• The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating depression
• The correlation between early childhood education and language development
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in STEM fields
• The impact of trade policies on income inequality
• The relationship between workplace diversity and customer satisfaction
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapy in treating anxiety disorders
• The correlation between parental involvement and civic engagement in adolescents
• The effect of social media on mental health among teenagers
• The impact of public transportation policies on traffic congestion
• The relationship between job stress and job performance
• The effectiveness of group therapy in treating depression
• The correlation between early childhood education and cognitive development
• The effect of parental involvement on academic motivation in college
• The impact of environmental regulations on energy consumption
• The relationship between workplace diversity and employee engagement
• The effectiveness of art therapy in treating PTSD
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in vocational education
• The effect of social media on academic achievement in college
• The impact of tax policies on economic growth
• The relationship between job flexibility and work-life balance
• The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy in treating anxiety disorders
• The correlation between early childhood education and social competence
• The effect of parental involvement on career readiness in high school
• The impact of immigration policies on crime rates
• The relationship between workplace diversity and employee retention
• The effectiveness of play therapy in treating trauma
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in online learning
• The effect of social media on body dissatisfaction among women
• The impact of urbanization on public health infrastructure
• The relationship between job satisfaction and job performance
• The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy in treating PTSD
• The correlation between early childhood education and social skills in adolescence
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in the arts
• The impact of trade policies on foreign investment
• The relationship between workplace diversity and decision-making
• The effectiveness of exposure and response prevention therapy in treating OCD
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in special education
• The impact of zoning laws on affordable housing
• The relationship between job design and employee motivation
• The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation therapy in treating traumatic brain injury
• The correlation between early childhood education and social-emotional learning
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in foreign language learning
• The impact of trade policies on the environment
• The relationship between workplace diversity and creativity
• The effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy in treating relationship problems
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in music education
• The effect of social media on interpersonal communication skills
• The impact of public health campaigns on health behaviors
• The relationship between job resources and job stress
• The effectiveness of equine therapy in treating substance abuse
• The correlation between early childhood education and self-regulation
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in physical education
• The impact of immigration policies on cultural assimilation
• The relationship between workplace diversity and conflict resolution
• The effectiveness of schema therapy in treating personality disorders
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in career and technical education
• The effect of social media on trust in government institutions
• The impact of urbanization on public transportation systems
• The relationship between job demands and job stress
• The correlation between early childhood education and executive functioning
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in computer science
• The effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy in treating PTSD
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in homeschooling
• The effect of social media on cyberbullying behavior
• The impact of urbanization on air quality
• The effectiveness of dance therapy in treating anxiety disorders
• The correlation between early childhood education and math achievement
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in health education
• The impact of global warming on agriculture
• The effectiveness of narrative therapy in treating depression
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in character education
• The effect of social media on political participation
• The impact of technology on job displacement
• The relationship between job resources and job satisfaction
• The effectiveness of art therapy in treating addiction
• The correlation between early childhood education and reading comprehension
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in environmental education
• The impact of income inequality on social mobility
• The relationship between workplace diversity and organizational culture
• The effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy in treating anxiety disorders
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in physical therapy education
• The effect of social media on misinformation
• The impact of green energy policies on economic growth
• The relationship between job demands and employee well-being
• The correlation between early childhood education and science achievement
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in religious education
• The impact of gender diversity on corporate governance
• The relationship between workplace diversity and ethical decision-making
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in dental hygiene education
• The effect of social media on self-esteem among adolescents
• The impact of renewable energy policies on energy security
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in social studies
• The impact of trade policies on job growth
• The relationship between workplace diversity and leadership styles
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in online vocational training
• The effect of social media on self-esteem among men
• The impact of urbanization on air pollution levels
• The effectiveness of music therapy in treating depression
• The correlation between early childhood education and math skills
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in language arts
• The impact of immigration policies on labor market outcomes
• The effectiveness of hypnotherapy in treating phobias
• The effect of social media on political engagement among young adults
• The impact of urbanization on access to green spaces
• The relationship between job crafting and job satisfaction
• The effectiveness of exposure therapy in treating specific phobias
• The correlation between early childhood education and spatial reasoning
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in business education
• The impact of trade policies on economic inequality
• The effectiveness of narrative therapy in treating PTSD
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in nursing education
• The effect of social media on sleep quality among adolescents
• The impact of urbanization on crime rates
• The relationship between job insecurity and turnover intentions
• The effectiveness of pet therapy in treating anxiety disorders
• The correlation between early childhood education and STEM skills
• The effect of parental involvement on academic achievement in culinary education
• The impact of immigration policies on housing affordability
• The relationship between workplace diversity and employee satisfaction
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction in treating chronic pain
• The correlation between parental involvement and academic success in art education
• The effect of social media on academic procrastination among college students
• The impact of urbanization on public safety services.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Shattered ground, resilient souls: examining coping strategies, social support, and earthquake exposure’s effects on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among adolescent and young adults survivors of the 2023 earthquake in Türkiye

• Open access
• Published: 18 April 2024

Cite this article

You have full access to this open access article

• Ganime Can Gür   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6013-257X 1  

Given the profound impact of natural disasters on mental health, particularly in vulnerable groups such as adolescent and young adult, understanding their psychological results is crucial for providing necessary support and designing effective interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between earthquake exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, coping mechanisms, and social support in adolescents and young adults who survived the 2023 earthquake in Turkey. The research was conducted in Kırıkhan district of Hatay province, which was severely damaged after the earthquake that occurred in Turkey in 2023. The sample for the descriptive and cross-sectional study consisted of 204 participants. Convenience sampling method was used for data collection. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form (PIF), Impact of Events Scale (IES), Stress Coping Strategies Inventory (CSSI), and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MPSSS). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with IES-R scores. Three models were tested to understand the factors predicting levels of posttraumatic stress (IES-R scores). The findings suggest that exposure to earthquake, problem-focused coping and seeking support play an important role in understanding posttraumatic stress levels. This study provides valuable insights into the psychological impact of the earthquake on adolescents and young adults, as well as the development of effective intervention strategies and support programs for young earthquake survivors.

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

Introduction

On February 6, 2023, Türkiye experienced two extremely destructive earthquakes measuring 7.7 and 7.6 in magnitude, centered in Kahramanmaraş. These earthquakes, centered in Kahramanmaraş, caused at least 50,783 people to die, more than 122,000 people to be injured, and 5,000,000 people to migrate to different regions, according to official figures. In Hatay, the province with the highest number of casualties, 55.589 buildings suffered severe damage or were completely destroyed (Şafak, 2023 ; Turkish Statistical Institute [TUIK], 2024 ; Wikipedia, 2023 ).

It is known that the earthquake causes various psychological consequences in all age groups, beyond physical and material damage in the affected areas (Rubens et al., 2018 ; Tang et al., 2017 ). Due to their ongoing development and susceptibility to stressors, adolescent and young adult are particularly at risk among affected groups (Rubens et al., 2018 ). Understanding the impact of such events and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in adolescent and young adult is critical for effective intervention and support.

Most traumatic events, such as unexpected disasters, cause rapid resource depletion and high levels of stress, as they affect individuals’ most precious resources and hinder their ability to cope with available resources. In this context, the Conservation of Resources Theory (COR theory) provides a valuable framework for understanding the deterioration in mental health during crisis. According to this theory, individuals strive to acquire, maintain or protect their resources. When these resources (object resources, circumstances, personal characteristics, energy) are threatened or lost, they experience psychological distress (Hobfoll, 1989 ; Hobfoll et al., 1990 ; Hobfoll & Schumm, 2009 ).

Many studies have been conducted to investigate the psychological effects of natural disasters on individuals and to understand their the specific effects on adolescent and young adult. Research shows that exposure to traumatic events, such as earthquakes, can cause a range of negative psychological consequences, including symptoms of PTSD (Silwal et al., 2021 ; Wahab et al., 2021 ). PTSD is a multifaceted condition characterized by a range of symptoms, including intrusive memories, increased arousal and reactivity, avoidance of triggers related to the traumatic event, and negative changes in mood and thoughts (DSM-5 American Psychiatric Association, 2013 ). There is evidence that chronic PTSD can lead to negative consequences, such as substance abuse, social isolation, and an increased risk of suicide (Guo et al., 2017 ). Therefore, it is very important to consider the factors affecting PTSD in order to protect and improve the physical and mental health of individuals after the earthquake.

The COR stress theory emphasizes that increasing psychosocial resources is crucial to increase adaptation to new situations. Social resources such as social support, interactions, and relationships are important for stress resilience. In the COR theory, social support can expand an individual’s resource pool and substitute for other resources to cope with stress (Hobfoll, 1989 ). Through social support, individuals can rely on others to provide the resources they lack, reinforce their diminished resources, or remove themselves from stressful situations, thereby regaining resources or the ability to utilize them (Hobfoll et al., 1990 ). Many observational studies related to PTSD suggest that social support also has the potential to buffer the effects of psychological trauma (Evans et al., 2013 ; Hébert et al., 2014 ). A meta-analysis examining the impact of social support on post-traumatic stress symptoms in children and adolescent and young adult reports that social support is a significant negative predictor of PTSD (Xiong et al., 2022 ).

Personal resources are also vital in resisting stress. The COR theory explains how the coping strategies individuals use to deal with stressful situations affect their capacity to maintain or increase their resources. In this context, it is argued that active coping strategies are generally associated with more positive outcomes, whereas avoidant coping strategies are associated with negative outcomes (Hobfoll, 1989 ). A study of 2008 Wenchuan (China) earthquake survivors found that passive strategies such as avoidance or self-blame were associated with worse mental health (Xu & He, 2012 ). Similarly, research conducted among earthquake survivors shows that individuals who employ passive coping strategies have a higher likelihood of experiencing PTSD compared to those who utilize active coping strategies (Cofini et al., 2015 ; Löw et al., 2023 ). In this context, it is crucial to understand the interplay between earthquake exposure, coping mechanisms, social support, and PTSD symptoms, identify potential protective factors, and guide interventions aimed at facilitating the recovery of this vulnerable population.

This study is pioneering as it is the first research conducted specifically for the 2023 Hatay earthquake. The current study has both theoretical and practical significance. Theoretically, it contributes to the existing literature on understanding the complex interplay between earthquake exposure, coping, social support, and PTSD symptoms. Practically, it is intended to guide the development of interventions and support programs that promote positive coping strategies and social support networks among earthquake-affected adolescent and young adult. Taking all this into account, the study has several objectives. Firstly, the study carried out to evaluate individuals’ post-traumatic stress symptoms, earthquake exposure, coping mechanisms, and perceived social support; secondly, to evaluate the effect of exposure to earthquake, coping mechanisms and perceived social support on posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Study design

This cross-sectional study was carried out using the correlation method to investigate the relationships between earthquake exposure, post-traumatic stress symptoms, coping mechanisms, and social support among adolescent and young adult survivors of the Türkiye earthquake.

This study was conducted in Kırıkhan district of Hatay province 4 months after the earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye on February 6, 2023. The population of the study consists of adolescents and young adults in Kırıkhan district of Hatay province. Convenience sampling, which facilitates accessibility and participation willingness, was utilized throughout the data collection period.

G*Power 3.1.9.7 was used to calculate the sample size. Based on the regression analysis, the sample size of the study was determined as 89 in G*Power analysis (power = 0.95, significance level = 0.05, and effect size = 0.15). Researcher calculated the sample size to be 112 based on a 25% withdrawal rate. A total of 229 number of individuals were approached and invited to participate in the study. Adolescent and young adult who met the following criteria were included in the study: (1) Adolescent and young adult aged between 10 and 22 years (WHO refers to the 10–24 age range as adolescents and young adults) (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024 ), (2) Residing in areas affected by earthquakes, (3) Directly exposed to at least one earthquake event, (4) Sufficient proficiency in understanding and expressing themselves in the Turkish language, and (5) Volunteer to participate in the study. Participants were excluded if their health or mental health was so severely affected that they were unable to participate in such a study. Out of the individuals approached, a final sample of 204 adolescents and young adults consented and enrolled in the study (participation rate of 89%).

At the end of the study, a post-hoc power analysis was conducted to calculate the sample size for the mediation analysis. Calculation was performed based on Model 3, which demonstrates how the effect of earthquake exposure on post-traumatic stress symptoms changes through coping mechanisms. The effect size was calculated [(f2) = R2 / (1 - R2) = 0.23 / (1–0.23) ≈ 0.30]. According to the power analysis based on linear multiple regression (Fixed model, R2 deviation from zero), considering the obtained effect size, it was calculated that a minimum of 201 participants should be included in the study (power = 1.00, confidence interval = 95%, effect size = 0.30, and significance level = 0.05).

Data collection

In this study, sampling was conducted in earthquake-affected areas in Hatay province, Türkiye, including Kırıkhan district and its surroundings. Data was collected between July 1 and August 15, 2023. The researcher used various methods (online and paper-based surveys) to collect data from adolescents and young adults residing in earthquake-affected areas. Online surveys were prepared using Google Form. The obtained link was sent to the participants via social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram). In addition, paper-based questionnaires were used for data collection. These questionnaires were distributed to accessible people in this region by the researcher. This approach was used to include individuals who did not have online access or preferred the traditional survey method. Data obtained from both online and paper-based surveys were pooled and analyzed. This approach accommodated the diverse participation preferences of adolescents and young adults in this region.

Before starting both the paper-based questionnaires and the online questionnaires, individuals were given detailed information about the purpose and methodology of the study. It was also made clear that the researcher was ready to provide psychological assistance if requested or needed.

Considering that the participants might have difficulty reading the questionnaires due to their earthquake survivor status, the content of the questionnaires was carefully examined beforehand to prevent this situation. The content of the questionnaires was organized in a clear and understandable way. In addition, guidance notes were added to support the participants in completing the questionnaire and a contact number for the researcher was provided. These measures aimed to minimize any difficulties earthquake survivors might have while reading the questionnaires.

Considering that participants under 18 years of age should obtain the consent of their parents, prior consent was obtained from their parents or legal guardians for these participants who completed the questionnaire both online and face-to-face interviews. Participants were asked to obtain permission from their parents or legal guardians before completing the survey. An informed consent form was attached to the front of both the online and paper-based questionnaire. Participants whose permission was obtained had the right to complete the questionnaire. This approach was adopted to ensure that the study complied with ethical standards.

Data were collected using the Personal Information Form (PIF), Earthquake Exposure Form (EEF ) , Impact of Events Scale (IES), Coping Strategies for Stress Inventory (CSSI) and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MPSSS).

Data collection tools

The personal information form.

Personal information form (PIF) was prepared by the researcher in line with the literature (Tian et al., 2014 ; Silwal et al., 2021 ). It is used to determine the gender, age and with whom the participants live.

Earthquake exposure

In addition to demographic data, the degree of earthquake exposure was measured using nine items. These items assess various aspects of earthquake exposure. The items are as follows:

Physical injury: Respondents were asked whether they had personally experienced any physical injury as a result of the earthquake.

Injury to a family member/acquaintance: Participants were asked whether any of their family members or acquaintances were injured as a result of the earthquake.

Death of a family member/acquaintance: Participants were asked if any of their family members or acquaintances had died as a result of the earthquake.

Witnessing someone’s death or seeing a dead body: Participants were asked if they witnessed someone dying or saw a dead body during or after the earthquake.

Witnessing buildings collapse: Respondents were asked if they witnessed any building collapse during the earthquake.

Staying in a tent or container: Respondents were asked whether they had to stay in a temporary shelter such as a tent or container after the earthquake due to damage to their homes.

Migrating to another place after the earthquake: Respondents were asked whether they had to move or relocate to another place after the earthquake because their houses were destroyed or the area became uninhabitable.

Being buried or buried under collapsed buildings during the earthquake: Respondents were asked whether they had been buried under buildings that collapsed during the earthquake.

Home damage: Respondents were asked about any damage to their homes or residences due to the earthquake.

Each item was rated using a two-point scale (no = 1 and yes = 2). The scores of these items were summed to calculate an overall earthquake exposure score. These survey questions used in the study were adapted from the Trauma Exposure Scale developed by Elal and Slade ( 2005 ). This scale was designed for the Turkish population living in this region after the Marmara earthquake in Türkiye. The questions have been used in various studies in different languages and were originally developed and validated in Turkish. Therefore, the questionnaire was administered in Turkish to ensure cultural and grammatical appropriateness for the target population. Prior to the main data collection, the questionnaire was administered to a small group of participants to assess the clarity, comprehensibility and cultural appropriateness of the questions. This measurement approach has been widely used in previous studies examining earthquake exposure (Andrighetto et al., 2016 ; Forresi et al., 2020 ; Liang et al., 2019 ; Wang et al., 2021a , b ). In this sample, Cronbach’s α for the Earthquake Exposure Form total scales were found to be 0. 72.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) was developed by Weiss and Marmar ( 1997 ). It was adapted into Turkish by Çorapçıoğlu et al. ( 2006 ). The purpose of this scale is to assess the impact of difficulties experienced after a stressful and traumatic event on the lives of adolescent and young adult who have experienced any trauma. The IES-R is a 22-item scale that captures the main features of PTSD, including intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal in individuals exposed to a specific trauma. The scale utilizes a 5-point Likert scale, with scores ranging from 0 (lowest impact) to 88 (highest impact). A higher score indicates a greater impact of the traumatic event on the individual. The Turkish version of the IES-R has shown validity in diagnosing PTSD, with good diagnostic performance between cutoff values of 24 and 33, and high internal consistency (Corapcioglu et al., 2006 ). The orginal scale has demonstrated high internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.96 (Weiss & Marmar, 1997 ). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient obtained from the Turkish version of the scale is 0.94 (Corapcioglu et al., 2006 ). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the IES-R in this study is 0.92.

• Coping strategies

The Stress Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI), developed by Folkman and Lazarus based on the Psychological Stress Model (Folkman & Lazarus, 1980 ), was adapted into Turkish through validity and reliability studies conducted by Türküm (Türküm, 2002 ). The scale consists of 23 items and is divided into 3 subscales. It is rated according to a 5-point Likert scale. The subscales are named as follows: seeking social support (4, 10, 13, 17, 18, 20, 23), problem-focused coping (2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 16) and avoidance coping (1, 3, 11, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22). Items 10, 17, and 20 of the scale are reverse scored. The total score and subscale scores obtained from the scale provide information about individuals’ coping strategies with stress. The scale gives scores ranging from 23 to 115 reflecting the general level of coping strategies used by individuals to cope with stress. Higher scores on the scale and its subscales indicate an increased tendency to use relevant coping mechanisms. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient obtained from the Turkish version of the scale is 0.78. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the CSI in this study is 0.82.

Perceived social support

The Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MPSSS), developed by Zimet, Dahlem, and Farley (Zimet et al., 1988 ), is a scale that assesses the adequacy of support received from family, friends, and a significant other. The Turkish validation and reliability study of the scale was conducted by Eker, Arkan, and Yaldız (Eker et al., 2001 ). The scale consists of 12 questions and is self-administered by the participants. There are 4 questions for each subscale: family, friends, and significant other. A 7-point Likert scale ranging from “definitely no” to “definitely yes” is used to rate each item. The subscale scores are obtained by summing the scores of the 4 items belonging to each subscale, and the total score of the scale is obtained by summing all subscale scores. High scores obtained from the scale indicate high perceived social support. The reliability of the original scale was 0.88 (Zimet et al., 1988 ). According to the reliability studies of the Turkish version, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the scale is calculated as 0.89. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the MPSSS in this study is 0.89.

Data analysis

The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. In descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviations were calculated. To assess the normality assumptions, the skewness and kurtosis values of each variable were examined. Skewness and kurtosis values falling between ± 2 were considered as indicators of a relatively normal distribution (Bachman, 2004 ). To assess the impact of sociodemographic characteristics and earthquake-related experiences on IES-R scores, independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA were employed. A bivariate correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between the variables. Hierarchical multiple regression was performed as follows in order to identify factors associated with IES-R. The regression coefficients (B) and standardised regression coefficients (βeta) were calculated for each predictor variable at each step of the regression model. In Model 1, only the predictor variable of earthquake exposure was included in the analysis. In Model 2, two additional predictor variables, namely problem-focused coping and social support seeking, were added to the analysis. Finally, in Model 3, all three predictor variables (earthquake exposure, problem-focused coping, and social support seeking) were included simultaneously in the analysis. The significance level is set as p  < 0.05.

Ethical considerations

In accordance with the Helsinki Declaration, ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine at Pamukkale University (Ethics approval number: E-60116787-020-399975). Before starting the study, the participants were informed about the purpose of the study and procedures. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. For participants under 18 years of age, prior consent was obtained from their parents or legal guardians. Participants were assured that their personal information would be kept confidential. They were reminded that they could withdraw from the study if they wished. All participants voluntarily participated in the study and no payment was made to them.

Socio-demographic findings and mean scores of scales

The mean age of the participants was 17.06 ± 3.75 years. It was determined that 73.5% of the participants were female and 81.9% lived with their parents. The data show that there are significant differences in IES-R scores in terms of all variables specified in the table ( p  < 0.05) (Table  1 ).

The mean scores of the participants from the scales are given in Table  2 . The mean IES-R scores of the participants were found to be 45.32 ± 18.75, the mean MPSSS scores were 51.32 ± 17.66, and the mean scores for problem-focused coping, social support seeking coping, and avoidance coping were 27.66 ± 6.70, 21.98 ± 5.57, and 26.88 ± 5.88, respectively.

In addition to, according to the cutoff point indicated in the literature for the IES-R scale, it was determined that the percentage of individuals scoring 33 or above was 72.5%.

Bivariate Spearman’s correlations between dependent and predictor variables

The bivariate correlations demonstrated that IES-R scores are positively and significantly correlated with earthquake exposure ( r  = 0.43, p  < 0.01). On the other hand, IES-R scores show negative and significant correlations with problem-focused coping ( r =-0.21, p  < 0.01) and social support seeking coping ( r =-0.26, p  < 0.01). Finally, no significant relationship was observed between IES-R and avoidance coping ( r =-0.04, p  > 0.05) or social support ( r =-0.04, p  > 0.05) (Table  2 ).

Hierarchical regressions

A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the hypothesis that trauma exposure, perceived social support, and coping style could explain a significant proportion of variance in PTSD symptoms. Prior to the analysis, the data were carefully checked to ensure that the assumptions of normality, multicollinearity, linearity, homogeneity of variance, and homoscedasticity of residuals were met. As none of these assumptions were violated, the hierarchical regression analysis was carried out. According to the Bivariate correlation analysis, there is no significant relationship between social support systems and avoidant coping mechanisms with IES-R scores. Therefore, these two variables were not included in the model.

IES-R was entered as a dependent variable in the regression analysis. Three models were tested to understand the factors contributing to post-traumatic stress levels (IES-R scores) in the study population. In Model 1, earthquake exposure was added as an independent variable, and it significantly contributed to the explanation of the variance in IES-R scores (β = 0.435, p  = 0.000). The R 2 value increased to 0.18, indicating that trauma exposure accounted for 18% of the variance in IES-R scores (ΔR2 = 0.18, F = 47.091, p  = 0.000). In Model 2, problem-focused coping and social support seeking coping variables were added as additional independent variables. Both problem-focused coping (β=-0.145, p  = 0.042) and social support seeking coping (β=-0.220, p  = 0.002) significantly explained the IES-R scores. The R 2 value for Model 2 increased to 0.08, indicating that problem-focused coping and social support seeking coping accounted for an additional 8% of the total variance in IES-R scores (ΔR2 = 0.08, F = 9.777, p  = 0.000). In Model 3, all three variables—earthquake exposure, problem-focused coping, and social support seeking coping—were included as independent variables. It was found that earthquake exposure (β = 0.395, p  = 0.000), problem-focused coping (β=-0.123, p  = 0.05), and social support seeking coping (β=-0.157, p  = 0.017) significantly explained the IES-R scores. The R 2 value for Model 3 increased to 0.23, indicating that earthquake exposure, problem-focused coping, and social support seeking coping together accounted for 23% of the total variance in IES-R scores (ΔR2 = 0.22, F = 20.949, p  = 0.000). Overall, the results suggest that earthquake exposure, problem-focused coping, and social support seeking coping play important roles in understanding the post-traumatic stress levels in the study population (Table 3 ).

Disscussion

Earthquakes can significantly affect the mental health of survivors, often leading to negative health outcomes such as post-traumatic stress disorder. It is important to understand the psychological effects of earthquakes and to develop appropriate support and intervention strategies to cope with these effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the traumatic impact of the earthquake in terms of earthquake exposure, coping mechanisms, and perceived social support.

In line with this purpose, the results of Model 1 in the regression analysis in the this study showed that exposure to earthquake contributed significantly to the explanation of the variance in IES-R scores. The analysis showed that approximately 18% of the variance in IES-R scores could be attributed to earthquake exposure. While this percentage may seem modest, it is consistent with findings from other studies examining the impact of specific traumatic events on post-traumatic stress symptomatology (Ehring et al., 2011 ; Forresi et al., 2020 ; Tian et al., 2014 ). The role of exposure variables was observed in two studies with long-term assessment points as well: Tian et al. ( 2014 ) found that three years after an earthquake in China, home and property loss, injury, death of family members, and witnessing deaths were risk factors for PTSD. Similarly, Jin and Li ( 2015 ) found that 24 months after the 2010 Yushu earthquake in China, mourning, being trapped under debris, and personal injury were the most significant risk factors for PTSD development in children. In current study, particularly, it is observed that experiencing injury or witnessing such situations, witnessing the death of a family member or acquaintance, witnessing the collapse of buildings, being trapped under debris, staying in tents or containers after the earthquake, and relocating or having their homes damaged are associated with higher post-earthquake stress levels. Indeed, witnessing the death/injury of a family member or acquaintance, or witnessing a dead body, can trigger stress responses by making people direct witnesses of a traumatic event (Forresi et al., 2020 ). In the context of COR theory, the positive relationship between the severity of earthquake exposure and PTSD may be associated with the threat to individuals’ resources. The earthquake may affect individuals’ psychological and social resources, which may increase their stress levels (Hobfoll, 1989 ; Hobfoll et al., 1990 ; Hobfoll & Schumm, 2009 ). This study found that the post-traumatic stress level among earthquake-affected adolescent and young adult who survived a devastating earthquake was 72.5% four months after the event. When looking at the literature, a study conducted nine months after the Van-Erciş earthquake reported a PTSD rate of 35.5% among affected individuals (Boztaş et al., 2019 ). Similarly, a study on surviving children eleven months after the Bingöl earthquake revealed that 90.2% of them were at risk of a PTSD diagnosis (Bulut, 2009 ). Furthermore, a research conducted 30 months after the 2010 Haiti earthquake reported a prevalence rate of 36.75% for PTSD (Cénat & Derivois, 2014 ). In general, in the studies conducted, while some have observed a decrease in the prevalence of PTSD after earthquakes over time (Galea et al., 2005 ), others have reported an increase in PTSD prevalence over time (Salcioglu et al., 2007 ). The results of the current study appear to be higher than those of other studies. This difference may be associated with factors such as family loss, property damage, gender, coping ability, type of exposure to traumatic events, and the time period after the earthquake. Therefore, the increase in post-traumatic stress levels due to such traumatic experiences underscores the importance of post-disaster intervention and support programs. Providing psychological support and therapeutic interventions to people affected by such events can help recovery by increasing their ability to cope with stress (Acharya Pandey et al., 2023 ). Therefore, post-disaster response and support programs should focus on supporting living conditions and increasing resources to minimize the psychological impacts of disasters.

In Model 2, problem-focused coping and seeking social support coping variables are negatively related to IES-R scores. This indicates that higher scores in problem-focused coping and seeking social support coping are associated with lower IES-R scores. One possible interpretation of this finding could be that adolescent and young adult, despite being affected by the earthquake, actively engage in changing their circumstances, engaging in problem-solving activities, and increasing their social interactions, thus adopting positive coping strategies more frequently than before (Tang, 2006 ). Problem-focused coping refers to individuals’ attempts to effectively deal with events by trying to solve problems, while seeking social support coping refers to individuals seeking emotional and practical support during challenging times (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984 ). Many studies have shown that problem-focused coping and seeking social support have positive effects on stress reactions and post-traumatic stress levels following traumatic events (Cofini et al., 2015 ; Ehring et al., 2011 ). The COR theory suggests that individuals tend to acquire, maintain and protect their resources. In this case, a negative and significant relationship may help to reduce individuals’ IES-R levels because active coping styles may increase the capacity to cope with stress and promote resource acquisition. This may reflect the resource conservation mechanism predicted by COR theory (Hobfoll, 1989 ). However, these two coping strategies have only accounted for a small percentage of the total variance, approximately 8%. This means that a significant portion of post-traumatic stress levels is explained by other factors, and the impact of problem-focused coping and seeking social support coping is limited. Therefore, it should be noted that in coping with traumatic stress, other coping strategies and personal characteristics also play a significant role. Researchers can use more comprehensive models in future studies to assess the influence of other factors and conduct more detailed analyses to understand the complex interactions of coping strategies.

In Model 3, it has been observed that with the inclusion of three variables, IES-R scores are significantly predicted. These three variables, earthquake exposure, problem-focused coping, and seeking social support coping, account for approximately 23% of the variance, indicating that they are significant factors that influence post-traumatic stress levels. The ΔR2 value is 0.22, which means that the addition of these three variables explains an additional 22% of the IES-R scores beyond the model that only includes earthquake exposure (Model 1). This demonstrates that the inclusion of problem-focused coping and seeking social support coping variables contributes significantly to understanding post-traumatic stress. This situation indicates that adolescent and young adult who reported experiencing more severe levels of earthquake exposure also experienced fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms when they perceived higher levels of social support or used problem-focused coping styles (Haden et al., 2007 ). Furthermore, the high number of emergency demolition, heavily damaged, or collapsed houses (215.255) and the significant number of moderately damaged houses (25.957) in this region (T.C Cumhurbaşkanlığı, Strateji ve Bütçe Başkanlığı, 2023 ) indicate that adolescent and young adult may actively respond to a traumatic event due to their homes being affected and their lack of resources. Among these responses, they might make efforts to ensure their safety, seek support, and try to take steps to repair their homes (Löw et al., 2023 ). These findings highlight the importance of support perception and seeking for survivors of traumatic events.

Another significant finding in this study is the lack of a significant correlation between social support levels and IES-R scores. Therefore, it was not included in the model. While family support and social support are influential factors on psychological well-being, there are also many other factors that can impact psychological adaptation (Alipour & Ahmadi, 2020 ). Indeed, other unaddressed or uncontrolled variables in our study, such as life events, personality traits, and socioeconomic status, could potentially impact the results. These unaccounted factors may contribute to the lack of a significant relationship between social support and IES-R scores. On the other hand, within the framework of the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants in the study, it was found that participants living with their parents had lower stress levels compared to other living arrangements. Although no significant relationship was found between social support and post-earthquake stress levels, it is thought that living within the family has potential benefits in terms of meeting the needs for security and attachment, especially in difficult situations.

The study has some limitations that should be acknowledged. The design of the study as a correlation method provides information only about associative relationships. Therefore, further experimental research may be needed to confirm causal relationships. The sampling used in the study, focusing only on the Kırıkhan district in Hatay, may limit the generalizability of the results. Conducting similar studies in different regions and other areas affected by earthquakes can enhance the applicability of the findings to a broader population. The study was conducted four months after the earthquake. However, the effects of the earthquake can change over time. Therefore, collecting data over a longer period may help to better understand the effects of the earthquake. External variables not considered or controlled in the study can influence the results and make the interpretation of the study’s findings more complex. For instance, factors such as participants’ prior traumatic experiences or socioeconomic status can affect the outcomes. We defined resource loss simply as a binary variable associated with residence building damage; we did not examine the degree or extent of other possible material effects on participants or their family members. Future studies should validate and expand our analyses with long-term follow-ups.

It was found that the participants had high levels of PTSD and that the level of exposure to earthquake, problem-focused coping and seeking social support affected posttraumatic stress symptoms, while the level of exposure to trauma was the most effective variable on PTSD. Participants who were exposed to high levels of earthquake exposure were also found to experience less posttraumatic stress symptoms when they used more social support seeking or problem-focused coping styles.

Traumatic events like earthquakes and natural disasters can cause long-term psychological effects on young individuals. The development of disaster management and intervention programs is of vital importance to support coping skills and preserve mental well-being for adolescent and young adult. These interventions should not be limited to addressing immediate needs in the first few months after the traumatic event but should also focus on at-risk populations.

Furthermore, more research is needed to better understand the psychopathological trajectories in children and adolescent and young adult after earthquakes and to determine the long-term effects. Studies conducted with a longitudinal approach can help track and comprehend the psychological impacts of earthquakes and disasters over time. Such studies can shed light on factors that are effective in coping with traumatic stress and elucidate long-term recovery processes. Additionally, creating awareness at the community level and implementing educational programs can be a significant step in reducing the impact of traumatic events. Providing various resources and educational materials can help the community be prepared for disasters and receive proper support in a healthy manner after traumatic events.

Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We are especially grateful to all participants who participated in this study.

Open access funding provided by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK). The author reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

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Faculty of Health Science, Departman of Psychiatric Nursing, University of Pamukkale, 20000, Denizli, Turkey

Ganime Can Gür

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Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Analysis, Writing original draft, Review and editing, and Supervision: GCG.

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Ethical approval.

In accordance with the Helsinki Declaration, ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine at Pamukkale University (Ethics approval number: E-60116787-020-399975). Prior to beginning the study, participants were requested to sign the voluntary permission form. 

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All participants signed the written consent to participate in the study after being informed in detail about the study procedures. They were informed about the right to withdraw from the study at any stage of the study. The principle of “autonomy” was fulfilled by recruiting participants on a voluntary basis, and the principle of “privacy and protection of privacy” was met by assuring participants that any information obtained would be kept confidential.

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Consent to publish based on de-identified data was obtained from all participants included in the study.

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About this article

Can Gür, G. Shattered ground, resilient souls: examining coping strategies, social support, and earthquake exposure’s effects on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among adolescent and young adults survivors of the 2023 earthquake in Türkiye. Curr Psychol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-05995-6

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Accepted : 07 April 2024

Published : 18 April 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-05995-6

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

A comparison of univariate and meta-analytic structural equation modeling approaches to reliability generalization applied to the maslach burnout inventory.

• 1 Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Madrid, Spain
• 2 University of Granada, Granada, Spain
• 3 International University of La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
• 4 University of Almeria, Almería, Andalusia, Spain

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Reliability is a property of tests scores that varies from sample to sample. One way of generalizing reliability of a test is to perform a meta-analysis on some reliability estimator. In 2011, a reliability generalization meta-analysis on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was conducted, concluding that average alpha values for the MBI dimensions ranged from .71 to .88. In the present study, we aimed to update the average reliability values of the MBI by conducting a literature search from 2010 until now and comparing to statistical procedures of meta-analysis: the Univariate approach, that were used in the previous study, and a novel meta-analytic approach based on structural equation modeling. An estimation of average reliability was done based on 69 independent primary reliability coefficients for the Univariate approach. The average reliability was based on 9 independent studies in the case of the Meta-analytic Structural Equation Modeling(MASEM) approach. Given that MASEM has the additional capability of testing the internal structure of a test, we also fitted several models. The data was well-suited to the bifactor model, revealing the dominance of the general factor over the domain-specific ones.Acceptable overall alpha and omega coefficients were achieved for the two of the MBI dimensions, having depersonalization reliability estimates below recommendations. In general, the MBI can be viewed as a highly interconnected three-factor scale, being its appropriate for research purposes.

Keywords: MBI, MASEM, Meta-analysis, Reliability generalization, burnout

Received: 07 Feb 2024; Accepted: 15 Apr 2024.

Copyright: © 2024 Aguayo-Estremera, Cañadas-De La Fuente, Ariza, Ortega-Campos, Luis Gómez-Urquiza, Romero-Béjar and De La Fuente-Solana. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: José Luis Romero-Béjar, University of Granada, Granada, 18071, Spain

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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For helpful resources on your career opportunities, explore the “What Can I Do with This Major” guides for counseling  and psychology .

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