Students who wish to learn more about these areas are encouraged to consider conducting thesis work through the lab or becoming a
Several research projects investigating the role of individual differences in identity for personal growth, well-being, and life meaning are currently being conducted. The theoretical underpinning of this research stems from lifespan development approaches, identity/personality psychology, and positive psychology.
Considerable research has revealed three styles of social-cognitive identity processing during adolescence and adulthood: an open and explorative informational style; a normative style characterized by a lack of openness with regard to ideas and values; and, a diffuse-avoidant style characterized by avoidance of dealing with identity questions and concerns (Berzonsky, 1989). The research in the Life Span Development Lab focuses on examining the positive characteristics associated with individual differences in these identity styles.
Future research in the Life Span Development Lab will take an applied approach that focuses on facilitating knowledge and experiences that promote reflective thinking, self-understanding and awareness, self-compassion, and well-being. These studies will include interventions to enhance the use of effective identity processing strategies. The intervention methods used will include integrating psycho-educational learning and expressive art techniques (i.e., visual and written expression).
Identity styles and reflective wisdom during emerging adulthood: The predictive roles of insight, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
Investigators: Sherry Beaumont and Todd Pryor (MSc student)
The goal of the proposed research is to more systematically examine the specific self-reflective characteristics associated with the informational style that may provide the basis for the development of wisdom, and particularly the reflective aspect of wisdom. To do this, two research questions will be examined: (1) Does earlier use of an informational identity style predict later insight, mindfulness, self-compassion, and reflective wisdom? and, (2) Do insight, mindfulness, and self-compassion mediate the positive relationship between the informational style and reflective wisdom? These questions will be addressed by using a short-term longitudinal design and self-report questionnaires.
Identity, wisdom, and personal strivings during emerging and later adulthood
Investigators: Sherry Beaumont and Cherisse Seaton
The goal of this project is to add to the research on self-identity and wisdom by determining whether a self-reflective identity style predicts personal strivings towards wisdom and whether personal goals directed towards developing greater wisdom predict greater meaning-in-life. A survey study will be conducted with adults roughly falling into three adulthood age periods: early adulthood (ages 25-39); middle adulthood (ages 40-59); and, late adulthood (ages 60 and older).
Identity processing and passionate engagement.
Promoting positive identity development in emerging adulthood: An intervention study using written and visual self-expression.
Investigator: Sherry Beaumont
The primary goal of the proposed intervention is to facilitate knowledge and experiences that will promote the type of reflective wisdom that is characteristic of those who use an informational identity style (and ultimately to cause an increase in the use of this identity style). This goal will be accomplished by developing an identity intervention that integrates both psycho-educational learning and experiential learning.
Compassion-Oriented Art Therapy: An arts-based approach to increasing self-compassion.
Author: Sherry Beaumont
This book project introduces an arts-based mindfulness and compassion treatment program to improve emotional well-being. Compassion-Oriented Art Therapy (COAT)© is a structured program that helps people to increase self-awareness through mindfulness and creative expression practices. The goal of the program is to reduce self-criticism, guilt, and shame by increasing self-compassion. COAT is appropriate for individuals who have a desire to live a life that is infused with mindfulness and compassion. It is particularly appropriate for those who are dealing with significant anxiety/stress, identity-related concerns, or the effects of trauma. The book is directed at therapists who have expressive arts-based training who wish to use a compassion-based approach in their art therapy practice.
Students who wish to learn more about these areas are encouraged to consider conducting thesis work through the lab or becoming a
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