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Counselling Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On June 10, 2024

Counselling psychology is one of the various subfields of psychology. It addresses a variety of situational issues that affect people from different social groups. In order to receive a psychology degree, students must complete a dissertation in their final year of college. Picking a worthy dissertation topic is crucial to obtaining the supervisor’s approval to work on it.

Sometimes, choosing a topic is more difficult than writing the whole thing. When you’re struggling to come up with a topic for your research on counselling psychology, consider these intriguing possibilities. It is common for students to face this dilemma as they approach the end of their coursework or degree program.

Academic Resources: Psychology Dissertation Topics , Cognitive Psychology Topics ,

Below Are Some Counselling Psychology Dissertation Topics

Examine the outcomes of counselling cohabiting couples in various contexts and environments.
Consider the benefits and difficulties bisexual and/or lesbian women encounter when they start dating if they were subjected to sexual assault as adolescents.
Determine whether new counselling students received open communication from new students during counselling sessions.
Demonstrate how the media has impacted the emergence of both African and white peoples’ identities.
Examine how women in college feel about their families, identities, and behaviours, such as eating at college.
Examine the relationship between a person’s career and self-image as they enter the workforce as recent college graduates.
Consider the various elements that affect young students’ success as they begin their academic careers.
Review how family trauma and stress might affect children’s school performance, particularly their academic achievements.
Examine how women might come to accept and forgive themselves after committing a sex offence against another person.
Examine the effects of adopted and foster children on the dynamics of the parents’ families and the present biological children.
Examine how socioeconomic disparities affect students’ performance in schools and other educational settings.
Success in psychology counselling has an impact on modern society.
Factors for the growth and self-promotion of counselling psychology.
Changes in adolescent therapy can be examined as counselling psychology expands internationally.
Regulations to stop physical and mental abuse.
Discrimination based on religion and gender must end for both patients and therapists.
The most effective technique to “put in yourself” several clients is through personal counselling.
Which theoretical frameworks support the ‘unconscious’ function in life coaching?
Do modern mental health experts still use self-analysis as Freud did?
How to start a therapeutic therapy relationship should be discussed.
Discuss two views that have been put out concerning biblical comforting.
What distinguishes spiritual discernment from career counselling?
Discuss why not all people seeking help can benefit from 12-step programs for counselling.
Patients have been treated by hypnosis for a very long time. Numerous patients have benefited from this throughout the years. Describe its mechanism.
Modern society has a serious problem with controlling our anger. Discuss how being exposed to many stimuli causes children to develop a lot of anger issues and suggest strategies that might be used to ensure that these issues are addressed on a fundamental level.
Antidepressants are frequently utilized to aid in resolving a variety of concerns. Describe how these inevitably contribute to the larger issue.
Rehabilitation of prisoners is crucial to their reintegration into society.
Exploring the efficacy of telehealth in culturally diverse counselling settings.
Investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for reducing anxiety in adolescents.
The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem in young adults.
Examining the relationship between childhood trauma and substance abuse in adulthood.
The role of virtual reality exposure therapy in treating phobias.
The efficacy of narrative therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The impact of financial stress on mental health and well-being.
Developing support systems for caregivers of individuals with dementia.
Exploring the effectiveness of art therapy in treating depression in children.
The role of technology in enhancing communication and connection in counselling.
Investigating the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for chronic pain management.
The impact of social isolation on mental health in older adults.
Developing counselling interventions to address cyberbullying in schools.
The effectiveness of group therapy for individuals with eating disorders.
Understanding and addressing unconscious bias in counselling practice.
The role of spirituality in counselling and mental health.
The impact of video games on mental health and well-being in adolescents.
Exploring the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for reducing workplace stress.
Developing preventative counselling programs to promote adolescent mental health.
Investigating the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Developing counselling interventions to address relationship anxiety.
The effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy for treating trauma.
Exploring the role of music therapy in promoting mental health and well-being.
Investigating the effectiveness of play therapy in treating childhood anxiety.
Developing culturally sensitive counselling interventions for refugees and asylum seekers.
The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for improving sleep quality.
Exploring the role of exercise in promoting mental health and well-being.
Investigating the long-term effects of childhood maltreatment on mental health.
Understanding and addressing vicarious trauma in counselling professionals.
The impact of globalization on mental health across cultures.
Developing counselling interventions to address workplace burnout.
The effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for treating borderline personality disorder (BPD).
Investigating the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for treating addiction.
The impact of political polarization on mental health and well-being.
Developing counselling interventions to address grief and loss.
The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy for reducing anxiety in hospitalized patients.
Exploring the role of art therapy in promoting self-expression in adolescents.
Investigating the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for treating insomnia.
The impact of social media on self-esteem and body image in young adults.
Developing preventative counselling programs to promote adult mental health.
Investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for managing chronic pain.
The impact of air pollution on mental health and well-being.
Developing counselling interventions to address climate anxiety.
The effectiveness of adventure therapy for promoting resilience in youth.
Exploring the role of bibliotherapy in promoting mental health and well-being.
Investigating the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for treating depression.

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Counselling psychology is an area of great interest among psychology students. Whether you are an undergraduate, Master or PhD student, if you need unique and intriguing counselling psychology dissertation topics, you can count on our professional dissertation writing services , which include free topic suggestions and a free proposal of up to 1000 words. Contact our team today to discuss your requirements and put yourself on the path to academic success.

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How to find counselling psychology dissertation topics.

To find Counselling Psychology dissertation topics:

Explore diverse therapy approaches.
Investigate mental health issues.
Consider special populations.
Analyse therapeutic techniques.
Review ethical concerns.
Select a topic resonating with your passion and research goals.

Counseling Psychology Research Paper Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of counseling psychology research paper topics , tailored to support students in their exploration of this vital field. Counseling psychology encompasses a broad range of practices designed to help individuals overcome challenges, achieve personal growth, and improve overall well-being. By delving into topics that span from therapeutic approaches and techniques to the nuances of client-counselor dynamics and the impact of cultural and social diversity in counseling, this resource aims to inspire a deeper investigation into the ways counseling psychology can address the complexities of human experience. Highlighting both established and emerging areas within the discipline, such as the integration of technology in therapy and the ethical considerations unique to counseling practice, the topics presented are curated to encourage thoughtful research and contribute meaningful insights to the field. This collection is designed not only as an academic resource but also as a springboard for future professionals to engage with the pressing issues and innovations shaping the landscape of counseling psychology today.

100 Counseling Psychology Research Paper Topics

Counseling psychology, a dynamic and essential field, plays a critical role in enhancing personal and interpersonal functioning across the lifespan. It encompasses a wide array of practices aimed at supporting individuals through various challenges, promoting mental health and well-being, and facilitating growth and development. The breadth of research topics within counseling psychology mirrors its diverse applications, spanning clinical, educational, and research settings. From exploring innovative therapeutic approaches to understanding the intricate dynamics between clients and counselors, the field offers a rich landscape for investigation and discovery.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Principles and Applications
Person-Centered Therapy: Techniques and Outcomes
Integrative Approaches in Counseling
The Effectiveness of Group Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Strategies and Efficacy
Mindfulness and Meditation in Therapy
Narrative Therapy and Storytelling in Healing
Art and Music Therapy: Methods and Mental Health Benefits
Trauma-Informed Care in Counseling Practice
Psychoanalytic Approaches in Modern Counseling
Building Therapeutic Alliances: Strategies and Challenges
The Impact of Counselor Self-Disclosure on Therapy Outcomes
Client Resistance and Engagement Techniques
Boundary Issues in the Therapeutic Relationship
The Role of Empathy in Counseling
Counseling Competencies and Client Satisfaction
Confidentiality and Trust in Counseling
Power Dynamics and Ethics in Client-Counselor Relationships
Cultural Competence in Therapeutic Settings
Feedback-Informed Treatment in Counseling
Anxiety Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment
Depression: Prevention Strategies and Therapeutic Interventions
Wellness and Positive Psychology Interventions in Counseling
The Role of Counseling in Suicide Prevention
Substance Abuse Counseling: Approaches and Recovery Support
Eating Disorders: Counseling Strategies and Recovery Models
Counseling for Chronic Illness and Disability
Stress Management Techniques in Therapy
The Psychology of Happiness and Contentment
Mental Health Stigma and Access to Counseling Services
Multicultural Counseling Techniques and Outcomes
Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Services
Gender and Sexuality Issues in Counseling
Counseling Immigrant and Refugee Populations
Socioeconomic Factors in Mental Health and Therapy
Cross-Cultural Communication Skills in Therapy
Indigenous Healing Practices and Counseling
Religion and Spirituality in Counseling Practice
Age-Related Considerations in Counseling
Counseling Veterans and Military Personnel
Informed Consent in Counseling Practice
Confidentiality and Privacy in the Digital Age
Dual Relationships and Ethical Boundaries
Legal Responsibilities of Counselors
Ethical Decision-Making Models in Counseling
Record-Keeping and Documentation Standards
Managing Ethical Dilemmas with Supervision
Cultural Sensitivity and Ethical Practice
Ethical Considerations in Teletherapy
Client Rights and Advocate Roles in Counseling
Psychological Testing and Assessment in Counseling
Outcome Measures and Their Importance in Therapy
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods in Counseling
Program Evaluation Techniques for Counseling Services
Diagnostic Criteria and Differential Diagnosis in Mental Health
The Use of Technology in Psychological Assessments
Evaluating Therapeutic Interventions and Their Effectiveness
Client Feedback Mechanisms and Therapy Adjustment
Assessment of Risk Factors in Mental Health
The Role of Neuropsychological Testing in Counseling
Career Counseling Theories and Models
Vocational Assessment Tools and Techniques
Counseling for Work-Life Balance Issues
Transition Services for Youth and Young Adults
Retirement Planning and Counseling
Workforce Re-entry and Counseling Support
Entrepreneurship and Psychological Well-being
Job Loss and Grief Counseling
Career Change and Identity Shifts
The Impact of Workplace Stress on Mental Health
Play Therapy: Techniques and Outcomes
Counseling Strategies for Adolescents with Behavioral Issues
School-Based Mental Health Services
Parent-Child Relationship Counseling
Counseling for Gifted and Talented Youth
Addressing Bullying and Cyberbullying in Counseling
Childhood Trauma and Resilience Building
Adolescent Substance Use and Counseling Interventions
Special Education Needs and Counseling Support
Peer Relationships and Social Skills Training
Couple Therapy: Approaches and Challenges
Family Dynamics and Systemic Therapy
Counseling for Blended Families
Divorce and Separation: Counseling Support for Families
Parenting Strategies and Family Counseling
Intimacy Issues and Sexual Health Counseling
Conflict Resolution Techniques in Family Therapy
Grief and Loss within the Family Context
Family Therapy for Substance Abuse Issues
Communication Skills Training for Couples and Families
Efficacy of Online Therapy Platforms
Digital Ethics: Confidentiality and Security in Online Counseling
Utilizing Mobile Apps in Mental Health Interventions
Virtual Reality Therapy: Applications and Limitations
Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health and Counseling
Online Support Groups and Peer Counseling
Teletherapy: Best Practices and Client Outcomes
Technology-Assisted Relaxation Techniques
Cyberbullying: Counseling Strategies and Prevention
Bridging the Digital Divide in Access to Mental Health Services

The exploration of counseling psychology research paper topics is a journey into the heart of what it means to support and understand human behavior and mental health. With a vast array of topics ranging from the intricacies of therapeutic relationships to the cutting-edge applications of technology in therapy, students are invited to delve deep into the subjects that resonate most with their academic interests and future aspirations. These topics not only offer a platform for significant academic contribution but also equip students with the knowledge and insights to advance counseling practices and mental health support in a rapidly evolving society. By engaging with these diverse research areas, students can play a crucial role in shaping the future of counseling psychology, fostering well-being, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those they will serve.

What is Counseling Psychology

Counseling Psychology as an Essential Field of Study

Counseling Psychology Research Paper Topics

Advancing Counseling Techniques, Understanding Client Needs, and Improving Therapeutic Outcomes

Research in counseling psychology is crucial for the continual advancement of counseling techniques, deepening the understanding of client needs, and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Through empirical studies, researchers can evaluate the efficacy of various therapeutic approaches, tailoring interventions to meet the diverse needs of clients effectively. This ongoing research helps in identifying best practices, informing evidence-based treatments, and ensuring that counseling methods evolve in response to new psychological insights and societal changes. Moreover, research contributes to the training of counseling psychologists, equipping them with the latest tools and knowledge to support their clients effectively.

Investigations into client needs and preferences play a significant role in developing client-centered therapies that honor the individual’s experience and autonomy. Understanding the factors that contribute to psychological well-being and distress informs the creation of supportive environments and therapeutic relationships that facilitate change. Furthermore, research on therapeutic outcomes assesses the long-term impact of counseling services, guiding improvements in practice and highlighting the value of counseling psychology in mental health care.

Diverse Research Topics within Counseling Psychology

The field of counseling psychology encompasses a broad array of research topics, reflecting the complexity of human behavior and the myriad challenges individuals face throughout their lives. Topics include the development of effective therapeutic approaches and techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and narrative therapy, which are tailored to address specific psychological issues or client populations. Research on client-counselor dynamics delves into the factors that enhance therapeutic alliances, the role of empathy, and the impact of counselor characteristics on the counseling process.

Cultural and social diversity in counseling is another critical area of research, examining how cultural, racial, ethnic, and gender identities influence mental health and counseling outcomes. This research is instrumental in promoting culturally competent practices and addressing disparities in mental health care. Additionally, studies on ethics and legal issues ensure that counseling practices adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct, safeguarding client welfare and confidentiality. The exploration of these and other topics within counseling psychology is directly relevant to addressing current challenges in the field, driving innovations that enhance the quality and accessibility of mental health services.

Recent Advancements in Counseling Psychology Research

Recent advancements in counseling psychology research have significantly contributed to the field’s growth and the effectiveness of counseling services. Evidence-based practices, which rely on empirical evidence to guide treatment decisions, have gained prominence, ensuring that clients receive interventions proven to be effective. Research in this area not only evaluates the efficacy of traditional therapeutic approaches but also explores the potential of emerging therapies to address complex mental health issues.

Digital interventions, including online therapy, mobile apps for mental health, and teletherapy, represent another area of rapid advancement. These technologies have expanded access to counseling services, making psychological support more accessible to individuals in remote or underserved areas. Research into the effectiveness of these digital interventions is critical for understanding their impact on therapeutic outcomes and client satisfaction.

Furthermore, holistic approaches to mental health that consider the interplay between psychological, physical, social, and spiritual factors are increasingly being integrated into counseling psychology. Research in this area explores the benefits of incorporating wellness practices, such as exercise, nutrition, and meditation, into therapeutic interventions. These holistic approaches emphasize the whole person, supporting comprehensive well-being and resilience.

Ethical Considerations in Counseling Psychology Research and Practice

Ethical considerations are paramount in counseling psychology, guiding the conduct of researchers and practitioners to ensure the protection and respect of clients’ rights and well-being. Confidentiality is a fundamental ethical principle, safeguarding the privacy of client information and fostering a safe therapeutic environment. Research in counseling psychology often addresses the challenges and implications of maintaining confidentiality, especially in the context of digital interventions and group therapy settings.

Informed consent is another critical area of ethical focus, ensuring that clients are fully aware of the counseling process, their rights, and the potential risks and benefits of therapy. Research explores the best practices for obtaining informed consent, particularly when working with vulnerable populations or employing novel therapeutic techniques.

Therapist-client boundaries are also a significant concern, with research examining the importance of maintaining professional relationships to prevent harm and conflict of interest. Studies in this area contribute to the development of guidelines and training programs that help counselors navigate these ethical dilemmas, promoting integrity and trust within the counseling relationship.

Future Directions and Emerging Trends in Counseling Psychology

The future of counseling psychology research is poised to address a range of emerging trends and challenges, reflecting the evolving needs of society and advances in technology. Teletherapy has emerged as a critical area of focus, with researchers exploring its efficacy, the nuances of therapist-client interactions in virtual settings, and the ethical considerations unique to digital counseling formats. This trend underscores the field’s adaptation to technological advancements, ensuring that counseling services remain accessible and effective in a digital age.

Multicultural counseling continues to gain attention, with future research likely to delve deeper into the experiences of diverse client populations, the development of culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches, and the training of counselors in cultural competence. This area of study is crucial for addressing health disparities and promoting equity in mental health care.

Integrative health approaches that combine psychological, medical, and alternative therapies are also becoming more prominent. Research in this area examines the benefits of a holistic view of mental health, exploring how integrating various health modalities can support comprehensive well-being. These future directions in counseling psychology research reflect the field’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and the holistic well-being of individuals and communities.

The Role of Research in Shaping Effective Counseling Practices

Research plays an indispensable role in shaping the practices of counseling psychology, guiding the field toward more effective, inclusive, and ethical approaches to mental health care. Through the diligent exploration of diverse research topics, counseling psychology continues to advance our understanding of therapeutic processes, client needs, and the complex factors that contribute to mental health and wellness. As the field looks to the future, embracing emerging trends and addressing new challenges, the insights gained from research will remain pivotal in developing interventions that are both innovative and grounded in evidence. Ultimately, the continued emphasis on research in counseling psychology will ensure that the field remains at the forefront of promoting mental health, well-being, and positive change in the lives of individuals and communities.

Custom Writing Services by iResearchNet

iResearchNet is dedicated to providing customized writing services tailored specifically for students delving into the complexities of counseling psychology. Understanding the nuanced and multifaceted nature of counseling psychology research, we offer support designed to meet the unique challenges and demands of this field. Our services are crafted to assist students in navigating through their academic journey, providing them with the tools and resources necessary to produce insightful and impactful research papers that contribute meaningfully to the field.

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

Updated 23 Jul 2024

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

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

Social psychology dissertation topics

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

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

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Clinical psychology dissertation ideas

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

Personality psychology dissertation topics

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

Cognitive psychology dissertation ideas

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

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

Dissertation topics in counseling psychology

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

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

Dissertation topics in industrial psychology

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

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

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Forensic psychology dissertation ideas

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

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

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Choosing Your Research Topic: Some Pointers

If you're doing a research project in counselling, psychotherapy, or counselling psychology, choosing your topic can be one of the hardest things to get right. And often one of the things you get the least advice on. So how should you go about it?

Read through previous counselling/psychotherapy/counselling psychology research theses

Invaluable! Essential! Probably the most useful thing you can do to get you started. This will give you a real sense of the ‘shape’ of a research study in this field, what is expected of you, and the kinds of questions that you might want to ask. Should be in your college library or ask a tutor.

originalITY is not everything

Often, in my experience, students come into Master’s or doctoral research projects thinking, ‘I must do something original… I must do something original.’ So they work away at finding some dark corner somewhere that no-one has ever looked into before. Of course, there does need to be originality in your research, but if you’re burrowing away into a corner somewhere then there’s a real danger that no-one else is going to be particularly interested in where you’re going—you’re off into a world of your own. So instead of asking yourself, ‘What can I do that no-one else has ever done before?’ ask yourself, ‘What can I do that builds on what has been done before?’ And that means…

…Get a sense of the field

What are the key questions being asked in your field today? What are the issues that matter and that are of relevance to practice? It’s great to draw on your own interests and experiences, but also make sure you develop some familiarity with the field as it currently stands. This will help to ensure that your research is topical and relevant—of interest and importance to the wider field as well as yourself. A great thing to do can be to find out what your tutors are researching and what they see as the key issues in the current field. And do remember that there may be the possibility of developing your project alongside them in some way, so that you can contribute to a particular national- or international-level research initiative.

Also, right from the start, think about how your work and your research question might have the capacity to influence practice and policy. This may be the biggest research project you’ll ever do. So make it count. Think about doing something that can really help others learn how to improve their practice, perhaps with a particular group of clients, or with respect to a particular method. If it’s a doctoral level project, you’ll become a leading expert in that field, and you’ll be in a position to teach the rest of us how to be more helpful. So think about what you’d like to find out about, which you can then disseminate to the field as a whole.

If you want to make your research count, have a really long think before you dive into doing research on therapists’ experiences or perceptions. Lots of students study this: it’s reflexive, and it’s a relatively easy group to access. But it also raises the question of how interested people are really going to be in how therapists’ see things. After all, we’ve all been trained in particular beliefs and assumptions, so if we’re the subject of research, we’re often just going to reiterate what we’ve been taught to think. Generally, clients make a much more worthwhile participant group, because you’re hearing first hand what it’s really like in therapy, and what works and what doesn’t.

Consult the literature

Once you’ve got some idea of what you’d like to look at, find out how other people have tried to answer that question. If no-one has tried to answer it before, that’s great, but you need to be really sure about that before going on to furrow your own path—after all, you don’t want to get to the end of your research to find out that somebody ‘discovered’ the same thing as you decades ago. So have a look on Google Scholar, and particularly on social science search engines like PsychInfo. Undertaking such searches also ensures that your research will be embedded within the wider research field, and it may well give you ideas about the kinds of questions that are timely to ask.

Make sure it's related to therapeutic practice

Choose a topic which is related, at least in some way, to the field of therapeutic practice. Most directly, this may include things like: clients’ experiences of helpful and unhelpful factors, how psychological interventions are perceived from those outside the field, or the applied role of counselling in such fields as education. Exploring people’s experiences of a particular phenomenon—for instance, women’s experiences of birth trauma—can also be related to therapeutic practice, but just be clear what the association might be. For instance, could that help therapists know how to work most effectively with that client group, or to know what issues to be sensitized to.

Find yourself a clearly-defined question

Try to find a single, clearly defined question as the basis for your study (see my Research Aims and Questions pointers ). This can then serve as your title. If you can't encapsulate your research project into a single question/sentence at some point, the chances are, you're probably not clear about exactly what it is you are asking.

That's ‘question’, not ‘questions’

One of the biggest problems students face is that they ask too many inter-related questions, with too many constructs of interest, and therefore get very muddled in what they are doing. For instance, they’re interested in attachment styles, and how it relates to dropout as mediated by the client’s personality in EMDR for trauma. But that’s five different constructs (attachment styles, dropout, personality types, EMDR, trauma—and, indeed, a sixth implicit one, which is the outcomes of EMDR for trauma), and generally you want to focus down on just one or two constructs (particularly in qualitative research), or maybe three at most if you are doing quantitative. So, for instance, you could focus on how attachment style influences dropout, or how clients experience EMDR for trauma, or the role of personality styles in mediating outcomes in EMDR for trauma. Or you could even just focus down on how clients experience dropout. All nice, straightforward questions that you can really get into at Master’s or doctoral level depth. So think about the constructs that you definitely want to focus in on, and let go of those that are maybe less central to your concerns. Of course, that’s difficult, and three of the main reasons why are given below—along with the things you may need to remind yourself of:

'I won't have enough material otherwise.' Your word limit may seem like a lot, but you'll be amazed at how quickly it goes. If you just focus on one question, you will be able to go into it in a great amount of depth—far more appropriate to Master’s or doctoral study than trying to answer a number of questions and subsequently coming away with numerous superficial answers.

'There's lots of different aspects of this area that I'm interested in.' That's great, but you won't be able to cover it all in this one project. You can always do further research after this one. In limiting yourself to just one question, you may well experience feelings of loss or disappointment as you let go of areas you're really interested in, but it's better to feel that loss now than after you've put months of work into areas that are just too dispersed.

'I've already started to ask this other question, and I don't want to lose the reading that I've already done'. Again, it can be painful letting go of things, but there is no value in ‘throwing good money after bad.’ Sometimes in research you need to be brutal, and cut out areas of inquiry that don't fit in—even if you've sweated blood over them. Remember what authors say: the quality of their book is defined by what they leave out!

That’s ‘question’, not ‘answer’

Some of the most problematic projects come about when researchers try to show that a particular answer is the correct one, and consequently won’t let anything—including their own findings—get in their way. So if you really believe something about psychological therapies, like ‘person-centred therapy is much more effective than cognitive-behavioural therapy’, or ‘women make much better counselling psychologists than men’ then you may want to steer clear of this topic. That is, unless you can really get yourself into a frame of mind in which you are open to the possibility that you might find the absolute opposite of what you want—and you can enthusiastically write about the implications of this finding. Good research is like good therapy: you put to one side your own assumptions as much as possible, so that the reality of whatever you are encountering can come through. So, in trying to work out your research question, here’s something to really ask yourself:

What is the question that I genuinely don’t know the answer to (but would love to find out)?

And ‘genuinely’ here means genuinely. It means you really, actually, don’t know what the answer to that question is. If you can find that question, it’ll help enormously in your whole research project, because it’ll mean that you’re genuinely open to, and interested in, finding out what’s out there. That’s research!

But make sure there’s not too much literature on it

If you ask a question on which much has already been written—like the effectiveness of person-centred therapy—then you’re likely to be drowned in material before you even get to the end of the literature review. So narrow down your question—e.g. the effectiveness of advanced empathy in person-centred therapy—until you’ve got a manageable number of references in your sights. Don’t worry if it seems too few, you’ll no doubt pick up more references as you go along. And remember, you need to have full mastery of the literature regarding the question your asking, and it is a lot easier to master the information in five or six papers than it is in hundreds.

What’s often ideal is if you can move one step on from some pre-existing literature: e.g. extending a study about depression in men to looking at depression in women, testing out a theory that you’ve found in a book, or using qualitative research to address a question that has previously only been addressed through quantitative research. So don’t get too hung up on being totally ‘original’: in fact, if you try to be too original you can end up in a sea of confusion with no theoretical or methodological concepts to anchor yourself to. Having an original twist is often much more productive—you’re saying something new, but you’re building on what’s already been laid down.

Think methodology from the start

It’s no good coming up with a brilliant question if there is no way of actually answering it, or if answering it is going to be such a headache that you’ll wish that you never started in the first place. So as you come up with ideas, think about how feasible it might actually be to put them into practice. This is something you may really want to discuss early on with a colleague or research tutor.

Respondents MUST be accessible

In terms of the feasibility of the study, probably the most important question is whether or not you are actually going to get anyone to participate—to respond to your interviews, questionnaires, etc. It is essential to the success of your study that you get a good response rate, so thinking about who you do research with is often as important as thinking about what you do (see my research pointers here on recruiting participants). A number of factors will determine how good your response is likely to be: how big the population is in total, their motivation to help you, how easy it will be for you to get in touch with them, how cautious you will need to be as a consequence of ethical safeguards. So don’t just come up with an idea and hope blindly that someone out there will be interested. However hard you think it will be to get participants, you can guarantee that it will actually be several times harder than that, so make sure this is something you think about, and address, at an early stage.

Ethics come first

The principles of non-maleficence—doing no harm to your respondent—and, ideally, beneficence—promoting the respondent’s well-being—should be an integral part of your research design. So, right from the very start of your project, think about ways in which your research might benefit those that are involved; and also make sure that you have read and familiarised yourself with appropriate ethical guidelines, as well as any other sets of relevant standards.

Aside from ‘doing the right thing’, the issue of ethics will be an important one for you because, in any research study, you will need to submit your project to an ethics committee (see above), and the more sensitive your work, the more committees and the longer the time this is likely to take. For instance, if you wish to carry out research in the National Health Service, you will almost certainly need to go through an NHS ethics committee, which can take many months to consider and respond to proposals. So, as you start to develop your research ideas, be aware of the ethical issues and processes that it might raise, and try to find out about the ethical submissions that such a study is likely to entail. That way, you won’t suddenly find yourself facing a long and uncertain wait before you can proceed with your work -- or, if you do, at least you’ll be prepared for it.

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 Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

Research Ideas: Cognitive Psychology

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

Research Ideas: Developmental Psychology

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

Need a helping hand?

Research Ideas: Educational Psychology

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

Research Ideas: Forensic Psychology

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

Research Ideas: Social Psychology

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

Research Ideas: Sports Psychology

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

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Psychology-Related Dissertations & Theses

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

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

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

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

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

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

11 Comments

Great insight

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

You’re most welcome

A good platform to get information

Amazing and interesting options 👌

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

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

I need counseling psychology research topics

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

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

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Northeastern University
Bouvé College of Health Sciences
Bouvé College of Health Sciences Theses and Dissertations
Bouvé College of Health Sciences Dissertations
Counseling Psychology Dissertations

Counseling Psychology Dissertations Collection

http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20233335

Adolescents' self-determination to regulate eating behaviors: adaptation and validation of a self-report measure.

Afghan Jews and their children: a qualitative study exploring the lived experiences and psychological impact of acculturation on first and second generation traditional Afghan Jewish immigrants.

Assessing the organizational response to vicarious trauma in first responder and victim assistance agencies

Assessing worldview orientation in people of northern rural Maine

The association between complex trauma and executive functioning among an adolescent inpatient population

Beliefs about mental illness and its impact on attitudes toward treatment: an examination of the Asian-Indian immigrant population in the United States.

Body Image Experiences Among Men In Midlife: Test Of An Integrated Model.

Bringing an ecological perspective to quality of life research: can empowerment theory explain variance in quality of life ratings?.

Building resilience in the Stronglinks program: exploring experiences of stress, coping, and resilience for Latina adolescents in a school-based program.

Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors linking trauma exposure with adolescent dating violence

UKnowledge > College of Education > Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology > Theses & Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Building Children's Connection to Nature in the Schools: A Piloted Nature-Based Intervention , Alexis Bird

Combining the Concrete Representational Abstract Framework and Video Modeling to Increase Basic Addition Skills Among First Grade Students , Sara Ebner

UTILIZING MIXED METHODS TO EXAMINE BLACK GRADUATE STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES WITH MULTICULTURAL SUPERVISION IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY , Larraine Graham

HOW BLACK UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS EXPERIENCE WHITENESS IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION , Karen Margaret Guettler-James

Exploring the Relationship between School Climate and Emotion Regulation Skills in Adolescents , Clair Tischner

PROFILES OF SATISFACTION AND FRUSTRATION OF UNDERGRADUATE GENERAL CHEMISTRY STUDENTS’ BASIC PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS AT THE BEGINNING AND END OF THE SEMESTER , Cara E. Worick

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

SOCIOCULTURAL PREDICTORS OF WHITE VETERANS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS VA MENTAL HEALTH CARE , Elyssa Christine Berney

The Role of Authenticity in the Link Between Self-Determination, Gender Minority Stress, Psychological Well-being and Distress in Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Expansive Individuals , Zakary Alexander Clements

An Investigation of Individualized Education Programs for Students With Autism , Jordan Findley

THE EFFECT OF EXCEPTIONALITY LABEL ON SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS DURING THE EVALUATION PROCESS , Rachel Jacob

“WHO DO YOU LOVE, AND ARE YOU FOR SURE?”: BLACK RELATIONSHIP ATTITUDES AND PARTNER PREFERENCES , Chesmore Simon Montique

Exploration of Factors Associated with Rural Appalachian Women's Use of Buprenorphine Prior to Incarceration , Kelsey A. Redmayne

"It's All Lateral Violence": How Sexual Minority Men Cope With Appearance Discrimination , Matthew T. Richardson

AN EXAMINATION OF FACTORS IMPACTING HOME-SCHOOL COLLABORATION IN HEAD START POPULATIONS , Madison Mei-Mei Yee

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

HERSTORY: WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER EXPERIENCES IN SPORT PSYCHOLOGY , Rena M. G. Curvey

“Don’t feel like you have to do this all on your own”: Exploring perceived partner support of breastfeeding among Black women in Kentucky , Jardin Dogan

COLLEGE STUDENTS’ SELF-REGULATION IN ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE COURSES DURING COVID-19: A CONVERGENT MIXED METHODS APPROACH , Jaeyun Han

APPALACHIANS’ INTENTIONS TO USE ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COUNSELING , Jade Hollan

APPLICATIONS OF THE JOHN HENRYISM HYPOTHESIS: MITIGATING ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN INCARCERATION, DRUG USE, AND SEX PARTNER CHARACTERISTICS , Paris Wheeler

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

WHITENESS AND MULTICULUTRAL COMPETENCE: COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY FACULTY AS GATEKEEPERS TO UNDERSTANDING WHITENESS , Blanka Angyal

THE PERSON OF THE THERAPIST: THERAPISTS’ PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AS PREDICTORS OF WORKING ALLIANCE AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES , Alyssa Laura Clements

Framing Early Adolescents’ Self-Efficacy Development: Precursors to the Sources of Math Self-Efficacy , Calah J. Ford

“I FELT SEEN”: A MIXED-METHODS INVESTIGATION OF CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION , Caiti Siobhan Griffiths

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE: AN INTERSECTIONAL APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP EXPERIENCES OF BISEXUAL-IDENTIFYING ASIAN MEN WITH SAME AND DIFFERENT GENDER PARTNERS , Cheryl Kwok

"Now Thinking About It, It's Freedom": Conceptualizing Sexual Pleasure for Fat, Queer Women , Carolyn Elizabeth Meiller

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101 Examples of Dissertation Research Topics for Psychology Students

Students looking for psychology dissertation topic ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Makes a Good Dissertation Research Topic for Psychology Students?

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

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

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

Link to dissertation proofreading sales page

101 Psychology Dissertation Ideas

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

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

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Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Theses and dissertations published by graduate students in the Department of Counseling and Human Services, College of Education, Old Dominion University, since Fall 2016 are available in this collection. Backfiles of all dissertations (and some theses) have also been added.

In late Fall 2025, all theses will be digitized and available here. In the meantime, consult the Library Catalog to find older items in print.

Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

Dissertation: The Lived Experiences of Counselors-in-Training Completing Practicum and Internship During COVID-19 , Shelby Lauren Dillingham

Dissertation: Climbing the Academic Ladder While Black: Exploring the Experiences of Institutional Belongingness for Black Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral Students at Predominantly White Institutions , Jasmine Alicia Hawa Griffith

Dissertation: Understanding the Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Resilience in Police Officers , Wayne F. Handley

Thesis: The Experiences of Multilingual Learning-Focused School Counselors: A Phenomenological Investigation , Chelsea Jo Hilliard

Dissertation: Partners in Crisis: A Phenomenological Exploration of Collaboration Between Crisis Intervention Team Officers and Mental Health Professionals , Jessica L. Huffman

Dissertation: Exploring the Experiences of School Counselors Advocating for Social Justice Within Urban PK-12 Charter Schools , Betsy Marina Perez

Dissertation: Supervision Needs of Novice Behavioral Health Providers in Integrated Primary Care Settings: A Delphi Study , Nicholas D. Schmoyer

Dissertation: Wellness as a Predictor of Turnover Intention in the Active Duty Military , Thomas Clifford Seguin

Dissertation: Consensus on Best Practices in Neuroscience-Informed Treatment of Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress in Military Veterans: A Delphi Study of Experts in the Field of Mental Health , Danielle Lauren Winters

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Dissertation: Providing Family Centered Care Within Pediatric Integrated Care Settings , Emily D. Bebber

Dissertation: The Lived Experiences of 911 Dispatchers With Compassion Fatigue: An Interpretive Phenomenology , Angela Johnson

Dissertation: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Self-Identified Politically Conservative Students in Graduate Counseling Programs in Public Universities , Elizabeth A. Orrison

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Dissertation: Mental Health Counselors’ Perceptions of Professional Identity as Correctional Counselors in an Integrated Behavioral Health Care Setting , Jeanel L. Franklin

Dissertation: Complex Thought for Complex Work: Preparing Cognitively Complex Counselors for Work in Diverse Settings , Alexandra C. Gantt

Dissertation: Trauma and Crisis Counselor Preparation: The Relationship of an Online Trauma and Crisis Course and Counseling Self-Efficacy , Julia Leigh Lancaster

Dissertation: An Investigation of Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on the Tasks of Mental Health Counselors in Hospital Settings , Suelle Micallef Marmara

Dissertation: Broaching Race and Race-Related Issues: Phenomenological Inquiry of Doctoral Student Supervisors of Counselor Trainees , Judith Wambui Preston

Dissertation: A Phenomenological Investigation of School Counselor Antiracist Social Justice Practices , Stephanie Deonca Smith-Durkin

Dissertation: Counselor Perceived Competence Diagnosing Disorders from DSM-5 Diagnostic Categories Survey Results and the Development and Validation of Scores on the Diagnostic Self-Efficacy Scale , Erin Elizabeth Woods

Dissertation: The Experiences of School Counselors Providing Virtual Services During Covid-19: A Phenomenological Investigation , Allison Kathryn Worth

Dissertation: A Comparison of Sorority Women and Non-Sorority Women’s Alcohol Use: Perception, Rate of Use, and Consequences , Betsy Zimmerman

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Dissertation: Effectiveness of College Counseling Interventions in International Student Adjustment to United States Higher Education Systems: A Meta-Analysis , Joshua Ebby Abraham

Dissertation: What Are We Missing?: A Comparison of Experiences of Race-Based Trauma by Black Americans and Black Jamaicans , Bianca R. Augustine

Dissertation: Site Supervisors' Perspectives on Supervision of Counselor Trainees in Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) Settings: A Q Methodology Approach , Yeşim Giresunlu

Dissertation: The Impact of a Crisis Intervention Team Program on Psychiatric Boarding , Kurtis Hooks

Dissertation: A Case Study on the Application and Implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports for Students with Emotional Disabilities in Alternative Education , Kira Candelieri Marcari

Dissertation: Initial Development of the Escala de Fortaleza en Jóvenes para Padres , David Moran

Dissertation: Incivility of Coworker Behaviors and Minority Firefighters’ Belongingness in the Workplace , Alyssa Reiter

Dissertation: A Meta-Analysis of Three Years of Data on Outcomes of Therapy Groups for Inmates in the Virginia Department of Corrections , Abie Carroll Tremblay

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Dissertation: Improving Veterans’ Psychological Well-Being with a Positive Psychology Gratitude Exercise , Clara Im Adkins

Dissertation: An Examination of the Relationship Among Social Services Support, Race, Ethnicity and Recidivism in Justice Involved Mothers , Ne’Shaun Janay Borden

Dissertation: Development and Validation of the Students With Learning Disabilities School Counselor Self- Efficacy Scale: A Psychometric Study , Rawn Alfredo Boulden, Jr.

Dissertation: Minority Counselor Multicultural Competence in the Current Sociopolitical Climate , Kathleen Brown

Dissertation: A Meta-Analysis of Group Treatment Outcomes for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders , Robert “Tony” Dice

Dissertation: Investigating the Impact of the FAVA Well-Being Protocol on Perceived Stress and Psychological Well-Being With At-Promise High School Students , Renee L. Fensom

Dissertation: Mental Health Counselors' Perceptions on Preparedness in Integrated Behavioral Healthcare in Underserved Areas , Kyulee Park

Dissertation: Group Treatment Effectiveness for Substance Use Disorders: Abstinence vs. Harm Reduction , Jill D. Parramore

Dissertation: Best Practices in Clinical Supervision: What Must Supervisees Do? , Johana Rocha

Dissertation: A Phenomenological Investigation of Counselors’ Experiences With Clients Affected by Problematic Internet Pornography Use , Kendall R. Sparks

Dissertation: Counselor Education Doctoral Students’ Research Self-Efficacy: A Concept Mapping Approach , Zahide Sunal

Dissertation: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Psychoeducational Groups for the Treatment of Psychopathology Resulting from Child Sexual Abuse , Alexis Lynnette Wilkerson

Dissertation: School Counseling Professionals’ Experiences Using ASCA’s Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success to Achieve College and Career Readiness , George Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Dissertation: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Career Oriented Military Spouses Pursuing Education for Career Advancement , Melody D. Agbisit

Dissertation: Reshaping Counselor Education: The Identification of Influential Factors on Multisystemic Therapy , T'Airra C. Belcher

Dissertation: An Investigation of Posttraumatic Growth Experienced By Parents After a Miscarriage , Barbara Elizabeth Powell Boyd

Dissertation: The Psychometric Properties of the School Counseling Internship Competency Scale , Melanie Ann Burgess

Dissertation: Intersectional Identities and Microaggressions: The Experience of Transgender Females , Cory Daniel Gerwe

Dissertation: Comparing Higher Order Value Differences By Religious and Spiritual Association and Implications for Counseling: An Exploratory Study , Gregory C. Lemich

Dissertation: The Effects of Supervisory Style and Supervisory Working Alliance on Supervisee Disclosure in Supervision: A Moderated Mediation Analysis , Chi Li

Dissertation: A Comparison of College Student-Athletes With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Nonathletes With ADHD: Academic Adjustment, Severity of Mental Health Concerns, and Complexity of Life Concerns , Sonja Lund

Dissertation: An Experimental Study of Research Self-Efficacy In Master’s Students , Nicola Aelish Meade

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Dissertation: Multilevel Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Family Adjustment Measure with Lower-Income, Ethnic Minority Parents of Children with Disabilities , Vanessa Nicole Dominguez-O'Hare

Dissertation: Risk and Resiliency Factors Affecting the College Adjustment of Students with Intersectional Ethnocultural Minority and LGBTQ Identities , Stacey Christina Fernandes

Dissertation: The Relationship Between Childhood Adversity and Adult Relationship Health for Economically Marginalized, Racially and Ethnically Diverse Individuals , Sandy-Ann M. Griffith

Dissertation: An Exploration of Practicum Students' Experiences of Meaning-Making Through Altruism , Debra Paige Lewis

Dissertation: Addiction Counselors' Perceptions of Clinical Supervision Practices , Marla Harrison Newby

Dissertation: Exploring the Variant Experiences Through Which Racial/Ethnic Minorities Select Art Therapy as a Career , Mary Ritchie Roberts

Dissertation: Psychosocial Determinants of Medication Adherence among HIV-Positive Individuals in Mexico City , Anthony Vajda

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Dissertation: Cross-Racial Trust Factors: Exploring the Experiences of Blacks Who Have Had White Mentors in the Counseling Profession , Eric Montrece Brown

Dissertation: Personality, Motivation, and Internet Gaming Disorder: Understanding the Addiction , Kristy L. Carlisle

Dissertation: The Relationship Between Trauma Exposure and College Student Adjustment: Factors of Resilience as a Mediator , Amber Leih Jolley

Dissertation: Establishing the Psychometric Properties of the Understanding Mental Health Scale: A Dissertation Study , Michael Thomas Kalkbrenner

Dissertation: Attitudes and Actions that Adoptive Parents Perceive as Helpful in the Process of Raising Their Internationally Adopted Adolescent , Marina V. Kuzmina

Dissertation: Towards a New Profession: Counselor Professional Identity in Italy. A Delphi Study , Davide Mariotti

Dissertation: Exploring the Relationship Between Depression and Resilience in Survivors of Childhood Trauma , Marquis A. Norton

Dissertation: Understanding the Experiences of Women with Anorexia Nervosa Who Complete an Exposure Therapy Protocol in a Naturalistic Setting , Gina B. Polychronopoulos

Dissertation: An Exploratory Factor Analysis Examining Experiences and Perceptions of Campus Safety for International Students , Sonia H. Ramrakhiani

Dissertation: The Role of Self-Care and Hardiness in Moderating Burnout in Mental Health Counselors , Traci Danielle Richards

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Dissertation: Examining Changes in College Counseling Clients’ Symptomology and Severity over an Eight Year Span , Caroline Lee Bertolet

Dissertation: Initial Development and Validation of the Transgender Ally Identity Scale for Counselors , Jamie D. Bower

Dissertation: A Counselor’s First Encounter with Non-Death Loss: A Phenomenological Case Study on New Counselor Preparation and Experience in Working with Non-Death Loss , Charles P. Carrington

Dissertation: The Relationship Between Counselors' Multicultural Counseling Competence and Poverty Beliefs , Madeline Elizabeth Clark

Dissertation: Counselors’ Perceived Preparedness for Technology-Mediated Distance Counseling: A Phenomenological Examination , Daniel C. Holland

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Dissertation: Factors Associated with Family Counseling Practices: The Effects of Training, Experience, and Multicultural Counseling Competence , Amanda A. Brookshear

Dissertation: An Examination of Supervisory Working Alliance, Supervisee Demographics, and Delivery Methods in Synchronous Distance Supervision , Robert Milton Carlisle III

Dissertation: A Phenomenological Investigation of Counselors' Perceived Degree of Preparedness When Working with Suicidal Clients , Heather Danielle Dahl

Dissertation: African American Pastors and Their Perceptions of Professional School Counseling , Krystal L. Freeman

Dissertation: A Phenomenological Investigation of Wellness and Wellness Promotion in Counselor Education Programs , Brett Kyle Gleason

Dissertation: Examining Disordered Eating Amongst Sorority Women , Andrea Joy Kirk

Dissertation: Bhutanese Counselors' Experiences with Western Counseling: A Qualitative Study , Susan V. Lester

Dissertation: An Exploration of Health Providers' Responses to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Malaysia , Kee Pau

Dissertation: A Mixed Methods Study of the Intersection of Sexual Orientation and Spiritual Development in the College Experience , Kevin C. Snow

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Dissertation: Ethical and Legal Knowledge, Cognitive Complexity, and Moral Reasoning in Counseling Students , Matthew W. Bonner

Dissertation: A Grounded Theory of the College Experiences of African American Males in Black Greek-Letter Organizations , David Julius Ford Jr.

Dissertation: The Experiences of School Counselors with Court Involvement Related to Child Custody , Crystal E. Hatton

Dissertation: A Grounded Theory of Suicidality in Children Ten and Younger , Katherine Angela Heimsch

Dissertation: School Counseling Program Models Utilized By School Districts , Tracy L. Jackson

Dissertation: The Relationship Among Counseling Supervision Satisfaction, Counselor Self-Efficacy, Working Alliance and Multicultural factors , Jennifer Dawn Logan

Dissertation: Development of the Profession of Counseling in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania: A Grounded Theory Study , Mueni Joy Maweu Mwendwa

Dissertation: Resident Assistants' Self- Efficacy for Participation in Counseling Activities , Miranda Johnson Parries

Dissertation: Role Ambiguity of Counseling Supervisors , Aaron Gabriel Shames

Dissertation: Degree of Implementation of the American School Counselor Association National Model and School Counselor Burnout , Katrina Marie Steele

Dissertation: College Health and Mental Health Outcomes on Student Success , Daniel Joseph St. John

Dissertation: Supervisor Perceptions of Their Multicultural Training Needs for Working with English Language Learning Supervisees , Hsin-Ya Tang

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Dissertation: Experiences of Resident Assistants with Potentially Suicidal Students: Identification, Referral, and Expectations , Katherine M. Bender

Dissertation: Counselor Demographics, Client Aggression, Counselor Job Satisfaction, and Confidence in Coping in Residential Treatment Programs , Erik Braun

Dissertation: School Personnel Perceptions of Professional School Counselor Role and Function , Caron N. Coles

Dissertation: Factors That Influence Minority Student Enrollment at Various Levels of Postsecondary Education , LaShauna Mychal's Dean

Dissertation: Experiences and Perceptions of Mental Health Professionals Considered Effective in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , Bonita H. Erb

Dissertation: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Gatekeeping Among PhD Counselor Educators , Carol A. Erbes

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50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research Topics Within Specific Branches of Psychology

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

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

Other social psychology topics you might consider include:

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

Psychology Research Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition

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

False memories
Speech disorders
Problem-solving

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Development

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

Some other topics you might consider include:

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

Do a Critique of Publications Involving Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Famous Experiments

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research About Historical Figures

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

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

Psychology Research Topics About a Specific Career

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Involving Case Studies

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

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

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

Psychology Research Topics Involving Literature Reviews

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Based on Your Own Study or Experiment

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

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

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

What This Means For You

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

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

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

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

Instant insights, infinite possibilities

61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

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

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

How to choose a psychology research topic

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

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

Focus on a particular area of psychology

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

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

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

Read the latest clinical studies

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

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

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

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

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

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

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

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

61 psychology topics to research in 2024

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

Psychology research topics for university students

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

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

Mental health in post-secondary students

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

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

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

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

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

Clinical psychology research topics

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

Chronic pain and mental health

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

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

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

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

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

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

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

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

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

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

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

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression

Controversial psychology research paper topics

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

The impact of social media and digital platforms

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

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

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

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

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

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

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

Mental health disorder research topics

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

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

Anxiety and depression disorders

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

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

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

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

Bipolar disorder

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

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

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar

Schizoaffective disorder

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

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

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

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

Societal and systematic psychology research topics

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

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

Access to mental health services

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

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

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

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

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

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

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include:

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

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

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

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

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

Collect data and identify trends with Dovetail

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

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

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Home > Family, Home, and Social Sciences > Family Life > Marriage and Family Therapy > Theses and Dissertations

Marriage and Family Therapy Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2019 2019.

Attachment and Relationship Quality: A Longitudinal Cross-Lagged Panel Model Examining the Association of Attachment Styles and Relationship Quality in Married Couples , Meagan Cahoon Alder

Coding Rupture Indicators in Couple Therapy (CRICT): An Observational Coding Scheme , AnnaLisa Ward Carr

We Shall Overcome: The Association Between Family of Origin Adversity, Coming to Terms, and Relationship Quality for African Americans , Kylee Marshall

Sri Lankan Widows' Mental Health: Does Type of Spousal Loss Matter? , Katrina Nicole Nelson

The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in the Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Conflict Tactics in Couples , Natalie Gold Orr

A Content Analysis of Ethnic Minorities in the Professional Discipline of Clinical Psychology , Pedro L. Perez Aquino

Sleep, Stress, and Sweat: Implications for Client Physiology Prior to Couple Therapy , Christina Michelle Rosa

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

A Content Analysis of the Journal of Adolescent Health: Using Past Literature to Guide Healthcare Research of US Ethnic Minority Adolescents , Kate Amanda Handy

Stress of Trying Daily Therapy Interventions , Emily Kathryn Hansen

U.S. Racial/Ethnic/Cultural Groups in Counseling Psychology Literature: A Content Analysis , Jared Mark Hawkins

Can Attachment Behaviors Moderate the Influence of Conflict Styles on Relationship Quality? , Cameron W. Hee

Therapist Behaviors That Predict the Therapeutic Alliance in Couple Therapy , Bryan C. Kubricht

Insider Perspectives of Mate Selection in Modern Chinese Society , Szu-Yu Lin

The Development of a Reliable Change Index and Cutoff for the SCORE-15 , Cara Ann Nebeker Adams

Difference in Therapeutic Alliance: High-Conflict Co-Parents vs Regular Couples , Andrea Mae Parady

Effects of Exercise on Clinical Couple Interactions , Samantha Karma-Jean Simpson

The Effect of Common Factor Therapist Behaviors on Change in Marital Satisfaction , Li Ping Su

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Physiological Attunement and Influence in Couples Therapy: Examining the Roots of Therapeutic Presence , Julia Campbell Bernards

Youth Disclosure: Examining Measurement Invariance Across Time and Reporter , Robb E. Clawson

A Pilot Study Examining the Role of Treatment Type and Gender in Cortisol Functioning , Stephanie Young Davis

Longitudinal Relations Between Interparental Conflict and Adolescent Self-Regulation: The Moderating Role of Attachment to Parents , Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen

Cost Outcomes for Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder Across Professional License Types and Modalities , Julia H. Jones

The Relationship Between Relational Aggression and Sexual Satisfaction: Investigating the Mediating Role of Attachment Behaviors , Melece Vida Meservy

The Effects of Family Stressors on Depression in Latino Adolescents as Mediated by Interparental Conflict , Jenny Carolina Mondragon

A Longitudinal Examination of Parental Psychological Control and Externalizing Behavior in Adolescents with Adolescent Internalized Shame as a Mediating Variable , Iesha Renee Nuttall

Multiculturalism and Social Work: A Content Analysis of the Past 25 Years of Research , Lauren Christine Smithee

Implicit Family Process Rules Specific to Eating-Disordered Families , Mallory Rebecca Wolfgramm

The Impact of Timing of Pornography Exposure on Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, and Sexual Behavior , Bonnie Young

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Relationship Between the Poor Parenting in Childhood and Current Adult Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression: Attachment as a Mediator , Kayla Lynn Burningham

Longitudinal Examination of Observed Family Hostility and Adolescent Anxiety and Depression as Mediated by Adolescent Perspective Taking and Empathic Concern , Trevor Dennis Dahle

The Influence of Client General Anxiety and Attachment Anxiety onAlliance Development in Couple Therapy , Erica Leigh Delgado

U.S. Ethnic Groups in the Journal of Family Psychology : A Content Analysis , Jessica Croft Gilliland

Passion and Sexuality in Committed Relationships , Emilie Iliff

Does Self-Esteem Mediate the Effect of Attachment on Relationship Quality , Alexis Lee

A Content Analysis and Status Report of Adolescent Development Journals: How Are We Doing in terms of Ethnicity and Diversity? , Jason Bernard Lefrandt

The Effect of Marital Therapy on Physical Affection , Tiffany Ann Migdat

Predicting Externalizing Behaviors in Latino Adolescents Using Parenting and EducationalFactors , Sergio Benjamin Pereyra

Pathways to Marriage: Relationship History and Emotional Health as Individual Predictors of Romantic Relationship Formation , Garret Tyler Roundy

Examining the Link Between Exercise and Marital Arguments in Clinical Couples , Bailey Alexandra Selland

Cost-Effectiveness of Psychotherapy and Dementia: A Comparison by Treatment Modality and Healthcare Provider , Megan Ruth Story

Childhood Abuse Types and Adult Relational Violence Mediated by Adult Attachment Behaviors and Romantic Relational Aggression in Couples , Tabitha Nicole Webster

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

The Effects of Marital Attachment and Family-of-Origin Stressors on Body Mass Index , Merle Natasha Bates

Shame, Relational Aggression, and Sexual Satisfaction: A Longitudinal Study , Austin Ray Beck

Parent and Adolescent Attachment and Adolescent Shame and Hope with Psychological Control as a Mediator , Natasha K. Bell

The Relationship Among Male Pornography Use, Attachment, and Aggression in Romantic Relationships , Andrew P. Brown

The Moderating Effect of Attachment Behaviors on the Association Between Video Game Use, Time Together as a Problem, and Relationship Quality , Stella Christine Dobry

Attachment Behaviors as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Disapproval and Relationship Satisfaction , Lauren Drean

Effects of Interparental Conflict on Taiwanese Adolescents’ Depression and Externalizing Problem Behavior: A Longitudinal Study , Chih Han Hsieh

The Cost Effectiveness of Psychotherapy for Treating Adults with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder , Micah LaVar Ingalls

Effects of Positive and Negative Events on Daily Relationship Effect for Clinical Couples: A Daily Diary Study , Kayla Dawn Mennenga

A Longitudinal Study of Therapist Emotion Focused Therapy Interventions Predicting In-Session Positive Couple Behavior , Josh Novak

Facilitative Implicit Rules and Adolescent Emotional Regulation , Lexie Y. Pfeifer

Avoidant Parental and Self Conflict-Resolution Styles and Marital Relationship Self-Regulation: Do Perceived Partner Attachment BehaviorsPlay a Moderating Role? , Erin L. Rackham

Individual Personality and Emotional Readiness Characteristics Associated with Marriage Preparation Outcomes of Perceived Helpfulness and Change , Megan Ann Rogers

Interactions Between Race, Gender, and Income in Relationship Education Outcomes , Andrew K. Thompson

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Partner Attachment and the Parental Alliance , Ashley B. Bell

A Glimmer of Hope? Assessing Hope as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Parenting and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms , Lisa D. Bishop

Father Influence on Adolescent Sexual Debut , Daniel Joseph Blocker

Stable Conflict Resolution Styles and Commitment: Their Roles in Marital Relationship Self-Regulation , Rebecca Suzanne Boyd

Me, You, and Porn: A Common-Fate Analysis of Pornography Use and Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Couples , Cameron C. Brown

The Relationship Between Partner Perceptions of Marital Power and Sexual Satisfaction as Mediated by Observed Hostile Interaction , Amanda Claire Christenson

The Impact of Parentification on Depression Moderated by Self-Care: A Multiple Group Analysis by Gender for South Korea and the U.S. , Sunnie Giles

Romantic Relational Aggression in Parents and Adolescent Child Outcomes , Jennifer Nicole Hawkley

Cost-Effectiveness of Treating Oppositional Defiant Disorder: A Comparison by Treatment Modality and Mental Health Provider Type , Julie Denise Malloy

Constructive vs. Destructive Anger: A Model and Three Pathways for the Expression of Anger , Kierea Chanelle Meloy

Treatment Outcomes for Mood Disorders with Concurrent Partner Relational Distress: A Comparison by Treatment Modality and Profession , Holly Pack

Cost Effectiveness of Treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Adolescence: A Comparison by Provider Type and Therapy Modality , Kathryn Evelyn Reynolds

Commitment, Forgiveness, and Relationship Self-Regulation: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model , Heather Michele Smith

A Comparison of Contemporary Filial Piety in Rural and Non-Rural China and Taiwan , Li Ping Su

A Dyadic Analysis of Couple Attachment Behaviors as Predictors of Dietary Habits and Physical Activity Levels , Stephanie Young

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Cost-Effectiveness of Treating Pervasive Developmental Disorders: A Comparison by Treatment Modality , Jaime Elizabeth Ballard

Couples' Experience of Attachment-Related Change in Context of Couple-Centered, Enactment-Based Therapy Process and Therapist-Centered Therapy Process: A Qualitative Study , James Waid Ballard

Links between High Economic Distress and School Engagement as Mediated through Negative Marital Interaction and Parental Involvement , Lauren Alyssa Bone Barnes

The Relationship Between Frequency of Incest and Relational Outcomes with Family-of-Origin Characteristics as a Potential Moderating Variable , Kathleen Diane Baxter

Parental Involvement, Parent-Child Warmth and School Engagement as Mediated by Self-Regulation , Jeffrey James Bentley

The Effect of Attachment on the Therapeutic Alliance in Couples Therapy , Shawn A. Bills

Intrinsic Religiosity and Adolescent Depression and Anxiety: The Mediating Role of Components of Self-Regulation , Brent Charles Black

The Relationship Between Romantic Relationship Initiation Processes of Single LDS Emerging Adults and Change in Attachment Working Models with Implications for Practice , Matthew Lloyd Call

Attachment and Covert Relational Aggression in Marriagewith Shame as a Potential Moderating Variable: A Two Wave Panel Study , Charity Elaine Clifford

Family Implicit Rules, Shame, and Adolescent Prosocial and Antisocial Behaviors , Jeffrey Paul Crane

Infidelity and Forgiveness: Therapists' Views on Reconciliation and Restoration of Trust Following Disclosure of Infidelity , Miranda Mae Goldie

Power of Shame: The Moderating Effects of Parental and Peer Connection on the Relationship Between Adolescent Shame and Depression, Self-Esteem, and Hope , Alexander L. Hsieh

Couple Attachment and Sexual Desire Discrepancy: A Longitudinal Study of Non-Clinical Married Couples at Mid-Life , Anthony Allen Hughes

Factors Relating to Romantic Relationship Experiences for Emerging Adults , Sabra Elyse Johnson

Attachment Behaviors as Mediators Between Family-of-Origin Quality and Couple Communication Quality in Marriage: Implications for Couples Therapy , Darin Justin Knapp

Division of Labor and Marital Satisfaction in China and Taiwan , Bryan C. Kubricht

Stability and Change in Women's Personality Across the Life Course , Carly D. LeBaron

The Cost Effectiveness of Collaborative Mental Health Services In Outpatient Psychotherapy Care , Ashley Ann Maag

The Relationship Between Insecure Attachment and Premarital Sexual Timing , Carly Ostler

A Longitudinal View of the Association Between Therapist Behaviors and Couples' In-Session Process: An Observational Pilot Study of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy , Lori Kay Schade

Conflict Resolution Styles as Mediators of Female Childhood Sexual Abuse Experience and Couple Relationship Satisfaction and Stability in Adulthood , Ashlee Elizabeth Sloan

The Relationship Between Video Game Use and Couple Attachment Behaviors in Committed Romantic Relationships , Jamie McClellan Smith

Psychological Control, Parental Support, Adolescent Grades and School Engagement , David Brian Thompson

Shame Not the Same for Different Styles of Blame: Shame as a Mediating Variable for Severity of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Trauma Symptoms in Three Attribution of Blame Groups , Tabitha Nicole Webster

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

The Mediating Influence of Child Self-Regulation on the Relationship Between Couple Attachment Security in Parents and Anxiety in Their Children , David P. Adamusko

Couple Communication as a Mediator Between Work-Family Conflict and Marital Satisfaction , Sarah J. Carroll

The Role of Trait Forgiveness in Moderating the Relationship between Materialism and Relationship Instability in Couples , Lance J. Dome

Relationship Between Observed Parental Optimism and Adolescent Optimism with Parental Involvement as a Mediating Variable: Two Wave Panel Study , Allison Ellsworth

Mental Health Treatment for Children and Adolescents: Cost Effectiveness, Dropout, and Recidivism by Presenting Diagnosis and Therapy Modality , David Fawcett

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Degree In Sight

Starting the dissertation

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

By MELISSA DITTMANN

gradPSYCH Staff

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

But, when and how do you begin?

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

So first off, you need a topic.

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

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

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

PICKING A TOPIC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONDUCTING THE LIT REVIEW

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

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

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

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

Cone and Foster also suggest that students:

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

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

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

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

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

Determine if related research might be published under different keywords.

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

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

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

IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM AND QUESTIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STAYING ON TRACK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The dissertation, start to finish

Letters to the editor.

Home > Education > CECP > Dissertations

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Dissertations

Dissertations from 2024 2024.

Say Her Name: a Phenomenological Study on Black Women’s Experiences with Fearful Encounters with the Police , Marilyn Shantey Buford

White Counseling Psychology Doctoral Trainees’ Experiences Broaching Whiteness with White Clients: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study , Zari Koelbel Carpenter

Counselor Education Doctoral Student Supervisors’ Preparedness to Address Indirect Trauma: Compassion Fatigue, Secondary Traumatic Stress, and Vicarious Trauma , Dynetta Clark

Examining Ethnic-Racial Socialization as a Predictor of Resilience and Ethnic-Racial Stress in Hispanic/Latine Young Adults , Adrian Josue Hernandez

Long COVID Patients: A Phenomenology Study Exploring Mental Health and Psychosocial Adaptation to Disability , Tonia Joy Lans

From Doctoral Student to Professor: The Professional Socialization and Career Development of International Counselor Educators , Ayla Martine Ludwig

Acculturation, Well-Being and Identity of Oromo Immigrants , Hawi M. Wako

Dissertations from 2023 2023

Racial Identity, Student-Professor Interactions, and Social Support: Predictors of Graduate Experiences for Black Women in Graduate Programs , Darrielle Allen

Exploring the Dimensions of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Affirmative Clinical Supervision , Lindsey N. Dollar

Measuring Multicultural Competence in Counseling , Martha Mae Golubski

A Narrative Inquiry Study of Adult Female Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Their Journey into Individual Counseling , Alex Houseknecht

The Impact of Gendered Racial and Bisexual Microaggressions on the Access to Decent Work for Black Bisexual Women: An Examination of the Moderation and Mediation Effects of Work Volition and Proactive Personality , Angela Chloe Lewis

Exposure to Videos of Police Brutality Against Black Americans and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among U.S. Adults , Ingrid Rauk

Effects of a Self-Forgiveness Intervention on Recovery from Substance Use Disorders , Michael Saltzman

An Analogue Study of Expected Working Alliance and Hope with Victims of Military Sexual Trauma Among Civilian and Military-Oriented Therapists , Alishia D. Salyer

A Phenomenological Investigation of the Meaning Making Experiences of Christian Women Who had an Abortion , Anne E. Stocker

Influence of a Multicultural Counseling and Psychology Course on Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education Master’s Students Color-Blind Ideologies and Ethnic Identity , Rebecca Tuinstra

Antiracist School Counseling Pedagogy: A Quasi-Experimental Multiple Regression Analysis , Star L. Zetocha

Dissertations from 2022 2022

Counseling Supervisors' Experiences Facilitating Supervisees' Cultural Competence , Christopher D. Bozell

Examining Academic Self-Efficacy, Race-Related Stress, Psychological Well-Being, and Racial Centrality on Black Former Undergraduate Historically Black College Students Currently Enrolled in Graduate Predominantly White Institutions , Maime Butler

Intersectional Identities of Race and Religion of African American Muslims and Their Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services , Cheruba A. Dhanaraj

Examining The Relationship Between Therapists’ Attachment-Related Characteristics And The Process And Outcome Of Psychotherapy , Char M. Houben

An Exploration of Stressors and Perceptions of Wellness Among Christian Church Ministry Wives , Laura Ann Kellicut

Generation Status, Ethnic Identity, Colonial Mentality, And Enculturation In Filipino Americans , Kamille Patricia Urmaza La Rosa

Factors in Graduate Student Resilience and Intention to Persist During Doctoral Study , Amber Mosley

Stressors And Coping Of Mexican American College Undergraduates , Jeanette Calvario Perales

The Effects of Therapist Attachment on the Process and Outcome of Psychotherapy , Kristin Elizabeth Roberts

Power, Privilege, and Permission: A Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors Who Serve Racially Diverse Clients , Cherrelle Singleton

Attachment and Older Adults in Psychotherapy: A Latent Profile Analysis of Psychological Distress across Treatment , Brian Michael Stran

Perceived Discrimination, Stereotype Threat, Grit, and Neuropsychological Performance in African Americans , Brandon E. Tross

Primary Caregiver Attitudes and Counseling Centers in High Poverty Elementary Schools , Emma Westra

The Acculturation Process of International Students in CACREP Counseling Programs: A Grounded Theory Approach , Hanny Wuysang

Dissertations from 2021 2021

Non-Affirmation as a Moderator Between Social Support and Quality of Life for Transgender Populations , Michael Evitts

Exploring Generational Difference of Acculturation, Ethnic Identity and Racial Identity in Liberian Immigrants and Their Children Living in the United States , Breezie J. Gibson

Black Men’s Perception of Their Father-Son Relationship , Shaakira E. Jones

Racial Identity, Masculinity, and Academic Help-Seeking Behaviors in African American Male College Students , Walter T. Malone

Academic Resilience, Student Engagement, and Academic Achievement Among Black Male Undergraduates at Predominantly White Institutions , Henry C. McCain III

Journey to the Professoriate: Exploring the Career Development of African American Male Faculty in Counselor Education , LaCretisha Danielle McDole

Experiences of Urban School Counselors: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study , Jennifer A. Meador

Intragroup Marginalization Among Latinx Migrant Farmworker College Students , Annette Calvario Perales

The Lived Experiences of African American Counselors: An Exploration of Their Reactions to Trauma Survivors , Zanovia P. Tucker

Dissertations from 2020 2020

Acculturation, Psychological Well-Being and Substance Use Behaviors in Asian Indian Americans , Sonia Y. Amin

Between Two Worlds: A Phenomenological Exploration of Experiences and Understandings Related to Race for Black Transracially Adopted Emerging Adults , Kyrai Antares

Ethnic Identity, Stress, and Anxiety in Latinx University Students at Predominantly White Institutions , Anel Arias

Racial Identity among Native American Adults in the Southwestern United States , Deidre P. Begay

Knowledge, Application, and Educational Experiences in Social Justice among Licensed Professional Counselors , Michael Bobbitt

Counselor Education Doctoral Students’ Experiences as Developing Gatekeepers , Diana Charnley

Community Involvement as a Protective Factor in Black College Students at Predominantly White Institutions , Shelee-Ann M. Flemmings

A Phenomenological Study of Faculty Members’ Experiences with Attempting To Integrate Religion and Spirituality into Counseling Psychology Doctoral Training , Theresa M. Nutten

The Effects of a Course Oriented In Critical Race Theory on White Counselor Trainees’ Multicultural Counseling Competence, White Privilege Attitudes, and Cross Racial Contact , Dawnielle D. Simmons

Multicultural Competence, White Privilege Attitudes and the Working Alliance in Clinical Supervision , Michelle A. Stahl

Dissertations from 2019 2019

Examining the Relationships of Coping Style and Athletic Identity with Adjustment to College among First-Year Division III Collegiate Athletes , Kate Hibbard-Gibbons

College Adjustment, Belongingness, Academic Self-Efficacy, Persistence, and Academic Success among First-Generation College Students , Heather R. Highhouse

Negotiating American Racial Constructs: First- Generation African Caribbean Immigrants’ Experience with Race , Rommel Johnson

A Phenomenological Investigation of Women’s Infertility and Miscarriage Grief Experiences , Tristan McBain

A Case Study of a Jail Participating in an Animal-Assisted Crisis Response Program , Erica Schlau

College Students with Physical Disabilities: An Exploratory Investigation within Counselor Education , Adam Tolbert Wall

Dissertations from 2018 2018

Qualitative Analogue Study on Student Therapist’s Reactions to Client Suicidality , Cynthia A. Beevers

Black Graduate Students’ Experiences of Stress and Coping , Shealyn J. Blanchard

The Role of Personal Experience with Death Related Grief Among Counselors Working with Grieving Clients , Stephanie R. Bobbitt

The Grief Experience of Spousal and Adult Child Caregivers of Individuals Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementias Following Facility Placement , Andrew D. Clay

Color-Blind Racial Ideology, Social Justice Attitudes, and Cultural Competency in U.S. Medical Students and Resident Physicians , Jennifer G. Hahm

Strongly Bonded Supervisory Relationships: Demystifying the Bond Aspect of the Supervisory Working Alliance , Melissa Heinrich

Counselor Educators’ Perceptions of Nontraditional Master’s-Level Counseling Students and How Those Perceptions Shape Teaching Practices , Pamela J. Jordan

Perspective Taking, Multicultural Course Completion, and Political Ideology Affiliation Effects on Zero-Sum Belief Endorsement by White Counseling Trainees , Lindsay A. Okonowsky

The Integration of Creative and Expressive Arts in a Young Adult Problem-Solving Court , Ricky J. Pope

Dissertations from 2017 2017

Coping and Africultural Adolescents , Britne R. Amos

A Qualitative Investigation of the Interpersonal Changes White Psychology Trainees Experience During their Race-Based Learning and Development , Molly K. Beagle

LGBT Microaggressions in Counselor Education Programs , Sarah Bryan

From the Arab World to the American World: Transition and Adjustment Experiences of Muslim Women , Nancy Hammoudah

Interpersonal Dependency and Self-Efficacy on Intention to Return to a Domestically Violent Relationship among Low-Income Women , Erin N. Jenkins

Impact of Post-Secondary Correctional Education on Self-Efficacy and Personal Agency of Formerly Incarcerated African American Men , David E. Jones

Lived Experience of College Students Who Reduced their Alcohol Consumption , Devin L. Jordan

Attitudes toward Professional Psychological Help among Kenyan Immigrants Living in the United States , Reuben M. Mwangi

Dominican College Students’ Experiences of Distress, Help-Seeking and Stigma , Laura Alicia Pacheco del Castillo

Bicultural Identity Integration and Individual Resilience as Moderators of Acculturation Stress and Psychological Wellbeing of Asian Bicultural Immigrants , Hartini Abdul Rahman

How Friendships between Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Counseling Psychology Doctoral Students Affect Anti-Heterosexist Identity Development , Amber L. Sylvan

Dissertations from 2016 2016

Personality Factors, Self-Care, and Perceived Stress Levels on Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Doctoral Students , Jennifer L. Bauer

Conceptualization, Measurement, and Effects of Helicopter Parenting on College Students from the Millennial Generation , BaoChun Z. Hind

The Influence of Racial Socialization on the Academic Achievement of Black College Students , Vanessa R. Laurent

African American Men’s Health: Regulating Race-Related Stress through Cognitive Flexibility , Brian P. Littleton

The Lived Experience of Individuals with Chronic Back and Neck Pain, Depression, and/or Anxiety , Tara L. Palmeri

Assessing Change in Attachment Security of Adolescents at Residential Therapeutic Programs , Laura Santa Thum

Dimensions of the Doctoral Dissertation Advising Relationship in Counselor Education: Mentoring Expectations, Satisfaction, and Time-to-Degree , LaSonda Wells

Exploring Interpersonal Variables Within the Supervisory Relationship: The Role of Supervisory Alliance, Supervisory Style, and Supervisee Attachment , Kathryn Wierda

The Lived Experiences of Conditionally Admitted College Students , Ashley J. Wildman

Dissertations from 2015 2015

Pedagogical Approaches to Multicultural Education within Teacher Preparation Programs , Mark Steven Barajas

Psychological and Social Variables Impacting Young Adults Caring for Severely Mentally Ill Mothers , Courtney Gale Deloney

The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Analysis of Healthy `Couples’ Perceptions , Brian C. Doane

Tongues Untied Truth Revealed: Body Image, Social Media, Identity Development, and Meaning-Making in Overweight and Obese Black Gay MSM , Amari Ja-Lynn Enam

Factors Influencing Academic Engagement and Achievement: Exploration of Impact of Parentification and Poverty in Adolescents’ Student-Teacher Relationships , Nontle Nako

Understandinq Second Generation Southeast Asian Americans' Lived Experience of lnterracial Romantic Partnerships with White European Americans , Sophia K. Rath

The Relationship between Counselor Trainees’ Personal Therapy Experiences and Client Outcome , Bonnie L. VanderWal

Impact of Athletic Identity and Emotional Competence on Athletes’ Attitudes toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help , Garett V. Weatherhead

Dissertations from 2014 2014

Urban School Counseling Impact: An ABA Reversal Single Subject Time-Series Analysis of Academic, Suspension, and Attendance Data , Katherine L. N. Colles

Testing a Model of Maladaptive Perfectionism and Depression Symptoms: The Roles of Emotional Disclosure, Emotion Regulation Strategies, Adult Attachment, and Shame , Angela M. Garrison

Exploring Help-Seeking Intentions among Black American Church-Goers , Krystelle Jean-Michel

The Relationship between Racial Ambiguity and Self-Concept in Multiracial lndividuals , James R. Jobe

Males’ Expectations of Counseling , Sheryl Kelly

The Counselor Experience in Counseling Clients Who Have Been Sexually Assaulted , Carrie J. Tremble

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288 Counseling Essay Topics & Sample Papers on Counseling Topics

Welcome to our list of best counseling research topics and essay ideas! Here, we’ve collected plenty of current issues to write about. It doesn’t matter if you’re a college student or a psychology professional: you will definitely find suitable counseling topics for your project here!

🔝 Top 10 Counseling Research Topics for 2024

🏆 best counseling topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good counseling topics for essays, 🥇 most interesting counseling topics to write about, 📌 simple & easy counseling essay topics, 🔎 school counseling research topics, 💡 research topics for counseling students, ❓ research questions about counseling.

Cultural Competence in Counseling
Importance of Empathy in Counseling
CBT Techniques and Their Effectiveness
Use of Social Media in Counseling
How Counselors Support LGBTQ+ Clients
Best Practices for Effective Group Therapy
Mindfulness and Meditation in Counseling
Confidentiality and Boundaries in Counseling
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Counseling
Strategies for Working with Clients with Trauma
Psychological Science: Counseling Essay (Theory of Counseling) Another important aspect is the counseling process; this depends on the individual counselor and client and the urgency of the issue in question.
Transcription of Counseling Session The purpose of this paper is to present the analysis of the verbatim transcription of a session with the client along with discussing the theoretical framework and providing reflection.
Accountability and Outcome in the Counseling Profession A client involvement in the therapy process will determine the therapy outcome in addition to quality of the treatment choice. For a counselor, it is crucial to approach this process with honesty and responsibility in […]
Importance of Counseling Skills Essay As earlier mentioned, counseling is a vocational process that requires a lot of passion and application of certain skills by a counselor, in order to achieve success. Therefore, I foresee struggle to master the skill […]
Comparison of Codes of Ethics: The American Counseling Association and the American Psychological Association Both the Psychologist and the counselor abide to the same codes of conduct with regard to terminating their services to a client.
Mental Health Counseling Admission Essay The decision to apply for the clinical counseling in mental health program was mainly influenced by an internship that I had at the Carter Center of Mental Health.
The Significance of Lifespan Development in the Practice of Counseling Psychology The physical aspect of lifespan development is one of the important ones: it is related to the growth and development of the body and changes in the body and the brain.
Personal Values and Counseling Sessions However, non-verbal clues may reveal the personal values of the counselor to the patient. Counselors should pay special attention to trying to avoid the impact of their personal values on the counseling process and advice […]
Psychoanalytic Therapy Approach in Group Counseling This system of interpretation and therapeutic treatment of psychological disorders is also known as the “talk therapy” as it is based on the intercourse of the Analysand and the Analyst who listens to the patient’s […]
Counseling Practice in Organization This presents itself as prime situation where a counselor is needed in order to get to the heart of the matter, identify what the employee truly wants to do and create some form of action […]
Theories and Applications of Counseling and Psychotherapy Counseling is a kind of psychological assistance aimed to overcome the problems of a mental and emotional nature.
Counseling Session Transcription: Kenry Lambert Case The investigation of the given cases presupposes the creation of the specific theoretical framework that can be applied to the case to help the student to eliminate undesired behaviors and achieve success in socialization.
Therapy and Mental Health Counseling The scholars emphasize that, unlike medications, therapy is a journey that requires awareness and acceptance of the change to heal from stress and trauma.
Career Guidance and Counseling Additionally, significant contributions in career guidance and counseling have helped develop career guidance and counseling. Davis introduced guidance and counseling in public schools in 1907.
Theory of Counseling: Solution Focused Therapy It is usually designed to aid the client to picture him/herself in a realistic future that is different to the present and past and when the problem the client is experiencing is non-existent.
Counseling Assessment Reliability and Validity In order to determine the level of content validity, one has to examine whether the scale is developed appropriately in that he/she has to examine items such as the level of reading necessary to understand […]
Group Counseling Session in Personal Reflection The opening was consistent with the group’s purpose, and my use of tone and volume was appropriate for the setting; however, I think that I showed little evidence of self-reflection or self-correction.
Support Group Counseling Session Under Observation The focus for the session was substance withdrawal to help the clients realize the importance and the process of abandoning the behavior.
Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling The author adds that the counselor needs spiritual maturity in a bid to get the client to the same level of maturity.
Personal Theory of Counseling Many scholars have come up with various theories that try to explain the nature of human behavior and the factors that cause the differences in the same.
Counseling and Teaching: Comparative Discussion Hence, in this scenario, an individual can become dissatisfied with the results of the working relationship and cooperation due to the inconsistencies and a lack of proper comprehension of differentiating roles of teachers from counsellors.
Managing Resistance in Correctional Counseling In the setting of corrective counseling, the client’s resistance to treatment may look different and manifest itself in a range of resistance, from passivity and ignorance to open confrontation with the counselor.
Counseling: Strengths and Weaknesses Directive counseling presupposes a counselor’s choice of topic, the interpretation of a client’s responses, and recommendations that aim to impact a client’s decision-making.
Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling It is important to underline the issue that the Bible is the background for Christian counseling, while the counseling itself is an integral part of Word ministry.
Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test II in Counseling The reliability of the given test refers to the fact that graphic movements are marked by the highest degree of regulation, and the violations of the mechanisms of spatial analysis and synthesis are primarily reflected […]
Cultural Bias in Counseling Practices Among other factors, cultural biases result from the fact that most of the counseling practices were created in the context of the dominant Euro-American culture.
Ethics in Group Counseling According to Crespi, it is important for the counselor and learners to learn the legal principles that guide the process of counseling by governing the standards to be observed by the counselor and the client.
The Use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Rehabilitation Counseling In this regard, cognitive-behavioral programs provide for clarification of the characteristics of the patient’s psychological state and assistance in their awareness, a brief appeal to the origins of the formation of the patient’s psychological problems, […]
The Practice of Counseling in the US and Indian Culture Owing the varied nature of the constituents of this culture, there is a large and continually expanding evolution of the Indian culture especially as regards religion, beliefs and societal values that is quite influential to […]
Drawing a Care-Seeker Through Phase One in Pastoral Counseling My traits will help me inspire a guy to independently search for the meaning and value that he lost with his mother and sister.
Mental Health Counseling Licensure and Certification in Florida The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the requirements and provisions for mental health counseling licensure and certification in Florida and discuss their impact on the public.
Jay E. Adams: A Theology of Christian Counseling Due to the fact that man is dependent on his creator, it can, therefore, be concluded that there is significant need for the use of theology in counseling.
Counseling Session With a Seventh-Grade Student The counselor is trying to analyze the student’s behavior without scolding and criticizing her. The professional is aware of the fact that her family environment is stressful and makes an effort to change it.
Counseling Ethics in 5-Step Decision-Making Model The failure to meet various needs of clients and the inability to perform according to the level of professional expertise interferes with the course of assessment and treatment.
The Problems of Adolescents: The Importance of Counseling The result is that, many young people are involving themselves in activities that are meant to send a statement of independence and freedom to their parents and the society as a whole.
Counseling Intervention Ethical Concerns In order not to bring more harm to the issue, counseling specialists should properly weigh possible outcomes and the consequences of the intervention.
Counseling on Euthanasia and End-of-Life Decision The immediate dynamic killing is a clinical demonstration coordinated to the hardship of life, while a doctor helped self-destruction is a demonstration of the doctor where he gives the patient a medicament for taking life.
An Orientation to Group Counseling Counseling groups help address psychological issues without causing massive changes to one’s personality. Psychotherapy groups allow focusing on a certain psychological concern.
About Counseling Cross-Culturally To reflect the relevance and objectivity of the author, it is possible to provide one of the examples from the study.
Self Disclosure in the Counseling Process The component parts of the organization are in many ways subordinate to the primary goals, even though on a day-to-day basis there may be enormous competition among individual organizational members and among structural subunits of […]
Burnout and Staff Turnover: Substance Abuse Counseling The counselor explains the rules and procedures to the patient, monitors the patient’s performance, and participates in the use of sanctions to obtain patient compliance.
Wellness in Theoretic Modeling and Counseling Practice This model was also employed to create a test evaluating the wellness of an individual; the Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle Inventory, abbreviated as WEL, was used for several years in order to further explore the […]
Counseling Ethics in Tarasoff vs. Regents Case Therefore, the ethical dilemma of the issue is that under the new rule, it has become therapists’ responsibility to decide how serious their patients’ threats are and whether it is necessary to inform potential victims […]
Spiritual Discernment and Vocational Counseling Spiritual discernment is the ultimate secret weapon that can be used by Christians who are interested in drawing closer to the Lord as they progress in life as it guides them to make the most […]
Counseling Competencies and Developing Strategies This paper highlights a few strategies of enhancing my proficiency and competence as a counselor in a bid to have an upper hand in the crowded field of counseling.
Counseling Interview in Family and Relationship Therapy My choice of questions for the interviewees on matters related to life, relationship and family will be designed as linear and systematic questions to aid in formulating an assessment.
Features of Assessment During the Counseling Process Also, it interprets the primary presenting concern, which is the change in the behavior of the client and the consequences of this change, and personal details of the client.
Counseling Profession in Special Education The relationships involved in the counseling profession depend on the unique needs of the individual seeking intervention. Special education counseling specializes in the aspect of psychotherapy in the school setting with an emphasis on facilitating […]
The Importance of Premarital Counseling Before Marriage It is thus essential for couples contemplating to enter into a binding contract to go through premarital counseling program in order to get skills and knowledge on how to maintain their marriage.
Anger Management Counseling and Treatment of Domestic Violence by the Capital Area Michigan Works These aspects include: the problem that the program intends to solve, the results produced by the program, the activities of the program, and the resources that are used to achieve the overall goal.
Modern Psychological Counseling Application of the latest psychological research to the development of psychosocial assistance, notably service-recipient-facing treatments and methods of implementation, is a feature of modern psychotherapy.
Intercultural Counseling: Cultural Competence in Therapy With African Americans As a result, the researchers came to the conclusion that cultural competency is an effective tool counselors can apply as it correlates with positive well-being outcomes and overall satisfaction with the assistance.
Power and Privilege in Intercultural Counseling The book looks at the concept of power and its role in change and considers the politics of change, analyzing the different forces that can block or promote it.
Challenges and Approaches to Family Counseling The main aim is to address issues affecting the health and functioning of the family, such as communication. However, a counselor should assess the danger posed to other family members and address it immediately.
Social Justice in Counseling Psychology The other barrier which is likely to arise in the process of integrating social justice in the workplace is legal and ethical issues.
Clinical and Counseling Psychology It is essential to evaluate the many cultural-clinical psychology distinctions that might result in cultural change since psychology encompasses a variety of topics, including psychological diseases, cognitive growth, and psychological maturity.
Self-Care Strategies or Interventions for Counseling Professionals The purpose of the project is not only to describe counseling obligations and challenges but identify the strategies and prove the possibility of their implementation today.
Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapy First of all, counselors need to be trained to develop an awareness of the existence and characteristics of cultural differences in understanding, communication, values, and lifestyles of people of different groups.
Counseling Program Reducing Cognitive Distortions The focus of this project will be on the use of group counseling based on the utilization of the positive psychology approach. As a result, this population is prone to the development of anxiety and […]
Counseling for Family Conflicts Resolution Family conflicts are considered in the project, and it is expected that the intervention will lead to a decreased incidence of the given phenomenon.
Cultural Diversity in Counseling Counseling is a challenging profession that requires one to be able to relate and appeal to people from different backgrounds. This approach would help evoke an understanding of how belonging to a specific culture changes […]
Code of Ethics in Clinical Mental Health Counseling For instance, the ACA’s ethical values involve upholding human development by using the multicultural method to support the potential, worth, and dignity of people in their cultural and social settings.
Cultural Differences in Counseling Therefore, I think that being sensitive and responsive to cultural differences in people requires a little interest in the topic and a willingness to examine their personality on the subject of cultural assumptions.
Sexual Orientation in Counseling As a result, LGB individuals should receive treatment that takes into account their co-occurring mental health needs and provides continuity of care within drug and alcohol rehab.
Cooper Mental Health Counseling Advertising The goal of the campaign will be to attract the maximum number of clients to the psychological counseling clinic. The call to action in the case of this advertising campaign will be a call to […]
Premarital Counseling Discussion One of the critical aspects of preventing a crisis that can lead to a divorce is ensuring good communication between a couple.
Genetic Counseling, Its Role, and Candidates In such cases, the benefits of such testing can be better explained to enable other family members to be tested and determine any other possible genetic problems.
Parenting Counseling in the New York City Community Overall, Cap4Kids has developed a wide range of resources and opportunities for children and their parents, thus, addressing the parenting issues that New York City community members are likely to experience presently.
Strength-Based Approach to Counseling: Pros and Cons These people cannot rely on their strengths, as they need other people to care for them, which is against the central principles of the strength-based approach. Additionally, I will use the strength-based approach to those […]
Researching of Rape Counseling On the other hand, the male victim assaulted by a stranger in the washroom will not have a fear of pregnancy, and there will be no need to take contraceptives.
The Reasons for Genetic Counseling According to Abacan, “genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease”.
Pastoral Counseling in the Military In turn, the standards of the Christian Church will help me to remain patient and understanding of the needs of soldiers so that they could progress in their spiritual development.
Mental Health Counseling Settings One advantage of a private practice is that decision-making is free from the influence of government agencies, charities, and other groups. However, a government agency setting is likely to have countless bureaucracies that would hinder […]
Humanistic Approach to Career Counseling A professional counselor can be helpful in choosing the right path to a job and when it is frustrating and disappointing. Faith: Well, it is a good day, and I decided to visit you.
Counseling Suffering Clients Therapists should pay attention to the characteristics of the restructuring of the spiritual worldview: a person can either discard his religious beliefs and plunge into a crisis, get hung up on it, or assert his […]
Counseling of a Client With Heroin Addiction Although he has a son, he does not maintain any relationship with him, and his son does not try to communicate with Dante. First, the client did not address this aspect and was unwilling to […]
The American Counseling Association: Code of Ethics The relations between the consultant and the client are based on trust, the foundation of which is the preservation of confidential information and privacy – they are discussed in the second section.
Mental Health Counseling and Ethical Standards Relevant codes contribute to following the necessary rules to communicate and interact with clients and meeting the standards of professional collaboration.
A Loss of a Family Member and Counseling He was disturbed by his friends’ lack of empathy and was bitter and angry about the loss of his mother. The patient demonstrates normal cognition in view of the fact that he is oriented in […]
Guiding and Counseling Practices in England and Nigeria Guidance and counseling based on a cognitive approach are brief in structure and nature and center on solving the root problems of the young people.
Group Counseling With Adolescents The study emphasizes that the response of the leader and group members to individual change talk plays a special role in such sessions.
A Career in Counseling Psychology Therefore, the work of a counselor in psychology seems to be one of the most appealing options from the perspective of professional growth.
Chapter 24 of “Affirmative Counseling With LGBTQI+ People” by Ginicola et al. The overarching purposes of behavior therapy implemented in a trauma-informed approach is to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment in trauma survivors.
Eye Contact, Active Listening, and Nonverbal Empathy in Counseling Process The reason for it is that it helps to understand people better and be able to establish strong and meaningful connections.
Psychodynamic Theoretical Approach to Counseling and Psychotherapy The basis of all assumptions of the psychodynamic theory is rooted in the notion of all behavioral issues originating from the unconscious part of the mind.
Career Counseling for People With Disabilities To sufficiently research, the issue of career counseling for individuals with disabilities in the academic press, a list of journals that offer such information was developed.
Stages and Skills of Counseling Counseling is a collaboration between the client and the counselor to discuss and solve the existing mental problems. I believe that parts of counseling in which I am adept are establishing relationships and defining the […]
Counseling on Bone Marrow Transplantation History and Process The National Marrow Donor Program is a not-for-profit association that works the Be The Match Registry of volunteer hematopoietic cell donors and umbilical rope blood units in the United States.
Adolescent’s Counseling About Health Amy is the representative of late adolescence, and she understands that her everyday choices and habits affect her health and are necessary to be managed consciously.
Genetic Counseling – Tay Sachs Disease In this case, there is a 25% likelihood of passing the gene to their children. This would be effective in preventing further passing down of the disease to their offspring.
Genetic Counseling Analysis To take a detailed family history, I would start with gathering the information about the consumers. Finally, I would ask about the members of the family who have already passed away and clarify the cause […]
Counseling and Education Session in Type II Diabetes Patients will be educated about the glycemic index and its effect on their blood sugar Patients will learn to count their carbohydrates. Patients will set up their goal and the timeframe to achieve it.
Developing Multicultural Counseling Competencies They then have to know the available tools for this evaluation, to create and more importantly, to be certain about the constancy and validity of the grading of these tools.
HIV Counseling and Testing: Lifetime Treatment Program Some of the possible intervention that can be adopted by the clinicians in order to improve adherence include the encouragement of the patients to be in contact with people of their age who will encourage […]
Notion of Counseling: Personality Assessment Techniques Projective tests, on the contrary, are conducted by specialists in order to guide the examinees through the process with questions that help identify the features of one’s personality that are invisible to the patient.
The Counseling Dynamics Between a White Client and a Counselor of Color Another barrier is in perceiving the counselor of color as a super minority therapist, which means that a White client might think that the professional is specialized in working for a specific group.
Counseling Process: Trustworthiness and Expertness Multicultural interactions in the given field can be observed through a wide range of dimensions, where both counselor’s and client’s ethnic background can shape the dynamics of the overall interaction.
Systemic Oppression & Traditional Counseling Ethics My response in the past would be in favor of the law because I was not fully aware of the cultural aspects of counseling.
School Counseling: A Challenge, an Opportunity That’s why I chose to pursue this career I feel it is a great opportunity to aid the young, and being a part of this process is equally challenging and rewarding.
Case Conceptualization: Counseling Adolescents There is a possibility that other psychological problems may be the cause of her behavioral changes, but based on her age, it is more likely that teenage problems are setting in.
School Counseling Specialization It calls for the specialist to analyze all of the aspects of the client’s life and develop interventions based on the issues identified in each of them.
Ethics in the Counseling Profession: Personal Case Empathetic- this is one of the strengths when it comes to counseling skills Genuine- I realized that I am in a position to tell the affected person the truth even if it is not that […]
Counseling Theories in the Management of Alcoholics The amount of alcohol he needs to get drunk has been increasing over the years and he spends much of his income on alcohol.
The American Counseling Association and the American Psychological Association Websites The intention of this research is to diffuse the result of Information Communication Technologies and the internet mostly for the coming age’s competitiveness of the two counseling websites. This adds to the links that are […]
Methods Used by Psychoeducational Groups for Counseling Therapy The main group objectives include the following points: Applying results of the literature review to the design of counseling sessions. Integrate different theories and methods into the structure of counseling sessions.
Concept Problem of School Counseling What is the role of the professional school counselor in your school? The role of school’s professional counselors is to indulge in sophistically sounding but utterly meaningless rhetoric, in regards to the sheer importance of […]
Developmental School Counseling and Pupil Services The Data collected from the instruments will be used to develop a system for determining patterns and the trends within the school environment.
Client Experiences of Counseling and Treatment Interventions To illustrate the use of qualitative research designs and methods of analysis, a study of family members’ views of family therapy is briefly described. A small fee was paid to the families in recognition of […]
Intentional Interviewing and Counseling The reason for her being in counseling is that her life has deteriorated to the point of being in a state of crisis.
Marfan Syndrome in Genetic Counseling The two generation hierarchies above and one generation hierarchy below the Anne’s generation was pooled and presented in the chart as below: Firstly, the typical clinical symptoms attributed to MFS were sorted from the description […]
International Students’ Attitude and Counseling Service For instance the students from Vietnam students are reluctant to seek counseling help due to the stigma associated with mental problems.
Work-Based Counseling in Companies The employees need to be frequently monitored and their issues solved for the organization to be productive. The employer should be in a position to understand that the employees are not machines that need to […]
Achieving Success in a Counseling Session I have experienced that the most favored solutions pertain to situations where the client is open to resourcefulness and motivation, which further depends on the competence level of the counselor or therapist and whether there […]
Five Moral Principles of ACA vs. Seven Virtues of Christian Counseling It is clear, however, that the ACA principles advocate a higher degree of autonomy while Christian counseling suggests that the counselor should suffer from the client, not just feel for them.
A Critical Review of the Counseling Modalities The advantage of this therapy is that the relationship between the clients and the counseling is friendly and intimate and that it is more eclectic than other approaches of therapy.
Ethical Issues of Counseling: Abortion and Divorce Personal values and beliefs, world views, and attitudes of both a counselor and a client have a great impact on the therapeutic relationship and effective treatment.
Postmodern Psychology and Counseling It is a way of self-actualization and self-realization of the person. The internal biological human nature is a specific characteristic of the mankind.
Personality Assessment in Counseling The origin of personality traits is investigated, as well as their role in biological and social processes and the consequences they have for a person’s health.
Certification in Substance Abuse Counseling Therefore, the presence of tolerance to alcohol is clear from the interview. In summary, the assessment generated substantial evidence that the client has a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or […]
Mental Health and Grief Counseling Issues One of the objectives of grief counseling is getting an individual to the last and most important stage of the process where someone accepts the reality of the loss they experienced. This would play a […]
Counseling Model Review and Analysis The rational emotive behavior theory plays a dominant role in the foundation of the basic philosophy of the model because it prioritizes the dysfunctional feelings and behaviors as the core of therapy.
School Counseling Group Functions Analysis By articulating the issues during the individual sessions or group meetings, the counselor will be able to single out the particular problems of each child and will make corrections in the plan to meet the […]
Job Loss and Career Counseling Strategies Key components of the assignment the introduction, the discussion on the subjects’ stages of career development, the identification of job loss consequences, recommendations for appropriate assessment and counseling strategies, and considerations of client advocacy.
Group Counseling: Change in Relationships The specified analysis is possible due to the use of the Thinking, Feeling, and Behaving Model, which allows one to explore the affective and emotional domain of the participants.
Effective Group Work Counseling for Academic Success Also, behavioral changes can be evaluated to check the impact of group counseling on students’ self-perception and their position in a class, which is crucial for adolescents.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Professional Counseling The main duty of a counselor is to offer services to deal with specific issues affecting a patient and enhancing individual growth.
Positive Outcomes in Breastfeeding Women Who Receive Counseling Admittedly, if a nurse handles postpartum women in his or her daily practice, it is imperative that he or she possesses scientific and technical knowledge of the challenges and particularities of breastfeeding.
Ethical Principles and Concepts in Counseling The notions of privacy, confidentiality, and privilege are central to the process of counseling and have to be adhered to so that rapport could be established between a patient and a counselor.
Counseling and Professional Ethics in California Professional ethics is a system of moral standards and moral principles inherent in a certain professional community, which performs the functions of regulating the interaction of specialists in the professional environment, determining the individual’s attitude […]
Empirically Supported Relationships in Counseling In counseling, this variable is essential since it helps to reduce the power distance between therapists and their clients. There is a strong link between the background diversity of clients and the attainment of better […]
School Counseling & Problem Conceptualization The ultimatum that the parents of the student present to Janeen may further affect her mental health. The possible reaction of the student’s parents to her gender concerns is unknown.
Certification in Clinical or Counseling Psychology The main drawback of pursuing a doctorate degree is the time required for one to complete the education and obtain it.
Professional School Counseling: Interview Reflection This means that the school counselors utilize the statistics to illustrate the effect of the school counseling program on the overall enhancements and student success.
Clinical and Counseling Psychology as Career Fields The subject matters of the common clinical psychology are the common factors of the psychology of the patient and of the health care professional; the psychological peculiarities of the patient and the doctor; the influence […]
Professional Competencies in General Counseling In order to be an effective counselor, I need to place my feelings on the periphery and focus on the clients’.
Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy The cognitive and behavioral intervention strategies mentioned in the chapter can be used not only by a school social worker, but any clinician to improve the quality of life of the client. The multicultural theory […]
Counseling Theoretical Approaches At the beginning of the therapy, I make assessments to enable the therapy to be optimally effective. The sessions of this therapy are usually precise and less in number as compared to the REBT sessions.
Sexually Abused Child’s Treatment and Counseling I developed a lot of interest in the case and, therefore, decided to explore it by seeking a deeper understanding of the problems being experienced by the boy.
Group Counseling, Leadership and Facilitation The respondent further indicates that through group leadership, one can easily stir and cause the transformation to occur within the general society.
Counseling Services in K-12 Schools Good decision-making ensures that both the interests of the students and educational stakeholders are respected in the course of student counseling. The tiered model of action in regards to school counseling begins with the students’ […]
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist’s Interview In this interview, I used the word of mouth approach, and the following is a summary of the psychologist’s response to my questionnaires.
Crisis and Trauma Counseling In the event that death occurs, the bereaved find it difficult to accept the loss at first, but when it dawns on them that it is true they have lost a loved one, anger takes […]
Addiction Counseling and Certification in Arizona I have also defined the roles of the counselor in my area of specialization, that is, addiction counseling described the characteristics of an effective professional counselor in my field of specialization, and identified the licensing […]
Group Counseling for Children of Addicted Parents In this respect, my role as a leader and group counselor is to explain to the children other ways of relieving grief, angriness, and hatred.
Patient Empowerment: Education and Counseling In the age of technologies, the Internet, social media, and the extensive use of electronic health records, patients are presented with opportunities to take their health under control and become more active in choosing, implementing, […]
Counseling and Therapy for Couples: Family Resilience Was the child the reason for their marriage? What is the reason for the difference in their present-day income?
Rehabilitation Counseling for Older Disabled Adults Rehabilitation counseling can offer help to older adults with a disability, as it provides essential tools and support for developing coping mechanisms and improving the quality of life.
Child Counseling and Parenting Problems To describe an ongoing problem from the Cooper family’s perspective briefly, it would be proper to state that Matthew does not seem to be the head of the family as this role belongs to his […]
Counseling: Attention Deficit and Its Functional Impact These interviews are meant to study the impact of ADHD on the behavior and function of children while parents were evaluated for the observability of these measures.
Pre-Discharge Medication Counseling Implementation At the fourth stage, the knowledge translation strategies should be selected by administrative staff to facilitate understanding of the change. At the last stage, the outcomes of the change on patients and medical staff need […]
Coercion in Counseling of Addicted Clients The central areas of concern include the impact of coercion on motivation, the effectiveness of coercion and existing alternatives, ethical and legal challenges to the use of coercion, and mandated clients’ perspectives on the matter.
Pre-Mental Health Counseling Assessment for Child The counselor who assesses the client for perception of Relationship Test has to ascertain the closeness of the child with either of the parents.
Active Listening Skill Essene in Counseling To facilitate the establishment of a trustful relationship with a client, a counselor should implement active listening techniques and develop the right attitude to the work process and people with whom he or she interacts.
Life After Sexual Abuse. Counseling Intervention The latter implies the analysis of the problem from the perspective of a sexual abuse survivor who has experienced the lack of attachment in infancy and, therefore, is incapable of handling the issue of their […]
Wellness and Counseling in Family Systems Therapy At the same time, the work with a client presupposes the ability to meet his/her diverse needs and be ready to determine the theory of counseling that should be used to guarantee the improvement of […]
Career Counseling Program for High-School Students In turn, it is vital to indicate that the program will also discuss the role of diversity and globalization in different industries and help select the most suitable career path, as these aspects may define […]
Counseling and Social Work Challenges Also, it may be important to try to work with different people and assess the impact that individual differences have on the work results.
Counseling: Poor Attention and Communication Skills First of all, the issue of low concentration can be addressed through games connected to the use of one’s memory and attentiveness.
Abortion Counseling and Psychological Support One recurrence is a woman’s lack of autonomy which can directly pressure the decision to have an abortion. Women may be driven by a number of influences and ideological factors to have a certain level […]
Disaster Response and Counseling Evaluation The analysis of the series of Haitian disasters demonstrates that rescue and crisis management efforts may be undermined because of such reasons as under-funding and collapsed infrastructure that substantially interfered with the fulfillment of the […]
School Counseling Programs and Student Achievements
School Counseling Specifications
Genetic Testing & Counseling and Their Value
Self-Efficacy in On & Offline Counseling Programs
Anxiety Evaluation in Rehabilitation Counseling
Case Management and Rehabilitation Counseling
Wellness Concept in Counseling
Psychology and Theology in Christian Counseling
Professional and Barter Relationships in Counseling
Personal Frameworks and Boundaries in Counseling
Counseling Ethical Codes and Diversity Issues
Personal Counseling and Development Theory
Counseling Process and Communication Ethics
Multicultural Career Counseling Method
Counseling Low Self-Esteem and Decision Making
Counseling Theories on Elementary School Students
Motivational Counseling and Interviewing Techniques
Multicultural Counseling Importance and Challenges
Counseling Psychology: Career Choice
Implicit Expectations in Rehabilitation and Counseling
Counseling and Mentorship Program for Hispanic Children
Psychological Counseling Using Behavioral Theory
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Theories of Counseling
The Practice and Training of Counseling Psychologists
Adlerian Theory in the Group Counseling
Psychology Issues: Health Counseling
Advantages of Group Counseling
Effective Mental Health Counseling
Counseling Jewish Women: A Phenomenological Study
“The Counseling Profession’s Relationship to Jews and the Issues That Concern Them: More Than a Case of Selective Awareness”
Multicultural Counseling and the Orthodox Jew
Cultural Diversity in Counseling: Multiculturalism as an Important Part of Our Lives
Addiction Counseling and Psychosocial Crisis in Elderly
‘Psychology, Theology and Spirituality in Christian Counseling’ by Mark McMinn
Marci: Analysis of a Counseling Situation
Biblical Word Study: Counseling and Addiction Categories
Drug Addictions Counseling: Assessment and Diagnosing
Predicting Premature Termination From Counseling Using the Butcher Treatment Planning Inventory
Attachment Dimensions and Adolescence Drug Addiction in Relation to School Counseling
Counseling in the Workplace
Group Counseling in the Schools
Counseling Techniques Used to Help an Unemployed Client
A Major Challenge to Counseling the Culturally Diverse
Counseling Psychology in Dealing With Divorce
The Role of Hispanic Americans in Counseling
Ethical Decision-Making Tools: Chemical Dependency and Counseling
Group Counseling and Ethics
Evaluation of Anger Management Counseling and Treatment of Domestic Violence by the Capital Area Michigan Works
Adventure Based Counseling
Prayer in Christian Counseling
Multicultural Counseling Theory and Multicultural Counselors
Importance of Group Counseling
Christian Counseling for Children
Premarital Counseling
Mentoring and Counseling
Medical Model Versus Counseling Model
The Essential Qualities and Knowledge for Effective Counseling
What Theory or Theories of Counseling are Observed in the Film Good Will Hunting?
Pre Marriage Counseling: One Year Before Getting Married
Contributions in Psychological Clinical Counseling
Which Factors Contributed to the Development of Counseling Psychology?
What Are the Types of Counseling?
What Is the Difference Between Counseling and Therapist?
Who Was the First Psychological Counselling?
How Is Active Listening Used in Counseling?
When Is It More Appropriate to Use Group Counseling?
How Competent Is Christian Counseling?
What Are the Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Counseling?
Why Is It Important to Talk to a Premarital Counselor Before Getting Married?
In Which Crisis Situations Is Counseling Recommended?
How Is Counseling Culturally Sensitive?
What Is the Most Popular Counseling Theory?
How Are the Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in the Counseling?
What Factors Affect the Effectiveness of Counseling?
Can Counseling Be Unethical?
What Are the Basic Skills Needed in Counseling?
How Does Counseling for Children Differ From Counseling for Adults?
What Ethical and Legal Dilemmas Can Arise in Counseling?
In Which Situations Is It Advisable to Turn To Family Counseling?
How Is Counselling Different From Coaching?
What Is the Essence of Genetic Counseling?
What Is the Significance of Counseling for an Individual and Organization?
What Are Some of the Major Challenges Facing the Counseling Profession Today?
How Many People Are Allowed in Group Counseling?
What Are the Geological and Psychological Foundations of Counseling?
What Is the Role of HR in Employee Counseling?
What Issues Does High School Counseling Address?
How to Improve the Legal Level of Consulting?
What Does Integrative Mean in Counselling?
What Are the Challenges of Multicultural Counseling of American Indians?
Personal Values Ideas
Self-Reflection Research Topics
Psychotherapy Paper Topics
Social Justice Essay Ideas
Mentorship Topics
Leadership Essay Ideas
Mental Health Essay Ideas
Performance Management Ideas
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

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Dissertation Topics: 190 Best Ideas

Coming up with the right dissertation topics is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your academic life. With so many fields to explore, finding a subject that not only interests you but also has enough research material can feel overwhelming. In 2024, some topics are gaining particular attention:

Sustainability and environmental challenges
Artificial intelligence and its impact on society
Mental health and well-being
The future of work and remote employment
Social media's role in shaping political discourse

In this article, we'll guide you through these trending dissertation topics and provide insights into choosing one that suits your interests and goals. We'll also cover how to approach your research and craft a strong argument without getting lost in the process. If you still find yourself stuck after reading, DoMyEssay offers top-tier assistance to help you with writing a dissertation and beyond.

Economics Dissertation Topics

Here are 10 unique topics that offer a fresh perspective on key economic issues, giving you a solid starting point for in-depth research.

How do cryptocurrency regulations impact global financial stability?
What role does AI play in shaping modern economic forecasting models?
How has remote work affected productivity and wage inequality in developed economies?
Can universal basic income reduce poverty in high-income countries?
How does climate change influence global trade patterns and resource allocation?
What are the long-term economic effects of the gig economy on traditional labor markets?
How does social media advertising impact consumer behavior and economic growth?
What are the economic consequences of shifting to renewable energy sources?
How do international sanctions affect the economic development of targeted countries?
What is the impact of rising inflation on small businesses in emerging markets?

Business Dissertation Topics

When it comes to business dissertations, focusing on current trends and challenges is key. Each question below tackles a unique aspect of the evolving business landscape.

How does corporate social responsibility influence consumer loyalty in 2024?
What are the most effective leadership styles in hybrid work environments?
How do start-ups use innovation to compete with established brands in crowded markets?
What is the role of emotional intelligence in modern business negotiations?
How do data-driven strategies improve decision-making in the retail sector?
What are the key factors affecting the success of mergers and acquisitions in tech companies?
How does influencer marketing impact brand credibility and sales growth?
What are the long-term effects of supply chain disruptions on global business operations?
How do sustainability practices impact profitability in the fashion industry?
What is the role of workplace diversity in enhancing creativity and innovation?

Dissertation Ideas in Management

These management-focused ideas offer timely topics for research while addressing real-world challenges in modern organizations.

How can companies build a resilient workforce in the face of global crises?
What are the most effective strategies for managing remote teams across multiple time zones?
How does emotional intelligence in leadership improve employee performance and satisfaction?
What role does digital transformation play in streamlining operations in large organizations?
How can change management frameworks help companies adapt to disruptive technologies?
What are the best practices for managing diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
How can performance management systems be redesigned to suit hybrid work models?
What impact does ethical leadership have on organizational culture and long-term success?
How can agile project management be effectively implemented in non-tech industries?
What strategies help reduce employee burnout and improve retention in high-pressure industries?

Finance Dissertation Ideas

Finance is a field rich with complex, evolving topics. Here are ten dissertation ideas in finance, each presenting a unique angle for exploration:

How do interest rate changes impact investment decisions in emerging markets?
What are the effects of fintech innovations on traditional banking practices?
How can risk management strategies be optimized for volatile cryptocurrency markets?
What role does behavioral finance play in stock market volatility?
How do environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors influence investment portfolios?
What are the economic implications of high-frequency trading on market stability?
How do regulatory changes affect financial market efficiency and investor behavior?
What impact does corporate governance have on financial performance and shareholder value?
How can predictive analytics improve credit risk assessment for financial institutions?
What are the financial risks and opportunities associated with sustainable investment funds?

Dissertation Topics in Marketing

These topics focus on contemporary issues and innovations in marketing, providing a range of options for impactful research.

How does personalized marketing affect customer loyalty and retention in e-commerce?
What are the impacts of influencer marketing on brand perception and sales conversion?
How can companies leverage big data to enhance their digital marketing strategies?
What role do mobile marketing strategies play in influencing consumer purchasing decisions?
How do environmental and sustainability claims influence consumer brand trust and purchase behavior?
What are the effects of social media advertising on brand equity and consumer engagement?
How can businesses effectively use customer feedback to drive product development and marketing strategies?
What are the challenges and opportunities of integrating artificial intelligence into marketing automation?
How does cross-cultural marketing impact global brand positioning and market entry strategies?
What are the trends and effectiveness of experiential marketing in enhancing brand experiences?

Dissertation Topics in Accounting

Accounting is important for managing financial health and ensuring compliance. Here are ten dissertation topics in accounting, each offering a fresh perspective on key issues and developments:

How do blockchain technologies improve transparency and reduce fraud in financial reporting?
What are the effects of new accounting standards on financial statements and investor decisions?
How can forensic accounting techniques be enhanced to better detect financial irregularities?
What impact do tax reforms have on corporate financial strategies and compliance?
How does environmental accounting contribute to corporate sustainability and reporting practices?
What role does artificial intelligence play in automating and improving auditing processes?
How do international accounting standards affect financial reporting for multinational corporations?
What are the implications of revenue recognition changes on performance metrics and financial health?
How can small businesses effectively manage and report financial risks in a volatile economy?
What are the challenges and benefits of integrating cost management systems into strategic decision-making?

Human Resources Dissertation Topics

These topics cover contemporary issues and advancements in HR, providing a range of options for in-depth and impactful research.

How can organizations effectively implement remote work policies while maintaining employee engagement and productivity?
What are the impacts of AI and automation on HR practices and job roles?
How does diversity and inclusion training influence workplace culture and employee performance?
What strategies can HR departments use to address and reduce employee burnout in high-stress industries?
How does employee well-being and mental health support impact organizational performance and retention?
What are the best practices for managing talent acquisition in a competitive job market?
How can HR analytics be utilized to improve decision-making and workforce planning?
What role does leadership development play in preparing employees for succession planning?
How do compensation and benefits strategies affect employee satisfaction and organizational loyalty?
What are the challenges and opportunities in implementing effective performance management systems?

Political Science Dissertation Titles

Political Science examines the dynamics of power, governance, and policy.

How do migration and refugee crises affect national security policies and international diplomacy?
What are the consequences of foreign interference in democratic elections on national sovereignty?
How does the rise of authoritarian regimes challenge global human rights standards?
What role does political ideology play in shaping public policy and legislative outcomes?
How do social media platforms influence political mobilization and public opinion?
What are the effects of populist movements on democratic institutions and governance?
How do international sanctions impact the political stability and economic development of targeted nations?
What role does political corruption play in undermining democratic processes and reforms?
How do environmental policies shape political agendas and international relations?
What are the impacts of electoral system reforms on political representation and voter participation?

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Law Dissertation Topics

Law is a vast field with many evolving areas of interest. Here are ten dissertation topics in law, each focusing on contemporary issues and legal challenges:

How do recent changes in data protection laws impact corporate compliance and consumer privacy?
What are the legal implications of autonomous vehicles on liability and insurance frameworks?
How do international human rights treaties influence domestic legal systems and practices?
What role does corporate governance play in preventing financial fraud and ensuring ethical business practices?
How effective are current anti-terrorism laws in balancing national security and civil liberties?
What are the legal challenges and opportunities in regulating cryptocurrency and digital assets?
How does the rise of environmental litigation affect corporate environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance?
What are the legal implications of remote work on labor laws and employment contracts?
How do family law reforms impact child custody decisions and parental rights?
What are the effects of legal reforms on access to justice and legal representation for marginalized communities?

History Dissertation Topic Ideas

These history dissertation topics are designed to shed light on significant and unique aspects of the past:

How did the rise of industrialization impact social structures and labor conditions in 19th-century Europe?
What were the long-term effects of colonialism on indigenous cultures and economies in Africa?
How did the Cold War influence global political alignments and conflicts in the Middle East?
What role did women play in social and political movements during the early 20th century?
How did the Great Depression shape economic policies and social welfare programs in the United States?
What were the causes and consequences of the fall of the Roman Empire on European civilization?
How did technological advancements during World War II alter warfare strategies and post-war geopolitics?
What impact did the Civil Rights Movement have on legislation and race relations in post-1960s America?
How did the Silk Road facilitate cultural and economic exchanges between East and West in ancient times?
What were the effects of political revolutions in Latin America on regional stability and international relations?

Psychology Dissertation Topics

The psychology dissertation topics below cover a wide range of topics related to human behavior and mental processes.

What role does early childhood trauma play in the development of personality disorders?
How do sleep patterns affect cognitive functioning and emotional regulation in young adults?
What are the psychological effects of remote work on employee motivation and job satisfaction?
How does attachment style influence romantic relationships and relationship satisfaction?
What are the impacts of virtual reality exposure therapy on treating phobias and PTSD?
How does social media use impact adolescent self-esteem and mental health?
What are the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety and depression in adults?
How do cognitive biases influence decision-making in high-stress environments?
How does cultural background affect the perception and treatment of mental health issues?
What are the psychological factors contributing to addiction and effective strategies for intervention?

Sociology Dissertation Topics

Here are ten social work dissertation topics that examine the complex interactions between individuals and society:

What are the social consequences of rising political polarization and partisan identity?
How does the gig economy impact traditional employment structures and worker rights?
What are the effects of environmental degradation on marginalized communities and social justice?
How does the rise of digital technologies influence social relationships and interpersonal communication?
What are the implications of aging populations on healthcare systems and social policies?
How does social media influence identity formation and self-perception among teenagers?
What are the effects of urbanization on community cohesion and social networks in modern cities?
How does economic inequality impact access to education and social mobility?
What role does family structure play in shaping children's academic and social outcomes?
How do migration and globalization affect cultural identity and integration in host societies?

PhD Dissertation Topics

PhD dissertations often tackle complex and advanced subjects.

How can adaptive algorithms improve real-time decision-making in autonomous drone systems?
What are the long-term impacts of synthetic biology on ecological balance and biodiversity?
How do blockchain technologies influence transparency and accountability in supply chain management?
What are the effects of neuroplasticity-focused interventions on cognitive rehabilitation for brain injury survivors?
How can advanced data analytics reshape predictive models for rare disease diagnostics?
What role does gene-environment interaction play in the development of complex psychiatric disorders?
How does the integration of augmented reality in educational settings affect student engagement and learning outcomes?
What are the implications of nanotechnology in the development of next-generation drug delivery systems?
How do sociopolitical narratives shape the perception and policy responses to emerging infectious diseases?
What are the ethical considerations and societal impacts of using AI in autonomous legal decision-making systems?

Ecology Dissertation Ideas

These topics explore different aspects of ecosystems and environmental interactions:

How does climate change affect the migration patterns of avian species?
What are the impacts of deforestation on biodiversity and ecosystem services in tropical rainforests?
How do invasive species alter native ecosystems and food webs?
What role do urban green spaces play in supporting local wildlife and improving ecological health?
How does pollution from agricultural runoff affect aquatic ecosystems and water quality?
What are the effects of habitat fragmentation on animal behavior and population dynamics?
How do conservation strategies influence the recovery and resilience of endangered species?
What is the impact of ocean acidification on marine biodiversity and coral reef ecosystems?
How do changes in land use impact soil health and ecosystem productivity?
What role do ecological interactions play in the spread and control of zoonotic diseases?

Biology Dissertation Topics

Biology covers the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

How do genetic modifications impact the resistance of crops to pests and diseases?
What are the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics?
How do microbial communities in the gut influence human health and disease?
What are the mechanisms of resistance development in bacteria against antibiotics?
How does habitat loss affect the genetic diversity and survival of endangered species?
What role do epigenetic changes play in cancer development and progression?
How can CRISPR technology be used to address genetic disorders and enhance gene therapy?
What are the ecological impacts of plastic pollution on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems?
How do plant-pollinator interactions affect crop yields and ecosystem stability?
What are the implications of evolutionary biology for understanding human diseases and treatments?

Dissertation Topics in Educational Leadership

These education dissertation topics focus on critical issues and trends in the field:

How do transformational leadership styles impact teacher motivation and student achievement?
What are the effects of school leadership on implementing inclusive education practices?
How does distributed leadership influence decision-making and collaboration in schools?
What role does educational leadership play in addressing and reducing achievement gaps?
How can leaders effectively manage and support the integration of technology in the classroom?
What are the challenges and benefits of leadership in diverse and multicultural school settings?
How do principal leadership practices affect school culture and climate?
What strategies can educational leaders use to foster professional development and continuous learning among teachers?
How does leadership in early childhood education differ from leadership in K-12 settings?
What are the impacts of policy changes on school leadership and educational outcomes?

Dissertation Topics in Education

Here are ten education dissertation topics covering a range of issues within the field.

How does early childhood education impact long-term academic success and social development?
What are the effects of differentiated instruction on student engagement and learning outcomes?
How can educational institutions effectively support students with learning disabilities?
What is the role of parental involvement in enhancing student performance and motivation?
How do online learning platforms compare to traditional classroom settings in terms of student achievement?
What are the challenges and opportunities of implementing culturally responsive teaching practices?
How does formative assessment influence student learning and instructional strategies?
What impact does school leadership have on teacher job satisfaction and retention?
How can schools address and prevent bullying through educational programs and policies?
What are the effects of integrating social-emotional learning into the school curriculum on student behavior and academic performance?

Dissertation Topics in Higher Education

Higher education is a dynamic field with many areas ripe for exploration.

How do university admissions policies impact diversity and inclusion in higher education institutions?
What are the effects of online learning platforms on student engagement and academic performance in higher education?
How can higher education institutions better support first-generation college students?
What role does academic advising play in student retention and success in university settings?
How do financial aid programs influence students' academic choices and career outcomes?
What are the impacts of global exchange programs on students' cultural competence and academic growth?
How does campus climate affect student mental health and well-being in higher education institutions?
What strategies can universities employ to enhance the integration of career readiness into the curriculum?
How do faculty development programs impact teaching effectiveness and student learning in higher education?
What are the challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainability practices within university operations and curricula?

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic?

Choosing topics for dissertation on your own doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's a straightforward approach to help you land on the perfect subject:

Check the Research Gaps: Look for areas in your field that haven't been fully explored yet, offering you a chance to contribute something new.
Consider Relevance: Make sure the topic is timely and has a connection to current trends or future developments in your field.
Scope It Right: Don't choose a topic that's too broad or too narrow. Aim for one with enough material to explore but manageable within your timeline.
Availability of Resources: Ensure you have access to the necessary data, studies, and experts to support your research.
Consult Your Advisor: Don't hesitate to discuss your dissertation ideas with your advisor. Their feedback can help refine your topic and make it more focused.

Where to Look For a Unique Dissertation Topic?

Here are some simple yet effective ways to discover truly great topics for dissertation :

Academic Journals: Browse the latest issues of relevant journals to spot emerging trends or unexplored areas of research.
Conferences and Seminars: Attending academic events can expose you to cutting-edge research and provide inspiration for your topic.
Online Databases: Platforms like Google Scholar or JSTOR are excellent for identifying recent studies and some great examples of dissertation topics.
Current News and Industry Reports: Look for real-world issues in your field by staying up to date with news articles and industry reports. These sources often highlight hot topics.
Your Own Work Experience: If applicable, draw from any personal experience or previous research projects that you can expand upon or dive deeper into.

What Does a Good Dissertation Title Look Like?

Once you've settled on a topic, crafting the right title is the next critical step. A strong dissertation title should do more than just summarize your research—it should grab attention and clearly communicate the focus of your study. Here's what makes a good dissertation title:

Clarity: Your title should be straightforward and easy to understand, leaving no room for confusion about what your dissertation ideas cover.
Specificity: A good title narrows down your topic to a specific area, highlighting exactly what your research will focus on.
Relevance: Ensure the title reflects current issues or debates within your field. It should immediately signal why your research matters.
Conciseness: Keep it short and to the point. Long, complicated titles can be overwhelming and less memorable.
Keywords: Include key terms related to your topic that will help others find your work during searches.

What are Some Relevant Ideas to Research in 2024?

As we move through 2024, certain areas of research are more relevant than ever, especially in fields like AI, technology, and politics. These subjects are constantly evolving, offering plenty of opportunities for fresh and impactful research:

Artificial Intelligence: Focus on the ethical implications, advancements in machine learning, or AI's impact on industries such as healthcare, education, or the job market.
Technology: Explore emerging technologies like blockchain, quantum computing, or virtual reality and how they're transforming sectors like finance, entertainment, or data security.
Politics: Research the influence of social media on political movements, the rise of populism, or how global events are shaping new policies and governance models.

Final Remarks

In 2024, some of the hottest areas for research include:

The ongoing challenges of climate change policies
AI's role in modern industries
Mental health in the workplace
Cryptocurrency regulations
The rise of sustainable practices across different sectors.

Whether you're drawn to technology's advancements, the future of education, or gender equality in leadership, there's no shortage of fascinating directions you can take your research. If you're still feeling unsure about which topic is right for you, DoMyEssay's dissertation writing service is ready to step in and assist—not only with writing but even helping you pinpoint a unique topic that suits your interests and academic goals.

The Transformative Power of Questions in Psychotherapy

Circular questioning helps reveal relational patterns in systemic therapy..

Posted September 26, 2024 | Reviewed by Hara Estroff Marano

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Circular questioning reveals relational patterns by exploring interactions in complex systems like families.
The technique shifts focus from individual blame to understanding systemic issues and shared responsibility.
Circular questioning helps individuals see problems from new perspectives and explore solutions.
The neutral stance of circular questioning allows for open exploration without imposing judgments or solutions

''Words arranged differently have different meanings, meanings arranged differently have different effects'' — Blaise Pascal (Pensées)

In the field of psychotherapy , the role of the question is often underestimated. While statements and reflections certainly have their place, the power of questions lies in their ability to open up new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and ultimately catalyse meaningful change.

Circular questioning, an approach rooted in systemic family therapy, stands as one of the most powerful tools in the therapeutic process. This method invites clients to explore their thoughts and behaviours on an issue as well as those of others within their relational system on the same issue. Observing the dynamics at play through circular questioning can shift entrenched relational patterns and pave the way for new ways of interacting (Gibson, 2021; Brown, 1997; Tomm, 1988).

The Foundation of Circular Questioning

Circular questioning emerged from the Milan systemic therapy approach, which is grounded in the understanding that problems do not exist in isolation (Gibson, 2023). Instead, issues can be seen as being perpetuated through ongoing cycles of interaction between individuals, especially in the context of family lives (Salvini Palazzoli, Boscolo, Cecchin, & Prata, 1980). This contrasts with the traditional linear view of causality, whereby a problem is attributed to a specific cause or individual, as in psychopathology (Gibson, 2024; Nardone and Portelli, 2004). Circular causality, by contrast, sees behaviours and responses as interconnected, with each person’s actions influencing—and being influenced by—others in a continuous loop (Penn, 1982).

The purpose of circular questioning is twofold: to create differences and to draw connections. The questions aim to broaden a client’s understanding of a problem by highlighting contrasts and drawing attention to the relationships and interactions that sustain the issue. Through this process, clients are encouraged to see the problem from new perspectives, leading to greater insight and, often, significant breakthroughs (Fleuridas, Nelson, & Rosenthal, 1986).

Types of Circular Questions We Can Use

Problem Definitional Questions Questions focus on clarifying the nature of the problem from various angles—past, present, and future. By asking clients to define the problem in specific terms, the therapist encourages a more nuanced understanding of the issue and how it has evolved over time (Penn, 1982).

For example, a therapist might ask, “What was the main concern in your family five years ago, and how is that different from now?” This question highlights the temporal evolution of the problem, allowing clients to see how their current circumstances may be rooted in past experiences. By exploring the issue in different time frames, problem-definitional questions invite clients to reflect on how the problem developed and how it might change in the future. Such reflections are invaluable in moving beyond the present and considering both the history and potential trajectory of the issue (Tomm, 1988).

Sequence of Interaction Questions The sequence of interaction questions aim to trace the chain of events that occur during problematic situations. They help clients see how their behaviours trigger responses in others, which in turn influence further actions, creating a circular pattern of interaction (Salvini Palazzoli et al., 1980).

For instance, a therapist might ask, “When your son refuses to do his homework, what happens next? How do you respond, and what does your spouse do?” This question helps to uncover the sequence of actions and reactions, revealing the systemic nature of the problem. These questions are particularly effective in making clients aware of how they contribute to the maintenance of the problem, often without realising it. By illuminating these interactional patterns, a sequence of interaction questions lays the groundwork for clients to consider alternative ways of responding (Penn, 1982).

Comparison and Classification Questions Comparison and classification questions encourage clients to compare themselves or other family members, often prompting them to rank behaviours, emotions, or relationships. The questions are designed to uncover differences that may not have been previously recognised and to bring to light patterns of similarity that may have gone unnoticed (Brown, 1997).

For example, a therapist might ask, “Who in the family gets the most upset during arguments, and who stays calm?” The question helps family members see how their emotional reactions differ, which can lead to a deeper understanding of their relational dynamics. By inviting comparisons, the questions highlight both diversity and commonality within the family system, revealing insights that can shift the family’s approach to a problem. Such questions are particularly useful for identifying previously unnoticed behaviours that contribute to the overall dynamic (Fleuridas et al., 1986).

Interventive Questions Interventive questions are forward-looking and are designed to prompt family members to imagine how things might change if certain behaviours were altered. The questions encourage clients to consider alternative futures, often sparking the possibility of change in previously entrenched dynamics (Tomm, 1987).

An example of an interventive question is, “What do you think would happen if your partner stopped working such long hours? How would that affect your relationship?” This kind of hypothetical questioning encourages family members to explore how modifying certain behaviours could lead to different outcomes. Interventive questions are particularly powerful because they challenge the family to envision new possibilities. By encouraging them to think creatively about potential changes, the questions can inspire hope and motivate action (MacKinnon, 1988).

Creating Difference

At the core of circular questioning is the idea of creating difference. This is a key concept in systemic therapy, where therapists seek to shift the way clients perceive their problems by highlighting contrasts. Such differences can exist across time, between people, or even within a single person’s emotional landscape (Penn, 1982).

For example, when a client says, “Things have always been this way,” a therapist might respond by asking, “Has it really always been this way, or were there times when things were different? Can you remember when things started to change?” This type of questioning challenges the client’s assumption that the problem is fixed and unchangeable. It introduces the idea that problems evolve and are influenced by various factors, both internal and external, in the family system (Tomm, 1988).

Similarly, creating differences between people allows family members to see how their experiences of the problem differ. A question like, “Who in the family is most affected by this issue, and who is least affected?” can reveal that while one person may be deeply troubled by the problem, another may not see it as significant. This discovery can be eye-opening and can lead to more empathic conversations within the family (Penn, 1985).

While creating difference is a fundamental goal of circular questioning, so too is drawing connections. Systemic therapy emphasises the interconnectedness of family members, and circular questions often aim to reveal how each person’s behaviour influences others (Salvini Palazzoli et al., 1980). For instance, a therapist might ask, “When your daughter feels anxious , what does your partner do? And what do you do in response?” This question shows how each family member’s behaviour is connected to the others', helping them see that the problem is not just an individual issue but a relational one (Penn, 1982).

Drawing connections between behaviours, emotions, and interactions helps family members understand the systemic nature of a problem. Such insight can lead to greater empathy and collaboration in finding solutions (MacKinnon, 1988).

Brown, J. (1997). The Question Cube: A model for developing question repertoire in training couple and family therapists. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy , 23(1), 27–40.

Fleuridas, C., Nelson, T., & Rosenthal, D. (1986). The evolution of circular questions: Training family therapists. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy , 12(2), 113–127.

MacKinnon, L. (1988). Openings: Using questions therapeutically. Dulwich Centre Newsletter , Winter, 15–18.

Gibson, P. (2021) The 12 most common mental traps. Strategic Science Books

Gibson, P (2024) When the bubble bursts. A New approach to understanding and treating depression. Strategic Science Books

Nardone, G., Portelli, C. (2004) Knowing through changing. Crown Publications.

Penn, P. (1982). Circular questioning. Family Process , 21(3), 267–280.

Penn, P. (1985). Feed-forward: Future questions, future maps.

Padraic Gibson, D.Psych, is a Consultant Clinical Psychotherapist and is the Clinical Director of The OCD Clinic®, and director of Training and Organization Consultation at The Coaching Clinic®, Dublin. He is senior research associate at Dublin City University.

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EE intervention and existential psychotherapy and counselling psychology in primary care more generally. Moreover, it provides practice-based evidence that may aid a dialogue between existential-phenomenological therapies and the medical model. This study will form part of the researcher's Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at New
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Choose a topic which is related, at least in some way, to the field of therapeutic practice. Most directly, this may include things like: clients' experiences of helpful and unhelpful factors, how psychological interventions are perceived from those outside the field, or the applied role of counselling in such fields as education.
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I If you're just starting out exploring mental health topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you've come to the right place. In this post, we'll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of mental health-related research topics and ideas.. PS - This is just the start… We know it's exciting to run through a list of research ...
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Abstract. Acculturation is the process of cultural adaptation that occurs as a result of contact between several cultures in which one accepts and adapts to the values of the culture held by the larger society. This study examined the acculturation experiences of Afghan Jewish immigrants living in the United States.
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Cone advises the following steps to pick a topic: Ask a favorite professor, preferably one active in research, about possible topics. Read departmental information on the research interests of the faculty to find a topic a faculty member is interested in as well. Consider asking the faculty member to be a part of your dissertation committee ...
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Where to Look For a Unique Dissertation Topic? Here are some simple yet effective ways to discover truly great topics for dissertation : Academic Journals: Browse the latest issues of relevant journals to spot emerging trends or unexplored areas of research. Conferences and Seminars: Attending academic events can expose you to cutting-edge research and provide inspiration for your topic.
The Transformative Power of Questions in Psychotherapy
It's increasingly common for someone to be diagnosed with a condition such as ADHD or autism as an adult. A diagnosis often brings relief, but it can also come with as many questions as answers.

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originalITY is not everything

…Get a sense of the field

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Find yourself a clearly-defined question

That's ‘question’, not ‘questions’

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But make sure there’s not too much literature on it

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Counseling Psychology Dissertations Collection

Adolescents' self-determination to regulate eating behaviors: adaptation and validation of a self-report measure.

Afghan Jews and their children: a qualitative study exploring the lived experiences and psychological impact of acculturation on first and second generation traditional Afghan Jewish immigrants.

Assessing the organizational response to vicarious trauma in first responder and victim assistance agencies

Assessing worldview orientation in people of northern rural Maine

The association between complex trauma and executive functioning among an adolescent inpatient population

Beliefs about mental illness and its impact on attitudes toward treatment: an examination of the Asian-Indian immigrant population in the United States.

Body Image Experiences Among Men In Midlife: Test Of An Integrated Model.

Bringing an ecological perspective to quality of life research: can empowerment theory explain variance in quality of life ratings?.

Building resilience in the Stronglinks program: exploring experiences of stress, coping, and resilience for Latina adolescents in a school-based program.

Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors linking trauma exposure with adolescent dating violence

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