Psychology Research at PCOM

Psychology research is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. In simple terms, it is the process of investigating how and why people think, feel, and behave in certain ways. The aim of psychology research is to expand our understanding of emotions, motivations, personality traits, cognition, learning styles, social interactions and more. Psychologists hope to answer questions about the human mind as well as find better methods of treatment for patients in the areas of behavior therapy, mental health counseling, school-based learning and much more.

PCOM psychology faculty and students conduct behavioral and developmental research in children, adolescents and adults. They also study neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety, stress-related medical disorders, school-based intervention and assessment, attitudes and beliefs, substance use, individual and cultural differences, social media effects and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Additionally, PCOM's psychologists collaborate with primary care physicians to study patient non-compliance, health risk behaviors and communication networks in order to enhance motivation and promote wellness. Research in clinical psychology focuses on issues in normative development and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of psychopathology. The goal of school psychology is to prevent behavioral and academic difficulties and develop novel strategies for intervention.