OUR MISSION
At the Applied Psychology Research Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, our mission is to generate high-efficacy interventions to improve well-being. Building on the shoulders of giants, we synthesize the literature for evidence-based strategies, curate impactful curricula, iterate intervention designs using preliminary data, and identify potent mechanisms.
“Be not simply good—be good for something.”
PROJECT 1:
FINDING FOCUS
Motivated by the rising rates of distraction, stress, and mental illness among adolescents, the primary project in our lab focuses on the development of an intervention helping teenagers better regulate their attention, thoughts, and emotions. Funded by two large grants from the U.S. Department of Education, we’ve shared Finding Focus with over 40,000 high school students across the U.S. The intervention entail two tools: a 10-day course and a study tool called the Focus Coach.
PROJECT 2:
LEARNING TO SELF-REGULATE
Our research has begun to help redefine scientific understanding of how an individual learns to change their habits of mind. By tracking individuals undergoing intensive self-regulatory training, we hope to understand the key factors that explain how an individual learns to take charge of their life.
PROJECT 3:
AMPLIFYING
COMMUNITY IMPACT
We aim to empower mission-oriented organizations to amplify their impact. In partnership with Travis County Fire Rescue, our research has identified key factors that fuel firefighters’ motivation, organizational commitment, and well-being. Through in-depth focus groups, we collect rich qualitative data that charts the path for organizational improvement. In turn, this work enables first-responders to optimize their performance and service.
