Navigating setbacks and challenges: Insights from autobiographical memories

We all face challenges, setbacks, and failures at various points in life. How we navigate these challenges and create a coherent, healthy self-concept will be important for overall well-being. This research programme aims to explore how individuals develop their ideas of themselves as adaptive and resilient when facing negative or challenging life experiences.

By drawing on autobiographical memories (Wilson & Ross, 2003), the research will investigate the emotional and cognitive self-regulation processes and strategies (see Chang et al., 2018; Cox & McAdams, 2014; Levine et al., 2009) that influence adaptive and resilient self-concepts, which in turn guide future decisions and attitudes toward life challenges.

The project will utilise experimental designs and questionnaires, aiming to include a broad age range of adults including older adults. It could also systematically explore individual differences.

Finally, there may be opportunities to examine these research questions within specific populations such as military veterans who face unique challenges during and after their service, including combat-related trauma, injuries, separation from family, and adapting to civilian life.

The supervising team includes Dr. Clare Rathbone, Dr. Sunae Kim (second supervisor), and Vincent Connelly (second supervisor). The PhD student is welcomed to explore other related ideas and will work closely with the supervising team.

There is an additional requirement to undertake up to 6 hours undergraduate teaching/week during semesters and to participate in a teaching skills course without further remuneration.

Complete applications should include a proposed project proposal (max 1000 words) including background, aims and an outline methodology. Applicants can liaise with both Dr Kim and Dr Rathbone when developing their proposal.