Research Areas

Our School conducts research in a range of areas, with staff often active in research that crosses traditional boundaries. Our research includes primary and applied topics: working to uncover basic understanding about how our minds work and applying our knowledge to improve society. We have organised our research into the following broad areas:

Health and well-being

This is perhaps our broadest theme and includes a wide range of research on issues such as authenticity and well-being at work; clinical psychology; health inequities; mindfulness; transgender health;  well-being and parent-child interaction; youth well-being.

Cognitive psychology

Staff in this area conduct research on attention and decision-making by drivers; future thinking and memory. The multi-disciplinary Transport Research Group focuses on applying cognitive psychology to transport-related issues.

Behavioural psychology

Research in this theme includes facilitating employment for individuals with disabilities; scent detection and learning in animals; as well as school-based intervention to promote improve academic achievement and faciltate inclusion.

Applied Social Psychology

Many of our staff are involved in research on applied topics such as environmental psychology and community development, including climate change, homelessness, inclusion, and societal and structural change, and building better workplaces.

Developmental and Family Psychology

Our developmental science research covers the whole lifespan from pre- and perinatal development through to gerontology, including both brain and social development. We also research family dynamics and systems, perception, parenting and the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Kaupapa Māori psychology and Indigenous psychology

We have a specialist Māori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) and research here covers cultural change, adaptation and human flourishing; (de)colonisation; social justice; diversity and cultural pluralism

Forensic Psychology

In collaboration with the cross-disciplinary Te Puna Haumaru - New Zealand Institute for Security and Crime Science, our researchers investigate criminal justice; correctional, policing and psycholegal issues.