COVID-19 brought the twin issues of health and mental health to the forefront of consciousness. So it’s no surprise that the Department of Psychology in the College of Social Sciences is a bustle of activity, as it welcomed a 10% increase in student enrollment in Spring 2021 over last spring, and another expected enrollment bump in Fall 2021.
Psychology Chair Charlene Baker leads a vibrant academic department that excels in research. “With this pandemic, more attention is being paid to psychology in general. There are greater needs for active research, and for a workforce of psychologists and professionals who are knowledgeable about dealing with anxiety and stress,” said Baker. “Also, while the transition from fully in-person classes to mostly online teaching has been challenging, our faculty and staff have stepped up to ensure that students could get the courses they needed to complete their degrees.”
Established in 1920, the Department of Psychology integrates the study of human behavior from a biological, social and cultural perspective in relation to human behavior. Students are exposed to scientific methods that contribute to an understanding of behavior in diverse social and environmental contexts.
Graduates acquire a better self-understanding of, as well as an appreciation for, the diversity of experience. The Department of Psychology continues to be a leader in training exceptional undergraduate students who can earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree, with many of them going on to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees.
Graduate students may choose from three different program areas: Clinical Studies; Cognition, Neuroscience and Social; and Community, Cultural and Developmental. Graduate training is based on a mentorship model, in which students are encouraged to gain additional research experience with faculty members both within and outside of their chosen specializations.
Psychology has always been a popular major at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, because of interest in the brain, and how it – combined with environmental influences – affects human behavior. In addition, the department is an impressive leader in cutting-edge research, such as Assistant Professor Jonas Vibell’s work in the Brain and Behavior Lab (see separate story in this newsletter). There are also active ongoing research projects on the topics of homelessness prevention, disaster management, dissemination of best practices related to improving youth mental health, the impact of culture on children’s cognitive development, and how environment and culture shape perception of race and stereotypes in childhood.
While academic learning is a primary focus, the Psychology Department’s faculty, staff and students are thinking and acting beyond the university campus by hosting informative community events. For example, in 2020, it offered three virtual Self-Compassion Hours, which were led by clinical graduate students. Sam Spencer addressed the fundamental connectedness of humankind, Jo Qina‘au looked at compassionate action, and Si Woo Chae discussed having a positive attitude in the midst of personal difficulty and self-criticism.
The department is also busy winning awards and grants. Joy Agner, a recent PhD graduate in the Community, Cultural and Developmental Program who works with Associate Professor Jack Barile, won the UH Mānoa Student Award for Excellence in Research. Graduate student Heewon Kwon – a third-year student in the Cognition, Neuroscience and Social Program whose advisor is Associate Professor Joni Sasaki – was recognized for Excellence in Undergraduate teaching. Also, Sam Spencer and Associate Professor Akihiko Masuda of the Clinical Studies Program were recently awarded a $5,000 research development grant on acceptance and commitment therapy as a transdiagnostic treatment in mental health.
In 2021, Psychology is headed for continuing excellence. “I am so proud of everything we are doing for our students and for the greater community,” said Baker. “I am certain that, as a department, we will continue to advance our fields of psychology during this difficult time, while also helping students achieve their career goals. At the end of the day, what we are doing will ultimately benefit our communities. That is all we can hope for.”
