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Welcome to the BU Social-Personality Lab!

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We study a variety of psychological processes at the interface of social psychology, personality psychology, positive psychology, and the psychology of religion-spirituality.  Recent projects incorporate cross-cultural components.

 

Example current research projects include:

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1. The measurement of religion-spirituality across cultural regions (see Kitayama & Salvador, 2024, Annual Review of Psychology chapter).

2. Associations between religiosity, personality, and well-being (among individuals and nations in the Global Flourishing Study). 

3. Measurement, stability, and change of character strength/virtues in legal professionals in Mongolia and the United States (with Matthew Wright, Jason MacGregor, and colleagues at BU, TAMU, and SJF; Aug. 2026 - May 2029). 

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Recently concluded research projects include: 

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• Effects of photographic art on self-transcendent emotions (in lab, gallery, and virtual reality settings; see Al-Kire et al., 2023, Psychology, Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts; Weedman et al., 2026, Frontiers in Psychology).

• Psychological experiences of a total solar eclipse (see Foy et al., 2026, Journal of Positive Psychology)​

• Measurement of religion-spirituality and humility/intellectual humility.

• Associations between religiosity and prejudice (toward immigrants, minority groups).

 

Dr. Rowatt does not plan to recruit a new PhD student to begin Fall 2027 but he does review applications each cycle in case plans change. 

 

Email Dr. Rowatt and include a CV and brief statement of interest if you believe you're a good fit.

 

Apply by Dec. 1 for Baylor's Psychology PhD program (Social Psychology track):

https://www.baylor.edu/psychologyneuroscience/index.php?id=946297

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