Welcome to the PATH Lab at Washington University!

Our research program considers a variety of topics related to the role of dispositional traits in promoting healthy aging throughout the lifespan. Here are the four broad topics that guide our work, and check out Join Us for further inquiries and information, and Current Projects to learn more about our current endeavors and specific research goals of interest.

1) Understanding the benefits of having a purpose in life, and how best to promote a sense of direction across the lifespan

2) Linking individual dispositions including sense of purpose, conscientiousness, and gratitude to health outcomes, particularly in older adulthood

3) Considering how to promote adaptive transitions into college, the workplace, and retirement

4) Understanding the roles of personality traits and sense of purpose in promoting positive cognitive aging during older adulthood