In the Mental State Processing and Psychopathology Lab, we conduct basic and applied research to understand how we process information about the minds of ourselves and others. Mental state processing (also referred to as “theory of mind” or “mentalization”) involves identifying, predicting, and altering everyday internal thoughts and emotions. These processes are central to functioning in our social world and are implicated across nearly all forms of mental illness.

Our current research centers on the following interconnected areas of inquiry:

Outcomes

How do individual differences in mental state processing impact our daily lives and how we function?

Malleability

Can mental state processing be changed? Are changes implicated in psychotherapy outcomes?

Structure

Which aspects of mental state processing should be distinguished and which are interrelated?

Assessment

How can we reliably assess individual differences in mental state processing?

We investigate individual differences in mental state processing across the full spectrum of health and psychiatric illness. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide insights on transdiagnostic targets for interventions that will facilitate the refinement of treatments to the basic mechanisms of psychopathology.

We are dedicated to training the next generation of clinical scientists and promoting open science practices. We fully affirm the College of Science's statement on inclusion and diversity and strive to create an inclusive research lab.