International recognition for SMU’s “Rising Star” in psychology research
Assistant Professor Andree Hartanto (PhD Psych 2018) from the SMU School of Social Sciences has been recognised as a “Rising Star”by the Association for Psychological Science (APS).
APS presents the Rising Star Award to outstanding APS members in the earliest stages of their research career post-PhD and recognises researchers whose innovative work has already advanced the field and signals great potential for their continued contributions.
Those who are considered for the award are evaluated for their promise of excellence in research based on several criteria – significant publications; significant recognition; significant discoveries, methodological innovation, or theoretical or empirical contributions; their work with potentially broad impact; commitment to diversity in science; and demonstrated independence from mentors.
The path to a flourishing life
Asst Prof Hartanto’s research aims to identify combinations of interventions, activities and experiences that are useful in guiding the public towards leading a flourishing life. To this end, he has conducted numerous empirical studies with his students, focusing on three major research streams.
The first research stream focuses on testing various experiential factors such as linguistic experience, video gaming, music, physical activity and nutrition, smartphone use, mindfulness, exposure to nature, as well as types of cognitive training that can help to influence the development and malleability of our cognitive functions.
The second stream focuses on identifying factors and interventions that can help improve our emotional well-being and mental health. Some of these include gratitude contemplation, cultivating purpose in life, abstaining from social media, interaction with artificial intelligence, as well as computer use in older adults.
His third research stream looks at psychological factors that are useful in facilitating healthy aging in middle-aged and older adults.
To date, Asst Prof Hartanto has published more than 80 high-quality, peer-reviewed articles in these areas together with his students.
Looking with a critical eye and evidence-based research
When asked what he thought earned him the APS Rising Star Award, Asst Prof Hartanto felt that it was the comprehensive scope and impact of the research programme at SMU that has played a crucial role. In addition, his research has identified various evidence-based interventions, activities and experiences that significantly contribute to enhancing cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.
He also credited the talented graduate and undergraduate students from his Daily Experience, Affective Well-being, and Neuropsychology (DAWN) Lab for their hard work and dedication, which have been instrumental in producing these impactful findings.
Asst Prof Hartanto’s research has interestingly uncovered the fact that many interventions which are often exaggerated by popular media have been found to not yield the expected benefits.
“In our daily lives, we encounter a plethora of self-help tips and suggestions aimed at improving our well-being. While some of these suggestions are well-supported by scientific research, others lack sufficient study to examine their effectiveness,” he explained, listing some popular examples like cultivating self-compassion and gratitude, changing our mindsets, abstaining from social media, and learning new languages.
Such findings are useful not only in guiding the public in critically evaluating these widespread suggestions, but also aid in the development of good evidence-based interventions.
Reflecting on his drive to conduct meaningful research in the field of psychology, Asst Prof Hartanto shares that he originally aimed to become a clinical psychologist, who uses therapy to improve the mental health and well-being of others.
After being exposed to research during his undergraduate studies, he found himself deeply passionate about it. He said, “Since then, I believe that conducting rigorous research has the potential to create an even greater impact on society. That is why, instead of pursuing a Masters in Clinical Psychology, I chose to directly embark on a PhD in Psychology.”
