Susan Mangan

Postdoctoral Research Associate

About Dr. Mangan

Susan Mangan is a postdoctoral research associate with the Thrive Center for Human Development. As a positive developmental psychologist, Dr. Mangan is interested in how we, as individuals and as a society, can lead happier, more fulfilling lives. She is focusing her research efforts on positive youth development, gratitude, and joy. She is co-investigator for the Thrive Center's Shades of Gratitude Project and Compassion International Study of Positive Youth Development.

As a scholar more broadly, Dr. Mangan's research focuses on positive psychology interventions, well-being, psychological need satisfaction, and emerging adulthood. She also has a keen interest in evaluation, community program development, and measurement development, as evidenced by publications such as the Claremont Purpose Scale—a measure that assesses the three dimensions of purpose among adolescents. Dr. Mangan has been a longtime fan of the Thrive Center and is excited to contribute to its ongoing success. In addition to her research with the Center, she is also currently a visiting professor at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.

Read Posts by Dr. Mangan

Can a Hug a Day Keep the Doctor Away?

By Susan Mangan | Feb 1, 2023

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.” His Holiness, the Dalai Lama If you ask me, love is one of the most beautiful concepts there is. While love is not always easy, in my darkest hours, I am rarely soothed by the things I dislike. When the workload is too demanding, the back-to-back Zoom calls…

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The Inward and Outward Power of Purpose

By Susan Mangan | Aug 16, 2021

Dr. Susan Mangan offers summer activities to help us identify and understand our purpose as we enter a post-COVID world.

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Moral Elevation Part 2: Practices for Elevating Ourselves and Our World

By Susan Mangan | Aug 5, 2021

Dr. Susan Mangan provides two research-based activities to help us get started on experiencing elevation.

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Moral Elevation Part 1: The Snowball Effect of Small Inspirations

By Susan Mangan | Jul 28, 2021

Dr. Susan Mangan explains the role and benefits of moral elevation in inspiring us to help our communities.

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Love and Closeness: How They Fortify our Minds, Bodies, and Relationships

By Susan Mangan | Feb 14, 2021

It’s difficult to experience love when social distancing. Learn how you can become closer to your loved ones, even during a pandemic.

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Dad Jokes: Science Agrees we Need More Laughter

By Susan Mangan | Oct 12, 2020

Research shows that humor can ease stress. Dr. Susan Mangan shares 3 exercises to help us get started.

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The Power of Positive Emotions: Pursuing Awe

By Susan Mangan | Apr 16, 2020

Seeking awe may be at the bottom of our COVID agenda. Dr. Susan Mangan explains why awe can helps us in times of loss.

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Activities for Busting the COVID-19 Blues

By Susan Mangan | Apr 2, 2020

Social distancing can be hard, so how we can thrive even in isolation? Dr. Susan Mangan shares activities that help build resilience.

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Practices to Boost Positive Emotions at Home

By Susan Mangan | Mar 21, 2020

Dr. Susan Mangan provides 3 at-home exercises that can increase our positive emotions as we continue to navigate through COVID-19.

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Inspiring Kids to Adopt a Posture of Gratitude

By Susan Mangan | Nov 26, 2019

What does research tell us about gratitude? Explore the key benefits of gratitude and how you can nurture it in kids.

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