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?
“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…
+ Read MoreThe Inward and Outward Power of Purpose
Dr. Susan Mangan offers summer activities to help us identify and understand our purpose as we enter a post-COVID world.
+ Read MoreMoral Elevation Part 2: Practices for Elevating Ourselves and Our World
Dr. Susan Mangan provides two research-based activities to help us get started on experiencing elevation.
+ Read MoreMoral Elevation Part 1: The Snowball Effect of Small Inspirations
Dr. Susan Mangan explains the role and benefits of moral elevation in inspiring us to help our communities.
+ Read MoreLove and Closeness: How They Fortify our Minds, Bodies, and Relationships
It’s difficult to experience love when social distancing. Learn how you can become closer to your loved ones, even during a pandemic.
+ Read MoreDad Jokes: Science Agrees we Need More Laughter
Research shows that humor can ease stress. Dr. Susan Mangan shares 3 exercises to help us get started.
+ Read MoreThe Power of Positive Emotions: Pursuing Awe
Seeking awe may be at the bottom of our COVID agenda. Dr. Susan Mangan explains why awe can helps us in times of loss.
+ Read MoreActivities for Busting the COVID-19 Blues
Social distancing can be hard, so how we can thrive even in isolation? Dr. Susan Mangan shares activities that help build resilience.
+ Read MorePractices to Boost Positive Emotions at Home
Dr. Susan Mangan provides 3 at-home exercises that can increase our positive emotions as we continue to navigate through COVID-19.
+ Read MoreInspiring Kids to Adopt a Posture of Gratitude
What does research tell us about gratitude? Explore the key benefits of gratitude and how you can nurture it in kids.
+ Read More