Bronwen Grocott
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
After taking a psychology class in high school, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology. I wanted to be able to conduct research, teach, and see patients, and pursuing a graduate degree in this field will allow me to do all of these things.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I applied to UBC because I wanted to work with my present supervisor, Dr. Joelle LeMoult. I was especially interested in researching social stress and depression using a mixed-methods, experimental approach and working with Joelle has made this possible.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The Clinical Psychology program at UBC is CPA accredited and places a strong emphasis on both clinical and research-related competencies, as well as being located on the West Coast. All of these factors attracted me to the program.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I knew I would have to work hard in grad school but I didn't know how much fun I would have at the same time. I've really enjoyed my time at UBC and I'm so grateful for all of the amazing people that I've met in the program.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Working in various labs in my undergrad helped me to get a sense of what was involved in coming up with and running a study, and preparing and writing up data for publication. At the same time, volunteering at a suicide hotline was really helpful in preparing me for clinical work.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Outside of work, I love to spend time at the beach, hiking, playing soccer, or going to festivals/concerts!
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Don't let anyone else tell you what your experience in grad school will be! So much of this program is what you make of it and the work can really take over most of your life if you allow it to. Work-life balance isn't always easy to maintain but it is possible and so important for being successful in the long-term.
Learn more about Bronwen's research
Much of the work we do in my lab is focused on understanding the link between social stress and depression or anxiety. In particular, we look at biological, cognitive, and affective mechanisms which help to explain why some people experience psychopathology after stressful experiences, while others do not. I am especially interested in understanding how social relationships can either confer risk or resilience in relation to social stress. First, I want to better understand why things like social rejection or loneliness are so strongly linked to depression, and why some individuals are at greater risk than others. Second, I want to understand how supportive and meaningful relationships can help to protect individuals from the negative impacts of social stress. Although much of my work so far has focused on cognitive factors (e.g., negative interpretation biases), my dissertation research will look at both cognitive and biological mechanisms which help to account for not only risk but resilience associated with social experiences.
