Seth Abrutyn

Associate Professor

Research Classification

Social theory

Research Interests

Sociological Theory
Suicide
mental health
social psychology
Emotions
youth

Relevant Degree Programs

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Research Options

I am available and interested in collaborations (e.g. clusters, grants).
I am interested in and conduct interdisciplinary research.
 
 

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Research Methodology

qualitative methods
Historical Comparative

Recruitment

Doctoral students
Any time / year round

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Supervision Enquiry

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Graduate Student Supervision

Master's Student Supervision

Theses completed in 2010 or later are listed below. Please note that there is a 6-12 month delay to add the latest theses.

Drinker identity: a case of unintentionality? (2022)

In this thesis, I investigate the assumption made by identity development theorist that individuals intentionally construct and maintain a culturally valued self as they consider identity relevant goals and beliefs. Though this logic makes sense for positive identities—doctor, parent, or scientist—it becomes questionable when applied to construction of negative, or stigmatized, identities, such as that of a drinker. By interviewing 16 members of a metropolitan recovery community, I focus on how marginalized identities of alcohol misuse form absent of goal-based intention. In doing so, I show how stress processes and negative messaging from guardians, peers, and community members produce persistent painful emotions that contribute to psychological distress, hinder positive identity formation, and steer individuals toward spaces of consumption. Through each lost socially valued role, the drinker identity becomes more salient, achieving more importance in daily life and becoming central to individuals’ lives. More broadly, I advance current theoretical assumptions that dominated intervention strategies and recovery policy for decades.

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Publications

Current Students & Alumni

This is a small sample of students and/or alumni that have been supervised by this researcher. It is not meant as a comprehensive list.

Julia Goldman-Hasbun

Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (PhD)

Research Topic
Moral Narratives, Emotions, and Beliefs in the Campus Free Speech Debate

David Champagne

Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (PhD)

Research Topic
Cities, Sustainability and Inequality
 
Seth Abrutyn's Profile
Publications on Google Scholar
ORCID Profile
Other link
Supervision Enquiry

Membership Status

Member of G+PS
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Program Affiliations

Sociology

Department(s)

Department of Sociology
 

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