Who we are: Social Psychology Laboratory, Prof. Jason Young
What we offer: An opportunity to participate as a researcher for an international online study entitled Sharing Joy But Not Sorrow: Self-(Non)Disclosure Across Cultures. Details about this project are below to help students determine if they may be interested. This project is a cross-cultural study organized by the Psi Chi Honor Society through its Network for International Collaborative Exchange (NICE) initiative. We seek motivated students who will collect data from their host school (Hunter College for this project) to contribute to a larger cross-cultural effort taking place at many sites around the globe.
This posting seeks a maximum of 2 students to assist with this online project for 2 semesters (Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters). Students must be available both semesters to participate in this research. This project may be suitable for Psych396/398 Psychology Honors.
Further details about the focus of this project:
Open communication and self-disclosure are considered essential in many independent Western cultures to maintain relationships and receive social support (Pearce & Sharp, 1973), whereas nondisclosure is commonly assumed to be dysfunctional (Greene et al., 2006). However, this understanding of nondisclosure does not necessarily apply to non-Western cultures where individuals tend to be more interdependent and carry more relational considerations, especially those from self-effacing interdependent cultures. The current project aims to examine self-disclosure across cultures with various targets, including parents, peers, strangers, and AI, to understand the cultural nuances behind people’s decisions to self-disclose or not.
Expectations: Applicants must be motivated, conscientious and able to put in the time to address tasks including preparing and submitting an IRB protocol, recruiting participants from the Psych100 research pool, collecting data via an online survey, and analyzing survey data. All tasks will receive guidance from Prof. Jason Young.
Preferred Qualifications: Strong performance in both Psych 248 and 250 (at least a grade of B; grade of A preferred). Ideally has taken a social psychology course.
Target start date: Spring semester 2026 (January 26, 2026)
How to apply and who to contact for more info: Please contact Prof. Young via email: jason.young@hunter.cuny.edu Put in Subject line: Research assistant for NICE project. Attach a copy of your transcript to the email and explain your interest in social psychology in the body of the email.