Psychology Alumni Present Research in Cyprus

Over the summer, psychology alumni Josey Spiers (B.S. ’25) and Amy Patel (B.S. ’25) presented their work at the European Congress of Psychology in Paphos, Cyprus.

Their oral presentation “Engagement on Empty: The Far-Reaching Impact of Social Burnout on Academic Success” was based on research conducted under the supervision of Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling Robert Alexander, Ph.D. Their work focused on social burnout—a subtype of emotional exhaustion tied to pressured social interaction—and how it affects students’ academic comprehension and classroom engagement. The study applied a novel peer-led intervention in classroom settings and explored whether increased responsibility might paradoxically re-engage disengaged students. The goal of the research was to offer practical insight into mitigating burnout through inclusive, team-based learning.

Patel and Spiers also presented their research, “Swipe, Shop, Repeat: Unraveling TikTok’s Grip on Spending and Well-Being,” at a roundtable presentation. The study, conducted under the supervision of Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling Melisa DiMartino, Ph.D., investigated the effects of TikTok shop on the psychological well-being of young adults. Results found that participants using TikTok shop had higher rates of FOMO (fear of missing out) and lower rates of anxiety than those who did not. Notably, participants who did not make any purchases had higher rates of FOMO than those who did not. The study highlights the adverse effect of TikTok shop on psychological well-being.