Laurel Keats

Autobiographical memory and young people's depressive symptoms across time

Profile

After completing her first undergraduate degree, Laurel enjoyed a stint of travel and various roles in the area of policy and communications. Before being drawn back to Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka by a strong interest in Psychology; the developmental and clinical fields in particular. Over the last decade, on top of her studies and taking care of two children, she has gained valuable skills through her roles as a research assistant for the Infant and Child Cognition Lab and, and most recently, the Autobiographical Memory Lab. During this time, her interest in child and adolescent psychological wellbeing has remained steadfast. Her PhD looks at how the way young people remember their personal past experiences is related to depressive symptoms over time. This research highlights the complexity of the relationship between autobiographical memory and depressive symptoms and contributes to an empirical base for early interventions to address escalating psychological distress in youth.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours, Psychology

Bachelor of Arts, Media Studies and Political Science

Research Interests

Autobiographical memory, narrative identity, child and adolescent psychological wellbeing, child development

PhD topic

Autobiographical memory and young people's depressive symptoms across time

Supervisor:

Labs

Autobiographical Memory Lab