The Affective Science Lab at Bard College uses clinical research methods to identify the factors behind mood disorders. The lab asks questions about how people who are depressed describe themselves—and how to make self-description more positive. In past work, we have found that adults with low mood will learn to describe themselves more positively after imagining future positive social situations. Work in the lab uses samples of adults, online and in person, across the range of depressive symptoms.
Professor Dainer-Best is interested in how positive and negative emotions change the way people think about themselves and the world around them. More broadly, he is interested in the genesis and maintenance of depressed mood. His graduate work at UT-Austin focused on identifying the best methods of understanding how people who are depressed think. He has been at Bard College since 2018. He also sees clients in a part-time private practice, and works on pro bono asylum evaluations.
PhD in Clinical Psychology, 2018
The University of Texas at Austin
Pre-Doctoral Clinical Internship, 2018
The University of Vermont
BA in Psychology and English, 2009
Haverford College
Bard students who want to conduct research may inquire about joining the lab by emailing Professor Dainer-Best. However, recruitment for research assistants may vary by semester. Research assistants work on research projects: recruiting participants, collecting data, developing new studies, and helping to present research. Applicants will be preferred who have an interest or background in psychology research, computer programming, and software development. No prior research experience is required, although students from any background with an interest in clinical or affective science are encouraged to apply.
Some semesters, Professor Dainer-Best's Advanced Methodology course will be offered, which allows 4–6 students to participate in the lab for course credit (2 credits). See more information on the teaching section of this website, or view the advanced methodology course's syllabus website.
Bard College students may be able to participate in an Affective Science Lab study for participation credit. Interested students should sign up on the Bard Psych Research website.
No studies are currently recruiting through this website.
No research studies conducted as part of the Affective Science Lab are intended to provide clinical care. Bard College students interested in psychotherapy services should visit the Counseling Services website for resources and referrals.
Students who wish to help conduct research studies in the lab should read about joining the lab, above. Students may become involved through course opportunities, through volunteering, and sometimes through paid options in the summer (e.g., the Bard Summer Research Institute, or BSRI). Research participation is project-dependent.