Meaning-Making in Trauma & Chronic Illness: Student Research

Senior Social Sciences students, both in the BA Behavioural Science and Psychology, can apply to complete an Independent Research Project. This allows high-achieving students to conduct their own research under faculty supervision over four semesters as they develop methodology, gain ethics approval, collect data and present findings at the annual Ambrose Research Conference. This unique opportunity provides excellent experience for students considering future thesis research in graduate studies. Read on to hear from one student currently conducting research.

My name is Chloë Pickard, and I am in my fourth and final year of the Bachelor of Arts program in Psychology. My research project aims to explore the relationship between trauma and chronic illness, designed to look at the meaning-making and strength that individuals derive from lived events and illness. This is a topic that I was drawn to due to personal lived experience and the lack of research that has been conducted on women experiencing both autoimmune disorders and past traumatic events. I am excited to explore narrative themes within individual life stories and also gain insights into the link between chronic illness and traumatic experiences. I recommend independent research very heavily. This is a unique opportunity to work with Ambrose’s’ amazing faculty one-on-one while also impacting the field of psychology. It will help you gain knowledge with professors who truly care about your education. This is also a great opportunity if you are planning on going to grad school, it gives you experience in all aspects of research, amazing references and practice working under a supervisor!