Researcher Summary
My research interests focus on motivation and stress management in young people.
I am particularly interested in:
(a) identifying diverse settings in which young people experience stress and anxiety;
(b) evaluating how these experiences affect the attitudes, self-perceptions, and well-being of young people; and
(c) designing evidence-based coping strategies to help young people effectively manage stress and anxiety.
I consider myself a multidisciplinary researcher. My formal training is in educational psychology, but I also extend my scholarship to other disciplines such as sociology, law, geography, philosophy, and public policy. I adopt a wide range of methodological approaches, including mixed-method studies.
Broadly, I seek to conduct applied research that contributes positively to youth in society.
Please contact me at valerie.sotardi@canterbury.ac.nz with any queries.
