PhD Meaning in life in clinical psychology

Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of science? Are you looking for a PhD position in which you can turn your curiosity into concrete research results and a dissertation? In that case, the position of PhD in Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology at the University of Groningen (UG) might just be what you are looking for!

As a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, you will have the opportunity to develop your own insights, collect data, and share your findings with both scientific colleagues and partners from professional practice worldwide. Under the guidance of a supervisor and together with a motivated team, you will work on meaningful solutions and contribute to the future of your field.

This PhD project contributes to the growing evidence base that MiL is related to lower depression and anxiety. Most of this research has been conducted with cross-sectional studies using MiL questionnaires and, though a few intervention studies have been conducted with promising results, much remains to be learned regarding the relation between meaning and internalizing symptoms. The project is designed to advance the field by making the following contributions: (1) determining the types of life activities and experiences that lead to increased meaning and (2) examining whether the benefits of meaning interventions are maintained in the context of stressors. In order to examine these questions, the project will use multiple methods such as experience sampling, laboratory tasks, and a randomized-controlled trial to test a novel meaning intervention.

The position is embedded in the international graduate school Experimental Psychopathology (https://epp-research.eu/), which provides theory and methods workshops in addition to other learning opportunities.

Why would you want to apply for this position?

1. To make an impact: in this role, you will directly contribute to scientific insights that address societal issues. Your research will not only translate into publications, but also into concrete solutions, ensuring a tangible impact.
2. Personal development: you will have the opportunity, with the support of experienced scientists, to develop yourself into an expert. This combination of research and teaching offers plenty of opportunities for professional and personal growth.

As a PhD candidate, you will perform the following duties

- You will conduct research that results in a dissertation and is consistent with the goals and requirements of the project.
- You will organise and conduct data collection for the subprojects.
- You will publish research results in international scientific journals.
- You will present the research to a wide audience of both domestic and international fellow scientists and partners from the professional field.
- You will collaborate with fellow scientists in the larger project.
- You will contribute to a limited number of teaching activities in the Psychology department, such as working groups and guest lectures.

This is where you will be working
The University of Groningen ranks among the top European universities and is internationally oriented. The university is socially engaged and actively involved in its environment. In a wide range of disciplines, researchers and teachers practice their disciplines out of scientific passion. Everyone is empowered to do their best. The talents, ambitions and performance of the 34,000 students and 6,500 employees of the UG are stimulated as much as possible. The University of Groningen is a welcoming place for international students and the Times Higher Education ranked it as #28 of the ‘most international’ world universities in 2025.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences is strong in research and teaching on human behaviour, thinking, learning, and coexistence. We work on social issues and problems that people experience in everyday life. Individual and societal resilience and how to increase it are central to our work. We focus on the topics of migration, environment and climate, health, parenting and education, the protection of vulnerable minorities, and sustainable partnerships. Over 650 employees work at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences.

More information about the faculty can be found at the link https://www.rug.nl/gmw/ You will work in the Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, which has a national and international reputation for excellence (ranked #29 in QS World University Rankings for top clinical psychology programs in 2025). Research within the Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology group focuses on understanding the causal mechanisms underlying the emergence and maintenance of mental disorders, including internalizing disorders such as depression and anxiety. The group is internationally diverse, collaborates with scholars within and outside of the University of Groningen, and has established contacts with various treatment providers.