Gresham Groves

• SOAR Position: Member
• Major: Psychology
• Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. William Langston

Current Focus: Honors Thesis: Applying a Multi-Dimensional Memory Model to Experience to Observe How Components of Experience Might Mediate the Relationship Between Personality and Christian Beliefs

Project Description

We have adapted a multidimensional memory model to apply to experience, breaking it apart into five components. From there, we wish to build on Dr. Langston’s previous research regarding the relationship between personality and belief. He and his colleagues determined that specific personality traits could predict the formation of religious beliefs via an indirect pathway through religious experience (i.e., when a religious experience was present, certain personality traits predicted an individual having religious beliefs as well). Our primary objective is proof-of-concept—determining whether each component of experience is a significant mediator for personality and belief, or if the entire experience is necessary. The secondary objective of this research is to explore possible combinations of personality traits with experiential components that prove particularly potent for the formation or maintenance of religious beliefs. Our hope is that this research will contribute to the lack of research surrounding the formation and maintenance of beliefs.

Why does this topic interest you?

As a Christian, this research is particularly relevant to a group that I belong to. If any of my findings are significant, I may contribute to the growing research surrounding the decline in religious belief in the United States over the past few decades. Also, looking at patterns between personality traits and people’s beliefs is fascinating information!

What are your professional aspirations?

I plan on attending graduate school to attain my doctorate in clinical psychology. From there I hope to use my expertise to reach treatment-hesitant populations (e.g., I want to give children the mental health vocabulary to talk about their experiences, and I want to visit men's conferences to destigmatize mental health and, more specifically, seeking help). Also, generally I would like to do a combination of practicing in a clinic and teaching at a university.

Do you have any advice for future researchers?

Approach every opportunity, discovery, and setback with curiosity! The point of research is to discover, including discovering how to conduct research, so ask questions and confront the unknown so that you get the most out of your experience:)

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