Our research examines the various ways that people fill social needs and experience wellbeing. Recently, we have been especially interested in collective effervescence, finding spirituality in an increasingly secular world, the motivation for social embeddedness, the social self, and non-traditional ways to fill belongingness.
The self: This research looks at the flexibility of the self-concept. It looks at how thinking of the self as “we” is very different than thinking of the self as “me.” It looks at how our thoughts about ourselves change our relationships and how our thoughts about our relationships change ourselves.
Collective effervescence: Dr. Gabriel’s research in this area has looked at what happens to people psychologically when they are in a crowd.
Non-traditional ways of belonging: The research in this area starts with the assumption that the human need for social connection is strong, subtle, and sneaky.
Finding spirituality in an increasingly secular world: Dr. Gabriel’s research in this area looks at how people find spirituality and meaning in a world where fewer and fewer people are involved with organizes religion.
Koolulam, Singing with others, collective effervescence, and human thriving: Dr. Gabriel is in the midst of a multi-year grant studying the group Koolulam – an organization that brings mass singing events to the public.
The need for social embeddedness: This research studies the human need for social embeddedness – the need to feel as if we are embedded within society.