Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia is consistently rated among the best in the nation and spans major scientific areas of Psychology. Research interests on contemplation include James Coan, an affective neuroscientist, who is exploring the neuroscience of contemplation, especially in relationship to Buddhism, as well as being involved with other psychological studies on contemplation. Angeline Lillard is focused on early childhood development, and has a strong research interest in contemplative practices in that context. Shige Oishi's research focuses on wellbeing and happiness in cultural contexts.