Hovanec, a participant in the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program, is studying how parental emotional availability and impacts emerging adults' well-being.
By Ty Wright
Office of Academic Enrichment
caldwell.151@osu.edu
For Emma Hovanec, a psychology major at The Ohio State University and participant in the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP), research is a way to dive deeper into questions that matter. Her project examines how parental emotional availability influences the psychological well-being of emerging adults—and whether current or past experiences carry more weight.
“My research involves parental emotional availability and how it impacts the psychological well-being of emerging adults,” Hovanec explains. “More specifically, I want to determine if emerging adults consider their current or past experiences with parental emotional availability to be more influential on their mental well-being.”
Working under the mentorship of Dr. Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan, Hovanec values the depth and focus research provides.
“Most psychology courses give a general overview, but research lets you explore what truly interests you,” she says. “You can apply your knowledge and skills in a hands-on approach through your project design.”