Chaya Lehrfield

My doctoral research investigates how cultures differ in the importance they ascribe to emotion as a central domain of human life. I examine how people’s fundamental beliefs about emotion shape not only their experience of emotional distress, but also the ways they interpret and respond to the emotional suffering of others. These culturally grounded conceptions of emotion may influence both individual mental health and the quality of interpersonal support. Ultimately, the findings are expected to contribute to the development of culturally sensitive mental health interventions and improve mental health care in diverse communities.

I earned a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Bar-Ilan University, Graduated summa cum laude, and complete an M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Tel Aviv University and Graduated cum laude.