Jonah Li, Ph.D.
About
Degrees
Introduction
I have a background in Counseling Psychology. I completed my bachelor's degree in Counseling and Psychology from Hong Kong Shue Yan University in 2014 and my master's degree in Counseling Psychology from University of Denver in 2017. In 2022, I completed my doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington.
Current Research
My research program seeks to promote resilient and optimal psychological experiences among diverse and minority groups multiculturally. To this end, my three lines of research include: (a) advancing the conceptual clarity of relevant constructs and their associations with mental health outcomes, (b) developing psychometrically sound measures of those constructs, and (c) establishing, evaluating, and promoting innovative and efficacious interventions to achieving resilient and optimal psychological experiences.
Quantitative Research Instruments
Below, please find the quantitative research instruments my colleagues and I have developed. These instruments can be used for research and educational purposes for free.
- Existential Meaninglessness Scale
- The Agency Scale
Teaching
TPSYCH 209 Fundamentals of Psychological Research I
TPSYCH 210 Abnormal Psychology
TPSYCH 311 Personality Theory
TPSYCH 314 Tests and Measurements
TPSYCH 315 Intro to Counseling Psychology
TPSYCH 409 Group Counseling and Dynamics
TPSYCH 410 Existential Psychology
Research Line I: Conceptualization
Li, P. F. J., Chan, C.-K., Xiao, Y. J., & O'Donnell, M. (2023). A further comparison between meaning and purpose: Examining factor structures, partial correlational, unique and indirect associations with mental health outcomes. Counselling Psychology Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070.2023.2292208
Li, P. F. J., Wong, Y. J., Granderson, R. M., & Jackson, D. (2022). Comprehension, purpose, and mattering? A latent profile analysis of laypeople’s beliefs about meaning in life. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 17(6), 909-923. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2021.1991445
Li, P. F. J., Wong, Y. J., & McDermott, R. C. (2021). Examining Nietzsche’s Epigram: Having a why helps you bear almost any how? Journal of Humanistic Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/00221678211041828
Li, P. F. J., & Wong, Y. J. (2020). Beliefs in free will versus determinism: Search for meaning mediates the life scheme—depressive symptom link. Journal of Humanistic Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0022167820933719
Li, P. F. J., Wong, Y. J., McDermott, R., Cheng, H, & Ruser, J. (2019). U.S. college students’ lay beliefs about hope: A mixed-methods study. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 16(2), 249-262. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2019.1689420
Li, P. F. J., Wong, Y. J., & Chao, R. C.-L. (2019). Happiness and meaning in life: Unique, differential, and indirect associations with mental health. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 32(3-4), 396-414. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070.2019.1604493
Research Line II: Measurement
Li, P. F. J., & Chow, A. (2024). Has human progress stagnated in recent decades? Evaluating Seligman’s (2021) model of agency and its correlates using the MIDUS three-wave longitudinal study. The Journal of Positive Psychology. http://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2024.2314288
Li, P. F. J., Wong, Y. J., McCullough, K. M., Jin, L., & Wang, C. D. (2022). Existential Meaninglessness Scale: Scale development and psychometric properties. Journal of Humanistic Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F00221678211072450
Research Line III: Intervention
Li, P. F. J., Wong, Y. J., Deng, K., & Li, Y. (2024). Gratitude in a culturally adapted psychotherapy group and in Chinese culture: Interpretative phenomenological analysis. Asian American Journal of Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/aap0000336
Li, P. F. J., & Wong, Y. J. (2021). Strength-Centered Therapy: A positive and culturally flexible therapeutic approach. Asia Pacific Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 12(2), 154-169. https://doi.org/10.1080/21507686.2021.1925313
Li, P. F. J., Wong, Y. J., & Cawthra, J. N. (2019). I’d like to have all the characteristics of a hero: A case study of Strength-Centered Therapy. Clinical Case Studies, 18(3), 200-219. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1534650119837353