Carsten Wrosch

Our research indentifies pathways to successful living across the adult lifespan. We examine from a self-regulation perspective how people can adjust to challenging life circumstances and prevent the adverse consequences on their psychological, biological, and physical health (e.g., depression, cortisol dysregulation, or chronic disease). This research program integrates theories from personality, developmental, and health psychology, and is based on the premise that there are reliable individual differences in people’s personality processes that determine the quality of life of individuals who confront problematic life situations.

Selected Publications

• Wrosch, C., Miller, G. E., Lupien, S., & Pruessner, J. C. (in press). Diurnal cortisol secretion and 2-year changes in older adults’ acute physical symptoms: The moderating roles of negative affect and sleep. Health Psychology
• Wrosch, C., & Schulz, R. (2008). Health engagement control strategies and 2-year changes in older adults’ physical health. Psychological Science, 19, 537-541
• Wrosch, C., Bauer, I., Miller, G. E., & Lupien, S. (2007). Regret intensity, diurnal cortisol secretion, and physical health in older individuals: Evidence for directional effects and protective factors. Psychology and Aging, 22, 319-330
• Wrosch, C., Schulz, R., Miller, G. E., Lupien, S., & Dunne, E. (2007). Physical health problems, depressive mood, and cortisol secretion in old age: Buffer effects of health engagement control strategies. Health Psychology, 26, 341-349
• Wrosch, C., Miller, G. E., Scheier, M. F., & Brun de Pontet, S. (2007). Giving up on unattainable goals: Benefits for health? Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33, 251-265