In my current (developing) research, I ask: 

1. How do people come to see themselves as an integral part of both individual and systemic solutions to societal challenges?

Many environmental and social issues require both personal and systemic change, yet people often struggle to recognize their role in broader efforts. I explore the psychological and social factors that shape individuals’ perceptions of their agency in addressing large-scale problems.

2. Why do people fail to recognize systemic changes, and what shapes their sense of efficacy in collective action?

While systemic shifts are constant, individuals may not always perceive these changes or recognize their role in the process. I investigate how people navigate the complex societal transformations, their beliefs about who needs to change, and how feelings of efficacy influence engagement with social and environmental solutions.

3. What psychological foundations in evaluating our world are necessary for societies to facilitate degrowth and sustainable futures?

Moving towards an equitable and sustainable future requires rethinking growth-based economic models. I examine beliefs, values, and cognitive frameworks that could support societal acceptance of degrowth, focusing on alternative ways of evaluating growth and well-being.

4. How do false narratives shape public perception of responsibility in environmental and social issues?

In contexts like air pollution in India, misinformation often leads to misplaced blame, hindering effective solutions. In this project, I investigate the psychological mechanisms that make certain groups ideal scapegoats and explores strategies to build resilience against ineffective or harmful narratives.