Human Development and Social Influence

Unique opportunities and challenges emerge at different age periods and age-related social institutions. Riding on developmental opportunities and resolving age-related challenges are key to enhancing human functioning and flourishing. Our faculty members contribute to both developmental theories and problem-based research with a wide range of age groups in various social institutions.

For instance,
1) We developed and evaluated support services for early intervention in kindergartens and reading techniques with creative texts in kindergarteners
2) We conducted research on key social issues (e.g. objectification/dehumanization, gender inequality, and values) in broader contexts, aiming to create meaningful impact.
3) We examined age-specific strategies to promote physical activity and health.
4) We investigated intergenerational conflict at work and retirement planning.

Selected Publications
Tang, V. F. Y., Da, J., Kwok, J. Y. Y., Yeung, D. Y., Choi, N. G., Warner, L. M., Ho, R. T. H., & Chou, K.-L. (2026). Behavioral activation and mindfulness interventions in reducing loneliness and improving well-being in older adults: The HEAL-HOA randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 9(2), Article e2557170
Yeung, D. Y.-L., Jiang, D., Warner, L. M., Choi, N. G., Ho, R. T. H., Kwok, J. Y. Y., & Chou, K.-L. (2025). The effects of volunteering on loneliness among lonely older adults: the HEAL-HOA dual randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Healthy Longevity, 6(1), Article 100664
Wang, Y., Li, X., Zhang, Q., Yeung, D., & Wu, Y. (2025). Effect of a cognitive behavioral therapy-based AI chatbot on depression and loneliness in chinese university students: Randomized controlled trial with financial stress moderation. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 13, Article e63806
Hui, A. N. N., Siu, A. F. Y., Leung, C., & Karnilowicz, W. (2025). Development and validation of child observation checklist for early screening of young children with special needs. Healthcare (Switzerland), 13(2), Article 148
Dong, Y., Wang, X., Ma, Z. M., & Poon, K.-T. (2025). Being grateful makes me a human: the enhancing effect of gratitude expression on self-humanness via perceived social connection. Journal of Happiness Studies, 26(8), Article 144
Huang, Q., Wang, X., & Teng, F. (2025). Experiencing dehumanization, seeking uniqueness: The effect of organizational dehumanization on uniqueness-seeking consumption. Psychology & Marketing, 42(12), 3207-3220
Ye, S., Ma, M. Z., Chen, S., Zhou, T., & Chen, X. (2025). Development and validation of an implicit association test (IAT) for Schwartz's value dimensions. Personality and Individual Differences, 242, Article 113182
Chen, S., Ye, S., & Ma, Z. (2025). Differential value-wellness associations in the unequal world: Social-focused values for the privileged, personal-focused values for the disadvantaged. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
Teng, F., Wang, X., Lei, Q., & Poon, K.-T. (2024). Love me, because I rely on you: Dependency-oriented help-seeking as a strategy for human mating. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 127(6), 1215-1236
Cheung, H. N., & Hui, A. N. N. (2023). Impact of a mindfulness-based program on creativity and mindfulness disposition of school children. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 17(6), 694-704
Cheng, S.-T., Li, K.-K., Or, P. P. L., & Losada, A. (2023). Do caregiver interventions improve outcomes in relatives with dementia and mild cognitive impairment? A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 37(8), 929-953
Shi, J., Wang, X., & Chen, Z. (2022). Polluted humanity: Air pollution leads to the dehumanization of oneself and others. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 83, Article 101873

 

Signature Projects
Dissemination of Caregiver Support Model & Psychoeducation Program on Empowerment: Development and Validation, Simon K. Y. Lee Foundation Limited and Research Matching Grant Scheme, 2023 - 2025, Li, K-K. (PI)
KeySteps@JC Phase Two, Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Fund, 2022 - 2027, Hui, N. N. A. (PI)