Julie K. Norem

Julie K. Norem serves as the Margaret Hamm Professor of Psychology at Wellesley College, where she has taught since 1992. Her courses include Personality Psychology, Research Methods in the Psychology of Personality and Adjustment (PSYC309R), and a Seminar on Personality and Motivation (PSYC332).

Her research examines defensive pessimism and goal pursuit strategies, with emphasis on how self-knowledge impacts adaptation, performance, and social dynamics—particularly among individuals experiencing imposter phenomenon. This work bridges personality and social psychology, revealing critical insights about individual differences in motivation and behavior.

Professor Norem has held significant editorial leadership as Associate Editor for both the Journal of Research in Personality and Personality and Social Psychology Review, and served on multiple journal editorial boards. She is a founding member and past-president of the Association for Research in Personality, and has held appointed/elected positions in the Society of Personality and Social Psychology.