Brian Ostafin

Brian Ostafin is an Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen's Department of Clinical Psychology & Experimental Psychopathology within the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Boston University (2004) and prior academic roles at North Dakota State University (2006–2011) and the University of Washington (2004–2006). His research focuses on mindfulness, meaning in life, awe, and implicit cognitive processes, with particular emphasis on addiction, depression, and psychopathology. He has secured grants from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and National Institute on Drug Abuse, among others. Recent work includes studies on mindful yoga interventions for depression, the psychometric properties of religious scales, and mechanisms underlying problematic behaviors. His publications span journals like Mindfulness, Behavior Therapy, and Psychiatry Research, with a focus on translational clinical research.

Education:

• PhD in Clinical Psychology, Boston University (2004)
• MA in Psychology, Boston University (1998)
• MA in Theological Studies, Harvard University (1996)
• BA in Religious Studies, University of North Dakota (1992)

Research Interests:

• Mindfulness-based interventions
• Meaning in life and its psychological correlates
• Implicit cognitive processes in addiction and mood disorders
• Psychosocial responses to trauma and stress
• Religious/spiritual influences on mental health

Awards & Grants:

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2010–2012)
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (2009–2011)
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute Grant (2005–2006)

Advising & Labs: Active in mentoring graduate students in clinical psychology, with a focus on translational research combining mindfulness, cognitive processes, and psychopathology. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects involving yoga interventions, meaning-centered therapies, and addiction mechanisms.