Jonathan M. Adler

Jonathan M. Adler is a Professor of Psychology at Olin College of Engineering, specializing in narrative identity and its relationship to psychological well-being. His work bridges academic research, artistic expression, and clinical practice, with a focus on disability, illness, and storytelling.

Research interests include narrative identity development, the impact of adversity on self-concept, and applications of storytelling in healthcare. He leads initiatives like the Health Story Collaborative, empowering patients and providers through narrative practices. Collaborations with The Story Lab involve annual story slams and theater productions that integrate psychological science with creative arts.

Adler’s scholarship emphasizes interdisciplinary methods, including qualitative research and scale development (e.g., the Narrative Identity Self-Evaluation Scale). He advocates for open science practices in academic publishing, contributing guidelines for editors. His current projects explore identity integration in disability contexts and the role of interdependence narratives in well-being.

Advising and grants include directing theater productions and mentoring interdisciplinary collaborations. He co-authored an Off-Broadway play and teaches courses merging psychology with storytelling and performance. Ongoing work includes a book on identity development and a longitudinal study on disability narratives during the pandemic.