Susan Charles

Susan Charles is a Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. Her research focuses on emotional processes across the adult lifespan, particularly how affective experiences interact with cognitive and health-related processes. She investigates the interplay between physical health factors (behavior and status) and emotional regulation, emphasizing age-related variations in these dynamics.

Her work spans topics including daily stress reactivity, loneliness, cortisol rhythms, cognitive functioning, and the psychological impacts of aging during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She leads the Emotion Research Lab (http://sites.uci.edu/emotionresearchlab/), where she explores longitudinal changes in stress management strategies and their effects on well-being. Recent studies highlight activity diversity and social engagement as protective factors for mental and physical health in older adults.

Her research also addresses sociodemographic disparities in psychological well-being, including race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Notable contributions include the Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) model, which explains emotional aging dynamics. While no formal advisees or part-time status are explicitly stated, her publications reveal collaborations with researchers like G. Luong, J.R. Piazza, and D.M. Almeida.