From exploring how stress and coping mechanisms influence mental health to studying the psychosocial impact of antisemitism, Talia Morstead is advancing our understanding of well-being at UBC’s Centre for Health and Coping Studies.
Talia Morstead is a PhD student in UBC Health Psychology program working with Dr. Anita DeLongis at the Centre for Health and Coping Studies. Her research examines how stress and coping processes unfold over time and how these processes contribute to physical and psychological health outcomes.
Her most recent publication features results from a study exploring how Jewish college and university students cope with antisemitism.
Talia’s other research interests revolve around stress, coping, health behaviours, social support and longitudinal methods.
In a Q&A, Talia shares her academic journey, the inspiration behind her research, and tips for aspiring graduate students.
Can you tell us about your academic journey leading up to your current MA/PhD degree?
I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at UBC, where I first became interested in how stress and coping shape both physical and psychological health. After completing my B.A., I continued at UBC for my M.A. in Psychology, focusing on stress, social support, and health behaviors. Throughout my studies, I’ve had the privilege of working under the mentorship of Dr. Anita DeLongis, whose guidance has shaped my research on how stress processes evolve over time and impact mental health. Currently, as a PhD student in the Health Psychology program, I’m building on this work with a focus on the psychosocial effects of stressors like antisemitism.
What led you to pursue this research?
My interest in the psychosocial factors that influence how we cope with stress has driven me to study individuals’ responses to a variety of stressors, including the death of a loved one, the risk of COVID-19 infection, and genetic test results. After the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, the subsequent surge in antisemitism—particularly pronounced on college and university campuses—is what motivated my most recent project. Considering the harmful effects of prejudice and discrimination on mental health and the lack of research on the psychosocial impact of antisemitism, examining this stressor in the present context seemed crucial.
Can you tell us about any new research that you’re working on?
In this study, we used longitudinal data and multilevel modeling to examine how different coping strategies might have influenced Jewish students’ well-being over time. We assessed participants’ coping responses to increases in antisemitism and their potential relationship with depressive symptoms. Our findings indicated that heightened stress from increases in antisemitism was associated with greater depressive symptoms, particularly when students coped by avoiding the stress through avoidant coping strategies. By contrast, approach coping—which involves acknowledging the stressor and attempting to mitigate its impact such as by seeking social support or confronting it at its source—was associated with fewer depressive symptoms.
“ Our findings indicated that heightened stress from increases in antisemitism was associated with greater depressive symptoms, particularly when students coped by avoiding the stress through avoidant coping strategies. By contrast, approach coping—which involves acknowledging the stressor and attempting to mitigate its impact such as by seeking social support or confronting it at its source—was associated with fewer depressive symptoms.”
Can you give us an example of this research in our daily lives?
Results from the study highlight the potentially harmful effects of stress associated with antisemitism, while also pointing to coping strategies as a possible intervention to mitigate these effects. Although discrimination and antisemitic acts require robust institutional responses, our findings underscore the importance of academic institutions remaining spaces for open inquiry that foster discourse, even on contentious topics. Efforts to censor, de platform, or boycott diverse perspectives not only contradict the mission of academic institutions but may also harm students’ well-being by creating a chilling effect and encouraging maladaptive coping strategies.
What inspired you to pursue an MA/PhD in psychology at UBC?
The opportunity to specialize in health psychology, combined with the research-intensive and mentorship-driven training offered by both the MA and PhD programs, is what drew me to the UBC Psychology Department. Additionally, the chance to study under the supervision of Dr. Anita DeLongis, a leading expert in stress and coping, was a significant factor in my decision.
“The opportunity to specialize in health psychology, combined with the research-intensive and mentorship-driven training offered by both the MA and PhD programs, is what drew me to the UBC Psychology Department.”
What advice would you give to aspiring MA/PhD students?
My primary advice for new graduate students is to approach all areas of inquiry with an open mind and actively engage with diverse ideas and perspectives. Equally important is resisting the impulse to let prevailing dogma dictate the direction of your research. Finally, finding a supportive supervisor is essential, as their guidance will significantly shape your experience navigating the academic landscape.
