Natalie Barlett, Ph. D.

Contact Information

Office: BH 418

Research Interests

Dr. Barlett’s research examines the processes that promote well-being and flourishing across development, with particular emphasis on social connection, belonging, and intergenerational relationships. Her work primarily focuses on emerging adulthood (ages 18-25), investigating how developmental experiences during the college years shape psychological well-being, personality, identity development, and health-related outcomes. She is especially interested in identifying the social and contextual factors that foster flourishing during this transitional period, including friendship quality, mentorship, parenting practices, and sense of belonging, while also considering the influence of individual identity and background.

In addition to this work, Dr. Barlett conducts research on intergenerational programming and its impact on children's social-emotional and academic development. This research explores how engagement with older adults influences children's empathy, perceptions of aging, well-being, and academic outcomes.

Undergraduate Involvement

Many undergraduate students are involved in the Barlett Developmental Lab each semester! Students gain experience with the full research process from study design to data collection to presentation. While conducting research is the primary focus of the lab, students also learn many additional skills such as how to read empirical articles more efficiently, how to write like a psychologist, how to mentor new students, and how to work well in a dynamic group setting. We also work on professional development through writing curriculum vitas and graduate school/job applications.

Representative Publications

Barlett, C. P., Barlett, N. D., & Chalk, H. M. (2020). Transitioning through emerging adulthood and physical health implications. Emerging Adulthood, 8, 297-305. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167696818814642 

Chalk, H., Barlett, C. P., & Barlett, N. D. (2020). Disability self-identification and well-being in emerging adults. Emerging Adulthood, 8, 306-316. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167696818812604 

Barlett, N. D. & Barlett, C. P.(2018). Money and job worries as a function of emerging adulthood markers: An analysis of college-aged and adult populations using correlational and longitudinal designs. Journal of Adult Development, 1-13.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-018-9302-4 

Barlett, C. P. & Barlett, N. D. (2018). Aggression. In J. Bonds-Raacke & J. Raacke (Eds.), Thinking Critically about Social Psychology (2nd Ed.; pp 141-158). Kendall Hunt Publishers: Dubuque, IA. 