The Integrative Neuroscience, Psychopathology, and Personality Research (INSPIRE) Lab

The INSPIRE lab, led by Dr. Takakuni Suzuki, investigates individual differences in cognitive, emotional, and social processes using multiple data collection and analytic methods. Our research integrates neuroscience, psychometrics, cognitive science, and affective science to understand the mechanisms that underlie emotional experience, cognitive control, and psychological well-being. We use a transdiagnostic and dimensional approach to understanding psychopathology. Rather than focusing solely on diagnostic categories, we examine core psychological processes across individuals with and without mental health conditions. Our goal is to advance psychological science through rigorous, theory-driven research that bridges laboratory and real-world settings, informing both foundational models and translational applications in mental health.

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Why use multiple methods? Human experiences are complex and cannot be fully captured by a single method. Therefore, we employ multimethod approach that includes: (1) Self-report questionnaires to assess subjective experiences (what people tell us), (2) Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain activities (what the brain is doing), (3) Ambulatory assessment to collect data in real-world settings. We combine these sources with advanced analytic techniques to gain a nuanced understanding of psychological processes as they unfold across time and context.

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What do we mean by transdiagnostic and dimensional? Traditional models of psychopathology (and psychological research) rely on on categorical diagnoses, using terms that you may have heard, such as schizophrenia and personality disorder. However, research consistently shows that these categorical diagnoses often overlap and do not reflect clear boundaries. A transdiagnostic approach focuses on psychological processes that cut across diagnostic labels, such as cognitive inflexibility or emotion dysregulation. A dimensional perspective views these difficulties as variations along a continuum, rather than as binary “disorders.” This means that many psychological challenges represent extreme versions of experiences that everyone has to some degree. This framework allows us to bridge basic and clinical science, offering a more integrated and precise understanding of mental health.

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Why research? Our research aims to deepen theoretical understanding of the neural and psychological mechanisms that shape cognitive and emotional functioning. At the same time, we strive to translate these insights into interventions, training programs, and tools that can improve the lives of individuals affected by various forms of psychopathology.