Shannon Sauer-Zavala

Shannon Sauer-Zavala, PhD is a clinical psychologist, personality scientist, professor, and author whose research focuses on intentional personality change.

My research examines how personality shapes emotional health, relationships, and goal pursuit—and, most importantly, how people can intentionally change personality traits that no longer serve them. I develop and test evidence-based interventions that target the core processes underlying emotional disorders and maladaptive personality traits, with a particular focus on borderline personality disorder and the Big Five model of personality. By translating advances in personality science into practical treatments and self-development strategies, my work aims to help people build greater emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and more meaningful lives. Ultimately, my goal is to bridge rigorous psychological science with real-world impact by making the science of personality change accessible to clinicians, researchers, and the public.

To learn more about current projects, visit my lab website.

To learn more about my science communication and media appearances, go here.