Theodore Waters

Associate Professor of Psychology; Global Network Associate Professor of Psychology, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development Affiliation: NYU Abu Dhabi
Education: Honours BSc University of Toronto; MA Emory University; PhD Emory University

Research Areas: Attachment and autobiographical memory


Theodore Waters received his PhD from Emory University in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology. Following that, he was awarded a post-doctoral National Research Service Award (NRSA) to conduct research at the University of Minnesota's Institute of Child Development. His research focuses on the developmental and cognitive mechanisms that account for the enduring effects of early experience across the lifespan. He integrates traditional narrative, developmental, and cognitive methodologies to advance our knowledge of how representations of early experience form, develop, and interact with the social environment to influence critical developmental processes. Currently, his lab’s work focuses on the development, organization, and impact of attachment representations and representations of self/identity across the lifespan.

Waters's research interests include Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Attachment Theory, Autobiographical Memory, Narrative, Identity, Meaning-making, and Trauma.

Courses Taught