Zachary Ellis, a doctoral student in
community psychology, is DePaul's latest recipient of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization's Graduate Student Research Award. The national award, which includes a $1,000 grant, is bestowed annually for innovative research projects investigating chronic disorganization and its various causes, treatments, and health effects. Ellis was the sole awardee for 2024 out of a group of applicants from across the country.Chronic disorganization encompasses a range of conditions, from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to hoarding, obsessive compulsive disorder, traumatic brain injury, and more. The condition can cause substantial distress, including persistent anxiety and a reduced quality of life.
Ellis' project is comprised of two studies examining the relationship between clutter and COVID-19, particularly the phenomenon of reactance – a negative motivational reaction that occurs when individuals experience a loss or restriction of their behavioral freedom. The initial study explores the impact of successful decluttering projects as a measure of restoring control for women most at risk of the phenomenon. It also compares instances of reactance throughout the United States at the beginning of the pandemic and across different geographic regions. The second component will be a follow-up study comparing the effects of decluttering initiatives on control and fear across multiple age groups.
“The practical implications of this study may help to inform decluttering professionals on how to tailor their programs and interventions to meet the needs of different demographic groups" Ellis explains.
Ellis is not the first DePaul psychology student to receive the prestigious award for their research. Past recipients include Devki Patel (M.S. program, psychology), Helena Swanson (community psychology PhD. program), Rachael Suffrin (clinical/community psychology PhD. program), and Juline Girts (M.S. program, psychology).
“It is an honor for our students and DePaul to be selected multiple times from this international professional organization" says Deacon Joseph Ferrari, Vincent de Paul professor of psychology.
You can learn more about the award and organization on their website.