Reflections on a Highly Multidisciplinary Career

Reflections over the course of my 50-year career in interdisciplinary clinical-psychological science are offered. Using several examples drawn from my life’s work, I highlight the importance of interdisciplinarity in developing novel insights into clinically relevant phenomena. When questions demand expertise and methods beyond those researchers possess themselves, collaboration is key. Examples of highly novel and productive collaborations from my career are provided. Finally, I conclude with six specific points of advice for the younger generation of scientists, and I advocate for a clinical-psychological science that focuses on human flourishing. Such a focus is critically needed to address the major challenges facing the world today.

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Publication Details

Journal
Clinical Psychological Science
Published
2026-06-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/21677026261424167
Primary Topic
Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Reflections on a Highly Multidisciplinary Career

Richard J. Davidson
Clinical Psychological Science
Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration
article

Reflections on a Highly Multidisciplinary Career

Richard J. Davidson
article en

Abstract

Reflections over the course of my 50-year career in interdisciplinary clinical-psychological science are offered. Using several examples drawn from my life’s work, I highlight the importance of interdisciplinarity in developing novel insights into clinically relevant phenomena. When questions demand expertise and methods beyond those researchers possess themselves, collaboration is key. Examples of highly novel and productive collaborations from my career are provided. Finally, I conclude with six specific points of advice for the younger generation of scientists, and I advocate for a clinical-psychological science that focuses on human flourishing. Such a focus is critically needed to address the major challenges facing the world today.

Clinical Psychological Science
University of Wisconsin–Madison (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration
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