jenaemnelson
Dr. Jenae Nelson is a developmental psychologist who studies character and spiritual formation. She teaches psychology at Brigham Young University. She received her bachelor's and doctorate degree from Brigham Young University. She completed postdoctoral research in character development at Baylor University and the neuroscience of spirituality at Harvard Medical School.
The driving questions of Nelson's research are (a) How do virtue and moral behaviors develop, (b) How do ancient practices, traditional knowledge, and human connection contribute to virtue, (c) How are virtue and religion/spirituality associated with flourishing, and (d) How can we apply research in these areas, particularly in youth?
Nelson pioneered research on the social utility of indebtedness as a moral mechanism that promotes interdependence and prosociality. She is a first-generation college graduate and bi-racial (White + Native American: Ojibwe) scholar. She is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her diverse background informs her research, teaching, and mentoring.