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Dr. Polina Beloborodova

(she/her)

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Professional Summary

Polina Beloborodova is a social psychologist researching the adverse impacts of social disconnection and loneliness on emotional well-being, as well as the potential of contemplative practices like meditation to address these issues. She is currently a postdoctoral research associate at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She holds a PhD in Social Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University (United States) and a PhD in General and Personality Psychology from HSE University (Russia). Polina’s research has been funded by the Mind & Life Institute and American Psychological Association and has received multiple awards. Before entering academia, Polina worked in human resources across several industries. Born and raised in Russia, educated in Europe and the US, and having traveled to over 50 countries, she brings a cross-cultural perspective to her research, teaching, and service. In her free time, Polina enjoys reading fiction and spending time in nature.

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Education

PhD Social Psychology

2024-05-31
2019-08-01

Virginia Commonwealth University

PhD General Psychology

2015-10-01
2019-05-31

HSE University

MS Management

2009-09-01
2011-05-31

ESCP Europe & HSE University (double degree)

BS Management

2005-09-01
2009-05-31

HSE University

Interests

Mindfulness-based interventions Digital well-being Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) Psychometrics and measurement

📚 My Research

My research challenges the idea that well-being is purely an individual achievement. I study how emotional well-being is shaped by relationships, social contexts, and everyday experiences, and how practices like meditation may help people feel more present, resilient, and socially connected.

Much of my work focuses on digital mindfulness and well-being interventions, examining both their benefits and their unintended effects. By combining experimental designs with real-world, ecological momentary assessment data, I aim to develop a more socially grounded and realistic science of well-being.

Recent Publications

Michael Juberg, Polina Beloborodova (2025). Empathy as the critical link between self-compassion and social dominance orientation. Mindfulness.

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