The theme of my research across studies has been examining how psychosocial factors influence individuals’ adjustment to stressful life events. I specialize in the study of loss and grief, including the death of a close person, perinatal loss, and breakup, and am committed to exploring cognitive mechanisms (e.g., rumination) underlying the grieving process and effective intervention. I am also strongly interested in digital intervention and ecological momentary assessment and intervention. My work aims to contribute to the advancement of the field of stress-related mental disorders and to bring hope to individuals affected by losses in their lives.
ACEDEMIC POSITIONS
Jul 2023-Associate Professor, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University
Jan 2019-Jun 2023Assistant Professor, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University
Jul 2013-Aug 2014Psychological Counselor, Gaide Center for Anxiety Disorders, Guangzhou
EDUCATION
Sept 2014-Aug 2018 Ph.D., Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Sept 2017-Jul 2018 Fulbright Research Scholar, Center for Research on End-of-Life Care, Weill Cornel Medical College, U.S.
Sept 2010-Jun 2013 Master of Education in Applied Psychology, School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, China
Dec 2012 Visiting Student, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Swiss
Sept 2006-Jun 2010 Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-sen University, P. R. China
HONORS & AWARDS
2021 Third Prize, 10th Teaching Competition for Young Teachers, Shenzhen University
2021 Excellent Teacher for Undergraduate Internship Supervision (Year 2020), Shenzhen University
2021 Excellent Teacher for Undergraduate Teaching (Year 2019-2020), Shenzhen University
2020 Excellent Young Teacher, Schema for Improving Teaching Ability of Young Teachers, Shenzhen University
2020 Second Prize, Academic Track of “Li Yuan Challenge” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (Supervisor), Shenzhen University
2019-2024 Overseas High-Caliber Personnel (Level C), Shenzhen Government
2017-2018 Fulbright-RGC Research Scholar Award, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong
2014-2018 Postgraduate Scholarship, University of Hong Kong
2014 Best Abstract Award, International Conference on Grief and Bereavement (ICGB)
2012 Exchange Scholarship, Sino-Swiss Science and Technology Cooperation (SSSTC)
GRANTS
2024-2026 Effectiveness and mechanism of mobile intervention for prolonged grief, Seed Grant for Overseas High-Caliber Personnel from Shenzhen Government, Principal Investigator
2023-2025 Digital intervention on improving the physical and mental health of bereaved people, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission, Principal Investigator
2023-2025 Digital therapy for improving the mental health of primary and secondary school students, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission, Co-Investigator
2022-2024 Rumination-focused ecological momentary intervention for prolonged grief, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Principal Investigator
2022-2024 Computational neuroscience of gratitude, National Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, Co-Investigator
2022-2024 Three-tier intervention for people bereaved in disasters, Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Principal Investigator
2021-2023 Internet-based intervention for people bereaved in major emergencies, Guangdong Planning Office of Philosophy and Social Science, Principal Investigator
2019-2022 Cognitive intervention for prolonged grief, Seed Grant from Shenzhen University (Natural Science), Principal Investigator
PUBLICATIONS
1.1.Journal Publications [*Corresponding author; #Co-first author]
1.1.1. Tang, S.*, Peng, W., Yu, Y., & Fu, Z. (in press). 丧亲人群网络化心理干预效果的系统综述与元分析[The effectiveness of internet-based interventions for bereaved people: A systematic review and meta-analysis]. Advances in Psychological Science. (Chinese SSCI)
1.1.2. Tang, S.*, Chen, Z., Boelen, P. A., Eisma, M. C., & Lenfrink, L. I. M. (in press). Psychometric Evaluation of the Traumatic Grief Inventory-Self Report Plus (TGI-SR+) in Chinese Bereaved People. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. (SSCI, Q1)
1.1.3. Tang, S.*, Peng, W., Qian, X., & Chen, Y. (2024). Healing grief – an online self-help intervention program for bereaved Chinese with prolonged grief: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 15(1), 2323422. (SSCI, Q1)
1.1.4. Chen, C.#*, Tang, S.#*, & Wu, L. (2024). A network analysis of posttraumatic stress symptoms and quality of relationship with deceased in COVID-19 bereaved adults. Psychological Trauma: Theory Research Practice and Policy, 16(6), 930-941. (SSCI, Q2)
1.1.5. Chen, M., Tang, S., Kelley, S. J., Chen, Q., Lo, C. K. M., Chan, K. L., & Ip, P. (2023). Aggressive parenting behavior among grandparents providing childcare for grandchildren: A case study of Shenzhen, China. Child Abuse & Neglect, 139, 106108. (SSCI, Q1)
1.1.6. Ding, R., Wu, N., Tang, S., Liu, T., Li, W., & Ni, S. (2022). Relations between parental response to children's negative emotions and suicidal ideation in chinese adolescents: Internalizing problems, emotion regulation, and perceived relationship quality with parents as mediators. Journal of Affective Disorders, 301, 205-216. (SSCI, Q1)
1.1.7. Hou, L., Zhang, Y., Tang, S., & Tang, X. (2022). The loss and return of self: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of coping and recovery from chronic hepatitis B in China. Nursing & Health Sciences, 24, 625-633. (SSCI, Q1)
1.1.8. Tang, S.*, Fan, Y., Zeng, Z. (2022). 新冠肺炎疫情丧亲者的求助行为及影响因素[Help-seeking behavior and its correlates among individuals bereaved due to COVID-19]. Community Psychology Research, 13, 167-182. (Chinese SSCI Source Journal)
1.1.9. Tang, X., Liu, Q., Cai, F., Tian, H., Shi, X., & Tang, S.* (2022). Prevalence of social anxiety disorder and symptoms among Chinese children, adolescents and young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 792356. (SSCI, Q1)
1.1.10. Chen, C., & Tang, S.* (2021). Profiles of grief, post-traumatic stress, and post-traumatic growth among people bereaved due to COVID-19. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1947563. (SSCI, Q1)
1.1.11. Tang, S.*, & Xiang, Z. (2021). Who suffered most after deaths due to COVID-19? Prevalence and correlates of prolonged grief disorder in COVID-19 related bereaved adults. Globalization and Health, 17, 19. (SCI/SSCI, Q1; ESI Highly Cited Paper)
1.1.12. Tang, S.#*, Xiang, M.#*, Cheung, T., & Xiang, Y-T. (2021). Mental health and its correlates among children and adolescents during COVID-19 school closure: the importance of parent-child discussion. Journal of Affective Disorders, 279, 353-360. (SCI/SSCI, Q1; ESI Highly Cited Paper; ESI Hot paper)
1.1.13. Tang, S.*, Yu, Y., Chen, Q., Fan, M., & Eisma, M. C. (2021). Correlates of mental health after COVID-19 bereavement in mainland China. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 61(6), e1-e4. (SCI, Q1)
1.1.14. Chen, C., Chow, A. Y. M., & Tang, S. (2020). Trajectories of depression symptoms in Chinese elderly during widowhood: A secondary analysis. Aging and Mental Health, 24(8), 1254-1262. (SSCI, Q1)
1.1.15. Liu, Z., Ren, X., Wang, G., Tang, S., Wu, Y., & Zhang, J. (2020). 网络认知行为治疗干预大学生焦虑情绪的随机对照试验[A randomized controlled trial of Internet-based cognitive behavior therapy for college students with anxiety]. Chinese Mental Health Journal, 34. (CSSCI Extension)
1.1.16. Tang, S., Chow, A. Y. M., Breen, L. J., & Prigerson, H. G. (2020). Can grief be a mental disorder? An online survey on public opinion in mainland China. Death Studies, 44(3), 152-159. (SSCI, Q2)
1.1.17. Tang, X.#, Tang, S.#, Ren, Z., & Wong, D. F. K. (2020). Psychosocial risk factors associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents in secondary schools in mainland China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 263, 155-165. (SCI/SSCI, Q1)
1.1.18. Tang, X.#, Tang, S.#, Ren, Z., & Wong, D. F. K. (2020). Psychological risk and protective factors associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents in secondary schools in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Children and Youth Services Review, 108, 104680. (SSCI, Q1)
1.1.19. Xiu, D., Chow, A. Y. M., Tang, S. (2020). Predictive factors for differential changes in grief symptoms following group bereavement intervention for Chinese widowed older adults. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 27(3), 267-277. (SSCI, Q2)
1.1.20. Chen, C., Chow, A. Y. M., & Tang, S. (2019). Professional caregivers’ bereavement after patients’ deaths: a scoping review of quantitative studies. Death Studies, 43(8), 500-508. (SSCI, Q2)
1.1.21. Tang, S., Eisma, M. C., Li, J., & Chow, A. Y. M. (2019). Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 26(2), 262-272. (SSCI, Q2)
1.1.22. Tang, X., Tang, S., Ren, Z., Wong, D. F. K. (2019). Prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents in secondary school in mainland China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 245, 498-507. (SSCI, Q1; ESI Highly Cited Paper)
1.1.23. Chen, C., Chow, A. Y. M., & Tang, S. (2018). Bereavement process of professional caregivers after deaths of their patients: A meta-ethnographic synthesis of qualitative studies and an integrated model. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 8, 104-113. (SSCI, Q1)
1.1.24. Zhou, N., Yu, W., Tang, S., Wang, J., & Killikelly, C. (2018). Prolonged grief and post-traumatic growth after loss: latent class analysis. Psychiatry Research, 267, 221-227. (SSCI, Q2)
1.1.25. Tang, S.*, & Chow, A. Y. M.* (2017). How do risk factors affect bereavement outcomes in later life? The mediating role of dual process coping. Psychiatry Research, 255, 297-303. (SCI/SSCI, Q2)
1.1.26. Tang, S., & Chow, A. Y. M. (2017). Subjective and objective traumatic death: distinct roles in developing complicated grief and depression among older adults in Hong Kong. International Psychogeriatrics, 29(3), 409-417. (SCI/SSCI, Q1)
1.1.27. Yu, M.#, Tang, S.#, Wang, C., Xiang, Z., Yu, W., Xu, W., Wang, J., Prigerson, H. G. (2017). Avoidance of bereavement-related stimuli in Chinese individuals experiencing prolonged grief: evidence from dot-probe task. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1-10. (SSCI, Q2)
1.1.28. Tang, S., He, L., Wang, J., & Chow, A. Y. M. (2016). Prevalence and risk factors of prolonged grief disorder among Chinese bereaved adults: evidence from mainland China and Hong Kong. International Journal of Psychology, 51(S1), 91. (SSCI, Q2)
1.1.29. Tang, S., Yu, W., He, L., Wang, J., & Chasson, G. S. (2015). Diagnostic Utility of the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised in China. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 5(2), 93-97. (SSCI, Q3)
1.1.30. He, L.#, Tang, S.#, Yu, W., Xu, W., Xie, Q., Wang, J. (2014). The prevalence, comorbidity and risks of prolonged grief disorder among bereaved Chinese adults. Psychiatry Research, 219(2), 347-352. (SSCI, Q2)
1.1.31. Tang, S., He, L., Liu B., & Wang, J. (2014). 延长哀伤障碍的概念、流行病学和病理机制[Prolonged grief disorder: Concept, epidemiology, and pathological mechanism]. Advances in Psychological Science, 22(7), 1159-1169. (CSSCI)
1.1.32. Xie, Q., Wang, J., He, L., Yu, W., Tang, S., & Xu, W. (2014). 延长哀伤障碍是独立的诊断吗？——和创伤后应激障碍、抑郁、焦虑的关系[Is prolonged grief disorder a distinguishable syndrome distinct from posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety?]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Psychology, 22(3), 442-446. (CSSCI)
1.1.33. Yu, W., Wang, J., He, L., Xie, Q., & Tang, S. (2014). 哀伤认知问卷在中国丧亲者样本中的修订[Psychometric Validation of Grief Cognitions Questionnaire (GCQ) in Chinese Bereaved Sample]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Psychology, 22(2), 246-250, & 255. (CSSCI)
1.1.34. Chasson, G. S., Tang, S., Gray, B., Sun, H., & Wang, J. (2013). Further validation of a Chinese version of the obsessive-compulsive inventory-revised. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 41(2), 249-254. (SSCI, Q3)
1.1.35. He, L., Wang, J., Tang, S., Yu, W., & Xie, Q. (2013). 复杂哀伤问卷修订版的信效度[Reliability and validity of the inventory of complicated grief-revised]. Chinese Mental Health Journal, 27(12), 937-943. (CSSCI Extension)
1.1.36. He, L., Wang, J., Yu, W., Xie, Q., & Tang, S. (2013). 301名丧亲者哀伤反应及其影响因素[Grief reactions and correlates among 301 bereaved individuals]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Psychology, 21(6), 932-936. (CSSCI)
1.1.37. Tang, S., Maercker, A., & Wang, J. (2013). Prolonged grief disorder getting attention in Chinese clinical research and practice. Traumatic StressPoints, 27(3). (International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) Electronic Communication Journal)
1.1.38. Tang, S., Wang, J., Liu, J., Sun, H., & Tang, T. (2012). 大学生的强迫特征与自闭特征[Overlap of obsessive-compulsive traits and autistic traits in college students]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Psychology, 20(3), 353-355. (CSSCI)
1.1.39. Tang, T., Wang, J., Tang, S., & Zhao, L. (2012). 囤积量表修订版在中国大学生中的修订[Psychometric properties of the saving inventory-revised in Chinese university students sample]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Psychology, 20(1), 21-24. (CSSCI)
1.1.40. Wang, Z., Tang, S., Wang, J., & Maercker, A. (2012). Foundations and future application of internet-based interventions for PTSD in China. International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 7(1), 19-35.
1.1.41. Tang, S., Wang, J., Tang, T., & Zhao, L. (2011). 强迫量表修订版在中国大学生中应用的信效度[Reliability and validity of obsessive-compulsive inventory-revised in Chinese college students]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Psychology, 19(5), 619-621 & 665. (CSSCI)
1.1.42. Wang, J., Wang, X., Tang, S. (2011). 从认知行为治疗的发展看心理治疗的疗效评估[Evaluation of psychotherapy outcome: A perspective from cognitive behavioral therapy development]. Chinese Mental Health Journal, 25(12), 933-936. (CSSCI Extension)
1.2. Book, Book Chapters, and Translations
Book
1.2.1. Tang, S., et al. (2024). 好好告别: 如何疗愈你的哀伤[Saying goodbye: How to heal your grief]. China Textile & Apparel Press. ISBN: 9787522920269
Book Chapters
1.2.2. Liu, X. & Tang, S. (2024). Dealing with bereavement following a drug-related death in China. In M. Stroebe, K. Dyregrov, & K. B. Titlestad (Eds.), The Routledge International Handbook of Drug-Related Death Bereavement. New York: Routledge. ISBN: 9781032657455
1.2.3. Tang, S. (2020). Rumination in bereavement. In D. Gu & M. Dupre (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging. Cham: Springer. ISBN: 9783030220082
Translations
1.2.4. Wang, J., & Tang, S. (2022). Grief counseling and grief therapy: a handbook for the mental health practitioner (fifth edition). By William Worden. China Machine Press, Beijing.
1.2.5. Tang, S., Li, Q., Chen, S., & Gao, Y. (2018). Abnormal psychology in a changing world (ninth edition). By Jeffrey S. Nevid, Spencer A. Rathus, & Beverly A. Greene. Post & Telecom Press.
1.2.6. Tang, S., & Xiang, Z. (2014). The anti-anxiety workbook. By Martin M. Antony, & Peter J. Norton. China Machine Press, Beijing.
1.2.7. Xie, Q., He, L., Tang, S., Wang, S. (2013). Unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders: Workbook. By David H. Barlow, Kristen K. Ellard, Christopher P. Fairholme, Todd J. Farchione, Christina L. Boisseau, Laura B. Allen, & Jill Ehrenreich-May. Light Manufacturing Press, Beijing.
1.2.8. Tang, S. (2013). Chapter 4. In Unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders: Therapist guide. By David H. Barlow, Kristen K. Ellard, Christopher P. Fairholme, Todd J. Farchione, Christina L. Boisseau, Laura B. Allen, & Jill Ehrenreich-May. Light Manufacturing Press, Beijing.
1.2.9. Tao, X., Tang, T., Li, Y., & Tang, S. (2013). Cognitive therapy for challenging problems: What to do when the basics don’t work. By Judith S. Beck. Light Manufacturing Press, Beijing.
1.2.10. Tang, S. (2013). Chapter 6 & Chapter 10. Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Basic and beyond. By Judith S. Beck. Light Manufacturing Press, Beijing.
1.2.11. Tang, S. (2012). Chapter 5. Making cognitive-behavioral therapy work: Clinical process for new practitioners. By Deborah R. Ledley, Brian P. Marx, & Richard G. Heimberg. Light Manufacturing Press, Beijing.
1.2.12. Tang, S., & Huang, Z. (2011). Identifying, assessing, and treating self-injury at school. By Miller, D., & Brock. Light Manufacturing Press, Beijing.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Lecturer in 'Psychological Crisis Intervention', 'Cognitive Behavioral Therapy' and 'End-of-Life Care and Bereavement Counseling' for undergraduates, and 'A Guide to Academic Writing' for postgraduates.
