150+ Psychology Case Study Topics & Ideas for 2025

Hey there! If you’re a psychology student, you’ve probably been tasked with writing a case study, and now you’re on the hunt for the perfect topic. I get it – finding an idea that is both interesting to you and relevant to your course can be a real challenge. Browse the list below to find inspiration for your own case study topics.

That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate guide. This isn’t just a list; it’s a complete resource designed to help you understand, choose, and structure your psychology case study topics for a top grade. The article also provides examples to clarify how to narrow down your topic and illustrates the process. Let’s dive in and find an idea that sparks your curiosity!

What is a Case Study in Psychology? (And Why It Matters)

Before we get to the lists, let’s quickly recap. So, what is a psychology case study? Think of it as a deep, detailed investigation of a single individual, group, or event. Unlike large-scale experiments that look for general laws, a case study provides an in-depth, real-life picture, helping researchers understand human behavior in context. This type of research allows for a rich, qualitative analysis and can be a fantastic source of new hypotheses. A case study psychology approach is invaluable for looking at rare phenomena or complex situations that can’t be replicated in a lab. For students, it’s one of the best ways to explore the complexities of the human mind and behavior, and to see how psychological research can help address real world problems.

How to Choose a Great Case Study Topic

Choosing the right topic is the most critical step. Your professor might assign you one, but if you have the freedom to choose, it’s a golden opportunity. Here’s how to find great case study ideas that will make your work shine.

1. Start with Your Interests: What branch of psychology fascinates you most? Social, cognitive, developmental? Start by selecting a psychology research topic that aligns with your passion. Starting with a subject you’re passionate about will make the research process much more enjoyable.
2. Consider Your Course: Review your syllabus and textbooks. Aligning your topic with what you’ve studied in class ensures it’s relevant and allows you to demonstrate your understanding. This also helps ensure your topic fits common psychology research paper topics.
3. Do Preliminary Research: Got an idea? Spend 30 minutes searching for sources, including academic journals for your psychology research. If you can’t find enough credible academic material, your topic might be too niche. You need a solid foundation of existing research to build upon. Conducting a literature review is important to ensure there is enough existing research on your chosen topic.
4. Narrow It Down: A broad topic like “Depression” is too big. Narrow it down to something specific, like “The Role of Art Therapy in Managing Symptoms of Depression in College Students.” This helps you focus your psychology research paper on a specific aspect.

Students can also browse lists of research topics to spark ideas for their psychology research paper or project.

Pro Tip: When brainstorming, think about current events or famous historical figures. Applying psychological theories to real-world examples (like analyzing the decision-making process of a world leader or the group dynamics of a viral social media trend) can make for a truly unique psychological case study.

150+ Psychology Case Study Topics for Every Student

Here it is – the ultimate list of over 150 psychology research topics, now updated for 2025 and organized by category. This comprehensive collection covers a wide range of psychology research topics relevant for students, ensuring you find compelling and timely subjects for your academic projects.

Modern & Trending Psychology Topics (For 2025)

This category is all about what’s happening right now. These topics are fresh, relevant, and sure to catch your professor’s attention, as they reflect the modern challenges and phenomena shaping our world.

• The Psychology of TikTok Trends: A Case Study on Viral Challenges.
• Eco-Anxiety: A Case Study of Climate Change’s Impact on Youth Mental Health.
• The Mental Health Impact of AI Companionship (e.g., Replika).
• Case Study: The Effects of Remote Work on Social Skills and Loneliness.
• The Role of Social Media Algorithms in Political Polarization.
• A Case Study on “Doomscrolling” and Its Link to Anxiety Disorders.
• The Psychological Effects of “Cancel Culture” on Public Figures.
• Cyberbullying and Its Long-term Effects on Self-esteem.
• The Psychology of Online Dating Burnout.
• The Impact of “Influencer Culture” on Body Image and Consumer Behavior.
• The psychology of parasocial relationships with online creators.
• A case study on digital detox and its effects on mental clarity.
• The psychological profile of individuals susceptible to “fake news.”
• The impact of the gig economy on financial anxiety and well-being.
• The role of “gamification” in habit formation and potential addiction.
• The “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) driven by social media: A case study.
• The psychology behind the “anti-work” movement and its impact on career identity.
• The relationship between social media use and adolescent self-esteem: A case study.

Abnormal Psychology Case Study Topics

Abnormal psychology focuses on unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought. Here you can explore various mental health disorders, their causes, symptoms, and potential treatments.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Military Veterans.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Causes and Treatments.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Analysis of Ritualistic Behaviors.
• Schizophrenia: Early Signs and Long-Term Management.
• Eating Disorders: A Comparative Study of Anorexia and Bulimia.
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder: The Conflict Between Perception vs. Reality.
• Hoarding Disorder: Understanding the Psychological Background.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: An In-depth Case Study.
• ADHD in Adults: Challenges and Coping Mechanisms.
• The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Borderline Personality Disorder.
• Gender Dysphoria: Psychological and Social Aspects.
• The Psychological Aftermath of Surviving a Natural Disaster.
• The Stigma of Mental Illness in Different Societies.
• The Role of Therapy Animals in Treating Mental Illness.
• A case study of a specific phobia and its treatment with VR therapy.
• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Analyzing a historical or clinical case.
• The psychological mechanisms of Munchausen syndrome (factitious disorder).
• The comorbidity of anxiety and depression: a case study.
• Pyromania: Exploring the underlying motives in a specific case.
• Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Triggers and management strategies.
• Selective Mutism in children: A case study of a school-based intervention.
• Somatic Symptom Disorder: When psychological distress manifests physically.
• A case study of kleptomania: Impulse vs. criminal intent.
• The impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) on an individual’s life.
• Bipolar disorder in young adults: Early symptoms, treatment options, and the role of cognitive behavioral therapy.
• The prevalence of anxiety and depression across different age groups: A comparative case study.

Social Psychology Case Study Topics

This branch explores how we interact with each other. These social psychology: learning through case studies topics examine group behavior, social influence, and our perceptions of others.

• The Bystander Effect in Emergency Situations.
• The Influence of Groupthink on Corporate Decision-Making.
• The Impact of Stereotypes on Individual Academic Performance.
• Social Loafing in Team Projects.
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion.
• Conformity and Rebellion: A Study of Youth Subculture.
• The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination.
• The Role of Persuasion in Marketing and Advertising.
• The Influence of Authority Figures on Obedience (A Modern Milgram).
• The Effects of Social Exclusion on Mental Health.
• The Psychology of Altruism and Prosocial Behavior.
• The Influence of Social Networks on Career Success.
• The Impact of First Impressions in Social Interactions.
• The Role of Empathy in Resolving Interpersonal Conflicts.
• Social Identity Theory in Multicultural Teams.
• The Psychology Behind Consumer Behavior.
• The Impact of Cultural Norms on Behavior.
• Cognitive Dissonance: A case study of changing beliefs after a major decision.
• The Foot-in-the-Door Technique in cult recruitment.
• Deindividuation and mob mentality during a protest or riot.
• The Halo Effect in presidential elections: A case study of a candidate.
• Group Polarization: How online forums strengthen extreme views.
• The Just-World Hypothesis and victim-blaming in a specific legal case.
• Microaggressions and their cumulative psychological impact.
• The psychology of “fandoms” and in-group/out-group dynamics.

Cognitive Psychology Case Study Topics

Cognitive psychology is the scientific study of the mind as an information processor. These case study psychology examples focus on memory, problem-solving, language, and decision-making.

• Cognitive Development in Children with Autism.
• The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on College Students’ Academic Performance.
• The Influence of Music on Cognitive Performance.
• Decision-Making in High-Pressure Environments (e.g., ER Doctors).
• The Impact of Bilingualism on Cognitive Flexibility.
• A Case Study of False Memory Syndrome.
• The Role of Mindfulness in Managing Stress and Improving Focus.
• The Cognitive Processes Behind Dyslexia.
• How Misinformation and Fake News Affect Cognitive Biases.
• The Psychology of “Flow States” in Artists and Athletes.
• The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Workplace Success.
• The Impact of Technology on Family Dynamics.
• The reliability of eyewitness testimony: A case study of a wrongful conviction.
• The impact of chronic multitasking on attention span and memory.
• Language acquisition in a feral child (e.g., analyzing the case of Genie).
• The “tip-of-the-tongue” phenomenon: A cognitive analysis.
• Problem-solving strategies: A case study of a chess grandmaster.
• Aphantasia: A case study of a person who cannot visualize images.
• Synesthesia: Exploring the world of a person who “hears” colors.
• The cognitive benefits of learning a musical instrument in adulthood.

Developmental Psychology Case Study Topics

This field looks at how we grow and change over the course of a lifetime. Topics often focus on childhood, adolescence, or old age.

• The Influence of Parental Styles on Adolescent Behavior.
• The Impact of Bullying on a Child’s Mental Health.
• The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Relationships.
• The Role of Genetics in Personality Development.
• The Impact of Childhood Neglect on Adult Attachment Styles.
• The Effects of Parental Divorce on Child Development.
• The Psychological Effects of Adoption on Children and Parents.
• Depression in the Elderly: Risk Factors and Interventions.
• Personality Development Across the Lifespan.
• The Role of Play in Early Childhood Development.
• The Impact of Peer Pressure on Adolescent Risk-Taking Behaviors.
• Attachment theory in adulthood: How early bonds affect romantic relationships.
• A case study of a mid-life crisis and career change.
• The psychological stages of grief (Kübler-Ross model) applied to a personal loss.
• The development of moral reasoning (Kohlberg’s stages) in an adolescent.
• The long-term effects of being identified as a “gifted” child.
• The transition to retirement: A case study on identity and purpose.
• Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development: A case study of an elderly individual.
• The impact of being an only child on social development.
• The phenomenon of “emerging adulthood” in the 21st century.
• The impact of early childhood education programs on academic achievement: A longitudinal case study.

Personality Psychology Case Study Topics

This area focuses on the unique patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make a person who they are.

• The Big Five Personality Traits and Career Success.
• The Influence of Personality on Relationship Satisfaction.
• The Role of Temperament in Child Development.
• The Impact of Personality on Coping with Stress.
• The Relationship Between Creativity and the “Openness” Trait.
• The Impact of Narcissism on Social Relationships.
• Personality and Mental Health: The Link Between Neuroticism and Depression.
• The Role of Personality in Sports Performance.
• The Impact of Cultural Factors on Personality Development.
• Personality and Job Satisfaction: The Role of Congruence.
• The Dark Triad (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) in a corporate leader.
• A critique of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) through a case study.
• The personality profile of an extreme sports athlete.
• How a life-altering event can change personality traits: A case study.
• The link between the “Conscientiousness” trait and academic/career success.

Health Psychology Case Study Topics

Health psychology explores the connection between our minds and our physical health. It examines how psychological factors can influence illness, recovery, and healthy behaviors.

• The placebo effect: A case study in a clinical trial.
• The psychology of chronic pain management.
• A case study of patient-doctor communication and its impact on treatment adherence.
• The link between chronic stress and the immune system (psychoneuroimmunology).
• Coping mechanisms for a patient newly diagnosed with a chronic illness (e.g., diabetes).
• The role of health campaigns in changing behavior (e.g., smoking cessation).
• The psychological impact of insomnia and sleep disorders.
• Anorexia Athletica: The psychology of compulsive exercise.
• The mindset of individuals who adhere to extreme diets.
• The impact of a caregiver role on an individual’s mental health.
• The psychological experience of “medical gaslighting” and its impact on patient trust.
• A case study on health-related anxiety (hypochondriasis) in the age of online symptom checkers.

Educational Psychology Case Study Topics

This branch focuses on how people learn and the psychological factors that influence educational processes. It’s a great area to explore student behavior, teaching methods, and learning disabilities.

• The impact of test anxiety on a high-achieving student.
• A case study of a non-traditional learner (e.g., an adult returning to college).
• The effectiveness of different teaching styles on a student with a learning disability.
• The social and emotional challenges of a gifted child in a standard classroom.
• The role of motivation in academic turnaround: A case study.
• The impact of school environment on a student’s sense of belonging.
• A case study on the benefits of an inclusive classroom.
• The psychological effects of grade retention (being held back a year).
• How stereotype threat affects performance in female students in STEM fields.
• A case study on the implementation of a social-emotional learning (SEL) program.
• The role of mindset (growth vs. fixed) in overcoming academic challenges: A case study.
• The psychological impact of student loan debt on recent graduates.

Forensic Psychology Case Study Topics

Forensic psychology applies psychological principles to the legal and criminal justice system. These topics are perfect for students interested in the minds of criminals, witnesses, and legal professionals.

• The psychology of false confessions: An analysis of a famous case.
• Criminal profiling: A case study of its effectiveness (or lack thereof).
• The psychological profile of a serial offender.
• The reliability of child witness testimony in court.
• Jury decision-making: How biases can influence a verdict.
• The psychological assessment of a defendant pleading insanity.
• The psychology of a stalker: A case study analysis.
• The rehabilitation process of a former inmate: A psychological perspective.
• The impact of incarceration on an individual’s mental health.
• The psychological factors leading to juvenile delinquency.
• Stockholm Syndrome: A psychological analysis of a historical case.
• The psychology of jury nullification: When a jury acquits a guilty defendant.

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Famous Case Studies in Psychology to Inspire You

Sometimes, looking at examples of case studies in psychology can spark the best ideas. Here are a few famous ones you could analyze or use as inspiration:

• Phineas Gage: The man who survived an iron rod going through his brain, offering valuable insights into the frontal lobe’s role in personality and decision-making.
• Anna O. (Bertha Pappenheim): A patient of Josef Breuer and Sigmund Freud, whose case was fundamental to the development of psychoanalysis and the “talking cure.”
• Little Albert: A controversial experiment by John B. Watson that demonstrated how fear could be classically conditioned in a human infant.

How to Write Your Psychology Case Study: A Simple 5-Step Guide

Now that you have some ideas, you might be wondering how to write a case study psychology paper. Follow this simple structure for a clear and professional report. If the process feels overwhelming, remember that professional case study writers can offer guidance and help structure your ideas.

1. Introduction: Introduce the subject of your case study and briefly explain why they are of interest. State your thesis statement or the central problem you are investigating.
2. Subject’s Background: Provide relevant history of the individual or group. This includes family, social, and medical history – anything pertinent to the case.
3. Presentation of the Problem & Analysis: Describe the symptoms, behaviors, or phenomena being studied. Apply psychological theories and concepts to analyze the information and explain what is happening. This is the core of your paper.
4. Solutions/Interventions: If applicable, describe any treatments, therapies, or solutions that were implemented. Discuss their effectiveness.
5. Conclusion: Summarize your findings. Reiterate your main points and discuss the implications of the case. What have we learned? What are the limitations, and what could be studied next?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long should my case study be?

This depends on your instructor, but typically they range from 1,500 to 4,000 words. Always check your grading rubric!

Can I do a case study on someone I know?

It’s generally not recommended due to issues with objectivity and ethical concerns (like privacy). It’s better to use historical figures, public figures, or anonymized/hypothetical scenarios.

Where do I find sources for my research?

Start with your university’s online library. Google Scholar, the American Psychological Association (APA PsycInfo), and other academic databases are your best friends.

Final Thoughts

I hope this extensive list of topics and writing tips helps you feel inspired and ready to tackle your assignment. The key to a great paper is choosing a topic that genuinely interests you and conducting thorough research. By following the structure and exploring these case study psychology examples, you’ll be well on your way to creating a compelling and insightful analysis.