Senior research project ties together arts and sciences majors to reveal the morality underlying psychological disorders

Growing up with a cleft lip and palate, Larissa Cardine ’26 was bullied as a child, but found that dance was the space where she could express herself and connect with others. The psychology and theater & dance major from Chicago used her Independent Study at The College of Wooster to channel her difficult experiences into curiosity about human behavior. Combining her passions for psychology and dance, she asked deep questions in a quest to help others feel understood and loved.

EXCITING ASPECTS

Cardine: The psychological aspect of my study examined how psychopathic traits interact with moral consistency while the artistic aspect explored how choreographic choices can embody moral reasoning in dance performance. My choreography was grounded in the theory of kinesthesia, which is the way we explore the world through touch, feeling, and awareness of our position in space. What excited me most about this project was contributing to research while making scientific data more accessible to everyone.

EMPOWERED IN MY FIELD

Cardine: I.S. empowered me by letting me explore what I’ve always loved — dancing — and to understand the misunderstood through psychology. This project mattered to me because it combined my passions, my values, and my academic interests.

Cardine (second from right) performs her Independent Study piece titled, “Eye to I” with fellow dancers Gina Strain ’28, Li Winner ’27, Brooke Johnson ’27, Anneke Smeenk ’27, MacKaye Sanwald ’29, Meghan Neville ’26, and Erica Kahle ’28.

MENTORSHIP MATTERS

Cardine: Professor Emily Baird in dance gave me opportunities to express myself as a dancer, and Dr. Nathan Foster in psychology helped me find my voice as a researcher. Both of them reminded me to take breaks when I needed them and to recognize my achievements. Their support provided me with a safe space where I was allowed to make mistakes.

SUPPORTIVE SCOT COMMUNITY

Cardine: There were many faculty and staff members who showed me unwavering support, especially when I was struggling. Before I came to Wooster, I sometimes felt alone and unsupported, but meeting these amazing people changed that. They celebrated me and taught me to really appreciate myself.

MY TAKEAWAYS

Cardine: I can sometimes let my self-doubt control me, but I learned that when I have the right support, as I did throughout the I.S. process, I can overcome that and explore the many avenues available to me in dance and psychology.

WHAT’S NEXT

Cardine: I am seeking an internship to gain more research experience before applying to graduate school to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Posted in Independent Study on June 4, 2026.