[1] He grew up in a terrace house in Highbury, North London,[2] and was educated at Dame Alice Owen's School where his contemporaries included John Broadhurst.
[1] He moved to New Zealand in 1979 when he was appointed professor and head of department of psychology at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, where he remained for the rest of his career.
[1] He served 15 years as head of department, and later held managerial roles at Canterbury, including as assistant vice-chancellor (government and community relations) and pro-vice-chancellor arts.
[9] Strongman was regarded as an international expert on emotion, and his research covered both theoretical and empirical aspects of the subject.
[6] In 2003, Strongman was one of 140 prominent New Zealanders who signed a petition that was presented to Parliament, seeking a royal commission into the Christchurch Civic Crèche abuse case.