As we observe Mental Illness Awareness Week from October 6, 2024 – October 12, 2024, it’s essential to bring attention to several significant mental health conditions that affect millions of individuals each year. This annual week serves as a vital platform for raising awareness, educating ourselves, and supporting those struggling with mental health issues. Among the conditions we will discuss are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders.

Understanding PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While only 5.6% of individuals exposed to trauma will go on to develop PTSD, the symptoms can be debilitating and include:

• Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event through vivid memories.
• Avoiding Triggers: Steering clear of places, people, or situations that remind them of the trauma.
• Arousal and Reactivity: Experiencing heightened anxiety, irritability, or difficulty sleeping.
• Cognition and Mood Changes: Negative thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, or detachment from others.
• Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted memories or thoughts related to the trauma that disrupt daily life.

Despite these challenges, treatment options are available, and up to 40% of individuals with PTSD recover within a year. Treatment typically includes:

• Psychotherapy: Techniques such as cognitive restructuring help individuals process their trauma and develop coping strategies.
• Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to trauma-related memories and triggers in a safe environment.
• Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings that include periods of manic episodes and depressive episodes.

• Manic Episodes: Individuals may experience elevated mood, increased energy, irritability, and impulsive behavior.
• Depressive Episodes: These periods are marked by feelings of sadness, indifference, or hopelessness.

Bipolar Disorder affects men and women equally and is believed to have a genetic component. On average, individuals with bipolar disorder die 10 years earlier than the general population, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment and support.

Treatment options for bipolar disorder include:

• Medication: Mood stabilizers like lithium and antidepressants are commonly prescribed to help manage mood swings.
• Psychotherapy: Approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy help individuals cope with their symptoms and maintain stability.

Understanding Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders are serious conditions that significantly affect individuals’ lives. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for those aged 15 to 44. Rates of depression are highest among those aged 18 to 29. Common types of depressive disorders include:

• Major Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in daily activities.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Chronic depression lasting for at least two years.
• Perinatal Depression: Affects women during pregnancy or after childbirth.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Occurs at specific times of the year, often in winter.
• Depression with Psychosis: Severe depression accompanied by hallucinations or delusions.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the world, affecting a significant portion of the population. They can manifest in various forms, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by excessive worry about various aspects of life.
• Panic Disorder: Involves recurrent panic attacks and a fear of future attacks.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: A fear of social situations and being judged by others.
• Phobia-Related Disorders: Intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Typically seen in children, characterized by extreme anxiety when separated from caregivers.

Anxiety disorders often affect women more than men, and symptoms can start in adolescence. Treatment options include:

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in treating anxiety.
• Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms.
• Support Groups: Connecting with others who experience similar challenges can provide valuable support.
• Stress Management Techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, and other techniques can help reduce anxiety symptoms.

Prevalence of Mental Illness

Mental illness is a widespread issue, with 1 in 5 adults experiencing mental illness each year. Alarmingly, 164 million people live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, making it challenging for individuals to access the help they need. The prevalence of various mental health conditions includes:

• Major Depressive Episode: 8.3%
• Schizophrenia: <1.0%
• Bipolar Disorder: 2.8%
• Anxiety Disorders: 19.1%
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: 3.6%
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: 1.2%
• Borderline Personality Disorder: 1.4%

Despite these alarming statistics, only 47.2% of individuals with mental illness received treatment in 2021, indicating a significant gap in mental health care.

Conclusion

As we reflect on Mental Illness Awareness Week, let’s come together to support those affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and/or other mental health challenges. Understanding that these conditions are common yet serious can help break the stigma and encourage individuals to seek help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, reach out to the counseling services at Roanoke College or explore resources from reputable organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health and the World Health Organization.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and together we can foster a culture of support and understanding for mental health. Let’s continue to advocate for mental health awareness and ensure everyone has access to the support they need. 💙

Resources for Students at Roanoke College

Access health care, including counseling, 24/7 with TimelyCare! 12:00 am – 11:59pm timelycare.com/roanoke For on campus counseling appointments, please complete a request form, linked below. 12:00 am – 11:59 pm https://saweb.roanoke.edu/counseling_services/request

Counseling Services Home

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Get Connected!

Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website: http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
Instagram: rcpsychology

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Disclaimer: The statistics and information presented in this post were derived from the National Institute of Mental Health, the World Health Organization, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Looking for a job? On May 4th the Virginia Institute of Autism (formerly known as Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center) is hosting a job fair, with open positions as a Behavior Tech, Special Ed Teacher, and Job Coach!

On Tuesday April 18th, the psychology department was proud to recognize the accomplishments of our fantastic students. In the annual ceremony, twelve students received special recognition for their achievements in psychology through eight awards, and Psi Chi the Psychology Honor Society inducted new members. Read on to learn about this year’s awardees!

Senior Scholar in Psychology

The senior scholar in psychology is the student with the highest GPA in Psychology courses. Ties are broken by highest GPA across all Roanoke College Courses. Congratulations to Skyler Pokorny for winning the title this year!

Charles E. Early Award

The Charles E. Early award is granted in honor of Dr. Charles E. Early, retired Professor of Psychology who taught at Roanoke from 1988-2015. The award goes to the student who best embodies Dr. Early’s love of learning, powerful work ethic, keen intellect, warm humor, and deep appreciation for pie. This year’s recipient is Isabelle Mildonian. Congratulations Isabelle!

Curt R. Camac Student Research Award

The Curt R. Camac Student Research Award was developed to honor Dr. Curt R. Camac’s support of student research. This year’s recipients were Devin Brown, Maryam Nishtar, and Kristi Rolf. Congratulations to all!

Jan H. Lynch Human Development Concentration Award

The Jan H. Lynch Human Development Concentration award is granted to a student who has demonstrated excellence in the Human Development Concentration. This year’s awardees are Caroline Powell and Kosovare Fetinci. Congratulations Caroline and Kosovare!

Karl W. Beck Award

The Karl W. Beck award is granted to a student with demonstrated excellence in psychology. This year’s awardee is Allyson Herriges. Congratulations Allyson!

Outstanding Students in Neuroscience Concentration

This award is granted to students who demonstrate excellence in the Neuroscience Concentration. Congratulations to the 2023 recipients, Jarod Le and Allyson Herriges!

Outstanding Junior Psychology Majors

Seven juniors were recognized for outstanding academic success and potential for continued success in Psychology. Awardees were (pictured above) Reagan Middelthon, Hannah Pluim, Sophia Contini, Brian Shwenk; and (not pictured) Elizabeth Bain, Ciara Fadeley, and Timothy Hoffstaetter.

Psi Chi Achievement Award

The Psi Chi Achievement Award is granted to a Psi CHi member who has best exemplified excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Chosen by faculty members in Psi Chi, the 2023 awardee is Kristi Rolf. Congratulations!

Psi Chi New Member Induction

Psi Chi also inducted students who have met the academic qualifications for membership in the Honorary Psychology Honor Society. Congratulations to all new members!

It’s been a fantastic year for RC Psychology and we are so proud of our students! Special congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2023 as they head off into their future endeavors post-graduation.

Get Connected!

• Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
• Twitter: @RC_Psychology
• Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
• Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
• Instagram: @rcpsychology #PsychRC

April 23-29 2023 is Psychology Week, a campaign from the American Psychological Association (APA). In honor of the week, we are highlighting some of the amazing people in the Roanoke College Psychology Department.

We asked two students and a faculty member to share their answer to the question, “Why Psychology?”

Timothy Hoffstaetter ’24

Dr. Christopher Buchholz

Allyson Herriges ’23

Get Connected!

• Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
• Twitter: @RC_Psychology
• Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
• Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
• Instagram: @rcpsychology #PsychRC

Gabrielle Lirosi ’24 is spending a semester participating in the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS). Gabrielle originally hails from Jackson, New Jersey and is a current junior at Roanoke College. She majors in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and a concentration in Crime, Deviance, and Social Control.

I interviewed Gabrielle to learn more about what she’s doing during her semester away!

This spring, Gabrielle is working for Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) as a Post-Release Intern. OAR works to “create a community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil and human rights.” Gabrielle’s team specifically works with people who have recently been released from incarceration to help them transition back into the community.

Describing her work, Gabrielle says, “some days I am booked with appointments working with our participants to find housing, arrange community service, build job applications, practice interviews, and so much more!” Her team communicates with probation/parole officers, group home mentors, and family members of participants to help build their support system. Gabrielle also frequently attends court to stay up-to-date with participants and share OAR resources with recently-released individuals.

Positively impacting people’s lives while gaining high-level professional experience is an average day for an LCWS student. This semester, Gabrielle has been assigned the designated point-person for a large project in which OAR is assessing their recidivism rates.

Gabrielle is putting her psychology background to work in the professional world! She says psychology students must consider participating in LCWS.

“So many focus on DC as the capital only seeing politics and ignoring the social sciences that reside in such a complex society! I’ve applied endless amounts of psychology work into analyzing the culture of DC and understanding my work at OAR! There are ample opportunities for any major, including psychology.”

According to Gabrielle, the networking and mentoring opportunities available for all students in D.C. are invaluable.

When she isn’t in class or working at OAR, Gabrielle is soaking up the culture of the nation’s capital! She loves making spontaneous plans with her roommates (pictured above). “There has never been a dull moment exploring the city,” she says, but it’s easy to find peace and quiet in one of D.C.’s many parks.

When I asked Gabrielle what her favorite memory from the semester so far is, she said, “seeing the cherry blossoms at sunrise was surreal, they are a token of DC and are in peak bloom right now.” But the famous cherry blossoms are tied with the interactive art of the Artech House for most memorable to Gabrielle.

Want to learn more about LCWS? Visit https://www.washingtonsemester.org/ or contact Dr. Todd Peppers (peppers@roanoke.edu) for more information!

Get Connected!

• Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
• Twitter: @RC_Psychology
• Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
• Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
• Instagram: @rcpsychology #PsychRC

Megan Onofrei ’24 is spending her semester in the U.S. capital by participating in the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS) program. A junior from Mesa, Arizona, Onofrei majors in Political Science with a minor in Psychology. Outside of the classroom, she plays defense for Roanoke College Women’s Soccer.

The Lutheran College Washington Semester allows Roanoke students to live and study in Washington D.C. while gaining professional experience through an internship. Onofrei is currently interning at the Normandy Group, a government relations firm.

Onofrei describes her internship as “well organized but also flexible and highly interactive.” Interning at the Normandy Group, Onofrei is “involved in all aspects of the firm’s responsibilities” but she notes that “I also retain the opportunity to attend Congressional hearings or networking events throughout the day that are related to the clients and projects that I am a part of.” This keeps her days “exciting and busy!”

Onofrei’s time in D.C. has been saturated with politics, but her psychology studies have been relevant throughout. She says,

“the concepts that I have learned about in Social Psychology apply directly to the interactions that I have with work colleagues or other professionals. On a larger scale, I have seen the reality of psychological phenomena that is a driver for certain decisions made by Congress.”

The Washington semester is open to students from any major, and any type of internship can can be completed for credit! Onofrei says “psychology students should definitely consider participating in the Washington Semester because there is a lot of networking and interpersonal interaction available here!” This experiential learning and career experience will set any student apart as they prepare for graduate school or the workforce.

Professional experiences abound at LCWS! On a recent LCWS field trip, Onofrei and other students toured the Library of Congress, pictured above. Onofrei has also attended hearings of the House Oversight Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee. She says, “I have plans to sit in a Supreme Court Oral Argument later on in the semester, an opportunity that I am extremely excited for!”

Outside of the work day, LCWS provides ample opportunity to explore the nation’s capital. Onofrei has enjoyed exploring monuments and memorials, taking in the architecture of D.C., and hitting up the culinary scene by trying new coffee shops and restaurants. But her favorite recreation so far has been visiting D.C. suburbs like Alexandria and Georgetown, “it is very relaxing to walk along these long brick-lined streets, full of shops and beautiful architecture.”

Want to learn more about LCWS? Visit https://www.washingtonsemester.org/ or contact Dr. Todd Peppers (peppers@roanoke.edu) for more information!

Get Connected!

• Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
• Twitter: @RC_Psychology
• Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
• Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
• Instagram: @rcpsychology #PsychRC

 

Attention upcoming graduates and recent alumni! If you are seeking employment that would lead towards licensure and are enthusiastic about working with children and families, Strategic Therapy Associates has position openings you may be eligible for.

Strategic Therapy Associates provides family therapy services to at-risk children and their families across Central and Southwest Virginia. We have offices in Lynchburg, Farmville Richmond, Danville, Halifax, Martinsville, Roanoke, Lexington and Wytheville, Virginia. They are seeking candidates who have completed or will soon complete a master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work or Marriage & Family Therapy.  All clinicians offered employment must be able to register as a Resident in Counseling, Resident in Marriage & Family Therapy or Supervisee in Social Work with the VA Board of Health Professionals to receive clinical supervision towards professional licensure as an LPC, LMFT or LCSW.

They use a Strategic Family Therapy systems approach in our work with clients and are seeking therapists who are interested in learning solution-focused interventions.  Applicants should be interested in working with at-risk children and families in their homes where they will learn how to uncover the family’s strengths and abilities to solve their own problems, where our therapist motivates clients to implement positive changes. All therapists receive extensive training and weekly supervision.

Here is a link to the company page and a list of open positions:

 http://s614510739.initial-website.com/

Psychology students are invited to attend the lecture titled “Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience in the Era of Big Data” hosted by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. On February 9th at 5:30pm, Damien Fair, PA-C, Ph.D. will be speaking on this topic.

The lecture will be broadcast on Zoom and is free to attend! Click here to join the webinar.

Read on, or visit the event page for more details!

“Developmental cognitive neuroscience is being pulled in new directions by network science and big data. Brain imaging (e.g. functional MRI, functional connectivity MRI), analytical advances (e.g. graph theory, machine learning), and access to large computing resources have empowered us to collect and process neuro-behavioral data faster and in larger populations than ever before. The clinical and translational potential from these advances is unparalleled, as a better understanding of complex human brain function is best grounded in the onset of these functions during human development. Here Dr. Fair examines the state of developmental cognitive neuroscience in the era of networks and ‘big data’ and highlight the solid footing we can take forward into future discovery and real world applications.”

Get Connected!

• Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
• Twitter: @RC_Psychology
• Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
• Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
• Instagram: @rcpsychology #PsychRC

Kiah Coflin (’19) recently had her Honors in the Major project published in the Journal of Couple and Family Psychology. The article, titled “Comparison of emerging adults’ bid responses based on their gender and attachment” examines how individual differences in bid responses (i.e. turning toward, turning away, and turning against)  effect relationship quality and duration.

            Kiah completed this project under Dr. Darcey N. Powell, who she credits with encouraging her to become involved in research. She __ that the experiences that she gained from research – including presenting at research conferences, May Term, and the Honors in the major process were both fun and useful for her future beyond Roanoke

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“It was an incredibly fun and enlightening time that shaped my undergraduate career, and certainly helped as I continued on into graduate school for my Masters.” – Kiah Coflin ’19

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            After graduation, Dr. Powell continued to support her through the publication process, as they worked together to edit and create manuscripts and submit for publication at various journals. Kiah graduated from Boston College with her Masters in School Counseling in Spring 2021, and has been working as a School Adjustment Counselor with hopes to continue to grow in the profession.

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“I’m continually in awe of the opportunities Roanoke College has been able to provide myself and fellow graduates, and consider myself lucky to continue to have the support and guidance of the Psychology Department years beyond my leaving campus.” – Kiah Coflin ’19

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Here’s the abstract for the paper:

This project explored individual differences in bid responses, focusing specifically on participant gender and attachment. Bid responses (i.e., turning toward, turning away, and turning against) have been demonstrated to predict relationship quality and duration. However, to date, individual differences have not been explored. A pilot study of college-enrolled emerging adults (N = 51) demonstrated variability in responses to the created vignettes about hypothetical interactions with a romantic partner. Participants in the main study (N = 172) were emerging adults recruited from Prolific who responded to the finalized vignettes, as well as attachment and demographic questions. Turning toward was the most endorsed response type, and participants’ responses did not differ based on their gender. Bid responses did differ based on their romantic attachment, but not on their friend or family attachments. The results reiterate that practitioners should consider clients’ romantic attachment when discussing their interactions in romantic relationships and suggest additional research examining individual differences in bid responses is warranted.

Citation is: Coflin, K., & Powell, D. N. (2022). Comparison of emerging adults’ bid responses based on their gender and attachment. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000236

Get Connected!

Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology

Twitter: @RC_Psychology

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about

Website: http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology

Instagram: rcpsychology

Stephanie Walsh ’14 was sworn in as a police officer in Vinton and was recently highlighted in Vinton’s weekly newspaper, which you can read here. Congratulations Stephanie!

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Get Connected!

Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology

Twitter: @RC_Psychology

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about

Website: http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology

Instagram: rcpsychology

Florida International University’s Summer Treatment Program: Summer positions are available for Counselors, Research Assistants, Teachers, and Classroom Aides.

From William Pelham, director of the center: 

Students who have participated in the program have uniformly viewed the experience as an extremely demanding one, but one that makes a great contribution to their professional development. The experience and recommendations gained in our program have helped many of our undergraduates continue in graduate careers in the helping professions. The experience is also quite useful for undergraduate students interested in clinical research in child psychopathology, pharmacology, and psychotherapy.

Position descriptions, application forms, and instructions are available at https://ccf.fiu.edu/summer-programs/index.html.

REMINDER that summer opportunities like this one can also count for internship credit!

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Get Connected!

Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Twitter: @RC_Psychology
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website: http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
Instagram: rcpsychology

Ben Campbell, class of 2022, completed a project titled Effects of Elicited Jealousy on Threatened Masculinity and Relational Aggression in Emerging Adult Men. This project was supervised by Dr. Findley-Van Nostrand and Ben received a grant for his research from Psi Chi!

Below is the abstract so you can learn more about the study and all of the great work Ben did!

“This paper is a two-study investigation of the effects of jealousy on threatened masculinity and relational aggression use in emerging adult men (Study 1, age 18-25, N = 151;Study 2, N = 163). The project aimed to expand on previous literature of precarious manhood theory (Vandello et al., 2008) and jealousy (DeSteno et al., 2006), but examining relational aggression instead of overt forms. The goal of Study 1 was to see if friendship jealousy with a friendship dyad affected felt masculinity and relational aggression use. Study 2 aimed to expand on findings from Study 1, and investigate if there were also differences based on friend group size (i.e., friendship dyad vs friend group). A jealousy manipulation was created to elicit feelings of friendship jealousy on feelings of threatened masculinity and relational aggression. Results from Study 1 found that participants in the jealousy condition reported feeling less masculine, used more relational aggression towards their peer, and also felt several negative emotions(anger, distress, discomfort, threatened). Study 2 findings replicated those of Study 1, but also found that relational aggression was particularly high for those who felt jealousy within the context of a friendship group, rather than friendship dyad, and threatened masculinity mediated the effect of jealousy on relational aggression use. This project provides evidence that men feeling jealousy towards a friend, or group of friends, may result in an increased threat to their masculinity, and cause them to be more relationally aggressive towards their friend(s).”

I asked Ben about his experience doing this project and he said,
“This experience has been amazing. I worked on this project for over a year, so being able to present the final product felt incredible. I’m so happy to have had such a supportive group of faculty and friends to show interest in and listen to the findings and importance of my study!”

Ben, your future is bright and we cannot wait to see what is in store for you!

When you should study and helpful tips ?

• try to study at least a week before your exam
• it is best to study each day for a shorter amount of time than to cram the night before
• if your professor has not posted a study guide: begin reviewing your notes and old quizzes
• study smarter not harder.. set an alarm for how long you are going to study and do not check your phone during that time (put on airplane mode)
• study with someone in your class
• truly test yourself- ask yourself questions and answer them without notes in front of you
• writing out notes seems to be more effective in remembering information than typing

Resources:

• Your professor – they want you to succeed! do not be afraid to ask a question
• your classmates
• the writing center and subject tutoring https://libguides.roanoke.edu/writingcenter and https://libguides.roanoke.edu/subject_tutoring

Take Care of Yourself

• make sure to get enough sleep (ideally 8 hours)
• eat a good meal before an exam
• exercise can help reduce stress and is a good study break
• keep your room and desk clean and tidy , there is the saying “Cluttered desk means cluttered mind” for a reason
• and remember these tests do not define you!
• Study hard and then relax on winter break 🙂

Good Luck !

When? Thursday, November 18th from 4:30pm-5:30pm

Where? Life Science Room 502

This event is for anyone who is planning to major in Psychology, recently declared their major in the Psych Department, or is a psychology major and has not been able to attend this event previously.

This meeting will be very informative because we will be discussing topics such as requirements for a degree in Psychology, internship opportunities, concentrations within the major, research, and studying abroad.

If you are not sure what direction you want to go with your degree, that is okay! We are going to be talking about the many different options there are.

P.S. When you attend this event you get to sign the major’s board!

• Research

If research in the field interests you, there are many ways to get involved here at Roanoke!

• Take our Applied Methods course your junior or senior year
• You can help faculty members on research they are conducting: Research Experience, Research Practicum, Work Study, or apply for Summer Scholar
•  Conduct your own empirical study or literature review
• To learn more visit: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology/research_and_internships/undergraduate_research

• Internships
• Amazing way to get hands on experience
• Can do an internship in the Roanoke area or in your hometown
• Can be done in the fall, spring, or summer
• Must be approved for credit
• For more information go to: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology/research_and_internships/internships

• Student Organizations
• Roanoke College Society Organization
• Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology
• If interested or to see if you are eligible visit: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology/students/student_organizations

Also check out the Psychology Blog: http://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/

This is a great opportunity for all Roanoke students! At this panel you can ask any questions you have in regards to graduate school. This event takes place tomorrow (9/28) from 12-1 in life science 502! Bonus- there will be pizza for everyone! I hope to see you there!

The Psychology Department fondly remembers Dominique Bowers, a 2015 graduate who transferred to Roanoke College in 2014 to complete her Psychology degree. She was well liked and respected by her faculty, clearly working hard on her classes while raising young children. She died August 13, 2021, in Warner Robins, Georgia.

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/22095376/dominique-sade-bowers

Ben was just granted funding from Psi Chi, the International Honors Society in Psychology, for his research!

Benjamin Campbell ‘22 was recently a part of our Summer Scholars program here at Roanoke, during which he conducted a study that was built from previous work he completed in the Social Development Lab. Ben’s project is titled “Effects of Peer-Elicited Jealousy on Relational Aggression in Men: The Roles of Contingent and Threatened Masculinity”.  He worked very hard on this project, supervised by Dr. Danielle Findley-Van Nostrand. Leading up to the summer, they applied for and were successfully granted $1,118 to fund this and subsequent studies including Ben’s Honors in the Major Project. 

Project Abstract:

I asked Ben to give a summary of his research and he wrote,

“So, this summer I conducted a research project as a Summer Scholar at Roanoke. The study looked at how jealousy affects threatened masculinity and relational aggression use in men. In other words, does feeling jealous in a friendship context with other men also produce feeling less masculine, and thus result in using relational aggression? My results found that following jealousy provoked by male peers, men felt less masculine and used more relational aggression relative to men who were not in the jealousy condition. But, some effects did not emerge as expected. I applied for funding from the “Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Grant” and was awarded it. So, I got funding to continue my project. In my honors in the major, I plan on expanding on the summer project and potentially investigating other variables that may play into the effects I found this summer. Overall, I thought the summer scholars experience was great, and the funding from Psi Chi is amazing.”

Congratulations again to Benjamin Campbell, keep up the great work and we are excited for what your future has in store.

https://www.roanoke.edu/about/news/princeton_review_best_387

Some exciting news for our department! The success comes from the hard work and commitment of our faculty and students.

In the article you can read what Dr. Powell and some of our students have to say about our department and Roanoke College as a whole.

When? This Friday ! (September 3rd from 11:45-1:15)

Where? Courtyard between Life Science and Trexler!

Please join your fellow Psychology students and faculty at a Welcome Back social on Friday, 9/3! We will meet in the courtyard area between Life Science and Trexler between 11:45a and 1:15p. Snacks and drinks will be provided, plus you can purchase an RC Psychology shirt! All students are welcome – majors, minors, concentrators, students currently in psychology classes, and students who may potentially take psychology classes in the future! Hope to see you there!

Get connected:

Instagram & Twitter:  #PsychRC
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rcpsychology
Blog:  https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/
Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RC-Psychology-8140491/about
Website:  http://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology

Kira Hunt, a rising senior in Psychology is recruiting participants for a study as part of her Honors Distinction Project. Please see below for details:

 

We would like to invite you to be in a research study focused on sharing information in online dating that would take no more than fifteen minutes of your time. We ask participants are between eighteen and twenty-five. Participants who provide contact information are eligible to enter a raffle for a ten dollar gift card. Click on the link below to get started!

https://roanoke.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3QS0ZIww5B4BhZz

Get Connected!

Blog: https://psych.pages.roanoke.edu/

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