Roanoke College Psychology Department

Latest

  • congratulations TO Dr. Danielle Findley-Van Nostrand

    Psychology faculty member Dr. Danielle Findley-Van Nostrand has recently had TWO publications. Her recent work is now published in the The Journal of Genetic Psychology and Emerging Adulthood. The psychology department extends our congratulations as we celebrate Dr. FVN’s recent accomplishments. Read about her publications below.

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    Interpersonal Rejection and Social Motivation in Adolescence: Moderation by Narcissism and Gender

    Abstract: “Research on interpersonal rejection is voluminous, but less is known about perceived rejection in relation to social goals among peers during adolescence, especially while also considering factors that may moderate these associations. In a correlational design, we surveyed a diverse sample of middle school students to examine concurrent (Study 1; N = 269) and short-term longitudinal (Study 2; N = 321) links between rejection and adolescent communal (affiliation, closeness) and agentic (status, influence) goals, and narcissism and gender as moderators in the associations between rejection and social goals. Rejection was negatively related to (Study 1) and predicted decreases in (Study 2) communal goals. Narcissism was positively related to and predicted increases in agentic goals, and moderated the association between rejection and agentic goals (in both studies). One moderated effect of gender was found: perceived rejection predicted decreases in agentic goals for girls, but increases in agentic goals for boys. Our findings mostly align with existing research on interpersonal rejection in youth, and extend this literature by demonstrating that perceived rejection is meaningfully related to changes in trait-like social goals among peers, suggesting it may alter not only situation-specific cognitions, but also globalized goals, or motivations for peer interaction. The findings also call for further research on individual differences in associations between rejection and social goals, along with other outcomes.”

    Popularity According to Emerging Adults: What is it, and How to Acquire it

    Abstract: “Status among peers likely continues to play a role in social functioning and well-being beyond adolescence. This study examined how emerging adults in tertiary education defined popularity, and their beliefs regarding aggressive and prosocial behaviors affording status. The role of status motivation, own status, and gender in these definitions and beliefs were explored. Emerging adults primarily associated popularity with being central, liked, and respected. Gender prototypical features (attractiveness and likeability for women; power and centrality for men) were associated with high popularity. Compared to adolescence, popularity in emerging adulthood was associated more with likeability and less with attractiveness, power, fitting in, or antisocial behavior. Prosocial behavior, openness, extraversion, and dominance were identified as the most important ways to acquire popularity. The findings indicate that popularity is relevant to emerging adults and offer several directions for future research in order to benefit the social well-being of emerging adults in tertiary education.”

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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: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology

  • job opportunity alert

    Research Coordinator Position in the JK Lifespan Development lab, Virginia Tech

    Applications are invited for a full-time research coordinator (lab manager) position in the JK Lifespan Development lab of Dr. Jungmeen Kim-Spoon, in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech (https://support.psyc.vt.edu/labs/jklifespan). Projects in the lab combine developmental psychopathology and decision neuroscience to investigate brain function, emotion, cognition and personality processes, decision making and health behaviors. We use a variety of methods including structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, behavioral tasks, interviews, and questionnaires. This is an excellent opportunity for a personable, motivated, and detail-oriented person seeking further research experience before applying to graduate school.  

    Primary data collection responsibilities will include: recruiting young adults and family members; scheduling visits; obtaining behavioral assessments and fMRI scanning; and oversight of data collection. Primary data management responsibilities include: management and oversight of participant databases, entering data, ensuring data reliability and completeness, and preparing data for analysis. Additional key tasks include assisting with participant tracking and retention, preparation of IRB materials, and training graduate and undergraduate students on study procedures. Training for all aspects of the position, including MRI certification, will be provided. Flexible scheduling is required (e.g., evenings, weekends, and some holidays will be required). 

    Desired qualifications include: 1) BA/BS in psychology, neuroscience, or related fields; 2) undergraduate or post-baccalaureate research experience, including participant recruitment and data collection; 3) demonstrated organizational and time management skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail. Experience in the administration of standard psychological assessments (including self-report, structured interviews, and behavioral tasks) and a basic understanding of data management or analysis with corresponding data (e.g., SPSS, Excel, etc.) will be considered a strength.

    Required application materials: Cover letter including statement of interest, CV/Resume, list of two references. Two letters of recommendation will be required prior to final consideration.

    Expected start date is early March 2022. Graduating seniors are eligible to apply if they can start working part-time (10-20 hours/week) during the Spring 2022 semester to be hired before transitioning to a full-time position upon graduation. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and on a rolling basis and will end when the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

    Virginia Tech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    Apply at: www.jobs.vt.edu, Job # to search: [518893].

    Pre-submission inquiries may be emailed to: Kathryn Tarnai, ktarnai@vt.edu (Research Coordinator for JK Lifespan Development Lab).

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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: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology

  • Finish the Semester Strong!!!!

    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:

    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 !

  • Pre-Registration is Here

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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: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology

  • New Majors Orientation

    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!

  • UNC Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling Program

    The Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health (CRMH) Counseling department at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has extended an invitation to students who may be interested in pursuing a degree in counseling to come to one of their upcoming Information Sessions on the following dates:

    Wednesday 11/17 12:00 pm-1:00 pm ET
    Monday 12/16 11:30am-12:30pm ET
    Tuesday 01/11 12:00 pm-1:00pm ET
    Friday 02/11 4:00pm-5:00pm ET

    In addition to their website, which can be found here, the Information Sessions are a good way to find out more about the CRMH program from a faculty member, ask questions about the program and application process, and meet with current students to hear about the program from their perspective. Interested students may RSVP to any of the above dates at CRMHinfo@med.unc.edu to receive the Zoom link for the Information Session.

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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: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology

  • Local Organization Highlight

    Go Check out the Family and Wellness Initiative! This is a local, non-profit organization in the Roanoke area. They focus on establishing healthy, strong, and supportive family environments within the Roanoke community. They offer parenting workshops for ages 0-5 and 5-12, free community events, health advice for children (e.g., nutrition, active lifestyles, and mind and body wellness), school connections, parenting tips, and how parents can healthily learn and get involved in youth culture with their children. They are supported by Blue Ridge Behavioral Health, Prevention, and Wellness Services, and funded by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. 

    If you are interested in learning more about the Family and Wellness Initiative, you can find them at https://www.familywellnessinitiative.com/. Also make sure to follow their blog at https://www.familywellnessinitiative.com/blog!

  • making the most of Your time as a psychology student

    • Research

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

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

  • Areas of Psychology

    Roanoke College offers so many amazing psychology courses for their students. Anyone can find a topic that peaks their interest; from Intro to Psychology to Principles of Neuroscience we have it all!

    Seven major perspectives of modern psychology
    https://www.verywellmind.com/perspectives-in-modern-psychology-2795595

    Want to learn all about memory, attention, language, and how we solve problems? If so, you should consider taking Cognitive Psychology. If you want to go further with these topics consider enrolling in Human Memory, 342 Learning, Creative Thinking and Problem- Solving, or Topics in Cognitive Psychology.

    Developmental Psychology goes in depth about each life period- discussing cognitive abilities, social setting, work/school situations, health, common obstacles faced, etc . If one specific age range of this class interests you, you can dive deeper by enrolling in Child Development, Adolescent development, or Adult Development and Aging.

    Social psychology focuses on relationships and interactions between people. Biological Psychology teaches us that the brain has an impact on our behavior, decision making, etc. This class discusses the research that has explained how different parts of the brain are responsible for different tasks.

    Research Methods in Psychology gives students an understanding of how research is conducted, different types of studies, safety of participants, and examining the reliability and validity of a study.

    Similar to a statistics class, Quantitative Methods in Psychology interprets data that measures behavior and uses computer programs to discover trends, standard error, median, mean, etc.

    Clinical Psychology discusses the history of clinical psychology and the diagnosis of psychological disorders and how to treat them.

    These are just some of the courses offered in our Psychology department for a full list and more details you can visit https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology/course_information/psychology_course_descriptions

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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: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology

  • New Publication Alert: Dr. Powell & Stephanie Gaines

    gold dragon statue during daytime

    Congratulations to Dr. Darcey Powell and alumni Stephanie Gaines (class of 2017) on their recent publication by Psi Chi. The publication is based on one of Gaines’s projects that took place in Dr. Powell’s lab during her time at Roanoke College. More information about the information can be found here, but you can read the abstract below:

    Emerging adulthood is a time of great transition, including but not limited to the commencement of “adult roles” and responsibilities. The present study examined emerging adults’ (EAs’) perceptions of transitional (i.e., cohabitating, marriage, parenting) and gradual (i.e., religious beliefs, political beliefs, managing own health) roles. Participants were recruited from a small liberal arts college (N = 88) and from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform (N = 181). They were surveyed on the age at which they anticipated or reported achieving the examined roles and their current self-efficacy for the roles. Female EAs reported intending to or achieving the transitional roles at a significantly later age than female EAs of the late 20th century (ps ≤ .001, ds 0.77–0.95). Additionally, female EAs anticipated role achievement for cohabitating, marriage, parenting, and religious beliefs at later ages than male EAs (ps < .05, gs 0.33–1.33). Moreover, male and female EAs differed in a few role-specific self-efficacies if they had not yet achieved the desired adult role (e.g., marriage, parenting; ps < .05, gs 0.62–0.98), but did not differ if they had already achieved the role. Lastly, the difference between EAs’ age and their role achievement largely did not predict their role-specific self-efficacies. The results provide additional insight into EAs’ expectations and current perceptions of themselves and may be useful to individuals who work regularly with EAs who are apprehensive about the extent to which they are “on time” and “ready” to engage in the examined transitional and gradual roles.

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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: https://www.roanoke.edu/inside/a-z_index/psychology
    Instagram: rcpsychology