Psychology of Gender Research Team

Graduate Research

Welcome to the Psychology of Gender Research Team website! The research team is dedicated to better understanding the implications of gender in mental health and well-being. We are conducting a number of research studies exploring people’s experiences of masculinity and femininity and examining how these constructs impact individuals and communities. Please see the list of current research projects for more information. A number of graduate students within the MSCP program collaborate with us on our projects (please see the graduate research assistants’ profiles) and we are always excited to welcome new members to the team. If you would like more information about our research or are interested in joining the team, please contact us at bbrinkman@chatham.edu or aisacco@chatham.edu.

Britney G Brinkman, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Psychology program at Chatham University. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. Dr. Brinkman is interested in the Psychology of Gender and understanding the impact gender has on the well-being of men, women and children. Dr. Brinkman has a particular interest in the lives of adolescent girls and the importance of designing, implementing and evaluating prevention and early intervention programs. Dr. Brinkman often utilizes mixed methods designs, employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. When she is not teaching or working in her ocean-blue office, Dr. Brinkman can most likely be found at a yoga class, running, or hiking in the woods. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family and browsing in used bookstores. If she could be any animal at all, she would most likely be a dolphin.

Anthony Isacco, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Psychology program at Chatham University. He received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago. Dr. Isacco is interested in the Psychology of Gender and recognizes that gender is an important part of our identity. Dr. Isacco is particularly interested in the psychology of men and masculinity, fatherhood, and innovative, culturally-tailored, outreach-based interventions aimed for men. Dr. Isacco loves spending time with his family and friends, has an abnormal passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers (like all true Pittsburghers), and enjoys making mixed tapes rather than buying a "mp3 player" or "ipod". Music most likely found on a mixed tape includes U2, Dave Matthews Band, Led Zepplin, Bruce Springstein, Bob Dylan, Kayne West, Jay-Z, Paul Simon, and Kid Rock. Some favorite quotes are: "go strong or don’t go at all" and "if something is worth doing, it’s worth over doing."

 

Current Research Projects led by Dr. Brinkman

Adolescent girls and self-esteem: This project involves a longitudinal study following adolescent girls from the time they were in 6th grade until their first year of college (they are currently juniors in high-school). The study utilizes a mixed-methods design consisting of quantitative measures of self-esteem, self-efficacy, experiences of sexism, and body image. The young women also participate in individual interviews each year. In addition, the participants attend workshops each year around specific topics. This study is done in conjunction with the  University of Utah.

Teaching children about social justice: This project utilizes a mixed methods design to evaluate a program that teaches children about social justice issues. Fifth graders participated in the Fairness for All Individuals through Respect interactive program and completed quantitative measures before and after the program. They also participated in focus groups. The project explores whether the program impacted the students’ gender identity, attitudes about gender roles, engagement in gender prejudice, knowledge of racism and attitudes regarding classism. This study is conducted in collaboration with Dr. Lee A. Rosén and Dr. Toni Morrison at Colorado State University.

College students’ experiences with gender prejudice: This project utilizes online daily diaries and surveys to explore college students’ reactions to their experiences with gender prejudice as well as their reactions when they witnessed other students experience gender prejudice.

Vegetarianism and body image: This project explores how food choice (being vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or semi-vegetarian) relates to body image, attitudes about vegetarians, and conformity to gender roles.

The impact of Women’s Studies and Psychology classes on students: This project examines how students in women’s studies and psychology courses change over the semester on variables including their endorsement of feminism, attitudes about gender roles, self-esteem, self-efficacy and future career plans.