Florette Cohen

Florette Cohen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the College of Staten Island, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Rutgers University–New Brunswick, where she also earned her M.S. and B.S. degrees.

• Ph.D., Social Psychology, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, 2008
• M.S., Science, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, 2005
• B.S., Science, CUNY Brooklyn College, 2003

Her research is grounded in terror management theory, examining how awareness of death influences human cognition and behavior. She investigates how mortality salience amplifies ideological commitment, intensifies prejudice, and shapes cultural worldviews. Her work spans political psychology, intergroup relations, and identity formation, with a particular focus on modern anti-Semitism and the psychological underpinnings of fame and self-worth.

Her recent publications in journals like the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and Self and Identity reflect a consistent theme: existential concerns drive extreme social attitudes. These articles explore constructs such as right-wing authoritarianism, social dominance, and flight fantasies as responses to mortality awareness.

• Dean's Award for Excellence in Research by a Graduate Student
• Dean's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching by a Graduate Student
• Executive Women of New Jersey Graduate Merit Award
• SPSSI Grants-In-Aid Dissertation Research Award

Florette Cohen has made significant contributions to the understanding of how deep-seated existential fears shape social behavior. Her work bridges clinical, social, and political psychology, offering insights into both individual coping mechanisms and societal-level ideological trends. While no information is available on student advising or grant funding, her scholarly output demonstrates sustained engagement with pressing social issues through rigorous empirical research.