Kevin Larkin

Kevin Larkin is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at West Virginia University's Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, where he has been a faculty member since 1986. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his internship training at WVU's Health Sciences Center. He served 13 years as Director of Clinical Training and 10 years as Department Chair, demonstrating long-standing leadership and institutional commitment.

Education:

• B.A. in Psychology, Wittenberg University, 1979
• M.A. in Psychology, University of Richmond, 1981
• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, 1986

Dr. Larkin's research centers on applied psychophysiology and clinical health psychology, particularly how emotional and behavioral factors such as hostility, social support, optimism, and coping influence health. His work investigates the role of autonomic nervous system reactivity to mental stress in the development of cardiovascular disorders and essential hypertension. He directs the Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, where he explores how exaggerated or prolonged autonomic responses mediate the link between psychological states and disease outcomes, and develops behavioral interventions to modulate these responses.

Although no specific publications are listed in the provided text, his ongoing research at the Behavioral Physiology Laboratory and collaborations with the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center reflect a sustained focus on stress physiology and its implications for chronic disease. His work bridges clinical psychology with physiological measurement, contributing to the understanding of mind-body interactions in health.

Dr. Larkin has no listed scientific awards in the provided content.

He has supervised graduate students and leads a research team in the Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, with plans to recruit additional graduate researchers for the 2025–2026 academic year. He teaches key graduate courses including Seminar on Teaching Psychology, Ethics and Legal Issues in Psychology, Behavior Therapy, and Seminar on Clinical Supervision. His leadership roles and active research agenda indicate continued mentorship and academic engagement.

Dr. Larkin directs the Behavioral Physiology Laboratory, which conducts empirical studies on autonomic reactivity and its role in health conditions. The lab operates within the Department of Psychology and collaborates with the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, integrating behavioral science with clinical research.