Thalia R Goldstein

Dr. Thalia R Goldstein is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Developmental Psychology at George Mason University (GMU). She directs the PLAY Lab and co-directs the National Endowment for the Arts Research Lab (MasonARC). Her research focuses on children’s social-emotional development through pretend play, theater, and imaginative activities. Dr. Goldstein holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Boston College (2010), with postdoctoral training at Yale University (2010–2012) and a prior faculty role at Pace University (2013–2017).

Her education includes a BA from Cornell University (2002), MA (2007), and Ph.D. (2010) from Boston College. Research grants include funding from the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and the John Templeton Foundation. She serves on editorial boards for journals like Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts and is an APA Division 10 Fellow.

Current research explores topics such as the impact of theater education on empathy, longitudinal learning in acting, children’s understanding of fictional characters like Santa Claus, and adult engagement in pretend activities. Her book Why Theatre Education Matters (2024) synthesizes findings on arts’ cognitive and social benefits. Key awards include a 2019 poster award at the Cognitive Science Society conference.

Dr. Goldstein advises students on projects involving dance, video games, and moral understanding in pretend play. She teaches courses on developmental psychology, creativity, and social-emotional learning. Her work bridges developmental science and the arts, with media features in The New York Times, NPR, and the National Endowment for the Arts podcast.

Labs: PLAY Lab (playlab.gmu.edu), Mason Arts Research Center (MasonARC). Office: David J. King Hall DK3055.