معرفی
Charlotte J. Patterson is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Chair of the Department of Women, Gender & Sexuality at the University of Virginia, where she is also affiliated with the Center for Children, Families, and the Law. Her work bridges psychology, gender studies, and public policy, focusing on LGBTQ+ families and human development.
Education:
- B.A., Pomona College
- M.A., Stanford University
- Ph.D., Stanford University
Her research centers on the psychology of sexual orientation, particularly child development in lesbian- and gay-parented families. She explores how family structures, gender, and sexual identity influence development across the lifespan. Her interdisciplinary work integrates developmental, community, and clinical psychology perspectives, emphasizing family dynamics and public health. She is widely recognized for advancing scientific understanding of LGBTQ+ lives.
Recent publications show a strong trend in studying health disparities (e.g., sleep difficulties), parenting aspirations across cultures, and longitudinal child development in LGBTQ+ adoptive families. Her work increasingly uses national datasets and contributes to public health policy.
Scientific Awards:
- American Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (APS)
- Outstanding Book of the Year, Society for Psychological Study of LGBTQ Issues
Patterson has advised numerous graduate and early-career researchers, often co-publishing with students such as D. Tate, R.H. Farr, E.C. Potter, and Y. (B.) Li. She has secured significant recognition and funding through national committees, including co-chairing the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Committee on Understanding the Status and Well-Being of LGBTQ+ Populations. Her leadership in policy-oriented research has shaped national reports on LGBTQ+ health and well-being.
She is actively involved in research teams focused on LGBTQ+ family dynamics, child development, and health disparities, often collaborating across disciplines and institutions. Her lab integrates quantitative and qualitative methods to explore family processes and social influences on development.
