Jeffrey S. Bedwell

Jeffrey S. Bedwell is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Florida (UCF), serving as Program Director and Director of Clinical Training for the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program. He holds a secondary joint appointment as Professor of Medicine in the Department of Clinical Sciences at UCF's College of Medicine. Bedwell earned his B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University, followed by a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Georgia, with a predoctoral clinical internship at the Medical University of South Carolina/VA Consortium. His research, conducted through the MPACT Lab, employs a transdiagnostic NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) approach to study reduced motivation (avolition/apathy), pleasure (anhedonia), and emotional expression (constricted/blunted affect) across mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. His work also explores links between these symptoms and psychopathy, social anxiety, and suicidal behavior using cognitive neuroscience methods (e.g., event-related potentials, pupillometry).

Bedwell's research aims to improve treatments targeting specific psychiatric symptoms. He has received recognition such as the 2024 Founders’ Day Awards from UCF. His academic memberships include the American Psychological Association and the Society for Research in Psychopathology. His teaching and clinical training leadership roles reflect his commitment to shaping future clinical psychologists.

• Education:
  • B.S. in Psychology, James Madison University
  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Georgia (2004)
  • Predoc Internship: Medical University of South Carolina/VA Consortium
• Key Research Themes:
  • Psychopathology of mood disorders
  • Cognitive neuroscience of anhedonia/avolition
  • Transdiagnostic symptom mechanisms
• Awards:
  • 2024 UCF Founders’ Day Award for Academic Excellence
• Professional Roles:
  • Director of Clinical Training (Ph.D. Program)
  • Member, Council of University Directors of Clinical Training

Bedwell’s lab employs advanced methodologies like EEG, neuroimaging, and behavioral assays to investigate how neurophysiological processes underpin psychiatric symptoms. His translational research bridges basic science and clinical applications, particularly in refining treatment strategies for complex symptom clusters.