Julie Eyink

Dr. Julie Eyink serves as a Professor in the Psychology Department within the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Southern Indiana (USI). Her primary academic affiliation centers on advancing psychological research and mentoring undergraduate researchers through the Eyink Lab. She maintains an active research program and teaches courses related to social psychology and educational applications.

Her research spans three interconnected domains: Self-handicapping (strategic excuse-making behaviors to protect self-esteem), Social Norms (how injunctive and descriptive norms influence behavior), and the Science of Teaching and Learning (applying psychological principles to improve educational outcomes). Current projects examine gender differences in norm adherence, mental health treatment-seeking behaviors, and social norm interventions for course evaluation participation.

Dr. Eyink's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to social and educational psychology, with recent work focusing on circadian influences on self-handicapping, normative impacts on student behavior, and faculty development programs. Her research integrates theoretical innovation with practical applications for student success.

• Co-authored 2024 study on faculty preparation programs
• 2023 theoretical contribution to self-handicapping literature
• 2020 empirical work on social norms in academic settings
• 2017 foundational research on temporal aspects of self-handicapping

She actively mentors undergraduate researchers, with lab alumni pursuing advanced degrees in clinical psychology and medical fields. Current lab members include students designing projects on cancer perceptions and mental health treatment. Dr. Eyink collaborates extensively with researchers at Indiana University and other institutions, particularly in social cognitive neuroscience and identity studies.