معرفی
Kristy Dean serves as Assistant Chair and Professor in the Psychology Department at Grand Valley State University, specializing in Social and Cross-Cultural Psychology. She holds a B.A. from Michigan State University and M.A./Ph.D. from Northwestern University.
Her research focuses on social exclusion consequences and interdependent self-concept dynamics. Key areas include:
- Effects of social exclusion on physical vulnerability perceptions
- Defensive responses to belongingness threats
- Cross-cultural attribution differences
- Emotional reactions to social transgressions
Recent publications demonstrate methodological innovation, particularly the 2022 Religion, Brain & Behavior study involving 120 analyst teams examining religiosity-wellbeing relationships. Her research consistently explores how cultural contexts shape self-perception and social cognition.
Scientific recognition includes:
- Distinguished Undergraduate Mentor Award (2024)
Dean actively mentors undergraduate researchers through GVSU's Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship. She teaches PSY101 (Introductory Psychology), PSY355 (Psychology and Culture), and PSY360 (Social Psychology), emphasizing research engagement opportunities for students. Her lab investigates social self-concept across cultural contexts with implications for campus safety and inclusion initiatives.
