Michael Bender

Michael Bender is an Associate Professor at the Department of Social Psychology, Tilburg University, a Research Fellow at Babylon (Center for the Study of Multicultural Society, Tilburg University), and an Honorary Professor at Gratia Christian College, Hong Kong. He specializes in cultural psychology, focusing on acculturation processes, intergroup behavior, and identity dynamics. His work emphasizes methodological rigor and integrating cultural dimensions into psychological education.

He has held significant roles, including editorial positions at the Online Readings in Psychology and Culture and membership in organizations like the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology (IACCP). Bender has received funding from the European Union (Marie Curie Fellowship), NWO (Comenius Teaching Fellowship), DAAD, and the Jacobs Foundation for projects on multiculturalism and teaching methodologies.

His recent research explores cross-cultural measurement invariance (e.g., adolescent self-construal, vulnerability to disease), the integration hypothesis in acculturation, and the application of serious games for intercultural skill development. His work bridges theoretical contributions with practical educational tools.