Rick Busselle

Rick Busselle is an Associate Professor at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), affiliated with the School of Media & Communication within the College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on how mediated narratives influence perceptions of social issues like poverty and crime, emphasizing engagement, perceived realism, and the social construction of reality through media. He holds a B.S. in Journalism from BGSU, an M.A. in Telecommunication, and a Ph.D. in Mass Media, both from Michigan State University.

Dr. Busselle’s work appears in journals like Communication Theory and Media Psychology, with a focus on narrative engagement, media effects, and psychophysiological responses. He has served on editorial boards for Media Psychology, The Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, and co-edited Media Psychology. His courses include Media Effects, Quantitative Research Methods, and Strategic Communication.

His scholarship bridges narrative theory and audience psychology, exploring how stories shape social realities. Recent publications (2022–2008) highlight themes like epistemic monitoring in stories, narrative persuasion, and the cultivation of perceived realism. His research underscores the interplay between cognitive processes and media influence, with applications in communication studies and journalism.

Busselle’s contributions extend to editorial leadership and academic mentorship, shaping discourse in media psychology and communication theory without explicit awards but recognized through peer contributions and publication impact.