My current research revolves around three sets of data that have recently been collected:
Identity Theory
Sociology of Emotions
Work & Family
Gender & Sexuality
Childhood & Adolescence
Current Research:
Interpersonal Relationship & Developmental Psychopathology Lab
Psychological Science - Social
Dr. Stephens is currently serving as Dean of Graduate Studies, and will not be accepting new students this year.
Stress and coping theories guide my research on social relationships and chronic illness. Interests focus on effects of family interactions on adjustment to illness, as well as effects of illness on family caregivers. Of special interest are social support and social control (social influence) as ways married couples cope with illness.
Center for Healthy Aging, Penn State University
Psychological Science - Social
Personality and Individual Differences, Social Psychology
I am the director of graduate student services in the College of Nursing and a doctoral student in the Department of Sociology. I began working at the College of Nursing as an academic advisor in 2005. Previously I worked at the East Liverpool Campus as an enrollment management generalist. I have also worked in Greek life, admissions, and residence life.
Brenner, Philip S., Richard T. Serpe, and Sheldon Stryker. 2014. Forthcoming."The Causal Ordering of Prominence and Salience in Identity Theory: An Empirical Examination." Social Psychology Quarterly. Vol 77.
Merolla, David M. and Richard T. Serpe. 2013. "STEM Enrichment Programs and Graduate School Matriculation: The Role of Science Identity" Social Psychology of Education. Online First: DOI 10.1007/s11218-013-9233-7.
