Aggarwal-Blackburn Visiting Scholar

Hasan Atak

Hasan Atak, Ph.D., a visiting scholar from Turkey, has been with EHHS for six months as a Aggarwal-Blackburn Visiting Scholar. In Turkey, he held the position of full professor and is currently associated with the Gerald H. Read Center for International and Intercultural Education, working under the mentorship of Martin Jencius, Ph.D., from the Counselor Education and Supervision program.

Atak’s primary research examines the mediating role of the therapeutic alliance in the relationship between masculinity-related factors, knowledge and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals, and sexual orientation counseling competency among counseling students in Turkey and the United States. Additionally, in collaboration with Jencius, he has completed a review and scale development study on schadenfreude, resulting in the creation of the Multidimensional Schadenfreude Scale, with the review paper already published. The team has also submitted a bibliometric study on learning analytics.

His ongoing empirical research includes the development of several psychological scales, including the Perception of Threat to Masculinity Scale, the Third-Parent Awareness Scale, the Triangulation in Relationships Scale, and the Ambiguous Loss Experience Scale for Parents of LGBTQ+ Individuals. Moreover, he is co-authoring a review on ambiguous loss experiences among parents of LGBTQ+ individuals. In addition to these research endeavors, Atak and his collaborators are in the final stages of completing two books: Personality Disorders and Basic Statistics in JAMOVI – A Data Analysis Manual.

Kent State University has provided an inclusive and supportive academic environment that has facilitated Atak’s research and professional development. The university fosters a strong sense of community, respect for diversity, and a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all individuals feel valued and supported. The collaboration and support he has received from colleagues, particularly at the Gerald H. Read Center, have been instrumental in advancing his work.

Atak expresses his gratitude for this opportunity and extends his sincere appreciation to Amanda Johnson, Ph.D., and Jencius for their guidance and support.