Jennifer Tickle

Biography

Research Interests

Media and health. This research uses social cognitive and traditional social psychological methodologies to better understand factors that mediate the relationship between exposure to portrayals of or information about health behaviors in popular media and the initiation and maintenance of those health behaviors. The research includes structural equation modeling of the theoretical basis for media-attitude relationships using content analysis data and longitudinal surveys of health behaviors and media, laboratory research examining the perceptual and information processing components of viewing health behaviors, and survey research to examine perceptions of health behaviors. Research has included examinations of health behaviors including tobacco use and vaping as well as social-media driven “health” phenomena such as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR).

Technology and health. In this domain my research examines several themes. One explores perceptions of virtual reality technologies and utilizes virtual reality technology to study social psychological phenomenon as well as human factors in performance such as learning, motivation, and stress reduction. I also study the effects of interaction format (online v. in person) on changes in attitudes and behavior related to body image and eating, self-presentation and self-disclosure of information, and attention. Other research has explored the effects of communication technology (social media, online communities, apps) on psychological outcomes.

Other research interests. Self-regulatory and risk behaviors including social factors that affect economic decision making.  Self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-presentation, including factors that influence new teacher self-efficacy. Interactions between stigmatized and non-stigmatized individuals. Personality and excuse making. Gender/sexuality and psychology.