Maya K. Gordon, Ph.D.

She/Her/Hers

Associate Professor / Undergraduate Program Coordinator

About

Dr. Maya K. Gordon is a Developmental Psychologist with 20+ years of experience as a college professor, researcher, and consultant. Her research has examined how media portrayals of African Americans influence various psychosocial outcomes in African American youth, with a specific focus on the ways that media stereotypes help to maintain racism and sexism in our society. Recent projects include a study exploring connections between students’ experiences with racial micro-aggressions and their academic achievement, as well as a survey of college students that examines racial and gender differences in media contributions to self-esteem and body image. Dr. Gordon has also developed leadership/mentoring programs for adolescents of color, in addition to working as a consultant who helps organizations develop inclusive and equitable environments where all its members can thrive. As the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, she is responsible for program administration and curriculum support as well as student advising and engagement.

Education

Spelman College, B.A. in Psychology
University of Michigan, M.A. in Developmental Psychology
University of Michigan, Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology

Courses Taught

Developmental Psychology
Children, Adolescents & the Media
Social Psychology
Psychology of Gender
Black Psychology

Areas of Interest

Adolescent Development
Socio-Cultural Influences on Development
Self-Esteem and Identity Development

Research Interests

Adolescent Development Socio-Cultural Influences on Development Self-Esteem and Identity Development Media Influences on Self-Esteem and Body Image Media Influences on Racial and Gender Stereotyping Self-Esteem among African American Girls and Women Psychological Impact of Racism and Sexism

Publications

Gebauer, R., Filling-Brown, M., Watterson, N., Filippone, A., Smith, C., Groves, L., Mace, D., & Gordon, M. (2022). Theory to practice: Applying the best practices model (BPM) for living-learning communities at Cabrini University. Journal of College and University Student Housing, 48(2), 30-52.

Clair, R., Gordon, M., Kroon, M., & Reilly, C. (2021). The effects of social isolation on well-being and life satisfaction during pandemic. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 8, 28.

Gordon, M.K. (2016). Achievement scripts: Media influences on Black students’ academic performance, self-perceptions, and career interests. Journal of Black Psychology, 42, 1-26.

Gordon, M.K. (2008). Media contributions to African American girls’ focus on beauty and appearance: Exploring the consequences of sexual objectification. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 32, 245-256.

Rivadeneyra, R., Ward, L.M., & Gordon, M.K. (2007). Distorted reflections: Media exposure and Latino adolescents’ conceptions of self. Media Psychology, 9, 261-290.

Professional Affiliations

Association of Black Psychologists, Lifetime Member

← Back to Faculty Directory