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The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) has appointed Adam Winsler, Professor of Psychology, as co-editor-in-chief of its flagship journal, Child Development.

George Mason University psychology professor Thalia R. Goldstein’s work focuses on children's developing social and emotional skills, and how such skills intersect with imaginative activities. In her latest book, Why Theatre Education Matters: Understanding its Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Benefits (Teachers College Press, 2024), she pulls together the research she’s conducted on social and emotional learning and cognitive development.

Goldstein, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, quote to CNN about children’s belief in Santa is referenced in Bored Panda article.

In Babycenter, Susanne Denham, Department of Psychology, is quoted in an article about how to teach 2-year-olds to share. The article lists strategies to encourage toddlers to share by creating healthy boundaries and seeing their parents as role models.

Thalia Goldstein, Department of Psychology, discusses her new book and the psychological processes that are activated through theater education.

Thalia Goldstein, Department of Psychology, speaks about her research on the effects of theater education and how it can enhance emotional and social development.

As students across the country head back to school, we have a conversation with Dr. Thalia Goldstein about the significant impact of theater education on child development. Dr. Goldstein is an associate professor and director of the Applied Developmental Psychology program in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University where she directs the Play, Learning, Arts and Youth Lab (PLAYlab), and co-directs the National Endowment for the Arts Lab, the Mason Arts Research Center (MasonARC)

In the Developing Minds Lab at George Mason, Sabine Doebel says she has a dream job. As an undergraduate, she became fascinated by children’s thinking and how it changes with age. Now, as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, where she directs the Lab, she spends much of her time designing studies to understand how young children learn to think and act flexibly — that is, how they develop ‘executive function’ skills. Although these skills are vital to children’s success in school and beyond, much remains unknown about their development.

Congratulations to the seven CHSS award recipients who were celebrated at the 2024 Celebration of Teaching Excellence ceremony on April 15.