Research Interests
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developmental intergroup processes
- effects of political violence on youth development
- intergroup bystander behaviors
- peace psychology
- longitudinal methods
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, University of Notre Dame, 2009
M.A., Developmental Psychology, University of Notre Dame, 2007
B.S., Human Development, Cornell University, 2002
Recent Courses Taught
Child Development
Advanced Research Methods: Peace Psychology
Applied Multivariate Statistics
Youth and Armed Conflict
Selected Publications
Merrilees, C. E., Lee, Y. (in press). The role of emotional security, narrative, and resilience for youth and families in contexts of armed conflict. Family Court Review.
Merrilees, C. E., Katz, J., DuBois, N., & Grant, C. (2018). White female bystanders' to a Black woman at risk for sexual assault: Positive effects of intergroup contact. Violence and VIctims, 33 (4), 739-754.
Merrilees, C. E., Taylor, L. K., Baird, C., Goeke-Morey, M. C. Shirlow, P., & Cummings, E. M. (2018). Neighborhood effects of intergroup contact on change in youth intergroup bias. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 47(1) 77-87.
Merrilees, C. E., Taylor, L. K., Goeke-Morey, M. C. Shirlow, P., & Cummings, E. M. (2014). The protective role of group identity. Sectarian antisocial behavior and behavior problems. Child Development, 85(2), 412-420.
Merrilees, C. E., Cairns, E., Taylor, L. K., Goeke‐Morey, M. C., Shirlow, P., & Cummings, E. M. (2013). Social identity and youth aggressive and delinquent behaviors in a context of political violence. Political Psychology, 34(5), 695-711.
Classes
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PSYC 215: S/Child Development
An overview of the nature and course of human development from conception through childhood. Topics include physical, perceptual, cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and personality development.
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PSYC 366: Developmental Psychopathology
An advanced course that provides an overview and critical analysis of the theories and research contributing to a developmental perspective on behavioral, psychological and emotional disorders in childhood and adolescence. Course content charts the origins, developmental pathways and symptom expression of psychopathology in childhood and adolescence with special attention to the person- and environmentally-based factors that increase or buffer the risk for psychopathology. Implications of a developmental model for prevention, assessment and treatment of disorder are considered.
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XLRN 350: Dialogue Facilitation Training
The goals of this course are to develop student's knowledge and skills as potential facilitators of intergroup dialogues, DICE workshops, and other critical conversations. As such, the course builds upon, but does not replicate, the principles and content of intergroup dialogues themselves. The course will focus on helping students develop a grounded understanding of intergroup dialogue and dialogic processes, increased understanding of social justice principles such as social identity, privilege and oppression, power and conflict, and facilitation skills and competencies. The course also provides students with opportunities to explore the roles of social justice education and advocacy.