Mary Whitney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Contact
Phone: 860.231.5442
E-mail:
mwhitney@sjc.edu
Psychology Department Website
One of the aspects of teaching that Dr. Mary Whitney enjoys most is learning from her students. "It's a two-way street," Dr. Whitney points out, "I want them to question assumptions and think for themselves. But I am going to make them apply what they've learned. They must understand concepts, not just memorize them."
Dr. Whitney has always been fascinated by Psychiatry and the complexity of the human brain. She states, "The study of Psychiatry can be humbling. The more you study the more you realize you don't know. Admitting that to yourself begins the exploration."
She considers Saint Joseph College to be a transformative place for learning. "We often take first generation college students and we show them how to succeed," Dr. Whitney observes, "They can come in quiet or unsure of themselves. I see them grow in confidence. It's gratifying to see that progression."
Among the research topics Dr. Whitney is currently working on is a paper entitled: "Children's Moral Reading of Harry Potter: Are Children and Adults Reading the Same Book?" In it, she explores the reasons why the books touch so many people. Dr. Whitney says, "We interviewed and surveyed 70 people, ranging from fourth grade through the Ph.D. level. Despite the differences in perceptions in the age groups, everybody across the board sees courage and friendship as the major themes."
Degrees
Ph.D., University of Connecticut
A.B., Oberlin College
