VCU Social Psychology Program

Laura Kiken

I earned my undergraduate degree from Drew University in 1999, and I earned a master's degree in public health at VCU in 2006. In 2007, I entered VCU’s Social Psychology program. Broadly speaking, my research interests involve mindfulness; I'm interested in how mindfulness affects one's view of the self and the social world as well as how mindfulness may improve well-being. My current work examines whether mindfulness increases objectivity, and if so, whether this helps explain the relationship between mindfulness and reduced emotional disturbance. I am interested in extending this work on mindfulness and objectivity to (a) examine the processes involved, and (b) identify domains in which increased objectivity would have beneficial implications.

View more information on Laura's Shook Lab page.

Publications

Kennedy, M. G., Kiken, L. G., & Shipman, J. P. (in press). Addressing underutilization of consumer health information resource centers: A formative study. Journal of the Medical Library Association.

Kiken, L. G., Kennedy, M. G., & Wilson, D. B. (in preparation). Perceived ambiguity of physical activity recommendations: Does it matter?

Presentations

Kiken, L. G., Kennedy, M. G., & Wilson, D. B. (April 2007). Knowledge and perceived ambiguity of physical activity recommendations and physical activity in men and women in the United States. Poster presented at the VCU Women’s Health Research Day, Richmond, VA.

Kennedy, M. G., Kiken, L. G., & Shipman, J. P. Underutilization of health information resource centers. Poster presented at the VCU Daniel T. Watts Research Symposium, Richmond, VA.

Teaching Experience

• Experimental Methods, lab instructor, undergraduate level
• Experimental Methods, primary instructor, undergraduate level