Joseph D. Wellman
Field: Social Psychology
Education:
Ph.D., University of Maine, 2012 – Experimental Psychology (Social)
M.A., University of Maine, 2010 – Psychological Science
M.S., University of Maine, 2007 – Higher Education
B.A., University of Maine, 2005 – Psychology
B.A., University of Maine, 2005 – Sociology
Dr. Wellman’s research focuses on how being the target of stigma affects behaviors, well-being, and performance among both low status and high status groups. Much of this work explores factors that may influence an individual’s response to discrimination, bias, and intergroup interactions (e.g., system-legitimizing beliefs, group identification, zero-sum beliefs, perceived sigma, etc.). Some current projects focus on: 1) Intersectional experiences of discrimination based on gender, sexuality and race. 2) Weight Stigmas differential impact on health and wellbeing across ethnic groups. 3) Group identifications impact on perceptions of discrimination.
Research Areas:
- Stigmatizations impact on behavior, well-being (e.g., self-esteem, emotion, health, physiological and psychological stress), and performance (e.g., GPA, cognitive performance)
- Prejudice & Stereotyping
- System Legitimizing Beliefs
- Group Identification
- Claims of Discrimination
- Health and wellbeing
Courses Taught:
- PSY 321: Social Psychology
- PSY 704: Quantitative Methods in Psychology II (Graduate)
- PSY 712: Social Psychology (Graduate)
Dr. Wellman plans to accept a graduate student for the 2025-2026 academic year.
