Dr. John-Paul Legerski
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. University of Kansas
Clinical Child Psychology
Research Interests
My primary research interests are in two related areas: (1) emotional development, and (2) the study of posttraumatic stress within a developmental psychopathology framework. My research on emotional development has largely focused on emotional expression among children and adolescents. I am particularly interested in identifying ways in which child and adolescent emotional expression is influenced by contextual factors (e.g., peer relationships, cultural differences, exposure to stressful life events). My work has also focused on identifying associations between emotional expression and psychosocial functioning.
In terms of my research on posttraumatic stress, I have a special interest in understanding the challenges and barriers children and their families face in obtaining care for traumatic stress symptoms. My research has also focused on identifying how contextual factors within the post-trauma environment (e.g., trauma reminders, access to resources, on-going adversities) can mediate posttraumatic stress symptoms.
Related to these two bodies of research, I also have an interest in methodological, statistical, and ethical challenges associated with the measurement of emotional expression and traumatic stress reactions.
Clinical Interests:
- Psychological/Psychoeducational assessment
- Anxiety and Mood Disorders
- Attention-Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders
- Elimination Disorders
Selected Publications:
Legerski, J. P., Vernberg, E. M., & Noland, B. (2012) Barriers, challenges, and successes in meeting the needs of Hurricane Katrina evacuee families. Community Mental Health Journal, 48(6):729-40. doi: 10.1007/s10597-011-9446-1.
Friman, P. C., Reimers, T. M., Legerski, J. P. (2012). Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Enuresis and Encopresis. In R. Szigethy, J. R. Weisz, & R. L. Findling (Eds.), Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Children and Adolescents (pp. 467-512). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Legerski, J. P. & Bunnell, S. L. (2010). The risks, benefits, and ethics of trauma-focused research participation. Ethics and Behavior, 20(6), 429-442. doi: 10.1080/10508422.2010.521443.
Layne, C. M., Olsen, J. A., Baker, A., Legerski, J. P., Isakson, B., Pašalić, A. et al., (2010). Unpacking trauma exposure risk factors and differential pathways of influence: Predicting postwar mental distress in Bosnian adolescents. Child Development, 81(4), 1053-1076. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01454.x.
Steele, R. G., Legerski, J. P., Nelson, T. D., & Phipps, S. (2009). The anger expression scale for children: Initial validation among healthy children and children with cancer status. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 34(1), 52-62. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsn054.
Greenhoot, A. F., Johnson, R. J., & Legerski, J. P. (2009) Stress and autobiographical memory functioning. In R. Fivush & J. Quas (Eds.), Stress and Memory in Development: Biological, Social, and Emotional Considerations (pp. 86-120). New York: Oxford University Press.