My research broadly addresses the psychology of prejudice and intergroup relations. One area of my research is focused on gaining a greater understanding of the psychological predicament of stigmatized individuals who, by virtue of membership in a social group, are targets of negative stereotypes and are generally devalued in society. This research has been guided by three broad questions: 1) How do individuals cope with being members of stigmatized groups? 2) What are the mechanisms through which stigmatization affect performance and health? and 3) What factors affect whether individuals react to stigmatization in ways that are adaptive or maladaptive for performance and health? Related to these questions, one current project examines how negative stereotypes may serve as a source of stress that affects cognitive performance & health among members of stigmatized groups.

Eccleston, C.P. & Major, B. (2006). Attributions to discrimination and self-esteem: The role of group identification and appraisals. Group Processes and Intergoup Relations. 9, 147-162

Social Psychology at Syracuse University