Stephanie Madsen
- Professor
Psychology
I moved from Minnesota to Maryland in 2001 and have been at McDaniel for over 20 years now. My research area is developmental psychology, focusing especially on the impact of close relationships on various aspects of social development.
I teach a variety of courses in the Department of Psychology, including Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Lifespan Development, Adolescent Development, Attachment Relationships, Writing in Psychology and the Senior Capstone. I also lead student-faculty research on topics such as parents’ influence on adolescent romantic relationships, the psychological intersection between art and play, and imaginary athletes.
Outside of my role as a professor, I am a self-taught watercolor artist, and my work can be found in corporate collections, galleries, retail locations, and online.
Education
- 2001
- Ph.D., University of Minnesota
- 1999
- M.A., University of Minnesota
- 1996
- B.A., Carleton College
Research Interests
- Adolescent relationships with parents and romantic partners
- Psychological intersection between art and play
- Imaginary athletes
Recent Courses
- PSY-2208: Lifespan Development
- PSY 2209: Developmental Psychology
- PSY-3T10: Attachment Relationships
Selected Publications
- Madsen, S. D., & Gleason, T. R. (2025). Imaginary athletes: Prevalence, forms, and developmental functions. Social Development, 34, e12787.
- Collins, W. A., & Madsen, S. D. (2019). Parenting during middle childhood. In M. Bornstein (Ed.), Handbook of parenting (2nd ed.) Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
- Madsen, S. D., & Collins, W. A. (2018). Personal relationships in adolescence and early adulthood. In D. Perlman & A. Vangelisti (Ed.), Handbook of personal relationships (2nd ed.). Cambridge, NY: Cambridge University Press.
- Kobak, R., Zajac, K., & Madsen, S. D. (2016). Attachment disruptions and injuries: Implications for psychopathology and clinical intervention. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of Attachment. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
- Madsen, S. D., & Collins, W. A. (2011). The salience of adolescents’ romantic experiences for romantic relationship qualities in young adulthood. Journal for Research on Adolescence, 21, 789-801.
- Madsen, S. D. (2008). Parents’ management of adolescents’ romantic relationships through dating rules: Gender variations and correlates of relationship qualities. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 37, 1044-1058.
Awards and Honors
- Top 20 Psychology Professors in Maryland, 2013
- Phenomenal Women Award for Professional Leadership, 2007, 2013
- Ira G. Zepp Distinguished Teaching Award, 2011
- Faculty Scholarly Publications Award, 5-time recipient
- Distinguished Scholar Award, 2008
