Christine A. Gidycz

Dr. Christine Gidycz is a distinguished Professor Emerita of Psychology at Ohio University, recognized for her decades-long contributions to the field of clinical psychology, with a profound focus on sexual assault prevention, risk reduction programs, and interpersonal violence. Holding a Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Kent State University, Dr. Gidycz has committed her academic and professional career to addressing some of the most pressing social and psychological challenges related to sexual victimization, particularly among college populations. Her research interests revolve around developing, evaluating, and refining sexual assault prevention and risk reduction strategies. She is the architect behind The Ohio University Sexual Assault Risk Reduction Program, an evidence-based curriculum designed to reduce women's vulnerability to sexual victimization. Dr. Gidycz has also collaborated on gender-specific interventions, contributing to prevention programs tailored for men. Her scholarly work delves into predictors of sexual aggression, the psychological trauma associated with violence, and the social and psychological mechanisms that underlie victimization and revictimization. Dr. Gidycz’s academic impact is reflected in her extensive publication record in prestigious journals such as Violence Against Women, Psychology of Violence, and the Journal of Interpersonal Violence. These publications explore topics ranging from bystander intervention and ADHD as a risk factor for intimate partner violence to the role of assertiveness in mitigating sexual victimization among women. Her empirical evaluations have significantly shaped the academic and practical landscape of violence prevention, emphasizing evidence-based programming and behaviorally informed interventions. Throughout her tenure at Ohio University, Dr. Gidycz held several leadership roles, including serving as the Director of Clinical Training. She has been deeply involved in teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering a wide range of topics such as child clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, psychotherapy, and diversity in clinical practice. Her dedication to academic mentorship is evident in the long list of dissertations she has chaired, guiding students in projects related to sexual aggression, intimate partner violence, mental health in the transgender community, and trauma-related coping strategies. In addition to her scholarly contributions, Dr. Gidycz has been an invited speaker and workshop facilitator at numerous national conferences, including the U.S. Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention Symposium, the International Conference on Sexual Assault, and various academic institutions. Her service to the field includes membership on editorial boards, research grant review panels, and advisory committees such as the Ohio University’s Task Force on Sexual Misconduct and the President’s Campus Climate Survey Subcommittee. Dr. Gidycz's outstanding work has been recognized through several awards, including the Ohio University College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Outstanding Teacher Award and the Student Affairs Faculty Recognition Award. A member of the American Psychological Association, she continues to be a powerful advocate for trauma-informed care and campus-based prevention strategies. Her career exemplifies the integration of research, teaching, and public service, making her a pivotal figure in the psychology of violence and victimization.