Biography

Dr. Gaia is an experimental social psychologist with primary research interests in gender, interpersonal relationships, and culture. Recent research has examined the role of gender in the expression of emotional intimacy, as well as factors involved in how women in Southwest VA balance work and home. Every other spring, Dr. Gaia and students travel to locations in Central Europe, including Prague, Czech Republic; Krakow, Poland; and Budapest, Hungary to study the social psychology of the Holocaust and psychological factors involved in understanding countries in transition. In her role as the Director of International Education, Dr. Gaia assists students and faculty in planning experiences that allow them to study abroad throughout the world.

Research:
Gaia, A. C. A Social Norms Model of Emotional Expressiveness:  The Role of Gender and Context.
Gaia, A. C.  Teaching Cross-Cultural Psychology with a Study-Abroad Component.
Wilson, J., Gaia, A. C., & Burchett, C.  The Balancing Act:  How Working Mothers in Southwest Virginia Balance Work and Home.

Student Research:
Recent Student Research Projects Supervised;

Burchett, C. (2010, April; 2009, October). The Balancing Act: How Working Mothers in Southwest Virginia Balance Work and Home. Paper presentation at the annual ACA Summit, E&H and UVA Wise Undergraduate Research Conference, and the Emory & Henry College Sciencefest.
Shepard, S. (2010, April). Portrayals of the Princesses in Walt Disney’s Animated Films. Paper presentation at the annual E&H and UVA Wise Undergraduate Research Conference, Emory, VA.
Hagee, A. J., & Roy, J.  (2009, February). College Students’ Happiness, Optimism, and Physical Health as a Function of Perceived Parental Happiness and Optimism. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA.
Hamil, J. (2009, February). Patient Perspectives on Behavioral Health and Primary Care Collaboration Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA and at the UVA Wise Research Symposium.
Looney, J. (2009, February). The Relationship Between Attachment Style and Satisfaction in Romantic Relationships. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA and at the UVA Wise Research Symposium.
Brooksbank, S.  (2008, February).  The Effect of Social Exclusion on Anxiety, Mood, Self-Awareness, and Time Perception. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Charlotte, NC and at the UVA Wise Research Symposium.