Jill Swirsky

Education

Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, Temple University
B.A., Psychology & Gender Studies, Drew University

Dr. Jill Swirsky is a psychologist with a diverse array of experiences and interests. She earned dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Gender Studies from Drew University, but always knew she wanted to pursue advanced study in Psychology. After working in the field for a few years as a BCaBA and research assistant, she earned her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Temple University.

Dr. Swirsky is currently pursuing a few distinct lines of research: 1) adolescent social development (e.g., bullying, victimization, social media, popularity); 2) feminism and gender roles (e.g., women's marital name choices); and 3) using popular culture to teach about psychology. She teaches several of the department's developmental courses (e.g., Child Development, Adolescent Development, Family Violence), as well as other courses in the major (e.g., the Psychology of Popular Culture, Introduction to Psychology, and Senior Seminar). She enjoys getting involved with student life, including advising clubs, mentoring honors students, and attending events on campus. 

In her (admittedly limited!) free time, Dr. Swirsky loves binge watching Netflix with her partner, Mike; reading fantasy novels; baking muffins; and swimming with otters.

Research Interests

• Adolescent social development
• Peer relationships
• Social media engagement
• Victimization/aggression
• Feminism
• Gender identity/development

Courses Taught

• Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 110)
• Infant & Child Development (PSYC 204)
• Child & Adolescent Development (PSYC 206)
• Adolescent Development (PSYC 213)
• Psychology and Popular Culture (PSYC 2XX)
• Senior Seminar in Psychology (PSYC 431)

Representative Publications

Swirsky, J.M., Doody, K., Schuetz, P., Geffen, S., Timmons, L., & Weisgram, E. Coyle, E. (in press). Benefits and challenges of developing and teaching popular culture themed classes. Journal on Excellence in College Teaching.

Timmons, L., Geffen, S., Coyle, E., Doody, K.R., Schuetz, P., Swirsky, J.M., & Weisgram, E. (in press). To Theme or Not to Theme? Sesame Street as a Pop Culture Theme for Developmental Psychology Classes. In J. McIntyre & K. Brakke (Eds). Engaging, Supporting, and Challenging Students in Developmental Psychology Courses. Society for the Teaching of Psychology. 

Swirsky, J. M. & Monroe, T. (2023). Dr. Keturah Elizabeth Whitehurst: The Mother of Black Psychology. In Grahe, J., Ceynar, M., & Mason, R.S. (Eds.), Early psychological research contributions from women of color (Vol. 1). Routledge. 

Swirsky, J. M., Rosie, M.,& Xie, H. (2021). Adjustment correlates of social media engagement among early adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 50, 2265-2278.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-021-01421-3

Swirsky, J. M. & Xie, H. (2021). Peer-related factors as moderators between overt and social victimization and adjustment outcomes in early adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence. 50(2), 286 – 297. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-020-01313-y

Marcantonio, T. L., Angelone, D. J., Swirsky, J. M., & Joppa, M. C. (2018). An analysis of the sexual health and safety information study abroad directors present their students prior to departure. Journal of Applied College Health, 68(1), 11 - 15.https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2018.1515758

Swirsky, J. M. & Angelone, D. J. (2015). Equality, empowerment, and choice: What does feminism mean to contemporary women? Journal of Gender Studies.25(4), 445-460. https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2015.1008429

Additional Links

Psi Chi Pop Culture Corner Blog

Website