Interests

Research

Why does sexual violence occur with such frequency here in the United States? Why are women more likely to experience this type of violence? Is sexual violence part of a larger problem of intolerance? How can we create a community in which all people feel safe from violence? These are some of the questions that I am currently considering in my program of research.

My area of research explores the concept of sexual violence and the systems in which such violence occurs. I am interested in understanding how the various communities in which an individual exists may protect that person from a traumatic experience or may increase the chances that the person will experience an assault, will perpetrate an assault, or will have difficulties coping with a violent experience. Given this, I hope to identify factors that will be helpful in rape prevention programming and that will protect individuals from the mental health problems that often occur after assaults.

I am currently working on a number of project with graduate students. Some focus on identifying factors that may lead to rape perpetration. Others explore adjustment following victimization. A number investigate factors that may mediate or moderate the relationship between sexual violence and adjustment. Areas of current investigation include the interrelationships of various forms of oppression and intolerance with the perpetration of sexual assault, the role of men's peers in their sexual assault behaviors, and the impact of cultural values on sexual violence.

Clinical

My clinical interests are in the area of cognitive-behavioral therapy. I enjoy working with clients with trauma histories (like sexual assaults, physical assaults), anxiety problems, depression, and other life stressors and relationship difficulties.

Teaching

My teaching interests are quite varied. Currently at ULV, I teach Clinical Psychopathology for masters students. I also have interests in such topics as the Psychology of Women, Clinical Research Methods, Quantitative Methods, and Adult Clinical Practicum.

Representative Publications

Aosved, A.C., & Long, P.J. (2006). Co-occurrence of rape myth acceptance, sexism, racism, homophobia, ageism, classism, and religious intolerance. Sex Roles, 55, 481-492.
Borja, S.E., Callahan, J.L., & Long, P.J. (2006). Positive and negative adjustment and social support of sexual assault survivors. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 19 (6), 905-914.
Aosved, A. C., & Long, P. J. (2005). College women's experiences of psychological maltreatment and sexual assault. Violence and Victims, 20 (5), 577-587.
Messman-Moore, T. L., & Long, P. J. (2003). The role of childhood sexual abuse sequelae in sexual revictimization: An empirical review and theoretical reformulation. Clinical Psychology Review, 23, 537-571.
Messman-Moore, T. L., & Long, P. J. (2002). Alcohol and substance-use disorders as predictors of child to adult sexual revictimization in a sample of community women. Victims and Violence, 17 (3), 319-340.

Contact Information

University of La Verne
Psychology Department
Hoover 215
1950 Third Street
La Verne, CA 91750
909-593-3511 ext 4091
plong2@ulv.edu