Keisha Bentley

Terminal Degree

PhD - University of Pennsylvania, Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development
MA - Teachers College, Columbia University
BA - Howard University

Representative Publications

Thomas, D. E., Coard, S. I., Stevenson, H. C., Bentley, K. L., & Zamel, P. C. (2009). Racial and emotional factors predicting teachers' perceptions of classroom behavioral maladjustment for urban African American male youth. Psychology in the Schools, 46(2), 184-196.

Bentley, K. L., Adams, V. N., & Stevenson, H. C. (2008). Racial Socialization: Roots, Processes & Outcomes in The Handbook of African American Psychology, Neville, H., Tynes, B. & Utsey, S. O. (Eds.). Sage Publications. 

Stevenson, H. C., Coard, S. I., Thomas, D. E., Bentley, K. L., Zamel, P. C., & Davis, G. Y. (In Press). Racial Socialization Experiences and Perceived Racism Effects on Adolescent Psychological Symptoms. Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 35.

Stevenson, H. C., Harrell, S. P., Coard, S. I., Thomas, D. E., Bentley, K. L., & Davis, G. Y. (In Press, Invited Submission). Validating the Multiple Dimensions of Perceived Racism Frequency for African American Adolescents. Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology.

Current Courses

Fall 2009
EDP 385   Individual through the Life Cycle

Research Interests and Expertise

My research examines the processes by which young people understand their cultural selves and how this meaning making influences relationships, academic achievement, well-being and a sense of social responsibility. I have a strong belief that research should provide the theoretical framework and empirical evidence to guide practice and intervention. Using an action-research approach, I explore resiliency and cultural competence in the context of 1) the processes of racial socialization, 2) community vs. individual investment in the Black community, 3) risk and protective factors in coping with racism and 4) class and upward mobility.