Marcella H. Boynton, PhD

Research Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina (Affiliate)

Research Overview

As a graduate student, I have been able to blend my interests in biology and medicine with social psychological theories and traditions. The result is a research track primarily devoted to the prediction and change of health behaviors. To date I have conducted meta-analyses on the prevention and cessation of smoking, the efficacy of safer sex interventions, and the psychological antecedents most predictive of condom use and exercise. In addition, I recently defended my master’s thesis, which was a primary-level study examining the structure and function of forty-eight different behaviors, many of which are health-related. The purpose of the study was to determine the necessary components for the formation of habits and intentions.

I also am keenly interested in the development and application of innovative statistical techniques, including the refinement of appropriate methodologies for structural equation modeling of meta-analytic data, longitudinal modeling, multilevel modeling, and linear/logistic regression analyses.

Education

Ph.D., University of Connecticut, 2009
M.A., University of Connecticut, 2005 (psychology)
B.A., Purdue University, 2003 (psychology and French)

Recent Publications