Curtis Peterson

Dr. Peterson, a seasoned professional in the field of psychology, holds a Bachelor's degree in Clinical/Experimental Psychology, a Master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (Walden University), and a Doctorate in Psychology (Walden University) with a specialization in Social Psychology.

With over 14 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Peterson has made significant contributions to various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, counseling, criminal justice, and social services. Dr. Peterson is currently the full-time Area Chair for the Social and Behavioral Sciences at Tohono O’odham Community College. He is also a adjunct faculty for Walden University where he has taught since 2023. Prior to his academic career, he gained valuable experience in the field of psychology by working with survivors of family violence, children who have been sexually abused, and contributing to the development of intervention programs for elder abuse and stalking.

Dr. Peterson's academic journey includes a Master's thesis titled "Increasing Job Satisfaction Through Increasing Organizational Commitment: A Training Model" and a dissertation titled "How Social Identity Influences Social and Emotional Loneliness." His active area of research centers around loneliness and identity, exploring their impact on health and well-being. Dr. Peterson has conducted extensive research on diverse topics such as community and professional response to terrorist attacks, suicide completion causal factors, attitudes towards individuals with epilepsy, effectiveness of mental health peer support programs, and more.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Peterson has been an advocate for community well-being, contributing to applied research programs aimed at enhancing the performance of not-for-profit organizations. His expertise extends to various aspects of psychology, including the effects of domestic violence on pregnant women, the effectiveness of father support groups, and non-cognitive factors influencing classroom performance.

Education

PhD, Walden University

MS, Walden University

BS, Idaho State University

Public Service

Tohono O'odham Head Start, Guest Speaker -

Tohono O'odham One-Stop, Guest Speaker -

Presentations

Peterson, C., Peterson, E. (2020). THE IMPORTANCE OF BELONGING AND CONNECTION DURING STRESS AND A PANDEMIC. Southern Arizona Association for Education of Young Children