Biography
Dr. Mattanah was appointed Assistant Professor of Psychology at Towson University
in 1999, promoted to Associate Professor in 2004, and to Full Professor in 2011.
Dr. Mattanah is the Director of the Masters’ Program in Clinical Psychology at Towson
University. For this program, he teaches courses in psychotherapy, clinical supervision,
and advanced developmental psychology, as well as providing academic advice and guidance
to all students enrolled in the program. Within the undergraduate program, Dr. Mattanah
teaches courses such as Abnormal Psychology, Human Development, Systems and Techniques
of Psychotherapy, Behavioral Statistics, and Research Methods in Psychology. Dr.
Mattanah also teaches specialized courses on topics such as Attachment Theory, Children’s
Literature, Emerging Adult Development, Family Psychology, and Psychoanalysis.
Research Interests
Dr. Mattanah’s research interests focus broadly on lifespan development with a particular
interest in those factors that predict social and emotional development during emerging
adulthood (Ages 18-25). He examines family factors, attachment security, and romantic
and close friendship relationships as important determinants of socio-emotional development
and optimal outcomes during the transition into, through, and out of the emerging
adult years. Dr. Mattanah’s research has been published in significant journals in
developmental and counseling psychology, including The Journal of Counseling Psychology, The Journal of College Student Development,
and Personal Relationships.
Clinical Interests
Dr. Mattanah specializes in the treatment of adults and adolescents with a variety
of forms of psychopathology but with a particular emphasis on anxiety disorders, depression,
and major life transitions. He practices part-time as a clinician at the Anxiety and
Stress Disorders Institute and maintains his own private practice.
Selected Publications
Mattanah, J.F. (2016). College Student Psychological Development: Exploring Relational Dynamics that Predict
Success. Momentum Press. Available on Amazon.
Mattanah, J. F., Lopez, F. G., & Govern, J. M. (2011). The Contributions of Parental Attachment Bonds
to College Student Development and Adjustment: A Meta-Analytic Review. Journal of
Counseling Psychology, 58, 565-596. PDF.
Mattanah, J.F., Ayers, J., Brand, B., Brooks, L., Quimby, J., & McNary, S. (2010). A social support
intervention to ease the college transition: Exploring main effects and moderators.
Journal of College Student Development, 51, 93-108. PDF.
Mattanah, J. F., Hancock, G., & Brand, B. L. (2004). Parental attachment, separation-individuation,
and college student adjustment: a structural equation analysis of mediational effects.
Journal of Counseling Psychology, 51, 213-225. PDF.