Biography
Dr. Shifren came to Towson University in 1998, after spending 3 years at the University
of Florida as a Visiting Assistant Professor, and 2 years at the University of Michigan
for her Post-doctoral training.
Research Interests
Dr. Shifren's most recent research has been focused on variables involved in the self-management
of a chronic illness as one ages including personality, coping, health-related behaviors,
and mental health. Dr. Shifren’s most recent study was a comparison between Parkinson’s
disease patients and Stroke patients. In addition, Dr. Shifren recently completed
a study of young caregivers and the effects of early caregiving on adult development
and aging. Dr. Shifren is especially interested in variables that affect caregivers
such as personality, social support, coping techniques, health-related behaviors,
mental health, and physical health.
Selected Publications
Colby, D. A. & Shifren, K. (2013). Optimism, mental health, and quality of life: A study among breast cancer
patients. Psychology, Health, and Medicine, 18, 10-20.
Shifren, K. & Chong, A. (2012). Health-related behaviors: A study among former young caregivers.
Journal of Adult Development, 19, 111-121.
Shifren, K., Hillman, A. & Rowe, A. (in press). Early caregiver experiences, optimism, and mental
health: Former young caregivers and emerging adult caregivers. International Journal of Psychology Research.
Shifren, K. (Ed.). (2009). How caregiving affects development: Psychological implications for child, adolescent,
and adult caregivers. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association
| teaching interests |
| PSYC 203: Human Development |
PSYC 404: Adolescent Psychology |
| PSYC 405/610: Psychology of Aging/Advanced Psychology of Aging |
PSYC 611: Developmental Psychology |
