Champika K Soysa
Champika K Soysa
Professor of Psychology
VIEW CV (508)929-8703 csoysa@worcester.edu
Faculty Member's Office
Sullivan 241G
Office Hours:
Please email for this information.
Areas of Expertise

Bio

My research investigates individual and social predictors of mental distress and psychological well-being in college students. I examine how social identities (e.g., race, class, gender, first-generation college student status) shape psychological outcomes like depression, anxiety, stress, psychological well-being, and/or pro-environmental behavior, both pre-COVID19 and during COVID-19. Some of my international research addresses PTSD in relation to war and natural disaster in women and children in Sri Lanka. I also study ethnopolitical conflict and prejudice in both Sri Lanka and the United States. My pedagogical research examines the effectiveness of course assignments and other aspects of teaching and learning.

Education
2002
Clark University, Worcester, MA
PhD
Clinical Psychology
1998
Clark University, Worcester, MA
MA
Clinical Psychology
1988
Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA
BA Psychology
Phi Beta Kappa

Honors

Grants

Sample Courses

PS 101: General Psychology

Introduction to history of psychology, scientific method, brain/nervous system, development, learning, motivation, sensation/perception, personality, psychopathology, psychotherapy, cognitive processes, social behavior.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS 240/PS 335: Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

LASC Categories: HBS

Prerequisites: PS-101. Psychology majors must pass with a C- or above.

Etiology, dynamics and treatment of psychopathology and their relation to normal personality are considered from traditional and contemporary perspectives.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

PS 297: Independent Study Research in Psychology

Prerequisites: PS-101, and PS-275 or PS-276. Psychology majors must pass with a C- or above.

Lab and/or field based research on a specific research topic under the supervision of a faculty member. May include assisting faculty with ongoing research. Written report required.

Permission of Instructor. 1-3 Credits

PS 330: Theories of Personality

Prerequisites: PS-101 with a grade of C- or above.

A survey of major theories of personality. Why people behave as they do is explored through the different theories.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

PS 407: Advanced Research in Psychology

Prerequisites: PS-101 PS-275 and PS-307. Take PS-205 or PS-276.

Advanced lab and/or field based research on a specific research topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Written report required.

Permission of Instructor. 1-3 Credits

PS 409: Honors Thesis Research

Prerequisites: PS-275 and PS-276 and PS-307 with a C- or above.

As part of the Psychology Department Honors program, students design and carry out advanced, independent lab and/or field based research on a specific research topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Written report required.

Permission of Instructor. 3 Credits

PS 492: Capstone Seminar in Mental Health Services

LASC Categories: CAP

Prerequisites: Completed Mental Health Concentration Required PS-330 and PS-335 and PS-340 and PS-435 Take PS-400 or PS-318 or PS-315 with a C- or above.

A capstone course dealing with recent and emerging topics, issues, and methods in mental health.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits