Research Interests

My current research interests focus on a comparative study of interpersonal relationships. This research stems from earlier studies that I conducted with Dr. Mary Noberini and Dr. Harriet Mosatche on sibling relationships. Dr. Noberini and I explored close sibling relationships in a cross-sectional sample of working class adults. We focused on the sibling bond for two reasons. First, it is generally the longest lasting relationship that individuals have -outlasting parent-child and spousal bonds. Yet despite its longevity, little had been done on how the relationship altered during the course of the lifespan. Secondly, it seemed reasonable to ask whether the bond would provide support during late adulthood. This is a particularly important question in view of the aging of baby-boomers, who are currently entering middle adulthood. We found that certain facets of sibling relationships tended to decline after one or both of the siblings married and focused on raising their families. However, during early and late adulthood, close sibling relationships frequently became substantial sources of socio-emotional support. Furthermore, close sibling bonds reactivated when one or both siblings experienced stress during early and middle adulthood. More recently, I am attempting to develop a scale that will measure the complexity of interpersonal relationships in college students. Specifically, I am interested in trying to determine the qualitative dimensions of these relationships.

Contact Information

                     • Telephone: (718) 405-3250
                     • Fax: (718) 405-3251
                     • e-mail: Eileen.brady@mountsaintvincent.edu

Recent presentations

     Brady, E & Noberini, M. R. (2005, August). Descriptive predictors of psychological closeness of college students with their parents. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.

     Brady, E., Noberini, M. R., Bardales, Z, Fritsch, R & Oates, M.K. (2006, May). Does social class influence interpersonal relationships of college students? Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Psychological Science, New York City.

     Noberini, M. R., Brady, E., Fritsch, R, Bardales, Z & Oates, M.K. (2006, May). Does acculturation status influence parental relationships of college women? Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Psychological Science, New York City.

Courses Taught/Teaching

Since I was trained as an experimental psychologist, I am one of the faculty who teach Statistics (205) and Research Methods I (315) almost every semester. These two courses are the ones that I enjoy teaching the most and that students usually feel the greatest anxiety about. Students who have successfully completed these courses generally experience a vastly improved self concept, knowing that they can master the material. Furthermore, their logic and problem solving skills are improved.

                  PSYC 204 Introduction to Psychology
                  PSYC 205 Statistics
                  PSYC 315 Research Methods I
                  PSYC 435 Physiological Psychology

Education

                 • B.S., Mercy College of Detroit
                 • M.A., Fordham University
                 • Ph.D.,Fordham University