Contact Information
Phone: 804-828-6754
Office: 808 W Franklin, rm 202
E-mail: kwbrown at vcu.edu
Web site: Research Lab
Research Interests
Implicit in many approaches to the enhancement of well-being is the importance of becoming aware of ones cognitive, emotional, interpersonal and social ecological circumstances. My research examines the role of attention and awareness, and specifically mindfulness, in self-regulation and psychological, physical and social well-being. More broadly, I am interested in the study of consciousness and its role in human functioning. Conducted in both laboratory and naturalistic settings, my research program addresses both theoretical and applied issues.
Selected Publications
Niemiec, C. P., Brown, K. W., Kashdan, T., Cozzolino, P. J., Breen, W., Levesque, C., & Ryan, R. M. (2010). Being present in the face of existential threat: The role of trait mindfulness in reducing defensive responses to mortality salience. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 99, 344-365.
Biegel, G., Brown, K. W., Shapiro, S. E., & Schubert, C. (2009). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for adolescent psychiatric outpatients: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77, 855-866.
Brown, K. W., Kasser, T., Linley, P. A., Ryan, R. M., & Orzich, K. (2009). When what one has is enough: Mindfulness, desire discrepancies, and subjective well-being. Journal of Research in Personality, 43, 727-736.
Brown, K. W., Ryan, R. M., & Creswell, J. D. (2007). Mindfulness: Theoretical foundations and evidence for its salutary effects. Psychological Inquiry, 18, 211-237.
Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 822-848.
Recent Courses Taught at VCU
- Introduction to Psychology, undergraduate level
- Research Methods in Social Psychology, graduate level
- Statistics for Psychological Research I, graduate level
- Positive Psychology, graduate level
Recent Grants
Brown, K. W., McCain, N., & Way, B. M. (K.W.B. Principal Investigator). Source: VCU Presidential Research Incentive Program. Project title: Psychological and genetic predictors of immune responses to stress. Direct cost: $49,950. 2010-2011.
Brown, K. W. & Coogle, C. (Co-Principal Investigators). Source: U.S. Administration on Aging. Project title: Mindfulness-Based Alzheimer's Caregiving: A novel intervention to enhance caregiver well-being and relational functioning. Direct cost: $102,694. 2008-2011.
Goodie, A. S. et al. (K.W.B. Co-Investigator). Source: Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre. Project title: Mindfulness and level 2 gambling problems. Direct cost: $173,313. 2008-2010.
Brown, K. W. (Principal Investigator). Source: Virginia Commonwealth University, College of Humanities and Sciences. Project title: Mindfulness as a predictor of multimodal stress responses. Direct cost: $5,300. 2008-2009.
Moynihan, J. et al. (K. W. B. Co-Investigator). Source: National Institutes of Health (R01). Project title: Mindfulness to improve elders' immune and health status. Direct cost: $800,000. 2005-2009.
Recent Sponsored Student Grants
Cordon, S. L. (K. W. B. Sponsor). Source: Mind and Life Institute. Project Title: Mindful interactions: Effects on couple conflict-related stress and relationship functioning. 2010-2013.
Stewart, K. E. (K. W. B. Sponsor). Source: National Institutes of Health (F31). Project title: Biobehavioral mechanisms of emotion and HIV disease. 2008-2010.
Hölzel, B. (K. W. B. Co-Sponsor). Source: Mind and Life Institute. Project Title: Does mindfulness training change the processing of social threat? 2008-2010.
Sahdra, B. (K. W. B. Co-Sponsor). Source: Mind and Life Institute. Project Title: Measurement and correlates of non-attachment. 2008-2009.