Susan W. Langdon
Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
Associations
Psychology
About
Professor Langdon’s research foci are a bit of an eclectic blend of interests. Current work includes looking at the ways in which one defines respect and how that is related to interpersonal peer relations Another line of research involves various issues related to body image including exploring the relationship between body image and identity in modern and ballet dancers. Lastly, she has studied the relationship between school climate and bullying, specifically looking at how students in middle and high school perceive interpersonal peer relations in their schools and how that is related to whether/when they intervene with bullying.
Summary of Interests
- Conceptualizations and experiences of respect
- Bullying and other aspects of peer relations
- Body image
Education
- Doctor of Education in Developmental Studies and Counseling, Boston University, 1992
- Master of Science in Sport Psychology, Purdue University, 1989
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Brandeis University, 1986
Courses Taught
- PSY 101 Principles of Psychology
- PSY 218 Statistics
- PSY 240 Developmental Psychology
- PSY 303 Health Psychology
- PSY 375 Sport and Exercise Psychology
- PSY s36 Diversity in Adolescence Development
Selected Publications
* indicates Bates student
*Judson, R. & Langdon, S. (2009). Illicit use of prescription stimulants among college students: Prescription status, motives, knowledge, theory of planned behavior, and tendency for self-diagnosis. Psychology, Health, and Medicine, 14, 97-104.
Langdon, S. (2007). Conceptualizations of respect: Quantitative and qualitative evidence of four (five) themes. Journal of Psychology, 141, 469-484.
Langdon, S. & Preble, W. (2008). The relationship between levels of perceived respect and bullying in 5th through 12thgraders. Adolescence, 43, 485-503.
Expertise
Current Courses
Fall Semester 2025
Women, Culture, and Health
This course examines a variety of perspectives on women's health issues, including reproductive health, body image, sexuality, substance use and abuse, mental health, cancer, AIDS, heart disease, poverty, work, violence, access to health care, and aging. Each topic is examined in sociocultural conte…
Psychology of Sport, Exercise, and Performance
Sport, exercise, and performance are familiar physical experiences that have strong psychological components. Many of these aspects can apply to numerous other forms of performance (e.g., dance, theater). This course examines the science and application of the biopsychosocial connections of these p…
Winter Semester 2026
Principles of Psychology
This course provides students with a thorough and rigorous introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes, and prepares students for more advanced work in psychology and related fields. Fundamental psychological laws and principles of human behavior are examined in the light of the scie…
Senior Thesis/Community-Based Research Seminar
This type of thesis involves community-based research and report writing in collaboration with a community partner and faculty advisor. Students complete 50 to 60 hours of work in a community placement and meet in a weekly seminar for structured reflection about ethics, the cultural context of stude…