Dr. Freyd and her students investigate the causes and impact of interpersonal violence and institutional betrayal on mental and physical health, behavior, and society.  Freyd’s research with adult and child participants investigates predictions made by betrayal trauma theory.  In recent years Freyd has focused especially on betrayal and its antidote at the institutional level: institutional betrayal and institution courage.  Current projects include studies of campus and workplace sexual assault and harassment, minority discrimination, gender and sexual orientation, disclosures of abuse, physical and mental health distress, and institutional betrayal and institutional courage.

Dr. Freyd is no longer accepting new graduate students.

Selected Publications (Full Publication List):

Harsey, S. & Freyd, J.J. (2020). Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender (DARVO): What is the influence on perceived perpetrator and victim credibility? Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment, & Trauma, 29, 897-916. doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2020.1774695

Freyd, J.J. (2018). When sexual assault victims speak out, their institutions often betray them. The Conversation, 11 January 2018.

Holland, K.J., Cortina, L.M., & Freyd, J.J. (2018). Compelled Disclosure of College Sexual Assault. American Psychologist, 73(3), 256-268. doi.org/10.1037/amp0000186

Rosenthal, M.N., Smidt, A.M., & Freyd, J.J. (2016). Still second class: Sexual harassment of graduate students. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 40, 364-377.

Smith, C.P., & Freyd, J.J. (2014). Institutional Betrayal. American Psychologist, 69, 575-587.

Freyd, J.J., & Birrell, P.J. (2013). Blind to Betrayal. John Wiley & Sons.