Research

Jessica’s research interests stem from her collective interest in bio-cultural/medical anthropology and psychology. She is particularly interested in the psychological processes that culminate in realizing appearance behavior needs and understanding how material culture acquires value and meaning for consumers.

Her research in psychology examines appearance management and comorbid psychopathologies, and explores of how health and culture are interrelated, specifically through cross-cultural examinations of body image disorders, self-perception, and related consumer behaviors.

• Consumer psychology
• Socio-cultural identity, brand identity, and consumer behavior 
• Social media and consumer behavior 
• Body image and appearance management
• 3D body scanning technology, self-perception, and clinical implications 
• Health and consumer decision making
• Men’s health and consumer experiences
• Minority genders and consumer behavior
• Positive psychology and sustainable consumerism 

Her qualitative inquiry of British and American popular culture examines marginalized and/or deviant subcultures.  She is particularly interested in subcultural membership as a means for fulfilling psychological needs, socialization, resistance to class structure, and resultant consumptive practices.

Jessica is a member and area chair for the National Popular Culture Association and serves as the review’s editor for the international journal, Fashion, Style, and Popular Culture.  She is also a member of the American Psychological Association.