Martin Seehuus
Office
McCardell Bicen Hall 279
Tel
(802) 443-5364
Email
mseehuus@middlebury.edu
Office Hours
Spring 2024: Tuesdays 2:00pm - 3:00pm; Wednesdays 2:00pm - 3:00pm; Thursdays 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Martin Seehuus joined Middlebury in the fall of 2015 after completing his clinical internship at the University of Rochester Medical Center and earning his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Vermont.  Martin received an M.A. in psychology from the New School for Social Research, an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.A. in existential-phenomenological psychology from Duquesne University, and a B.S. in economics and psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Martin’s research spans sexuality, sleep, and mental health amongst emerging adults. Frequent collaborators include Robert Moeller, Ph.D., Amelia Stanton, Ph.D., Wilfred Pigeon, Ph.D., Jessica Clifton, Ph.D., Ariel Handy, Ph.D., Virginia Peisch, Ph.D., and many Middlebury College undergraduates.  

Courses Taught

Course Description

Introduction to Psychology
This course will provide a general introduction to the field of psychology. The most central and important theories, concepts, findings, controversies, and applications in the following areas will be considered: biological bases of behavior, learning, perception, thinking, development, personality, psychological disorders, and social behavior. (Open to Juniors and Seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs lect./1 hr. disc.

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Spring 2022, Spring 2024

Requirements

SOC

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Course Description

Research Methods in Psychology
This course will provide students with an understanding of the research methodology used by psychologists. Students will learn to read psychological studies and other related research as informed consumers. Students will collect, analyze, and interpret data during lab assignments. They will also design an empirical study, review the related literature, and write a formal APA-style research proposal. (PSYC 0105 and PSYC 0201 or MATH 0116 or ECON 0210; not open to first-year students; open to psychology and neuroscience majors) 3 hrs. lect./1.5 hr. lab

Terms Taught

Spring 2023, Spring 2024

Requirements

CW, DED

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Course Description

Psychological Disorders
What makes an individual “abnormal”? Under what circumstances do mental health professionals classify emotions, thoughts, or behaviors as “disordered”? In this course, we will explore these questions with attention to their historical, theoretical, ethical, and diagnostic implications. We will investigate various classes of disorders, like anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders, with a focus on their causes and treatments. Throughout, we will aim to appreciate the complexities and uncertainties surrounding diagnosis, and to recognize and challenge common assumptions about psychological disorders. In addition to lecture, the course will include discussions of current and controversial topics, and occasional demonstrations, analysis of clinical case material, and/or role plays. (PSYC 0105; open to Psychology majors Environmental Studies/Conservation Psychology and undeclared majors only, open to seniors by waiver only) 3 hrs. lect./1 hr. disc.

Terms Taught

Fall 2021, Fall 2022, Fall 2023

Requirements

SOC

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Course Description

Human Sexuality
In this course we will discuss the biological, psychological, behavioral, and cultural aspects of human sexuality, starting with a review of anatomy, physiology and function. We will use current research findings to inform discussions of topics such as arousal and desire, relationships, sexual orientation, consent, pornography, and compulsive sexual behavior. We will look at how issues like contraception, sexuality, and sexually transmitted diseases have influenced and been influenced by their cultural context. (Two psychology courses; not open to first year students; open to Psychology and GSFS majors) 3 hrs. lect.

Terms Taught

Fall 2021, Spring 2023

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Course Description

Directed Research in Psychology
Directed research provides opportunities for advanced students to become familiar with and participate in ongoing research projects under the direction of a faculty member. The student will first read background literature on the content area to be investigated and experimental methodologies to be used. Procedures involved in conducting psychological research will then be learned through firsthand experience. Potential activities include the design of research and the defining of conceptual variables and the gathering, analyzing, and interpretation of data. Finally, students will learn how to write technical articles in psychology by preparing a paper describing the project, using APA style. (Approval required; not open to first-year students) 3 hrs. lect.

Terms Taught

Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Approaches to Clinical Psychology: Theory and Practice
What are the major theoretical orientations of clinical psychology, and how does each view the domains of thinking, behavior, free will, psychopathology, and treatment? In this discussion-based course, we will explore cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, behaviorist, existential, and other approaches to clinical psychology. Each has its own emphasis; some focus on symptoms, while others teach emotional tolerance or address unconscious drives. Using philosophy, theory, evidence, and case examples, we will explore similarities and differences among the major orientations and consider their consequences for researchers, therapists, and society at large. (PSYC 0224 recommended; open to junior/senior psychology majors; others by waiver.) 3 hrs. sem.

Terms Taught

Spring 2020, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Fall 2023

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Course Description

Advanced Research
A program of research arranged to meet the needs of advanced students majoring in psychology. (Approval required)

Terms Taught

Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Research
A program of research arranged to meet the needs of advanced senior majors in psychology. (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Thesis Proposal
Students hoping to be considered as candidates for departmental honors must enroll in PSYC 0701 under the sponsorship of a department faculty member. Their semester’s work will culminate in the submission of a formal, written research proposal by the due date as specified by the department. If the proposal is approved, the student will enroll in PSYC 0702 during the winter term and PSYC 0703 during the spring term of their senior year. (Feb graduates should consult with their advisors about the appropriate semester in which to begin a thesis.) (PSYC 0201 and PSYC 0202; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Thesis Second Semester
Students whose honors thesis proposal (PSYC 0701) has been approved will collect, analyze, and interpret their data. This is the second semester of the 3-semester senior thesis. (PSYC 0201, PSYC 0202, and PSYC 0701; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Course Description

Senior Thesis*
This is the third and final semester of the senior thesis. Students will finish analyzing and interpreting their data. This process culminates in a written thesis to be submitted by the due date as specified by the department, a presentation, and an oral defense. The decision about awarding departmental honors will be made after the student submits the thesis. (PSYC 0201, PSYC 0202, and PSYC 0702; Approval required)

Terms Taught

Winter 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

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Publications

2023

Seehuus, M., Fertig, M., Handy, A., Clifton, J. & Stanton, A. (2023). COVID-19 Infection is associated with sexual dysfunction in cisgender women. Journal of Sexual Medicine

Pigeon, W.R., Youngren, W., Carr., M., Bishop, T.M. & Seehuus, M. (2023). Relationship of insomnia to sexual function and satisfaction: Findings from the Sleep and Sex Survey II, Journal of Psychosomatic Research.

Buchanan, E.M., Lewis, S.C., Paris, B. …Seehuus, M., …Primbs, M. (2023) The Psychological Science Accelerator’s COVID-19 rapid-response dataset. Scientific Data

2022

Dorrison, C., Lerner, J., Heller, B., Rothman, I., …Seehuus, M., …Coles, N. (2022) In COVID-19 Health Messaging, Loss Framing Increases Anxiety with Little-to-No Concomitant Benefits: Experimental Evidence from 84 Countries. Affective Science.

Seehuus, M. Clifton, J., *Khodakhah, D., *Lander, M. (2022) The Study of sexual fantasy in women: A review of the findings and methodological challenges. Current Sexual Health Reports.

Legate,N., Ngyuen, T., Weinstein, N., Moller, A., Legault., L., …Seehuus, M., …Ogbonnaya, C. (2022) A Global experiment on motivating social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

2021

Seehuus, M. & Peisch, V. (2021). College student mental health: For whom does therapy work? Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice.

Wang, K., Goldenberg, A., Dorison, C.,  Miller, J., Uusberg, A., …Seehuus, M., …Monshontz, H. (2021) A Multi-country test of brief reappraisal interventions on emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nature Human Behaviour.

Seehuus, M., Handy, A. & Stanton, A. (2021). Change in the popularity of transgressive content in written erotica between 2000 and 2016. The Journal of Sex Research.

Seehuus, M., Stanton, A.M., Handy, A.B., *Haik, A.K., *Gorman, R., & Clifton, J.C. (2021) Impact of COVID-19 predicts perceived risk more strongly than known risk factors. Journal of Psychosomatic Research.

Seehuus, M., Moeller, R. & Peisch, V. (2021). Gender effects on mental health symptoms and treatment in college students. Journal of American College Health.

Jones,B., DeBruine, L., Flake, J., Aczel, B., Adamkovic, M., …Seehuus, M.,…Chartier, C. (2021). To Which world regions does the valence-dominance model of social perception apply? Nature Human Behaviour.

2020

Moeller, R., Seehuus. M., *Simonds, J., *Lorton, E., *Smith-Randle, T., *Richter, C.R. & Peisch, V. (2020) The Differential role of coping, physical activity, and mindfulness in college student adjustment. Frontiers in Psychology.

Clifton, J., Parent, J., Seehuus, M., Worral, G., Forehand, R. & Domar, A. (2020) An internet-based mind/body intervention to mitigate distress in women experiencing infertility: A Randomized pilot trial. PLoS O.N.E.

Moeller, R., Seehuus, M., & Peisch, V. (2020) Emotional intelligence, belongingness, and mental health in college students. Frontiers in Psychology.

Moeller, R., Seehuus, M., *Wahl, L. & *Gratch, I. (2020). Use of PrEP, sexual behaviors, and mental health correlates in a sample of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health.

Clifton, J., Seehuus, M., Parent, J., Pichler, E. & Fondacaro, K. (2020). Emotional responding: Integration of multiple constructs and association with psychological health. Journal of Clinical Psychology.

2019

Wanna, C., Seehuus, M., Mazzulla, E. & Fondacaro, K. (2019). A House is not a home: Modelling the effects of pre-migration and post-migration factors within resettled refugee populations. Journal of Community Psychology.

Moeller, R.W., Seehuus, M. (2019). Loneliness as a mediator for college students’ social skills and experiences of depression and anxiety. Journal of Adolescence.

Seehuus, M., Stanton, A., Handy, A. (2019). On the content of real-world sexual fantasy: Results from a massive online study. Archives of Sexual Behavior.

2018

Seehuus, M. & Pigeon, W. (2018). The Sleep and Sex Survey: Relationships Between Sexual Function and Sleep. Journal of Psychosomatic Research.

Bird, E. R., Seehuus, M., Heiman, J. R., Davis, K. C., Norris, J., & George, W. H. (2017). Sexual vs. Nonsexual currently most upsetting trauma: a fresh look at attenuation of sexual response, alcohol intoxication, and post-traumatic stress. The Journal of Sex Research.

2017

Parent, J., Forehand, R., Pomerantz, H., Peisch, V., & Seehuus, M. (2017).  Father participation in child psychopathology research. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology.

2016

Brassel, A., Rosenberg, E., Parent, J., Rough, J., Fondacaro, K., & Seehuus, M. (2016) Parent’s psychological flexibility: Associations with parenting and child psychosocial well-being. Journal of Contextual and Behavioral Sciences.

2015

Pigeon, W., Heffner, K., Crean, H., Gallegos, A., Walsh, P., Seehuus, M., & Cerulli, C. (2015) Responding to the need for sleep amongst survivors of interpersonal violence: A Randomized control trial of a cognitive-behavioral insomnia intervention followed by PTSD treatment.  Contemporary Clinical Trials.

Yurcheshen, M., Seehuus, M., & Pigeon, W. (2015). Updates on Nutraceutical Sleep Therapeutics and Investigational Research. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Clifton, J., Seehuus, M., & Rellini, A. (2015). Testing cognitive predictors of individual differences in the sexual psychophysiological responses of sexually functional women. Psychophysiology.

Seehuus, M., Clifton, J. & Rellini, A. (2015). The role of family environment and multiple forms of childhood abuse in the shaping of sexual function and satisfaction in women. Archives of Sexual Behavior.

2014

Parent, J., Forehand, R., Dunbar, J., Watson, K., Reising, M., Seehuus, M. & Compas, B. (2014).  Parent and adolescent reports of parenting when a parent has a history of depression: Associations with direct observations of parenting. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology.

Bird, L., Seehuus, M., Clifton, J. & Rellini, A. (2014). Dissociation during sex and sexual functioning in women with and without a history of childhood sexual abuse. Archives of Sexual Behavior.

2013

Seehuus, M. & Rellini, A. (2013). Gender differences in the relationship between sexual satisfaction and propensity for risky sexual behavior. Sexual and Relationship Therapy.

2009

Leiblum, S. R., & Seehuus, M. (2009). FSFI scores of women with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder compared with published scores of women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder and healthy controls. Journal of Sexual Medicine.

2008

Leiblum, S. R., Schnall, E., Seehuus, M., & DeMaria, A. (2008). To BATHE or not to BATHE: Patient satisfaction with visits to their family physician. Family Medicine.

2007

Leiblum, S., Seehuus, M., Goldmeier, D., & Brown, C. (2007). Psychological, medical, and pharmacological correlates of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder. Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Leiblum, S., Seehuus, M., & Brown, C. (2007). Persistent genital arousal: Disordered or normative aspect of female sexual response? Journal of Sexual Medicine.