Monica D. Foust
Associate Professor
Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice
EMAIL: mfoust@bmcc.cuny.edu
Office: S-633H
Office Hours:
Phone: +1 (212) 346-8553
Professor Foust’s research explores the link between the messages individuals receive about (sex)uality and individuals’ sexual attitudes and behaviors. She has examined the link between the messages individuals receive about homosexuality and individuals’ attitudes toward lesbians and gays. She is currently exploring issues related to women’s sexual development, specifically women’s experiences with masturbation.
Prior to working in higher education, Professor Foust was an elementary educator and diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner. She worked in schools in Washington, D.C. and New York City.
Expertise
Sexual Socialization, Attitudes Toward Lesbians, Gays, & Bisexuals, Women’s Sexuality
Degrees
Ph.D. Developmental Psychology, University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
M.S. Developmental Psychology, University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
M.A. Educational Psychology, New York University
B.S. Psychology, Howard University
Courses Taught
- This course explores cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes across the lifespan. Attention is given to how biological sociocultural factors shape the individual. Prerequisite: PSY 100
- This course explores biological, cognitive, and emotional growth from conception through adolescence. Attention is paid to the interplay of individual and sociocultural factors that influence the course of psychological development. Prerequisite: PSY 100
- The course is designed to introduce the students to psychological research. Students will learn about the research process by analyzing the ethical issues in research, conducting literature reviews, collecting, analyzing and interpreting the data, as well as summarizing and presenting the findings. Students may be presented with an opportunity to work with faculty on designing and implementing a research project. The course includes both theoretical and applied (lab) components.
Prerequisite: PSY 100 and two PSY 200-level courses - The course introduces students to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Students will learn about current perspectives, historical roots and scientific methods in psychology. Topics within major areas of psychology may include biopsychology, human development, learning, cognition, social processes, personality and psychological disorders.
Research and Projects
Publications
Foust, M., Komolova, M., Malinowska, P., Kono, Y. (2022). Sexual Subjectivity in Solo and Partnered Masturbation Experiences Among Emerging Adult Women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 1-15. doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02390-9
Foust, M., Ward, L.M., Hagelskamp, C., Rowley, S. (2021). Parent and peer messages about homosexuality: Considering the role of gender. Sexuality & Culture 25(2), 597-622.
Fletcher, K., Ward, L. M., Thomas, K., Foust, M., Levin, D., & Trinh, S. (2014). Will it help? Identifying socialization discourses that promote sexual risk and sexual health among African American youth. The Journal of Sex Research. doi: 10.1080/00224499.2013.853724.
Ward, L. M., Reed, L., Trinh, S., & Foust, M. (2014). Sexuality and entertainment in the new millennium. In D. Tolman, L. M. Diamond, J. A. Bauermeister, W.H. George, J.G. Pfaus, & L. M. Ward (Eds.), APA handbook of sexuality and psychology (Vol. 2.) (pp. 373-423). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Evans, A., Banerjee, M., Meyer, R., Aldana, A., Foust, M., & Rowley, S. (2012). Racial socialization as a mechanism for positive development among African American youth. Child Development Perspectives, 6(3), 251-257.
Hughes, D., Hagelskamp, C., Way, N., & Foust, M. (2009). The role of mothers’ and adolescents’ perceptions of ethnic-racial socialization in shaping ethnic-racial identity among early boys and girls. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 38(5), 605-626.
Hughes, D., Rivas, D., Foust, M., Hagelskamp, C., Gersick, S., & Way, N. (2008). How to catch a moonbeam: A mixed-methods approach to understanding ethnic socialization processes in ethnically diverse families. In S. Quintana and C. McKown (Eds.), Handbook of race, racism, and the developing child (pp. 226-277). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Honors, Awards and Affiliations
2021 – 2024 CO-I (PIs: Sangeeta Bishop & Janice Walters), National Science Foundation (NSF), “Creating a Path to STEM Careers in Psychology for Under-Represented Minorities” https://psyched4stem.commons.gc.cuny.edu
