Barbara Thelamour, Ph.D.

Barbara Thelamour is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA. She received her PhD in Educational Psychology from Michigan State University and her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Emory University. Her research is grounded in educational psychology and human development with a multicultural lens. Within these related areas, she first focuses on the acculturation processes of immigrant adolescents and emerging adults. She examines the experiences of multiple racial/ethnic groups, with a specific focus on Black immigrants from African and Caribbean countries and their adjustment to Black American culture (among other cultural groups). She emphasizes identity development as a key acculturation process while also examining the interplay between identity and educational experiences and outcomes of immigrants and other students of color. Across these research endeavors, she has highlighted how relationships with others, particularly parents and peers, and school environments facilitate or hinder acculturation, identity development, and learning outcomes.

Vita

• Thelamour CV, December 2024

media features and podcasts

• The Thoughtful Counselor, Bridging cultures: Black immigrants and cultural integration.

• WHYY, How to start, or widen, the conversation about race with your kids.

• Foreign Bodies, What can I say that hasn’t been said?

• Monitor on Psychology (American Psychological Association), Mentors for all

NEWS

• Faculty Members Across Several Disciplines Receive Grants, Awards (Swarthmore College)

• January 2020 Researcher’s Window (Society for the Study of Human Development)

PUBLIC SCHOLARSHIP

• The Black Scholar, Girlhood rage, puberty, and biculturality (with Nicosia Shakes)

VIDEOS

• APA Division 45 Conference Plenary - Immigration and Xenophobia (2021)

• WHYY Roundtable of Psychologists - How to Talk to Kids about Race (2020)