Terri Messman

Education

• Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Oklahoma State University, 1999
  • Internship, Boston Psychology Consortium, Boston Veterans Affairs Healthcare System—National Center for PTSD—Boston University School of Medicine & Tufts University School of Medicine (APA Accredited), 1998-1999
• M.S. Psychology, Oklahoma State University, 1994
• B.A. Psychology (Summa Cum Laude), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1992

Teaching Interests

• PSY 242 | Introduction to Psychopathology
• PSY 410 | Psychology Capstone (Topics: Mindfulness, Trauma)
• PSY 649 | Ethics in Clinical Psychology
• PSY 646 | Clinical Assessment I
• PSY 740 | Advanced Clinical Seminar: Trauma-Focused Intervention

Research Interests

My research program reflects several intersecting areas: (1) trauma responses such as PTSD, Complex PTSD, depression, and anxiety & interpersonal violence (child maltreatment, particularly emotional maltreatment; sexual abuse in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, intimate partner emotional abuse, and revictimization; (2) emotion dysregulation and maladaptive emotional states such as shame, and (3) self-compassion and mindfulness. I am interested in how interpersonal violence early in development affects one’s later capacity for self-regulation and coping, and how maladaptive coping strategies emanating from emotion dysregulation or negative emotional states increase vulnerability among survivors. In addition, I study factors that may promote resilience and recovery and enhance emotion regulation, such as mindfulness and self-compassion. Current investigations examine child emotional maltreatment (abuse or neglect), intimate partner emotional abuse, betrayal trauma, and sexual victimization across the lifespan (in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood).

Professional Recognition

• Miami University Association of Student Government, Outstanding Professor Award, Top 25, 2022
• Miami University Distinguished Scholar Award, 2020
• Hemera Foundation Contemplative Fellowship, 2020
• O’Toole Family Endowed Professor, Miami University, 2013-2018

Selected Publications

• Zerubavel, N. & Messman, T. L. (2025). Integrating Mindfulness into Psychotherapy for Trauma: A Clinician's Guide to Mindfulness Processes to Facilitate Healing and Reduce Suffering. New Harbinger Publications.
• Salim, S. R., Bhuptani, P. H., Eshelman, L. E. & Messman, T. L. (2025). The role of shame in associations with PTSD and depression symptoms and hazardous drinking among bisexual women who experienced sexual violence. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 34(5-6), 539-558. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2024.2415554
• Bhuptani, P. H. & Messman, T. L. (2022). Self-compassion and shame among rape survivors. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(17-18), NP16575-NP16595. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605211021994
• Messman, T. L. & Bhuptani, P. H. (2020). Self-compassion and fear of self-compassion: Mechanisms underlying the link between child maltreatment severity and psychological distress in college women. Mindfulness, 11, 1446-1459. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01361-2
• Messman-Moore, T. L. & Bhuptani, P. (2017). A review of the long-term impact of child maltreatment in adulthood: A focus on posttraumatic stress disorder and emotion dysregulation. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 24(2), 154-169. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpsp.12193

Funding

• Foundation for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, Sexual Trauma & PTSD in Bisexual Women: A Test of Minority Stress Theory, $1,000, 2016
• Interact for Health Foundation, Yoga and Meditation for Self Realization, Emotional and Mental Strength, Co-PI: Anne Minter, M.S., Miami University Hamilton, $13,282, 2015-2016 (PI)
• R01 Research Project Grant, Sexual Revictimization: Emotion and Psychosocial Mechanisms, National Institute of Child Health & Human Development PI: David DiLillo, University of Nebraska, $3,135,821, 2010-2016 (Co-I, Site PI)
• Alcohol Beverage Medical Research Foundation/The Alcohol Foundation, The Impact of Emotion Dysregulation and Negative Mood on College Women’s Alcohol Use and Drinking Motives, $96,000, 2008-2010 (PI)