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
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).
Prospective graduate students should review my website and then email me directly at messmat@miamioh.edu with any questions. I am currently recruiting graduate students.
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
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)
