Academic Background
- PsyD, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University
- PsyM, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University
- BA, Vassar College
Professional Background and Research
My research focuses on environmental factors that influence well-being and performance in student populations.
Two questions guide my work:
- What are the elements of the ecosystem that influence achievement and well-being, particularly among at-risk and minority student populations?
- How might we strengthen assessment and data use in counseling to improve our practice?
My practice experience includes career counseling and executive coaching, as well as assessment and program evaluation for a variety of school, mental health, and primary prevention programs.
I have served on numerous editorial boards including that of Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation (CORE) and the Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling (JAOC). For my work in school counseling, I am the recipient of the New Jersey Association of College and Admissions Counseling (NJACAC) 2021 Award. I am also the recipient of the Emerging Scholar Award from the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC) and from the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW).
Selected Publications
(bolded) authors are students
- Peterson, C. H., Peterson, N. A., & Casey, C. (2022). The effect of method bias on the internal structure of the SCORE measure of family functioning. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families. doi: 10.1177/1066480722112356
- Peterson, C.H., Peterson, N.A., Cheng, Y.J., Dalley, L.M. & Flowers, K. (2020). A systematic review of standardized measures of couple and family constructs in GLBT Populations. Journal of GLBT Family Studies. doi: 10.1080/1550428X.2019.1709598
- Peterson, C.H., Schmid, K. & Kososki, R. (2019). A national survey of counselors' use of five types of program evaluation. Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation. doi: 10.1080/21501378.2019.1678017
- Dombrowski, S.C., McGill, R., Canivez, G.L, & Peterson, C.H. (2018). Hierarchical exploratory factor analyses of the Differential Ability Scales—Second Edition: Implications for clinical interpretation. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment. doi: 10.1177/0734282918760724
- Peterson, C.H., Dalley, L. M., Dombrowski, S.C. & Maier, C. (2017). A review of instruments that measure LGBTQ affirmation and discrimination constructs in adults. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 11(4), doi: 10.1080/15538605.2017.1380555
- Peterson, C.H., Peterson, N.A., & Powell, K.G. (2017). Cognitive interviewing for item development: Validity evidence based on content and response processes. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development. doi: 10.1080/07481756.2017.133956
- Peterson, N.A., Speer, P., Peterson, C.H., Powell, K.G., Treitler, P. & Wang, Y. (2017). Importance of auxiliary theories in research on university-community partnerships: The example of psychological Sense of Community. Collaborations: A Journal of Community-Based Research and Practice, 1(1), 5.
- Peterson, N.A., Powell, K.G., Peterson, C.H. & Reid, R.J. (2017). Testing the phrase completion response option format in a sociopolitical control scale for youth. Community Psychology and Global Perspective, 1(3), 57-71.
- Peterson, C.H., Gischlar, K., & Peterson, N.A. (2017). Item construction using reflective, formative, or Rasch measurement models: Implications for group work. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 42(1), 17-32. doi: 10.1080/01933922.2016.1264523
- Peterson, C.H., Hall, S.B., & Buser, J.K. (2016). Research training needs of scientist-practitioners: Implications for counselor education. Counselor Education & Supervision, 55(2), 80-94.
- Buser, T.J., Peterson, C.H., & Hill, T.M. (2016). Brief severity index for nonsuicidal self-injury: Initial validation of a self-report measure. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 38(1), 28-46.
- Peterson, C.H. & Neukrug, E. (2016). Research and evaluation. In E. Neukrug, The World of the Counselor: An Introduction to the Counseling Profession (5th ed.) (pp. 411-450). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
- Buser, T.J., Peterson, C.H. & Kearney, A. (2015). Self-efficacy pathways between relational aggression and nonsuicidal self-injury. Journal of College Counseling.
- Peterson, C.H. (2015). Group emotional intelligence and academic performance: Testing the mediational effects of attendance and contribution to group work. In Leehu, Z. and Raz, S. (Eds.) Emotional Intelligence: Current evidence from psychophysiological, educational and organizational perspectives (pp. 207-222). Nova Science Publishers, Hauppauge, NY.
- Christens, B.D., Peterson, C.H., & Speer, P.W. (2014). Psychological empowerment in adulthood. In T. P Gullotta & M. Bloom (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Primary Prevention and Health Promotion (2nd ed.), p. 1766-1776. New York: Springer.
- Peterson, C.H., Lomas, G., Neukrug, E. & Bonner, M. (2014). Assessment use by counselors in the United States: Implications for policy and practice. Journal of Counseling and Development, 92(1).
- Neukrug, E., Peterson, C.H., Bonner, M. & Lomas, G. (2013). A national survey of assessments taught by counselor educators. Counselor Education and Supervision, 52(3), 207-221.
- Buser, J.K., Buser, T.J, & Peterson, C.H. (2013). Counselor training in the use of spiritual lifemaps: Creative interventions for depicting spiritual/religious stories. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 8(4), 363-380.
- Garcia-Reid, P., Peterson, C.H., Reid, R.J., & Peterson, N.A. (2013). Parent and teacher support among Latino immigrant youth: Effects on school engagement and school trouble avoidance. Education and Urban Society. doi: 10.1177/0013124513495278
- Garcia-Reid, P., Peterson, C.H., Reid, R.J., & Peterson, N.A. (2013). The protective effects of sense of community, multigroup ethnic identity, and self esteem against internalizing problems amongst Dominican youth. Social Work and Mental Health, 11, 199-222. doi: 10.1080/15332985.2013.774923.
- Peterson, C.H. (2012a). The individual regulation component of group emotional intelligence: Measure development and validation. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 37(3), 232-251.
- Peterson, C.H. (2012b). Building the emotional intelligence and effective functioning of student work groups: Evaluation of an instructional program. College Teaching, 60 (3), 112-121.
- Buser, T.J., Buser, J.K., Peterson, C.H. & Seraydarian, D.G. (2012). Influence of mindfulness practice on counseling skill effectiveness. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision 4(1), 20-36.
- Peterson, C.H. & Peterson, N.A. (2011). Impact of peer evaluation confidentiality on student marks. International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 5(2), 1-13.
- Peterson, C.H., Schulz, M., & Engelhard, G. (2011). Reliability and validity of Bookmark-based methods for standard setting: Comparisons to Angoff-based methods in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, 30(2), 3-14
- Peterson, N.A., Peterson, C.H., Agre, L.A., Christens, B.D. & Morton, C.M. (2011). Measuring youth empowerment: Validation of a sociopolitical control scale for youth in an urban community context. Journal of Community Psychology, 39, 592-605.
- Peterson, N.A., Speer, P.W. & Peterson, C.H. (2011). Pathways to empowerment in substance abuse prevention: Sense of Community and police responsiveness in an urban US setting. Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice, 1(3), 23-31.
- Peterson, C.H., Buser, T.J., & Westburg, N. (2010). Effects of familial attachment, social support, involvement and self esteem on youth substance use and sexual risk taking. The Family Journal, 18(4), 269-276.
- Peterson, C.H. (2009). College Entrance Examinations. In N. A. Piotrowski (Ed)., Salem Health: Psychology and Mental Health. Pasadena, CA: Salem Press
- Peterson, C.H., Casillas, A., Robbins, S.B. (2006). The Student Readiness Inventory and the Big Five: Examining social desirability and college academic performance. Personality and Individual Differences, 41, 663-673.
- Robbins, S., Allen, J., Casillas, A., Peterson, C.H., & Le, H. (2006). Unraveling the differential effects of standardized achievement and psychosocial predictors of college outcomes: A prospective study. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98(3), 598-616.
- Peterson, N.A., Hamme (Peterson), C. & Speer, P.W. (2002). Cognitive empowerment of African Americans and Caucasians: Differences in understandings of power, political functioning, and shaping ideology. Journal of Black Studies, 32 (3), 336-351.
- Hamme (Peterson), C.L. (2002). Group emotional intelligence: The research and development of an assessment instrument. Doctoral dissertation.
Selected Accreditation and Technical Reports
- Peterson, C.H., Stasolla, D. & Hartman, J. (2022). Rider University Annual Institutional Update. Report submitted to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. (10 pages)
- Peterson, C.H., Buser, J., Casale-Giannola, D., Dombrowski, S., Goduto, L., Prol., L. & Stegmaier-Nappi, J. (2022 July). Student Learning Outcomes and Assessments for Graduate Degree Programs in Education: Preparation for Middle States. Report submitted to Rider University Administration in preparation for Middle States. (78 pages)
- Peterson, C.H.* & Barr, J.* (2022, April) Addendum to the CAEP Interim Self Study Report for Rider University’s Advanced Programs in Education. Self-study addendum for the Council on Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Washington, DC. (110 pages)
*Authors contributed equally to this report - Prol, L., Varges, J., & Peterson, C.H. (2022, February). CCNE Self-Study Report: Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master’s APRN Certificate. Self-study report for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Washington, DC. (98 pages).
- Buser, J. K., Pertuit, T., Daniels, A., Peterson, C. H., Cheng, Y., Ahia, E., & Millrod, E. (2022, February). Rider University CACREP Self Study Addendum. Addendum to the self-study report for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). (Comp. A. Lucas). Alexandria, VA. (46 pages)
- Barr, J.* & Peterson, C.H.* (2021, December). CAEP Interim Self-Study Report for Rider University’s Advanced Programs in Education. Self-study report for the Council on Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Washington, DC. (866 Pages)
*Authors contributed equally to this report - Buser, J.,* Peterson, C.H.,* Ahia, E.,* Cheng, Y.,* Daniels, A.,* Pertuit, T.* & Lucas, A.* (2021, June). Self-study report for Rider University’s Counseling Services Programs. Self-study report for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Alexandria, VA.
*Authors contributed equally to this report - Buser, J., Peterson, C.H., Buser, T., & Richardson, L. (2021). 120-hr, 60-hr, and 30-hr Board Certified Coach Training Curriculum Revision Report for Reapproval. Report provided to the Council for Credentialing and Education, Greensboro, NC.
- Cheng, Y.,* Pertuit, T.,* Buser, J.,* Peterson, C.,* Ahia, E.,* & Lucas, A.* (2018). Rider University CACREP MidCycle Report. Program report to the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Alexandria, VA. (46 pages)
*Authors contributed equally to this report - Peterson, C.H., Onofrio, M., & Pertuit, T. (2016). Substantive Change Report: Addition of Music and Dance Therapy Tracks to Rider University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Program report to the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Alexandria, VA. (42 pages)
- Peterson, C.H. (2016). Mid-Year Board Report: AARC Research Committee, 2015-2016. Report to the Executive Board of the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling.
- Peterson, C.H. & Bogdziewicz, L. (2015). The Rider University Counseling Services Program Annual Report. Program report to the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Alexandria, VA.
- Peterson, C.H., Buser, J.K., Buser, T.J., & Richardson, L. (2015). 60-Hour Coach Training Program. Application report provided to the Council for Credentialing and Education, Greensboro, NC.
- Peterson, C.H. (2015). Mid-Year Board Report: AARC Research Committee, 2014-2015. Report to the Executive Board of the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling.
- Peterson, C.H. & Buser, T. (2014). Workshops on Grief, Mindfulness, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Evaluation Results. Evaluation Report to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Titusville, NJ.
- Peterson, C.H. & Hall, S.B. (2014). Research Training Needs of Practicing Counselors: Results of a National Needs Assessment. Technical Report to the Executive Board of the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC), Moline, IL
- Peterson, C.H. & Buser, T.J. (2014). Rider University Program Evaluation Report: Results and Action Plans for Student Process Evaluation. Technical report, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ.
- Buser, T.J., Peterson, C.H. & Buser, J.K. (2014). 120-Hour Coach Training Program. Application report provided to the Council for Credentialing and Education, Greensboro, NC.
- Buser, T.J., Buser, J.K., Peterson, C.H. & Richardson, L. (2014). 30-Hour Coach Training Program. Application report provided to the Council for Credentialing and Education, Greensboro, NC.
- Peterson, C.H., Buser, T.J., Westburg, N., Ahia, E., & Buser, J. (2013) Rider University Counseling Services Program CACREP Self-Study. Self-study report for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Alexandria, VA.
- Peterson, C.H., Buser, T.J., Westburg, N., Ahia, E. & Murphy, J. (2010). The Rider University Counseling Services Program: Midcycle report. Program report to the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Alexandria, VA.
Selected Presentations
(bolded) authors are students
- Peterson, C.H. & Peterson, N.A. (2023). Measuring social media civic action and its relationship to mental health in LGBQ communities. Presentation at the American Psychological Association Annual Conference, Washington, DC.
- Peterson, C.H., Wiencek, N., Goodrich, K., Peterson, N.A, Powell, K (2023). Development and validation of a measure of Social Media Civic Action among members of LGB+ communities. Presentation at the European Congress of Psychology, Brighton, UK.
- Peterson, C.H. & Lawrence, B. (2023). Areas of strength and areas for development in university DEI. Presentation at the Faculty Development Forum, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ.
- Peterson, C.H. & Lawrence, B. (2022). DEI campus climate results and next steps for student affairs. Presentation to the Division of Student Affairs, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ.
- Peterson, C.H. & Lawrence, B. (2022). Diversity, equity, and inclusion campus climate survey results: Implications for university planning. Presentation to the Rider University Board of Trustees, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ
- Peterson, C.H. (2022). Diversity, equity, and inclusion campus climate survey. Presentation at the Provost’s Dialogue, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ
- Peterson, N.A., Peterson, C.H., Powell, K.G., Borys, S., & Hallcom, D. (2018). Predictors of opioid prescription misuse among veterans and military personnel. Poster presentation at the American Psychological Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.
- Goodrich, K.M., Luke, M., Guth, L.J., Asner-Self, K.K., Okech, J., McCarthy, C., Peterson, C., & Shannonhouse, L. (2018). Research in group work: A renewed focus on exemplary methods. Panel discussion at the Association for Specialists in Group Work conference, Savannah, GA.
- Jones, P., Guiry, K., & Peterson, C.H. (2017). Pet therapy programs: Are they really quantifiably therapeutic? Presentation at the New Jersey Counseling Association Annual Conference, Lincroft, NJ.
- Gischlar, K.G. & Peterson, C.H. (2017). Construct and item development in Rasch, formative, and reflective models. Presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists, San Antonio, TX.
- Rebenack, A. & Peterson, C.H. (2015). Work values through the life span: Life changes from early to middle adulthood. Presentation at the Association for Adult Development and Aging (AADA) Conference, New York, NY.
- Peterson, C.H. & Hall, S. (2014). The use of data and research in counseling practice. Presentation at the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC) Conference, Moline, IL.
- Peterson, C.H. & Rebenack, A. (2014). Developing life vision through career construction. Presentation at the New Jersey Counseling Association Conference (NJCA), Lincroft, NJ.
- Peterson, C.H., Hall, S.B., Lenz, A.S. (2013). The use of research by counselors in the field. Presentation at the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC) Conference, Houston, TX.
- Peterson, C.H., Neukrug, E.S., Lomas, G.I., & Bonner, M. (2013). Assessments: Those used by counselors and those taught by counselor educators. Presentation at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Denver, CO.
- Peterson, C.H. (2012). Standardized comprehensive exams as outcome assessment: Issues in cut score establishment and validity. Presentation at the Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education (AACE) Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
- Lomas, G. & Peterson, C.H. (2012). Teaching assessment in counselor education: Research and practice. Presentation at the Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education (AACE) Annual Conference, Orlando, FL.
- Buser, J., Peterson, C.H., Buser, T., & Westburg, N. (2012). Spirituality in Counseling: The Spiritual Genogram as a Clinical Intervention. Presentation at the New Jersey Counseling Association Annual Conference, Lincroft, NJ.
- Peterson, C.H. (2011). Group-Based Learning in Counselor Education: Emotionally Intelligent Methods to Improve Student Experiences in Group Projects. Presentation at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Annual Conference, Nashville, TN.
- Buser, J., Buser, T., Peterson, C.H., & Westburg, N. (2011). Playing to Clients’ Strengths: Mindfulness, Group Emotional Intelligence, Spirituality & Hope. Presentation at the New Jersey Counseling Association Annual Conference, Lincroft, NJ.
- Peterson, C.H., Buser, T., Westburg, N. & Reid, R. (2010). Substance Use and Risky Sexual Behavior: Protective Factors, Hope and Interventions. Presentation at the New Jersey Counseling Association Annual Conference, Lincroft, NJ
- Peterson, C.H. & Duschl, R. (2010). Establishing Standards for Grade 12 Science for the National Assessment of Educational Progress: Achievement Level Setting. Presentation to the National Assessment Governing Board and a national sample of grade 12 science educators. San Antonio, TX.
- Peterson, C.H. & Duschl, R. (2009). Establishing Standards for Grade 12 Science for the National Assessment of Educational Progress: A Pilot Study. Presentation to the National Assessment Governing Board and a national sample of grade 12 science educators. San Antonio, TX.
- Petersen, N. & Peterson, C.H. (2009). Facilitator Training for the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress Science Achievement Level Setting Meeting. Presentation and training of facilitators. Iowa City, IA.
- Garcia-Reid, P., Peterson, C.H., Reid, R.J., Speer, P.W. & Peterson, N.A. (2009). Protective Effects of Sense of Community and Ethnic Identity among Urban Adolescents from Diverse Ethnocultural Groups. Presentation at the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA) 2009 Biennial Conference (APA Division 27), Montclair, NJ
- Armstead, T., Peterson, C.H., & Reid, R. (2009). African American Acculturation and Sense of Community. Presentation at the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA) 2009 Biennial Conference (APA Division 27), Montclair, NJ
- Peterson, C.H. & Westburg, N.G. (2009). Counseling and Positive Psychology: Assessment and Strategies for Adults and Children. New Jersey Counseling Association Annual Conference, Somerset, NJ.
- Schulz, M. & Peterson, C.H. (2008). National Assessment of Educational Progress Research Related to Bookmark Standard Setting. Presentation at the National Council on Measurement in Education Annual Meeting, New York, NY.
- Peterson, C.H. & Brownlee, A. (2007). Establishing Preliminary Standards for Grade 12 Biology. Presentation to the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and DoDEA educators, Iowa City, IA.
- Peterson, C.H. & Metzner, N. (2007). Determining Proficiency in Grade 11 Writing for the State of Illinois. Presentation to representatives of the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois educators, Springfield, IL.
- Peterson, C.H. (2007). Final Standards on the Grade 12 Economics National Assessment of Educational Progress. Presentation to the National Assessment Governing Board, Washington, DC.
- Peterson, C.H. (2007). A Comparison and Partial Replication of Two Standard Setting Methods: Recommendations for the Final Achievement Level Setting Meeting for the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Grade 12 Economics Standard Setting Project. Presentation to the National Assessment Governing Board, Nashville, TN.
- Peterson, C.H. (2007). A Comparison and Partial Replication of Two Standard Setting Methods: Results from the Pilot Study for the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Grade 12 Economics Standard Setting Project. Presentation to the Committee on Standards, Design, and Methodology, National Assessment Governing Board, Washington, DC.
- Peterson, C.H. (2007). A Review of Pilot Study Results for Two Standard Setting Methods: National Assessment of Educational Progress, Grade 12 Economics. Presentation to Technical Advisory Committee on Standard Setting, San Antonio, TX.
- Peterson, C.H. (2006). Field Trail and Domain Development Findings for the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Grade 12 Economics Standards Setting Project. Presentation at the annual meeting of the National Assessment Governing Board, MacLean, VA.
- Peterson, C.H. (2006). Development of Mapmark with Domains and Mapmark with Whole Booklet Feedback: Recommendations for Use in the Pilot Study. Presentation to the Committee on Standards, Design, and Methodology of the National Assessment Governing Board, MacLean, VA.
- Peterson, C.H. & Schulz, M. (2006) Field Trail and Domain Development: Implications for Next Steps with the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Grade 12 Economics Standards Setting Project. Presentation to ACT’s Technical Advisory Committee on Standard Setting, Chicago, IL.
- Peterson, C.H. & Schulz, M. (2006) Mapmark Study Design Issues and Recommendations: National Assessment of Educational Progress, Grade 12 Economics Standards Setting Project. Presentation to Technical Advisory Committee on Standard Setting, Chicago, IL.
- Robbins, S. & Peterson, C.H. (2006). Promoting College Success with the Student Readiness Inventory. Presentation at the Iowa ACT Annual Conference, Ames, IA.
- Peterson, C.H. (2004). Iowa Excellence: A Model for Gifted Science and Math Programming. Presentation at the Yeshiva of Central Queens, Flushing, NY.
- Peterson, C.H. (2003). Agricultural Education Collaborative: Planning Survey Results for Building an Educational Partnership. Presentation at AgrowKnowledge/National Career Clusters Planning Institute, Pendleton, OR.
- Peterson, C.H. (2003). VISION 2020: Proximal and Distal Outcomes for an Agriculture Education Partnership. Presentation at AgrowKnowledge Assessment Forum, St. Louis, MO.
- Peterson, C.H. (2003). Beyond ROI: The Workforce Scorecard and Human Capital Strategy. Presentation at Learning & Training Week 2003 Conference and Expo, Washington, DC.
- Jednak, J. & Peterson, C.H. (2003). Fulfilling the Promise: Finally an Adaptive LCMS. Presentation at Learning & Training Week 2003 Conference and Expo, Washington, DC
Honors
- Leadership Award for Excellence in Chairperson Leadership, Rider University (2021)
- Faculty Recognition Chapter Award, Rho Epsilon Beta chapter of the Chi Sigma Iota National Counseling Honor Society (2020)
- Friends of NJACAC Award, New Jersey Association of College Admissions Counseling (2017).
- Emerging Scholars Award, Association for Assessment in and Research
in Counseling (AARC) (2012) - Emerging Scholars Award, Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) (2012).
- Graduate Merit Award, Executive Women of New Jersey (2002).
Professional Memberships
American School Counseling Association
Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC)
Association for Institutional Research
Courses Taught
COUN 504 Vocational/Career Development in Educational Settings
COUN 505 Vocational/Career Development
EDPS 520 Measurements, Tests and Assessments in Counseling/School Psychology
EDPS 521 Statistics and Quantitative Data Analysis
EDUC 500 Introduction to Research
PSY 329 Research Methods in Organizational Psychology