Michael Wierzbicki, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Psychology

Dr. Wierzbicki is interested in the cognitive-behavioral model of depression. Most recently, he has examined the cognitive and behavioral skills that people use to cope with daily stressors, including how such factors as cognitive flexibility, personality, and religious coping affect coping.

He is a film buff and an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers. He also is ranked as a National Master in chess and a Life Master in contract bridge.

Education

Ph.D., Indiana University, 1980

Courses Taught

Dr. Wierzbicki teaches undergraduate abnormal psychology, graduate abnormal psychology, and graduate courses in assessment.

Research Interests

Depression, the empirical examination of clinical methods, cognitive-behavioral treatment, depression in adults, assumptions of clinical psychology, the scientist-practitioner training model, faking on the MCMI, psychopathology in adoptees, patient dropout in psychotherapy.

Selected Publications

• Kuchan, A. M., Wierzbicki, M., & Siderits, M. A. (2013). Psychological characteristics of applicants to the Jesuit Order. Pastoral Psychology, 62(3), 319-331.
• Driscoll, M. W., & Wierzbicki, M. J. (2012). Predicting reasons for experiencing depression in Pakistani and Palestinian Muslims: The roles of acculturation and religiousness. Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 6, 39-61.
• Wierzbicki, M., Siderits, M. A., & Kuchan, A. M. (2012). Ethical questions addressed by a state psychological association. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 43, 80-85.
• Wierzbicki, M., & Tyson, C. M. (2007). A summary of evaluations for learning and attention problems at a university training clinic. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 20, 16-27.

Selected Paper Presentations

• Johnson, B. T., Wierzbicki, M., Gomez, M., & Devine, J. (2017, April). Development of a cognitive flexibility subscale of the PAI. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.
• Wierzbicki, M. J., Johnson, B. T., Devine, J., & Gomez, M. (2017, 2017). The relationship between cognitive flexibility and change over therapy. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.
• Wierzbicki, M. J, & Johnson, B. T. (2016, May). Cognitive flexibility, self-efficacy, and emotional distress in college students. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association Chicago, IL.
• Wierzbicki, M., Johnson, B. T., & Adams, B. E. (2015, May). Personality, coping, and depressive symptoms in college students. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.
• Wierzbicki, M. J., Johnson, B. T., Devine, J., & Gomez, M. (2015, December). Cognitive flexibility and psychotherapy outcome. Paper presented at the Marquette University Forward Thinking conference. Milwaukee, WI.
• Wierzbicki, M. (2013, May). A comparison of adults with LD and ADHD. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.
• Wierzbicki, M., Gorin, H., & March, S. (2013, May). College students’ religious coping and response to daily stressors. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.
• Wierzbicki, M. (2012, May). A Summary of Adults Evaluated for LD or ADHD. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.

Presentations