Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, University of California, Davis (2009)
M.A., Developmental Psychology, University of California, Davis (2005)
M.St., Hebrew and Jewish Studies (2002)
M.A., Religious Studies, University of Georgia (2001)
B.A., Psychology and Religion (double major), University of Georgia,summa cum laude(1998)
A.S., Psychology, Darton College,summa cum laude(1996)
​Fields Of Study
Positive psychology and psychology of religion
Development of theory of mind and emotion understanding
Development in understanding imaginary concepts (e.g. fantasy-reality distinctions)
Development in understanding religious concepts (e.g. God, angels, prayer)
Development of optimism and pessimism
​Courses Taught
Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 201)
Human Growth and Development (PSYC 210)
Research Methods and Statistics II (PSYC 411 WI)
Psychology of Religion (PSYC 413)
Advanced Child Development (PSYC 417)
​Selected Publications, Awards, and Service
Dr. Christi Bamford was recognized at the Southeastern Psychological Association annual
meeting as the winner of the Outstanding Professional Paper Award.
Lagattuta, K., Sayfan, L., and Bamford, C. (2012). Do you know how I feel? Parents
underestimate worry and overestimate optimism compared to child self-report.Journal Of Experimental Child Psychology. 113(2), 211-232.
Bamford, C., and Lagattuta, K. (2012). Looking on the bright side: Children's knowledge
about the benefits of positive versus negative thinking.Child Development, 83(2), 667-682.
Bamford, C. and Lagattuta, K. H. (2010). A new look at children's understanding of
mind and emotion: The case of prayer.Developmental Psychology, 46(1), 78-92.
