Mothers play a unique role in children's lives and for many, they are a significant influence throughout life. Psychologists have long studied the relationships people have with their mothers, society's role in defining what mothers should be and how these relationships may change over time. As you prepare stories marking this year's Mother's Day, May 11, the following psychologists are available to provide insight and perspective.
Paula Caplan, PhD, Lecturer in Program of Studies on Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Harvard's DuBois Institute. Kaplan's work examines the myths of motherhood (the perfect mother and the bad mother myths), why some mothers – stay-at-home or those who work outside the home – never stop feeling guilty and get blamed for their children's woes. She also can speak about how society sets up mother relationships to be doomed and how expectations placed on mothers have changed over time. Phone: (617) 491-0962, E-mail
Roni Cohen-Sandler, PhD, Private Practice; Author & Lecturer, Weston, Conn. Cohen-Sandler's work focuses on mother-daughter relationships and raising emotionally healthy children. Her latest book is "Trust Me Mom - Everyone Else Is Going!" She is also author of "I'm Not Mad, I Just Hate You! A New Understanding of Mother-Daughter Conflict.” Phone: (203) 222-8050, E-mail
Lisa Miller, PhD, Research Psychologist and Lecturer, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. Miller can talk about research on spirituality and motherhood. Phone: (212) 678-3852, E-mail or Alternate e-mail
Christine Nicholson, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Consultant, Sequim, Wash. Nicholson can talk about new mothers and can shed light on mother/daughter-mother/son relationships. Phone: (360) 683-4845, E-mail
Diane Sanford, PhD, President, Women's Healthcare Partnership; Author; Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Public Health, St. Louis University. Sanford can talk about the pressures mothers face to know all and be everything to everyone. Her work also addresses the emotional ups and downs of becoming a mom, challenges faced parenting teens and identity crises in older moms. She can also speak about what it is like to be a mother while also taking care of your own mother. Phone: (314) 991-5666 x1; cell - 314-397-1980, E-mail
The American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world's largest association of psychologists. APA's membership includes more than 148,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a profession and as a means of promoting human welfare.