My program of research focuses on the self-perpetuating nature of social inequality via its effects on human functioning (e.g., motivation, aspirations, achievement, self-regulation, and psychological and physiological well-being). Specifically, I am interested in the impact that inequality has on psychosocial processes, which in turn impair the successful functioning of low status group members but often enhance the functioning of those from high status groups. My study of the effects of social inequality involves three related areas: (1) the psychosocial mechanisms underlying the relationship between social inequality and successful human functioning, (2) the social pressures that discourage people from challenging discrimination, and (3) the self-fulfilling role of social identity threat.

Primary Interests:

Applied Social Psychology
Gender Psychology
Health Psychology
Intergroup Relations
Life Satisfaction, Well-Being
Prejudice and Stereotyping
Social Cognition

Applied Social Psychology
Gender Psychology
Health Psychology
Intergroup Relations

Life Satisfaction, Well-Being
Prejudice and Stereotyping
Social Cognition

Journal Articles:

Adams, G., Fryberg, S., Garcia, D. M., & Delgado-Torres (2006). The psychology of engagement with First Nations ethnicities: A cultural perspective. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 12, 493-508.
Adams, G., Garcia, D. M., Purdie-Vaughns, V., & Steele, C. M. (2006). The detrimental effects of a suggestion of sexism in an instruction situation. Journal of Experimental and Social Psychology, 42, 602-615.
Garcia, D. M., Desmarais, S., Branscombe, N. R., & Gee, S. S. (2005). Opposition to redistributive employment policies for women: The role of policy experience and group interest. British Journal of Social Psychology, 44, 583-602.
Garcia, D. M., Horstman Reser, A., Amo, R., Redersdorff, S., & Branscombe, N. R. (2005). Perceivers' responses to in-group and out-group members who blame a negative outcome on discrimination. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 31, 769-780.
Garcia, D. M., Schmitt, M. T., Branscombe, N. R., & Ellemers, N. (2010). Women’s reactions to ingroup members who protest discriminatory treatment: The importance of beliefs about inequality and response appropriateness. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40, 733-745.
Guimond, S., Branscombe, N. R., Brunot, S., Buunk, A. P., Chatard, A., Désert, M., Garcia, D. M., Haque, S., Martinot, D. & Yzerbyt, V. (2007). Gender, culture and the self: Variations and impact of social comparison processes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92, 1118-1134.
Jackson, L. M., & Garcia, D. M. (2010). Endorsement of group change and organization change affirmative action programs for male and female beneficiaries. Sex Roles, 63, 239-250.
O'Brien, L., Garcia, D. M., Kordys, J., & Crandall, C. S. (in press). White American’s objections to affirmative action: Group interest and the harm to beneficiaries argument. British Journal of Social Psychology
Outten, H. R., Schmitt, M. T., Garcia, D. M., & Branscombe, N. R. (2009). Coping options: Missing links between minority group identification and psychological well-being. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 58, 146-170.
Schmitt, M. T., Branscombe, N. R., Silvia, P. J., Garcia, D. M., & Spears, R. (2006). Categorizing at the group-level in response to intragroup social comparisons: A self-categorization theory integration of self-evaluation and social identity motives. European Journal of Social Psychology, 36, 297-314.

Other Publications:

Esses, V., & Garcia, D. M. (2008). Intergroup conflict. In J. M. Levine & M. A. Hogg (Eds.), Encyclopedia of group processes and intergroup relations. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Garcia, D. M., Branscombe, N. R., Desmarais, S., & Gee, S. S. (2006). The effects of social comparisons and policy experience on attitudes toward redistributive social policies. In S. Guimond (Ed.), Social comparison and social psychology: Understanding cognition, intergroup relations and culture (pp. 151-173). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Courses Taught:

Advanced Personality and Social Psychology (Graduate)
Advanced Seminar in Psychology: Social
Experimental Psychology: Social
Health Psychology
Social Psychology

Advanced Personality and Social Psychology (Graduate)
Advanced Seminar in Psychology: Social
Experimental Psychology: Social

Health Psychology
Social Psychology

Donna Garcia
Psychology Department
California State University, San Bernardino
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407
United States

Phone: (909) 537-3893