Sophie H. Janicke-Bowles, Ph.D.

Sophie H. Janicke-Bowles, Ph.D., (Florida State University, 2013) is a positive media psychologist working as an Associate Professor at Chapman University in California. Her interdisciplinary research and teaching intersect the field of positive psychology with media studies. Specifically, she is researching what type of usage and content of media can increase well-being, connectedness, transcendence, and prosociality across a variety of media platforms (i.e., social media, computer-mediated communication, films, TV, and music). She spearheaded the first scientifically validated Digital Flourishing Scale for adults and adolescents, has co-authored the very first book on Positive Media Psychology and has published dozens of peer reviewed academic articles and book chapters. Among many other awards, she also was a recipient of a $1.9 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation to study inspiration and spirituality in media. She is the Director of Research at the Digital Wellness Institute developing curricula for educators and data standards for organizations to become digital wellness certified. Dr. Bowles is a teacher, researcher, and innovator who is passionate about sharing the science of positive media psychology with others.