- Source: Jennifer Eno Louden
Jennifer E. Loudon is a forensic psychologist whose research and work have advanced the understanding of the psychological dimensions of criminal behavior, particularly within the realms of forensic psychology and intelligence. Loudon is an associate professor at the University of Texas at El Paso and has made contributions through her research, teaching, and editorials in psychology.
Education
Jennifer E. Loudon earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine, in 2009. Her dissertation, titled Effect of Stigma of Mental Disorder and Substance Abuse on Probation Officers’ Case Management Decisions, examined the impact of stigma on the professional decisions made by probation officers. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where her thesis focused on measuring jurors’ insanity prototypes. Loudon also obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, cum laude, from the same institution in 2002. She obtained a “Best paper award” from the journal Psychological Services for the article “Social networks and treatment adherence among Latino offenders with mental illness.
Professional career
Loudon began her academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso from 2009 to 2015. In 2015, she was promoted to Associate Professor in the same department, where she continues to teach and conduct research.
Research contributions
Jennifer Loudon’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of psychology, criminal behavior, and intelligence. Her work addresses the psychological mechanisms that underlie criminal actions, with a specific focus on forensic applications. She has published studies exploring the motivations behind criminal behaviors, psychopathy, and psychological assessments in legal contexts.
Loudon’s research has contributed to discussions about the stigma surrounding mental disorders and its impact on the criminal justice system. Her work focuses on promoting evidence-based methods in criminal profiling and risk assessments. She has advocated for changes in forensic psychology, emphasizing the importance of understanding psychological factors that influence decision-making in legal contexts.
Loudon has recently expanded her research to explore the psychological and policy-related factors underlying responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in correctional settings. For example, in a study by Eno Louden, Vaudreuil, Queen, Alvarez, and Garcia (2021), the researchers analyzed the factors influencing support for COVID-19 mitigation policies in jails and prisons. Their work highlights the complex interplay between public health guidelines and psychological responses, emphasizing the unique challenges faced in high-risk environments like correctional facilities during the pandemic. This study underscores the importance of mental health considerations when developing containment strategies in such settings.
Editorial work
Loudon has held editorial positions in psychology journals, contributing her to the review and curation of forensic psychology literature. Her role in these academic journals includes peer-reviewing submissions, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of published research, and guiding the dissemination of forensic psychology knowledge. Her editorial contributions have influenced the field by shaping discussions on emerging topics in forensic psychology, emphasizing the importance of rigorous research methodologies and ethical considerations in psychological assessments.
Community outreach and advocacy
Loudon is also involved in advocacy and outreach, particularly within the criminal justice system. She has collaborated with community organizations to promote mental health awareness, focusing on treatment for offenders and the role of psychological services in rehabilitation. Loudon’s outreach efforts aim to bridge the gap between forensic psychology and community-based initiatives that address the mental health needs of individuals involved in the legal system.
Her advocacy work includes training law enforcement and legal professionals on psychological assessment tools and criminal profiling, emphasizing the importance of mental health care in reducing crime. Loudon frequently speaks at conferences and workshops that focus on improving the integration of psychology into legal practice.
