Douglas A. Gentile,
Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology,
Iowa State University
Director of Research, National Institute on Media and
the Family
Research Fellow, Institute of Science and Society
Dr. Douglas Gentile is a
developmental psychologist, and is assistant professor
of psychology at Iowa State University and the director
of research for the National Institute on Media and the
Family. As the director of the Media Research Lab at Iowa
State University, he is one of the country's leading researchers
of media's impacts on children and adults (both positive
and negative). Dr. Gentile has authored numerous studies
and is the editor of the book Media Violence and Children:
A Complete Guide for Parents and Professionals
(2003; Praeger) and co-author of the book, Violent Video
Game Effects on Children and Adolescents: Theory, Research,
and Public Policy (2007, Oxford University Press).
His research has been reported widely in outlets such
as National Public Radio's Morning Edition, NBC's Today
Show, the New York Times, Washington Post, Los
Angeles Times, and USA Today. He received his
doctorate in child psychology from the Institute of Child
Development at the University of Minnesota.
Comments and Evaluations
"Dr. Gentile is
the Best, Best, Best speaker we have ever had at a WIC
conference. Absolutely fantastic and practical. Please
bring him back!"
- Oregon WIC Annual Conference
"Dr. Gentile's presentation was
great!"
- Supreme Court of North Dakota
"The room was buzzing after each
presentation with positive comments and a desire to engage
in further conversation about the issues you presented.
This is exciting...to know that you have been involved
in moving others into action."
- Scott County Kids
"Awesome! Really enjoyed his presentation.
I liked the different research he did and how he put it
into 'layman' terms."
- SIRCLE Healthy Lifestyles
"Your message was superb!"
- Governor's Scholar Institute
"A++. This guy knows what he is
talking about."
- Iowa Substance Abuse Program Directors' Association
"Dr. Gentile is one of the most
engaging speakers I have ever met. He provides his audience
with much food for thought in easily digestible bits,
spices with a lively sense of humor."
- National Institute of Education, Singapore
"[He] was EXTREMELY knowledgeable
and presented the information in an exciting, interesting
manner."
- Region VII Children's Services
"Great! Will apply professionally,
but am real motivated to apply personally."
- Public Health Administrator
"Awesome! Every parent should hear
him speak --- then every teenager."
- Southeast Iowa Regional Coalition for Lifestyle Enhancement
"Very knowledgeable/research based.
Great!!"
- High School Counselor/SADD advisor
"OUTSTANDING - Hit me in my emotional
center."
- Partners in Prevention
"Great presenter, kept audience
attention, 'real life' examples and also research examples.
Very interesting - engaging and funny. Excellent work!"
- Governor's Conference
"Wow! Powerful influence - excellent
information!"
- Media as Risk Factor Participant
"I really learned a lot - it was
such great information."
- Church Youth Director
Children & Domestic Violence:
Perspectives and Community Response
- Good visual
- Very knowledgeable speaker
- Made a strong impact on the group
- I wanted to hear all and know what I can do now
- Very interesting-presented clearly
Media Effects as a Risk
Factor for Children (January 6, 1999)
- Wow! Powerful influence - excellent information
- Very knowledgeable
Governor's Scholar's
Winter Institute 1999
- Your message was superb
