Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies

James Youniss, Ph.D.

Dr. Youniss is a James and Wylma R. Curtin Professor of Psychology at The Catholic University of America. One of the foci of Dr. Youniss’ research is the manner in which young people become politically engaged. Within this, a foremost issue he examines is community service, as done through established, cause-oriented non-profit associations, and how this form of involvement becomes a source of knowledge of political traditions and of encouragement to become virtual members. One of the effects of this process is that it allows the youth involved to understand their service as more than just immediate material action; thus, serving food to homeless people at a soup kitchen becomes an act of social justice in a Biblical sense, or a political statement etc. This work has led Dr. Youniss to study the broader issue of civic development, and he is presently co-editing a book that focuses on the policies that can enhance the civic engagement of young people, with contributors from the fields of  political science, civic education, developmental psychology and sociology.

Contact Information

Email: Youniss[at]cua.edu
Phone: (202) 319-5958

Website: http://psychology.cua.edu/faculty/younussnew.cfm
Department: Department of Psychology