Bio

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. His experience includes over 20 years conducting research with children and adults. Dr. Gentile has authored numerous studies, including “The Effects of Violent Video Game Habits on Adolescent Aggressive Attitudes and Behaviors,” “A Validity Test of Movie, Television, and Video Game Ratings,” and “A Normative Study of Family Media Habits.” He is the editor of the book Media Violence and Children (2003, Praeger Press), and co-author of the book Violent Video Game Effects on Children and Adolescents: Theory, Research, and Public Policy (2007, Oxford University Press).

Dr. Gentile runs the Media Research Lab at Iowa State University where he conducts research on media's impact on children and adults. As the leader of this effort, Dr. Gentile develops and conducts research projects designed to give parents and other caregivers the kind of information they need and want to make informed media choices for their children.

Dr. Gentile speaks regularly to community, education, health care, and parent groups. Praised as an engaging and energetic speaker, he speaks about issues such as the connection between media and brain development, the effects of television and video game violence, the effects of tobacco and alcohol advertising on adolescents, and the psychology of advertising. He has been featured on such shows as National Public Radio’s Morning Edition and Public Radio International’s To the Point, and his work has been reported in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, as well as numerous other newspapers and television stations.

Dr. Gentile received his doctorate in child psychology from the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. Prior to his work at Iowa State University and the National Institute, he worked as a market researcher, a math instructor, and served as test developer and data analyst for Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey. He is on the editorial board of the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology. He lives in Ames, Iowa with his daughter Lauren.