Michael E. Nielsen

MlCHAEL E. NIELSEN earned his Ph.D. in social psychology from Northern Illinois University in 1992. He is an associate professor of psychology at Georgia Southern University, teaching psychology of religion, social psychology, and related courses. He has published his work in such journals as the International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, and the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma. His award-winning Psychology of Religion internet site can be found at www.psywww.com/psyrelig. Michael is a contributing columnist for Sunstone and a member of the DIALOGUE editorial board.

Peace Psychology and Mormonism: A Broader Vision for Peace

Articles/Essays – Volume 37, No. 1

Psychologists have long been interested in peace and conflicts, and have made important contributions to society’s understandings of war and peace. A small but growing number of psychologists has become involved in the peace movement…

Fighting over “Mormon”: Media Coverage of the FLDS and LDS

Articles/Essays – Volume 42, No. 1

Establishing legitimacy is a fundamental process that is basic to social organization. All organizations intending to grow or continue to exist require widespread acceptance and some degree of congruence with the surrounding culture. In the months following the raid on the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints’ (FLDS) ranch in Texas, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) began an initiative to distinguish itself from the many polygamous groups that have branched out of the Mormon trunk over the years.