Michelle Wright

Dr. Michelle Wright (she/her) is an international expert on offline and online risks among children and adolescents. She has written extensively on the nature of offline and online risks, the measurement of these risks, and the contextual factors that impact the likelihood of experiencing offline and online risks. She has edited six books related to offline and online risks and served as editor of seven special issues on offline and online risks. Broadly, Dr. Wright’s research focuses on the influence of individual (e.g., social cognitions, personality, peer status) and contextual factors (e.g.,  parents, friends, culture) on children’s and adolescents’ offline and online risks and their psychosocial adjustment, health, and academic performance. Her research program considers the experience of vulnerable populations, including ethnic minorities (e.g., Latinx), LGBTQIA, children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities or autism, and maltreated adolescents. The goal of her research is to improve lives, and she employs novel technology-based interventions to increase engagement with interventions. She has also written over 85 journal articles and book chapters related to the topic of online risks, and she was responsible for co-editing a report, Meaning of Online Problematic Situations for Children. Results of Qualitative Cross-Cultural Investigation of Nine European Countries, for the European Kids Online IV project. The report brought together qualitative research with children and adolescents on their exposure to online risks (and opportunities).

Due to contract changes in the new year because of COVID-19, Dr. Wright is employed as an online adjunct instructor at Penn State University and DePaul University.