Rate My Professor Alison Ludden

Alison Bryant Ludden is Professor of Psychology at the College of the Holy Cross, joining the faculty in 2004. From 2019 to 2025, she directed the Montserrat first-year program, enhancing the transition for incoming students through integrated academic and residential experiences. She earned a B.A. in psychology from Colgate University, an M.A. in developmental psychology from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in education and psychology from the University of Michigan. Ludden teaches courses including Psychology of Adolescence, Adolescent Health, and Research Methods 1, fostering students' understanding of developmental processes and empirical methods.

Her research examines developmental transitions and the psychosocial factors associated with adolescents' health behaviors, with particular attention to the contexts and reasoning behind their consumption of energy drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and caffeine. Ludden also explores the links between adolescents' health outcomes and their engagement in schooling, mentorship, and civic activities. Her scholarship appears in leading journals such as Jesuit Higher Education, Journal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research, Substance Use & Misuse, Journal of College Student Development, Journal of Research in Rural Education, Journal of Drug Education, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Health Education & Behavior, Youth and Society, and Journal of Research on Adolescence. Notable publications include "Combining high-impact practices to facilitate hope for young adults transitioning into college" (2023, with I.A. Jenkins and M.C. Sterk Barrett), "Academic achievement stress and energy drink consumption among middle school youth" (2019, with D. Kreitzberg et al.), "Beliefs, behaviors, and contexts of adolescent caffeine use: A focus group study" (2017, with E.M. O’Brien and K.E. Pasch), "The impact of institutional mission on student volunteering" (2013, with S.C. Sullivan and R.A. Singleton, Jr.), "Social goals, social status, and problem behavior among low-achieving and high-achieving adolescents from rural schools" (2012), and "Engagement in school and community civic activities among rural adolescents" (2011). Several works feature co-authorship with Holy Cross students, underscoring her commitment to mentorship. Through her research, teaching, and leadership, Ludden advances knowledge in adolescent development and supports student success.