Thalia R. Goldstein Ph.D.

About

Thalia R. Goldstein, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Applied Developmental Psychology at George Mason University researching children's role play, pretend, and acting. She is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on the effects of acting training on social skills, how we understand fiction, and children's developing understanding of pretend. Dr. Goldstein earned her M.A. and Ph.D. from Boston College, her B.A. from Cornell University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University; she previously spent several years as a professional actress and dancer in New York City.

Recent Posts

Children Gesture and Learn with Puppets

Developmental scientists are debating the role that puppets play in children's learning. Children move with puppets and learn from them just like they do in pretend play.

The Little-c Creative Joy of Wordle

Do you find yourself waiting for a new Wordle each day? It may be the daily practice of small creative acts that is pulling you in.

Physical and Safe: Pathways to Flourishing in Theatre

Theatre comes in many different forms, but similarities across contexts, including creating a safe space for and physical practice of emotions, may cause higher well-being.

Children's Appreciation of Art

How do we get from child scribbles to art museums? From pretend play to Broadway? From dancing on the playground to American Ballet Theatre?

How Do Teachers Think Acting Classes Cause Change?

Do acting classes cause change in a holistic or piecemeal manner? New research asks teachers to weigh in.

Let Your Children Play "Coronavirus" to Process the Pandemic

Dramatic play can help young children understand the pandemic and social distancing.

Staying Home with the Kids? Some Dramatic Activities

Seven resources for staying home with your kids, when you're looking for a new way to be active, do some theatre at home, or learn something new!

The Long Tail of Childhood in "The Good Place"

While "The Good Place" focused on moral philosophy and connections to others as a way to be a better person, a central conceit was that characters' badness came from their parents.

The Rise of Arts Research!

When a group of arts researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and grantmakers come together, the discussion centered on a few key emergent points.

The Arts and Research: Student Reflections

The first Mason Arts Research Center conference brought together researchers, practitioners, and policy makers. Here, students reflect on the day.