Beth M. Rienzi, Ph.D.

Beth M. Rienzi, Associate Professor of Psychology
B.A., Psychology, California State College, Bakersfield, 1974; M. A. Behavioral Sciences, California State College, Bakersfield, 1978; Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno, 1983.

California Registered Psychologist Assistant/ Registered Psychologist, 1975-1985
California Licensed Psychologist PSY 9150, 1985 to present.

PERSONAL STATEMENT:
The CSUB campus was a delightful place for me as a student in the 1970s. I received my BA and MA degrees from CSB and have taught here at CSUB since 1988. CSUB is my first choice as a place to teach in the 1990s. Small class size and a high level of interaction between students and faculty provide a nurturing environment to test student abilities and develop new skills. My advice is that students need to take time to get involved. Some of the best learning experiences at CSUB are outside the classroom in special projects, research experiences, and volunteer work which can enrich your education.

My original goal was to become a researcher, but ultimately I preferred the direct human contact and the dynamic complexity of clinical practice. I must admit that I have had a wealth of experiences, including 16 years from different types of clinical areas. My clinical experience has enriched my teaching. Case examples are frequently used to clarify points in my lectures. I have particular expertise in programs for the deaf, having worked as a consultant to special education programs for deaf and hearing impaired students, as a psychometrician doing psychological assessments for the Department of Rehabilitation, and as a therapist and program developer for deaf mentally ill clients. I also have considerable experience with hearing clients. I have experience with a variety of patients in inpatient and outpatient facilities; with adults, adolescents, and children; with public school systems, head start programs, special education, and substance abuse treatment programs. These experiences allow me to provide real-life expertise in connection with many of my courses in such areas as Abnormal Psychology, Psychological Aspects of Human Sexuality, Theories of Personality, Behavior Change, Tests and Measurements, and graduate clinical courses. One of the most interesting aspects of my clinical work has been in the forensic area doing evaluations for the courts in four different counties. I have been an expert witness in juvenile and adult court trials involving such areas as murder, sexual assault, and deafness. Probably the most fascinating area has been doing evaluations of people who commit violent crimes such as murder. Interesting that my youngest daughter is now a forensic psychologist licensed in two states doing similar work. Currently we are co-researchers on a project involving female felons in a correctional center for women.

Most recently I was elected to a national office--I am on the Psi Chi Honor Society National Council and the vice-president of the Western Region of Psi-Chi, the national psychology student honor society. This means that the Western Region office of Psi Chi is here at CSUB and that many planning activities for regional and national conferences take place right here in Bakersfield. Students can volunteer to help on projects that involve national and regional contacts. This also provides networking contacts on many other campuses.

The best part of my job at CSUB is working with students. I regularly invite students to assist in the teaching of many of my courses, an experience which is win-win for everyone concerned. My office is a frequent meeting place for psychology students, particularly for those in the CSUB Mentor Program, which I coordinate. I regularly support students in a variety of research projects which lead to presentations and publications. Some of our best projects lead to coauthored conference presentations and/or professional publications.

On a daily basis exercise is an important contrast to my academic life. Sometimes I ride my bike to school (those are the days I wear jeans) and I often walk for exercise. Someday I hope to find time for tennis again. I love to travel. In 1995, I spent two months traveling from Spain to Finland. In 1993, I explored the British Isles for 6 weeks, and I explored Mid and eastern Europe in 1991. In 1986, I spent time in Asia. For the last year, I have been studying Spanish. Si, es verdad. I have now completed 101 and 102. I am struggling with 103 at this moment. I welcome practice, however remember that I am truly a beginner. In fact, it takes me so long to process what I can finally understand that most people give up on me. I need to have this language down before I travel to Mexico, Central and South American!!! Last and most important is what I do for pure pleasure. Yes, I visit my grandchildren. I frequently keep a few recent pictures in my office, but please don't get me started.

Professional and Research Interests:Some of my research interests are evident in my recent publications which include the following:
Rienzi, Beth M., Hitchcock, Daryl, L. & Alali, A. Odasuo. (forthcoming in 1995). Confusion regarding HIV/AIDS and sexual orientation: Its impact on the public school system. In A. O. Alali (Ed.), Perspectives on students with HIV.AIDS in the public school system. New York: State University of New York Press.
Alexander, C., Wolfson, H., Scrams,.D. & Rienzi, B. (1995) Provocation, hostility, and aggression as correlates of victimization among firefighters and incarcerated felons. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 22(1/2)47-57. Previously presented at APS 1992 National Conference.)
DeLouth, T. B., Pirson, B., Hitchcock. D., & Rienzi, B. M. (1995). Gender and Ethnic Role Portrayals: Photographic Images in Three California Newspapers. Psychological Reports, 76, 493-494. Previously presented at WPA 1995
Rienzi, B., Forquera, J., Hitchcock, D. (1995) "Gender stereotypes: DSM IV Negativistic, Depressive, Narcissistic, and Dependent Personality Disorders." Journal of Personality Disorders, 9, 49-55. Previously presented at WPA 1993
Pesina, Maria D., Hitchcock, Daryl L., & Rienzi, Beth M. (1994). The Military Ban Against Gay Males: University Students Attitudes Before and After the Presidential Decision. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality,9, 499-506. Previously presented at WPA 1993.
Rienzi, Beth & Allen, Mary. (July 1994). Poster Presenters: Send Us Your Papers. (Reports results of our research project on professional courtesy.) American Psychologist.
Rienzi, Beth M., Allen, Mary J., Sarmiento, Yolanda Q, & McMillin, J. Daniel. (1993) Alumni perception of the impact of gender on their university experience. Journal of College Student Development, 34 (2), pp. 154-157. Previously presented at WPA regional conference 1992.
Levinson, K. S., Pesina, M. D., & Rienzi, B. M. (1993) Lost-letter technique: Attitudes toward gay men and lesbians. Psychological Reports, 72, 93-94.
Rienzi, Beth M., Levinson, Karen S., & Scrams, David J. (1992) University students' perceptions of deaf parents. Psychological Reports, 71, 764-766. (Previously presented at WPA 1992.)
Rienzi, Beth M., Scrams, D. J., & Uhles, Patty (1992) GPA and height are related to self-acceptance for female college students. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 74, 354. (Previously presented at WPA 1991).
Allen, M. J., & Rienzi, B. A. (1992) International attitudes towards Americans. Psychological Reports, 70, 477-478.
Rienzi, Beth Menees (1992) Prevalence of undetected alcohol dependence in the mental health diagnostic interview. Psychological Reports, 70, pp. 913-914. (Previously presented at WPA regional conference 1989).
Allen, M. J., Rienzi, B. M., & Armstrong, C. A. (1991) Alumni perceptions of the impact of race/ethnicity on their university experience. Higher Education Abstracts, 26(4), Abstract No. 1143-26. (Previously presented at APA National Conference 1991.)
Rienzi, B. and Scrams, D. (1991) Gender stereotypes for Paranoid, Antisocial, Compulsive, Dependent, and Histrionic Personality Disorders. Psychological Reports, 69, pp 976-978. (Previously presented at WPA 1991).
Rienzi, B. (1990) "Influence and Adaptability in Families with Deaf Parents and Hearing Children." American Annals of the Deaf, 135 (5) pp 402-408.

Favorite Quote:"You always have choices, make them consciously." Source: I heard myself say it over and over again.

Usual Classes:

General Studies 209: Psychology of Prejudice and Tolerance; General Studies 210: Succeeding in College; General Studies 211: Succeeding in Careers; General Studies 212: Succeeding in Life; Psyc 315: Abnormal Psychology; Psyc 325 Theories of Psychotherapy and Behavioral Change; Psych 341: Psychological Aspect of Human Sexuality (meets the WES Requirement); Psyc 429: Psychological Tests and Measurement; Psyc 540: Human Sexualityand Graduate Clinical Courses (PSYCHOLOGY 670: TRAINEESHIP PRACTICUM)

Office: DDH D119 Phone: (805)664-2367
EMAIL: BRIENZI@CSUB.EDU

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Beth M. Rienzi, Associate Professor of Psychology B.A., Psychology, California State College, Bakersfield, 1974; M. A. Behavioral Sciences, California State College, Bakersfield, 1978; Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno, 1983.

Beth M. Rienzi, Associate Professor of Psychology
B.A., Psychology, California State College, Bakersfield, 1974; M. A. Behavioral Sciences, California State College, Bakersfield, 1978; Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno, 1983.