24 Students Attend MPA Psychology Conference

24 Students Attend MPA Psychology Conference

24 students attended the 2026 Midwest Psychological Association’s annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois April 16-18. The trip is an annual tradition of the MSUM Psychology Club and Psi Chi International Honor Society and is coordinated by the Psychology Club officers (Hailey Chhoun, Melody Justnes, Magenta Thai, Anna Stish, and Nevaeh Davidson). Students get the opportunity to attend paper talks, symposia, and poster sessions discussing research done at numerous colleges and Universities in the region. Six Psychology students presented their original research at this year’s conference:

• Olivia Naatjes, Mattie Scholten, Emma Wiedrich, & Rhylee Pederson: Understanding Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy in Children with CLP
• Katie Johnson: Gender and Self-Esteem Effects on Performance Anxiety
• Magenta Thai & Dr. Jenna Laurin: Beyond Weeks and Measures: Understanding Abortion Stigma Perceptions
• Magenta Thai: Parenting Styles and Help-Seeking Behaviors