Jean Hamilton | Scholars@Duke

Jean Hamilton
Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Neuroscience

Research Interests

1. Depressive Illness (Major Depression, MDD)

A. Women and Prevention of Recurrent Depression

B. Psychology of Women's Health

C. "Energy Depletion Theory" of Women's Global Excess of Depression

D. "Matriarchal Studies"/Cross-cultural Psychology

2. Social Psychology of Intrinsic Motivation

A. Positive Psychology and Women's Lives

B. Neurobiology of "Flow"

3. Applications of "Non-linear Dynamics" (a.k.a. Methods from Chaos or Complexity Theory) and "General Evolution Theory" to Health

A. "Integral Health" and Healing (which encompasses Integrative, Behavioral, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine, CAM; as well as Health Psychology and Psychiatry)

B. Psychology of Choosing Sustainable Ways of Living ("Sustainability Studies")

More specifically, my current interests include: 1) understanding depressions, especially those in women, by studies a) that emerge from my new "bioenergetic depletion” theory of health, an interdisciplinary, cultural and sociobiological theory which links, e.g., the excess of depression in women compared to men to women's (literally) "doing too much" (as assessed, for example, by the UN/WHO's objective indicators of "gender inequality" and by subjective measures of "unequal, gender ideology"); b) that focus on helping girls and women to better reclaim and replenish our/their energy and to better “highlight” positive experiences in our/their lives; and c) that document the potential negative effects of commonplace life events (such as gender stigmatization and discrimination) -- e.g., "objectification experiences" -- on energy depletion, allosteric stress, and health; 2) extending the uses of social neuroscience and social psychophysiology in studying health effects and correlates of psychological processes, e.g., by studies a) that explore the neurobiological underpinnings of what social psychologists term "intrinsic motivation"; and b) that build upon her hypothesis that enhancing intrinsic motivation -- just having more fun for its own sake – will help to renew energy and enhance health in girls and women; and 3) learning about special aspects of positive psychology and “therapeutic recreation” in women’s lives using, e.g., focus-group methodology and innovative group processes based on collaborative learning theory.

Clinical Interests
These include the practice of psychiatry, behavioral medicine and clinical health psychology in a small private setting; one focus of the practice is on developing innovative group activities and thereby enhancing self-care and energy replenishment in women. (She also practices "feminist" psychodynamic, psychotherapy-based psychiatry/psychopharmacology, but mainly does so at low-fee, public clinics in the summer.)

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Neuroscience, Psychology & Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2009

Contact Information

309 Soc-Psych, Durham, NC 27708
Box 90085, Durham, NC 27708-0085
jean.hamilton@duke.edu (919) 286-2327
JeanHamiltonMD.com

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- MD./PhD., University of Texas, San Antonio 1977
Previous Appointments & Affiliations
- Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Psychology & Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2006 - 2009
- Professor with Tenure, Psychology & Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 1992 - 2006
- Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Science Departments 2000 - 2003
- Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Science Departments 1994 - 1999
Research
Selected Grants
- Same awarded by National Institutes of Health 1995 - 2001
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Hamilton, J. A., M. Yeates, and N. F. Russo. “The Energy Depletion Theory of the Excess of Depression Among Women (Submitted).” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2005.
  - Lu, M. C., L. Lange, W. Slusser, J. Hamilton, and N. Halfon. “Provider encouragement of breast-feeding: evidence from a national survey.” Obstetrics and Gynecology 97, no. 2 (February 2001): 290–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0029-7844(00)01116-9.
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  - Gartrell, N., A. Banks, N. Ree, C. Rodas, and A. Deck. “The National Lesbian Family Study:3. Interviews with mothers of five-year-olds.” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 70, no. 4 (2000): 542–48.
  - Gartrell, G., G. N, G. Banks, G. A, G. Hamilton, and JA et al. “The National Lesbian Family Study:2. Interviews with Mothers of Toddlers.” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 69, no. 3 (1999): 362–69.
  - Gartrell, A. R., A. R. N, A. R. Hamilton, J. A, J. Banks, and A et al. “The National Lesbian Family Study: I. Interviews with prospective mothers.” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 66, no. 2 (1996): 272–81.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “Effects of sex and steroid hormones on pharmacokinetics.” Journal of Women’S Health 5, no. 3 (1996): 239–41.
  - Hamilton, J. A., and M. F. Jensvold. “Sex and gender as critical variables in feminist psychopharmacology research and pharmacotherapy.” Women and Therapy 16, no. 1 (April 7, 1995): 9–30. https://doi.org/10.1300/J015v16n01_02.
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  - Hamilton, J. A., and M. F. Jensvold. “Introduction: Feminist psychopharmacology.” Women and Therapy 16, no. 1 (April 7, 1995): 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1300/J015v16n01_01.
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  - Hamilton, J. A. “"Going to extremes" (Special Issue "In Sickness and in Health").” Women’S Review of Books XI, no. 10–11 (July 1994): 15–16.
  - Shuman, J. A., D. W, D. Hamilton, J. A, J. Daley, C. E, and et al. “The health effects of jury service.” Law and Psychology Review, (A University of Alabama Law Review) 18 (1994): 267–307.
  - Jensvold, M. F., J. A. Hamilton, and B. Mackey. “Inclusion of women in clinical trials: How about the woman scientists?” Journal of the American Medical Women’S Association 49 (1994): 110–12.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “Feminist theory and health psychology: Tools for an egalitarian, woman-centered approach to women's health.” Journal of Women’S Health 2, no. 1 (1993): 49–54.
  - Hamilton, J. A., and U. Halbreich. “Special aspects of neuropsychiatric illness in women: With a focus on depression.” Annual Review of Medicine 44 (1993): 355–64.
  - Hurt, S. W., and P. P. Schnurr. “Late luteal phase dysphoric disorder.” Psychosomatic Medicine 54, no. 6 (November 1992): 723–28. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006842-199211000-00012.
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  - Gallant, S. J., D. A. Popiel, D. M. Hoffman, P. K. Chakraborty, and J. A. Hamilton. “Using daily ratings to confirm premenstrual syndrome/late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. Part I. Effects of demand characteristics and expectations.” Psychosomatic Medicine 54, no. 2 (March 1992): 149–66. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006842-199203000-00003.
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  - Gallant, S. J., D. A. Popiel, D. M. Hoffman, P. K. Chakraborty, and J. A. Hamilton. “Using daily ratings to confirm premenstrual syndrome/late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. Part II. What makes a "real" difference?” Psychosomatic Medicine 54, no. 2 (March 1992): 167–81. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006842-199203000-00004.
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  - Gallant, S. J., D. A. Popiel, D. H. Hoffman, P. K. Chakraborty, and J. A. Hamilton. “Daily ratings of premenstrual symptoms, I: Awareness effects.” Psychosomatic Medicine 54 (1992): 149–66.
  - Gallant, S. J., D. A. Popiel, D. H. Hoffman, P. K. Chakraborty, and J. A. Hamilton. “Daily ratings of premenstrual symptoms, II: Differentiating women with severe symptoms from women with normal menstrual cycles.” Psychosomatic Medicine 54 (1992): 167–81.
  - Jensvold, M. F., K. Reed, D. B. Jarrett, and J. A. Hamilton. “Menstrual cycle-related depressive symptoms treated with variable antidepressant dosage: A case report and case series.” Journal of Women’S Health 1, no. 2 (1992): 109–15.
  - Shuman, J. A., D. W, D. Hamilton, J. A, and et al. “Jury service -- it may change your mind: Perceptions of fairness by jurors and nonjurors.” Southern Methodist University (Smu) Law Review, (Dallas, Tx) 46, no. 2 (1992): 431–61.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “Biases in women's health research.” Women & Therapy 12, no. 4 (1992): 91–101.
  - Gallant, S. J., J. A. Hamilton, D. A. Popiel, P. J. Morokoff, and P. K. Chakraborty. “Daily moods and symptoms: Effects of awareness of study focus, gender, menstrual-cycle phase, and day of the week.” Health Psychology 10, no. 3 (1991): 180–89.
  - Hamilton, J. A., and M. Jensvold. “Pharmacotherapy for complicated depressions in women.” Psychiatric Times 8, no. 5 (1991): 1,&47–53.
  - Sparks, C., and J. A. Hamilton. “Psychological issues related to alternative insemination.” Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 22, no. 4 (1991): 308–14.
  - Hamilton, J. A., and S. J. Gallant. “Debate on late luteal phase dysphoric disorder.” The American Journal of Psychiatry 147, no. 8 (August 1990): 1106–7. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.147.8.aj14781106.
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  - Hamilton, Jean A., J. A, Gallant Alagna, and S. J. “Problematic aspects of diagnosing premenstrual phase dysphoria: Recommendations for psychological research and practice.” Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 21 (1990): 60–68.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “Postpartum psychiatric syndromes.” The Psychiatric Clinics of North America 12, no. 1 (March 1989): 89–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0193-953x(18)30453-2.
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  - Hamilton, J. A. “Emotional consequences of victimization and discrimination in "special populations" of women.” The Psychiatric Clinics of North America 12, no. 1 (March 1989): 35–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0193-953x(18)30450-7.
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  - Hamilton, J. A. “Suggestions to improve the nomenclature of postpartum psychiatric disorders: A personal view.” Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology 10, no. SUPPL. 2 (January 1, 1989): 3–14.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “Reproductive pharmacology: Perspectives on gender as a complex variable in clinical research.” Social Pharmacology 3 (1989): 181–200.
  - Hamilton, G. F., J. A, Gallant Alagna, Gallant S, Gallant Lloyd, and Gallant C. “Evidence for a menstrual-linked artifact in determining rates of depression.” Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 177, no. 6 (1989): 359–65.
  - Alagna, Gallant, S. J, S. Hamilton, and J. A. “Controversy over a diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoria.” The Health Psychologist 10, no. 2 (1988): x.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “Statement on discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation.” American Journal of of Psychiatry 145, no. 11 (1988): 1494.
  - Koppelman, M. C. S., B. L. Parry, and J. A. Hamilton. “Dr. Koppelman and colleagues reply [comment].” American Journal of of Psychiatry 145, no. 8 (1988): 1044–45.
  - Alagna, Gallant, S. J, S. Hamilton, and J. A. “On a premenstrual psychiatric diagnosis: What's in a name?” Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 19, no. 3 (1988): 271–78.
  - Hamilton, Heidi, J. A, Gallant Alagna, Gallant S, and Gallant Pinkel. “Urinary 6-hydroxymelatonin in menstruating women.” Biological Psychiatry 24 (1988): 845–52.
  - Hamilton, J. A., B. L. Parry, and S. J. Blumenthal. “The menstrual cycle in context, I: Affective syndromes associated with reproductive hormonal changes.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 49 (1988): 474–80.
  - Hamilton, J. A., and B. L. Parry. “The menstrual cycle in context, II: Human gonadal steroid hormone variability.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 49 (1988): 480–84.
  - Hamilton, J. J., J. A, Gallant Alagna, and Gallant S. “Premenstrual symptom changes and plasma beta-endorphin/beta-lipotropin throughout the menstrual cycle.” Psychoneuroendocrinology 13, no. 6 (1988): 505–14.
  - Hamilton, J. A., S. W. Alagna, L. S. King, and C. Lloyd. “The emotional consequences of gender-based abuse in the workplace: New counseling programs for sex discrimination.” Women and Therapy 6, no. 1–2 (September 23, 1987): 155–82. https://doi.org/10.1300/J015V06N01_13.
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  - Koppelman, M. C., B. L. Parry, J. A. Hamilton, S. W. Alagna, and D. L. Loriaux. “Effect of bromocriptine on affect and libido in hyperprolactinemia.” The American Journal of Psychiatry 144, no. 8 (August 1987): 1037–41. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.144.8.1037.
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  - Conrad, C. D., and J. A. Hamilton. “Recurrent premenstrual decline in serum lithium concentration: Clinical correlates and treatment implications.” Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey 42, no. 8 (January 1, 1987): 514–17. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006254-198708000-00014.
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  - DeRosis, H., J. A. Hamilton, E. Morrison, and M. Strauss. “Psychiatrist-patient sexual contact [comment].” American Journal of of Psychiatry 144 (1987): 688–89.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “Cognitive-mediated and socio-environmental effects in pharmacology: Beyond placebo controls.” Social Pharmacology 1, no. 4 (1987): 305–22.
  - Koppelman, M. C. S., B. L. Parry, J. A. Hamilton, S. W. Alagna, and D. L. Loriaux. “Effect of bromocriptine on libido and affect in hyperprolactinemia.” American Journal of of Psychiatry 144 (1987): 1037–41.
  - Hamilton, J. A., S. W. Alagna, L. S. King, and C. Lloyd. “The emotional consequences of gender-based abuse in the workplace: New counseling programs for sex discrimination.” Women and Therapy 6, no. 1/2 (1987): 155–82.
  - Loewenstein, R. J., J. A. Hamilton, S. W. Alagna, N. Reid, and M. DeVries. “Experiential Sampling in the Study of Multiple Personality Disorder.” American Journal of of Psychiatry 44 (1987): 19–24.
  - Siever, L. J., T. R. Insel, J. A. Hamilton, J. I. Nurnberger, I. Alterman, and D. L. Murphy. “Eye-tracking, attention and amphetamine challenge.” Journal of Psychiatric Research 21, no. 2 (1987): 129–35.
  - DeRosis, H., J. A. Hamilton, E. Morrison, and M. Strauss. “Sex Contact Survey.” Psychiatric News, December 1986, 2.
  - Conrad, C. D., and J. A. Hamilton. “Recurrent premenstrual decline in serum lithium concentration: clinical correlates and treatment implications.” Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry 25, no. 6 (November 1986): 852–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-7138(09)60206-5.
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  - Conrad, C. D., and J. A. Hamilton. “Recurrent premenstrual decline in lithium concentration: Clinical correlates and treatment implications.” Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry 26, no. 6 (1986): 852–53.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “An overview of the clinical rationale for advancing gender-related psychopharmacology and drug abuse research.” Nida Research Monograph 65 (January 1986): 14–20.
  - Alagna, S. W., and J. A. Hamilton. “Social stimulus perception and self-evaluation: Effects of menstrual cycle phase.” Psychology of Women Quarterly 10, no. 4 (1986): 327–38.
  - Siever, L. J., T. R. Insel, J. A. Hamilton, J. Aloi, and D. L. Murphy. “A comparison between the growth hormone responses to amphetamine and clonidine [comment].” Psychiatry Research 16 (1985): 79–82.
  - Hamilton, J. A., B. L. Parry, S. W. Alagna, S. Blumenthal, and E. Herz. “Premenstrual mood changes: A [feminist] guide to evaluation and treatment.” Psychiatric Annals 14, no. 6 (1984): 426–35.
  - Hamilton, J. A., and B. Parry. “Clarification [comment].” Journal of the American Medical Women’S Association 39, no. 1 (January 1984): 3.
  - Hamilton, J. A., C. Lloyd, S. W. Alagna, K. Phillips, and S. Pinkel. “Gender, depressive subtypes, and gender-age effects on antidepressant response: Hormonal hypotheses.” Psychopharmacology Bulletin 20, no. 3 (1984): 475–80.
  - Hamilton, J. A., R. J. Haier, and M. S. Buchsbaum. “Intrinsic enjoyment and boredom coping scales: Validation with personality, evoked potential and attention measures.” Personality and Individual Differences 5, no. 2 (1984): 183–93.
  - Hamilton, J. A., S. W. Alagna, and S. Pinkel. “Gender differences in antidepressant and activating-drug effects on self-perceptions.” Journal of Affective Disorders 7 (1984): 235–43.
  - Hamilton, J. A., and R. M. A. Hirschfeld. “An additional recommendation on reporting depression [comment].” American Journal of of Psychiatry 141, no. 9 (1984): 1134–35.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “Development of interest and enjoyment in adolescence. Part I. Attentional capacities.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence 12, no. 5 (1983): 355–62.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “Development of interest and enjoyment in adolescence. Part II. Boredom and psychopathology.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence 12, no. 5 (1983): 363–72.
  - Hamilton, J. A., J. Aloi, B. Mucciardi, and D. L. Murphy. “Human plasma B-endorphin through the menstrual cycle.” Psychopharmacology Bulletin 19, no. 4 (1983): 586–87.
  - Hamilton, J. A., and B. Parry. “Sex-related differences in clinical drug response: Implications for women's health.” Journal of the American Medical Women’S Association 38, no. 5 (1983): 126–32.
  - Insel, T. R., J. A. Hamilton, L. B. Guttmacher, and D. L. Murphy. “D-amphetamine in obsessive-compulsive disorder.” Psychopharmacology 80 (1983): 231–35.
  - Hamilton, J. A. “Model utility in postpartum psychosis.” Psychopharmacology Bulletin 18, no. 3 (January 1, 1982): 184–87.
  - Cauthen, D. B., R. L. Adams, R. De La Rosa, G. G. Meyer, and J. H. Holcomb. “Medical students and family practice: A prospective study.” Texas Medicine 76, no. 7 (1980): 57–60.
  - Dunbar, C., V. Edwards, E. Gede, J. Hamilton, M. S. Sniderman, V. Smith, and M. Whitfield. “Successful coping styles in professional women.” Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie 24, no. 1 (February 1979): 43–46. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674377902400109.
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  - Holcomb, J. H., H. H. Holcomb, and A. de la Pena. “Selective attention and eye movements while viewing reversible figures.” Perceptual and Motor Skills 44 (1977): 639–44.
  - Holcomb, J. H., and J. A. Hamilton. “Attention and rewards in the control of psychophysiologic states.” Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 27 (1976): 54–61.
  - Meyer, G., R. Adams, and J. H. Holcomb. “Preference for family practice among entering medical students.” Texas Medicine 72 (1976): 86–90.
- Book Sections
  - Hamilton, J. A., and N. F. Russo. “Women and depression: Research, theory, and social policy.” In Women and Depression: A Handbook for the Social, Behavioral, and Biomedical Sciences, 479–522, 2006. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511841262.021.
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Education, Training, & Certifications

Previous Appointments & Affiliations

Selected Grants

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Book Sections