Doneila L. McIntosh
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Assistant Professor in Couple and Family Therapy
Family Science Center (House A)
403 Sanford Dr.
Athens, GA 30602
Education
| Degree | Field of Study | Institution | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D | Family Social Science, specialization Couple and Family Therapy | University of Minnesota | 2025 |
| M.A. | Counseling Psychology | Saint Thomas University | 2021 |
| M.Div | Theological Studies and Ethics | Bethel Theological Seminary | 2013 |
| B.A. | Philosophy | University of Minnesota | 2008 |
Research
My research examines family processes and well-being in Black populations, including couples, adults, adolescents, children, and parent–child dyads. I investigate how contextual factors—such as exposure to violence, traumatic loss, and variations in mental and physical health—shape family dynamics, and I identify mechanisms that foster resilience, psychosocial functioning, and relational well-being. The ultimate aim is to inform the development of interventions that strengthen family dynamics and reduce preventable differences in health and relational outcomes within African American communities.
Areas of Expertise
Mental and Relational Well-being of African-American/ Black (African-Diaspora) Couples, Families, Youth
Grief & Loss (non-death and death-related), Trauma, Exposure to Community Violence
Culturally responsive systemic family therapy interventions
Multi-Heritage Couples Therapy
Current Classes
HDFS 8050 Mechanisms of Change in CFT
Journal Articles
Hubbard, A., Bryant, C.M., Harris, S., Rineman, R., McIntosh, D.L. (2025). Identifying informal help-seeking patterns in African American couples. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.
McIntosh, D.L., Tate, A.D., Trofholz, A., Berge, J.M. (2024). Child health and psychosocial wellness in the context of maternal role overload and depression: A Latent Profile Analysis. Family Relations. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.13091.
McIntosh, D.L., Pasco, M. (2024). Unpacking the social construction of blame: A qualitative exploration of race, place, and accountability in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. The Journal Community and Applied Social Psychology, 34 (3), e2885. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.2885.
Mussa, K., McIntosh, D.L., Tadros, E. (2024). The impact of social support and social strain on older adults with depression. The Family Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807241276877.
McIntosh, D.L.*[1], Wang, G.* (2024). Assessments for multi-heritage couple therapy: A scoping review of existing tools. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 50 (3),611- 629. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12708.
Mussa, K., Bryant, C., McIntosh, D. (2023). Passionate love: A study of older African American couples. Journal of African American Studies, 27(1), 103-111. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12111-023-09612-x.
McIntosh, D., Tate, A.D., & Berge, J.M. (2021). Exploration of witnessing community violence and recent death on child behavioral outcomes. Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 33(1-3), 42-54. https://doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2023.2270724.
Mendenhall, T.J., McIntosh, D., Hottinger, D. (2021). Walking-the-Walk: Attending to the “spiritual” in medical family therapy’s Biopsychosocial/Spiritual Care. Contemporary Family Therapy, 44(1), 44–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-021-09619-0.
[1] Co-First Authors. See Lapidow, A., & Scudder, P. (2019). Shared first authorship. Journal of the Medical Library Association,107(4), 618-620. https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2019.700.