Carrie Lane, Ph.D.
Teaching Assistant Professor
478 Bluemont Hall
Background and Research Interests
I am an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Kansas State University. Over more than 25 years, I have taught psychology at four universities, including Florida State University, Southwestern College, Washington State University Global Campus, and Kansas State University. As Program Director at Southwestern College, I led the undergraduate psychology program while mentoring students, supervising undergraduate research, and developing curriculum. Throughout my career, I have been recognized for excellence in teaching, including receiving Florida State University's Undergraduate Teaching Award and Southwestern College's Faculty Member of the Year Award.
I believe psychology should not only help us understand people, it should help people flourish. My teaching emphasizes curiosity, scientific thinking, and helping students discover how psychological science can enrich their everyday lives. Whether in the classroom or the research lab, I strive to create learning experiences that foster growth, creativity, and meaningful connections.
Ongoing and Upcoming Future Projects
I am interested in understanding how meaningful human experiences promote psychological well-being. My research currently focuses on two complementary areas: the psychology of hugging and the creation of classroom environments that foster well-being, creativity, and learning.
My research on the psychology of hugging examines how hugs influence emotional regulation, belonging, identity, social relationships, and psychological well-being. I am particularly interested in understanding why some people identify as huggers while others do not and how these individual differences shape emotional and relational experiences. My current research also includes experimental studies using the HUG doll to investigate whether simulated hugs can reduce stress and promote feelings of calm and comfort.
My scholarship of teaching and learning explores how intentionally designed classroom experiences can enhance student learning while promoting well-being and creativity. Current projects examine classroom reset activities that help students transition into learning. As a Kansas State University Teaching & Learning Center Teaching Fellow (Fall 2026), I am expanding this work through faculty development initiatives, including an upcoming Professional Development Series presentation on strategies for fostering creativity in both instructors and students
Selected Publications
Lane, C. J. (2013). Discussion-worthy Readings in Child Developmental Psychology. Cognella Publishing.
Daffin, L. W., & Lane, C. J. (2021). Essentials of Social Psychology (2nd ed.). Washington State University Open Educational Resources / Pressbooks.
Selected Undergraduate Research Presentations
Lane, C.J., Lafferty, M., Rubio, N., & Wingert, L. (2026). Expanding Affection Exchange Theory: Hug Identity and Attachment. Presented at the annual meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Association.
Lane, C.J., Reyes, A.N., & Roberts, P.O. (2026) Exploring Trait Affection and Hugger Identity in Romantic Relationships. Presented at the annual meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Association.
Lane, C. J., Deslatte, M., & Aerni, I. (2025). Exploring Differences in Affection and Touch Deprivation Based on Hug Preference and Gender Identities. Presented at the annual meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association.
Lane, C. J., Ellzey, G., & McKinley, K. (2025). Differences in the Experience of Embodiment Between Hug Preference and Gender Identities. Presented at the annual meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Lane, C.J. (2026). Creativity as a Tool for Overcoming Teaching Challenges. Kansas State University Teaching & Learning Showcase.
Barlett, N., & Lane, C. J. (2025). Well-Being in and Outside of the Classroom. Kansas State University Teaching & Learning Center Professional Development Series.
Lane, C. J., & Barlett, N. (2025). Well-Being in the Classroom. Conference on Inspired College Teaching, Michigan.
Lane, C.J., (2025). Creating an Optimal Learning Environment with Brief Mindfulness Activities. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL
Lane, C. J. (2025). Creative Solutions to Course Challenges. Kansas State University Department of Psychological Sciences Brownbag.