Department of Applied Human Sciences

Kristin Anders

Kristin Anders

Associate Professor

Contact Information

311 Justin Hall
785-532-5510
kanders8@k-state.edu

Education

  • Ph.D. in Child and Family Studies, University of Tennessee
  • M.S. in Child and Family Studies, University of Tennessee

Area(s) of Specialization

  • Sexuality
  • Emerging Adulthood
  • Dating Violence
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Sexual Education
  • Sexual Violence
  • Adolescence
  • Identity Development

Research, Scholarship, and Creative Endeavors

Dr. Anders’ research program focuses on the conceptualization of and communication around healthy and unhealthy sexual development in the U.S. Specifically, much of her work focuses on how we capture and communicate about sexuality and sexual development, including within romantic relationships and by care providers (e.g., parent-child, healthcare, early childhood educators). Additionally, Kristin’s work focuses on how this conceptualization and communication around sexuality impacts sexual identity and well-being during adolescence and emerging adulthood. Within this research, Kristin studies the use of sexual violence in sexual and romantic relationships, particularly on college campuses. She aims to use this research to better inform sexuality research, education, and violence prevention programs, particularly in high schools and colleges.

Kristin currently leads the Sexual Health and Assault Research and Education (SHARE) team and co-leads the Identity Over the Lifespan (IDOL) team with Dr. Anthony Ferraro. Recent work within these teams include (but not limited to): (1) the examination of sexual identity development following a relationship dissolution, (2) healthcare providers’ education and experiences communicating around sexuality, (3) parent-child sexual communication around sexualized literature, and (4) parent-child sexual communication within diverse family structures.

Courses Taught

  • HDFS 302 Introduction to Human Sexuality
  • HDFS 506 Adolescent and Emerging Adult Development
  • HDFS 852 Theories in HDFS
  • HDFS 809 Qualitative Methods in HDFS

Recent and Relevant Publications Include:

**Astle, S., Pariera, K., Anders, K. M., Brown-King, B., & Adams, M. (2024). Growing up intersex: A thematic analysis of intersex emerging adults’ key socialization experiences in childhood and adolescence. Sex Roles. Advanced online publication: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-024-01489-8

Olmstead, S. B., McMahan, K., & Anders, K. M. (2024). “It is a purposefully ambiguous term”: Examining emerging adults’ definitions of hooking up and how they vary by sex/gender and educational background. Archives of Sexual Behavior. Advanced online publication: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-024-02911-8

Shigeto, A., & Anders, K. M. (2024). “It’s almost boring when it should be enjoyable and fun”: College students’ definitions of bad sex. Journal of Sex Research. Advanced online publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2024.2319258

**Astle, S., Anders, K. M., **McAllister, P., **Hanna-Walker, V., & Yelland, E. (2023). The conceptualization and measurement of sexual self-concept and sexual self-schema: A systematic literature review. Journal of Sex Research. Advanced online publication: https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2023.2244937

Anders, K. M., **Goodcase, E., Yazedjian, A., & Toews, M. L. (2020). “Sex is easier to get and love is harder to find”: Costs and rewards of hooking up among first-year college students. Journal of Sex Research, 57, 247-259. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2019.1667946

Anders, K. M., & Olmstead, S. B. (2019). A qualitative examination of the sexual possible selves and strategies of first-semester college students: How sexual possible selves are developed during the transition to college. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48, 1859-1876. doi:10.1007/s10508-018-1332-2

Personal Information

Kristin made the move to Kansas with her husband Tucker from Knoxville, Tennessee in summer 2017. Although Kansas may be significantly flatter than the Smoky Mountains, they have come to love the rolling hills and community unique to Manhattan and K-State. She has two young kids (and future K-Staters) who she will spend too much time talking about if given the chance. When not in her office, you can usually find Kristin enjoying all the outdoor activities that Little Apple has to offer including visiting the Farmer's Market, chasing her kids at the park, or porch sitting with the family. Kristin is also an avid foodie, sports fan (go Vols and Wildcats), and loves to travel (when she can).

Vita (pdf)