Kaitlin Fitzgerald

Kaitlin (Katie) Fitzgerald is an assistant professor in the Department of Film Production and Media Studies. Her research examines the social and psychological processes through which individuals engage with and respond to media, particularly narratives. She is especially interested in how stories shape audiences’ thoughts, emotions, attitudes and behaviors, including how entertainment media may contribute to audience well-being and prosociality.

Her work has examined restorative narratives, moral and prosocial storytelling, and the role of media in shaping how audiences understand and respond to difficult human experiences and complex social issues.

Her research has appeared in journals including "Media Psychology," "Journal of Communication," "Human Communication Research," "Communication Research" and "Mass Communication and Society." Before joining Penn State, she held postdoctoral appointments at KU Leuven and Cornell University and served as a lecturer in Cornell University’s Department of Communication.