Education

• Ph.D. 2016, University of Georgia, Sociology
• M.A. 2011, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Sociology
• B.A. 2008, The College of New Jersey, Sociology and Women and Gender Studies

Bio

Dr. Boyle's research program focuses on violence, inequality, gender, and mental health. Much of this work investigates how cultural norms about gender and sex shape victims’ understandings of their sexual assault experiences, as well as the emotional, identity, and psychological consequences of these crimes. In particular, she examines how and why women label their assaults “rape” and themselves as “victims” or “survivors.” She has expanded such research to explore the power dynamics involved in, and the consequences of, violence perpetrated in intimate relationships and against law and graduate students. Dr. Boyle also explores how gender inequality, perceptions of police, and public policy relate to college students’ willingness to report and seek help after being the victim of campus violence.

Specialization

• Interpersonal violence
• Deviance
• Mental health
• Gender

Publications

Boyle, K. M., & McKinzie, A. E. (2021). The prevalence and psychological cost of interpersonal violence among graduate and law students. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(13-14), 6319-6350. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0886260518816329  

Sutton, T., Culatta, E. T., Boyle, K. M., & Turner, J. (2021). Individual vulnerability and organizational context: A routine activity theory approach to sexual harassment of female graduate students. Social Currents. Advanced online publication: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F23294965211001394  

Boyle, K. M., & Rogers, K. B. (2020). Beyond the rape “victim”-“survivor” binary: How race, gender, and identity processes interact to shape distress. Sociological Forum, 35(2), 323-345.  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/socf.12584