Molly Selover
Ph.D. Student
Florida Atlantic University
Department of Psychology
Molly is a second-year Ph.D. student in Developmental Psychology. She is working in Dr. Brett Laursen's lab
Her research interests include peer relationships and friendships.
Florida Atlantic University
Ph.D., Developmental Psychology
Anticipated 2028
State University of New York at Cortland
B.S., Psychology (2023)
Peer Reviewed Publications
Selover, M., Leggett-James, M. P., Kaniušonytė, G., & Laursen, B. (2025). School structure explains age group differences in friend selection similarity. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/01650254251314822
Conference Presentations
Selover. M., Leggett-James, M.P., Laursen. B. (2025, May) School structure explains age group differences in friend selection similarity. [Symposium Presentation]. Society of Research on Child Development, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Selover, M., Hojen, A., Trecca, F., Bleses. D.,& Laursen., B. (2025, May). Solitary screen time exacerbates longitudinal associations from low language skills to heightened adjustment problems. [Poster Presentation]. Society of Research on Child Development, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Leggett-James. M.P., Yoho. M., Selover. M., Leclerc-Bedard. L., & Laursen. B. (2025, May) The wrong stuff: Characteristics of youth involved in enemy relationships. [Poster Presentation]. Society of Research on Child Development, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Leggett-James. M.P., Selover. M., Leclerc-Bedard. L., Altman. R., Sherrod. L., & Laursen. B. (2025, May) Loneliness as a precursor to adolescent withdrawal and peer difficulties. Society of Research on Child Development, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Guillont. M., Selover. M., Bakaityte. A., Kaniusonyte. G., Zukauskiene. R., & Laursen. B. (2025, May) Friend loss exacerbates adjustment difficulties among shy children. [Poster Presentation]. Society of Research on Child Development, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Sherrod. L., Madeira Borri. M., Selover. M., & Laursen. B. (2025, May) Who do you want to be friends with? The characteristics of those who make and receive desired friend nominations. [Poster Presentation]. Society of Research on Child Development, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Guillont. M., Selover. M., Madeira Borri. M., & Laursen. B. (2025, May) Higher-ranked friend nominations are mranked friend noore likely to beminations.[Poste reciprocated than lower-r Presentation]. Society of Research on Child Development, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Selover, M., Leggett-James, M. P., & Laursen, B. (2024, April 18-20). The rise of friend selection similarity across the transition into adolescence. [Poster Presentation]. Society for Research on Adolescence Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL. https://www.s-r-a.org/2024- annual-meeting-portal
Leggett-James, M. P., Selover, M., Leclerc-Bedard, L.-A., & Laursen, B. (2024, April 18-20). More about being fun: Making friends to maximize social status. [Poster Presentation]. Society for Research on Adolescence Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL. https://www.s-r- a.org/2024-annual-meeting-portal
Teaching Experience
Spring 2025
Intermediate Statistics Lab, Florida Atlantic University
Teaching Assistantships
Fall 2024
Psychology of Human Development, Florida Atlantic University
Summer 2024
Social Psychology, Florida Atlantic University
Spring 2024
Social Psychology, Florida Atlantic University
Fall 2023
Psychology of Women, Florida Atlantic University
Awards & Certificates
Fall 2024
Susan T. Dewar Memorial Award, Department of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University ($250)
Professional Membership
Society of Research on Adolescents, Student Membership
American Psychological Association Division 7, Student Membership
Florida Atlantic University
Department of Psychology
3200 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314