Edward I. Donnerstein (born 1945) is American professor of communication and psychology. His interests include mass media violence and mass media policy.
Donnerstein earned a B.S. in psychology at the University of Florida (1967), and a Ph.D. in psychology from Florida State University (1972).[1] [2]
He was with UC Santa Barbara during 1986–2002, serving as Dean of Social Science and appointed the Arthur N. Rupe Professor of Mass Communication. Before that he was professor of communication at the University of Wisconsin.[2]
Dean of the University of Arizona College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (2002-2009) and member of the faculty since then.[3] He is currently Dean Emeritus at the University of Arizona.
He was member of many commissions, panels, and task forces related to violence, pornography, and mass media. He made many presentations and took part in various governmental hearings on the above issues. He is the author of over 250 academic publications.[3]
Donnerstein's spouse is Deborah Levine-Donnerstein,[1] Ph.D. in Administration, Education Leadership and Policy Analysis from University of Wisconsin-Madison (1988).[4]
2008: Distinguished Scientific Contribution to Media Psychology award from the American Psychological Association citing "outstanding empirical and/or theoretical contributions to the field of media psychology."[3]