Education
Ph.D., Communication Science, 2015
University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.A., Mass Communication, 2011
Marquette University
B.S., Communication, 2005
Drury University
Current Academic Appointment
Associate Professor of Communication and Media Studies
St. Norbert College
Course Offerings
- Mass Media
- Media Psychology
- Intimate Relationships and Media
- Netflix: Disruptive Entertainment
- Media Studies Capstone
Research
Peer Reviewed Journal Publications
Kretz, V. E. (2022). Parasocial romantic relationships: Falling in love with media figures [Book Review]. Journal of Children and Media. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2022.2056994
Hefner, V. & Kretz, V. E. (2021). Does the glass slipper fit? The links between viewing Disney princess films and endorsement of romantic beliefs, relationship contingent self-esteem, and traditional courtship attitudes. Journal of Media Psychology, 33(3), 125-133. https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000290
Kretz, V. E. (2020). McDreamy is McDead: Fan responses to a parasocial breakup. Journal of Fandom Studies, 8(2), 147-163. https://doi.org/10.1386/jfs_00014_1
Kretz, V. E. (2020). Who feels all the feels? Individual differences in emotional responses to and enjoyment of romantic relationship depictions. Iowa Journal of Communication, 52(2).
Kretz, V. E. (2019). Television and movie viewing predict adults’ romantic ideals and relationship satisfaction. Communication Studies, 70(2), 208-234. https://doi.org/10.1080/10510974.2019.1595692
Forthcoming
Kretz, V. E. (2023). Romantic relationships and media: Research at their intersections. Lexington Books.
Editorial Board
Journal of Media Psychology
National Communication Association Involvement
Mass Communication Division, Immediate Past Chair, 2023
Legislative Assembly Member, 2023
SNC Involvement
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty
