Research, Publications & Presentations
Dr. Mahoney’s scholarly work reflects a sustained focus on the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms that shape human adaptation and functioning. Her research explores the intersection of behavioral science, neurocognitive health, and educational psychology, with particular attention to how individuals manage transition, stress, and chronic strain.
Research Intrests
Dr. Mahoney's research interests center on the psychological processes that shape adaptation across the lifespan. She is particularly interested in how individuals construct identity, navigate uncertainty, and respond to major developmental transitions, including matrescence, caregiving, grief, chronic illness, career change, and aging. Her work explores how these experiences influence psychological well-being, relationships, and the ways people make meaning of their lives.
Her scholarship integrates perspectives from clinical psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and psychotherapy to better understand the mechanisms that maintain emotional distress while identifying the processes that promote resilience, psychological flexibility, and long-term well-being. She is especially interested in translating complex psychological theory into practical frameworks that inform clinical practice, education, and public understanding.
Current areas of scholarly interest include identity development across adulthood, women's mental health, executive functioning and ADHD, the neuroscience of stress and decision making, perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty, values-based living, and the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), existential psychology, and humanistic psychotherapy to everyday psychological challenges.
Publications
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Cicero, F. R., Luczaj, P., Younger, A., Galanaugh, L., & Cacciaguerra, F. (2023). The frequency of behavior analysis in school psychology literature: A review of 20 years. Contemporary School Psychology, 27(2), 275–282.
Doctoral Dissertation
Galanaugh, L. A. (2018). An investigation of the factors contributing to job satisfaction related to the role of a school psychologist (Doctoral dissertation, Fairleigh Dickinson University).
Selected Research & Conference Presentations
Cruz, E., Mahoney, L., Richards, B., & Neuwirth, L. (2013). Addressing Challenging Behaviors Associated with Autism in Typical and Atypical Treatment Settings. Panel presentation, New York State Association for Behavior Analysis.
Mahoney, L., & Krakower, J. (2013). Teaching Strategies for Our Students: Moving Beyond the One-to-One Setting. Invited presentation, Eden II Programs Annual Conference.
DeBery, P., Mahoney, L., DeBery, G., Nuzzi, L., & Arnold, J. (2011). A Review of Preference Assessment Procedures for Students with Autism. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Conference, Denver, CO.
Flaherty, E., Cicero, F., DeBery, G., & Mahoney, L. (2011). Teacher and Staff Accuracy in Identifying Basic Terms of Applied Behavior Analysis for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Conference, Denver, CO.
El-Roy, D., & Mahoney, L. (2010). Literature Review of 30 Years of Vocational Research for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Conference, San Antonio, TX.
Mahoney, L., Toner, N., & Cicero, F. (2010). A Review of the Literature in Developmental Disabilities and Behavior Analysis Over the Past 9 Years. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Conference, San Antonio, TX.
Flaherty, E., Cicero, F., DeBery, G., & Mahoney, L. (2010). Parental Accuracy in Identifying Basic Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in Families of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Conference, San Antonio, TX.
Neuwirth, L., Mahoney, L., & Cicero, F. (2008). Teaching an Adolescent with Autism to Independently Brush His Teeth Using Analogue Instruction, Picture Sequencing, and Differential Reinforcement. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Conference, Chicago, IL.
Workshops and Lectures
Mahoney, L. (2024, December). Healthy coping strategies for educators. Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2024, November). Identifying and reporting child abuse: Updated practices. Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2024, October). Transitioning to adulthood: What to do and where to start. Parent training series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2024, September). Introduction to behavioral terminology and data collection for first-year teaching professionals. Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2023, May). Positive behavior supports: Why do we need them? Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2022, October). Managing challenging behaviors for students with emotional disabilities. Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2020, June). Managing challenging behaviors for students with autism. Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2019, October). Implementing a school-wide PBIS system. Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2019, October). Conducting an FBA and BIP in the classroom. Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2018, June). Suicide prevention and risk. Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2018, November). Identifying and reporting child abuse. Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2017, March). Anxiety and work. Professional development series, New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2017, September). Data collection and progress monitoring. New York City Department of Education, New York, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2014, February). Functional behavioral assessment in the classroom setting: Identifying and treating challenging behaviors in atypical settings. Invited lecture, College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2014, January). Functional behavioral assessment in the classroom setting: Obtaining teacher buy-in. Invited lecture, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ.
Mahoney, L. (2013, March). Managing challenging behavior: The relationship of behavioral function to effective treatment approaches at home and in the community. Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council Family Support and Transition Resource Fair, Staten Island, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2013, January). Multiculturalism in the workplace: Fun facts and etiquette. Eden II annual staff training, Staten Island, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2012, September). Treatment integrity and the classroom. Eden II agency workshop, Staten Island, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2011, January). Don't sweat the small stuff: Self-help strategies to decrease anxiety. Eden II colloquium series, Staten Island, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2010, June). Facebook: Social networking or slacking? Eden II colloquium series, Staten Island, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2010, March). Managing personal stress at work. Eden II agency workshop, Staten Island, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2010, February). Decreasing challenging behavior. Eden II agency workshop, Staten Island, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2009, August). Behavior assessment procedures: Functional analysis and reinforcer preference assessments. Eden II agency workshop, Staten Island, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2009, March). Utilizing reinforcement strategies to increase learning opportunities. Eden II agency workshop, Staten Island, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2008, July). Conducting a functional behavioral assessment. Eden II agency workshop, Plainview, NY.
Mahoney, L. (2008, March). Developing effective functional educational and recreational goals. Eden II agency workshop, Staten Island, NY.