E.M.B. Brout Sensory Processing and Emotion Regulation Program

Duke University Medical Center

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M. Zachary Rosenthal, Ph.D.

M. Zachary Rosenthal, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Duke University Medical Center Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and is Director of both the E.M.B. Brout Sensory Processing and Emotion Regulation Program (www.dukescience.org) and the Duke Cognitive Behavioral Research and Treatment Program (CBRTP). Dr. Rosenthal received his Ph.D. from University of Nevada, Reno, after completing an internship in medical psychology at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Rosenthal’s line of research has focused on characterizing problems with emotional functioning and emotion regulation in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Recently, his research has expanded to the development of novel computer-based interventions for treatment-resistant populations. He is the PI on a NIDA-funded project (R01-018311) developing a virtual reality-based cue exposure platform and cellular phone-based extinction reminder delivery system to augment treatment for substance abusers. This work has recently been featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America” as an example of cutting edge research using new technologies. In addition, he is the PI on a NIDA-funded study (R01-017372) evaluating the efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for opioid dependent adults with BPD. He has published in scientific journals and book chapters, including, Emotion, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Clinical Psychology Review, Journal of Traumatic Stress, and Behavior Research and Therapy.

Clinically, Dr. Rosenthal is a licensed clinical psychologist in North Carolina who is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and is an expert in the treatment of BPD and other difficult-to-treat populations using dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). He is a faculty member in the Duke medical psychology internship program, training and supervising medical psychology interns on the CBT track. In addition, Dr. Rosenthal provides educational trainings to community mental health and substance abuse professionals through a partnership between Duke University and the North Carolina Evidence-Based Practices Center. He can be reached at rosen025@mc.duke.edu or (919) 684-6702.

Selected recent publications: 

Rosenthal, M.Z., Gratz, K., Kosson, D. S., Lejuez, C. W., Cheavens, J. S., & Lynch, T.R. (2008). Borderline personality disorder and emotional functioning: A review of the research literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 28, 75-91. 

Rosenthal, M. Z., Cheavens, J. S., Lynch, T. R., & Follette, V. M. (2006). Thought suppression mediates the relationship between negative mood and PTSD symptom severity in sexually assaulted women. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 19, 741-745.

Gratz, K. L., Rosenthal, M. Z., Tull, M. T., & Lejuez, C. W., & Gunderson, J. G. (2006). An experimental investigation of emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 115, 850-855.

Rosenthal, M. Z., & Follette, V. M. (2007). The effects of sexual assault-related intrusion suppression in the laboratory and natural environment. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 45, 73-87.

Rosenthal, M. Z., Cukrowicz, K. C., Cheavens, J. S., & Lynch, T. R. (2006). Self-punishment as a regulation strategy in borderline personality disorder. Journal of Personality Disorders, 20, 232-246.

Lynch, T. R., Rosenthal, M. Z., Kosson, D., Cheavens, J. S., Lejuez, C. W., & Blair, R. J. R. (2006). Heightened sensitivity to facial expressions of emotion in borderline personality disorder. Emotion, 6, 647-655.

Rosenthal, M. Z., Cheavens, J. S., Lejuez, C. W., & Lynch, T. R. (2005). Thought suppression mediates the relationship between negative affect and borderline personality disorder symptoms. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 43, 1173-1185.

Cheavens, J. S., Rosenthal, M. Z., Daughters, S. D., Novak, J., Kosson, D., Lynch, T. R., & Lejeuz, C. (2005). An analogue investigation of the relationships among perceived parental criticism, negative affect, and borderline personality disorder features: the role of thought suppression. Behavior Research and Therapy, 43, 257-268.


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