Leigh Silverton
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Leigh Silverton is an American psychologist, researcher, and writer known for her work on gene–environment interaction models of schizophrenia, her development of psychological assessment instruments reviewed in the Buros Mental Measurements Yearbook, and her public-facing essays published in major media outlets such as the Los Angeles Times. Her academic and psychometric work has been cited in psychiatric, developmental, and psychological research for more than three decades.
Early life and education
Silverton is the granddaughter of American businessman and philanthropist Victor M. Carter. She began college at age 15 and graduated magna cum laude at 19. By age 21 she had completed a two-year master's program in clinical psychology, while also studying poetry with Carolyn Forché.
Her master's thesis research on attentional processing in marijuana users was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. [1]
She later conducted research at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and held instructional and research appointments at the University of Southern California.
Academic career
Schizophrenia and gene–environment interaction
Silverton’s early work focused on developmental and genetic vulnerability factors contributing to schizophrenia. Using high-risk and adoption-based models developed by researchers such as Fini Schulsinger and Sarnoff Mednick, she published studies examining how birthweight, prenatal complications, familial liability, and early neuropsychological impairment influence later psychopathology. [2]
Her findings contributed to early G × E × developmental impairment frameworks that influenced subsequent work at institutions including UCLA, McLean/Harvard, and European psychiatric research centers.
International presentations
Silverton presented her findings at international scientific meetings, including NATO-sponsored conferences whose proceedings were published in the Springer NATO ASI Series. [2]
Psychometrics and test development
Silverton authored and co-authored multiple psychological assessment instruments through Western Psychological Services (WPS). Several of these instruments were independently evaluated in the Buros Mental Measurements Yearbook, demonstrating sustained usage and relevance in clinical and research settings. [3]
Her tests address personality structure, malingering detection, emotional functioning, and cognitive reasoning. Many continue to be referenced in psychological assessment literature.
Writing and public scholarship
Journalism
Silverton authored an article on communication and interpersonal conflict for the Los Angeles Times. [4]
She was also quoted in the Jewish Journal in coverage of the Carter family's philanthropic legacy. [5]
Essays and commentary
Silverton writes essays on psychology, political culture, psychopathology, interpersonal dynamics, and public ethics. Her work spans satire, literary nonfiction, and cultural analysis, appearing on platforms including Medium, Substack, and Facebook, where she maintains an active readership.
Research themes
Silverton’s work covers several psychological domains:
- Gene–environment interaction in psychopathology
- Neurodevelopmental risk models of schizophrenia
- Psychometric and assessment instrument development
- Personality assessment and malingering detection
- Cognitive and attentional processing in substance use
- Integrative psychotherapy theory
Selected publications
- Silverton, L. (1981). Attentional Processing and Marijuana. American Journal of Psychiatry.
- Silverton, L. & Mednick, S. A. (1980s). Birthweight, Genetic Risk, and Neurodevelopment in High-Risk Populations.
- Contributions in: Colombo & Mednick (eds.), Advances in Psychological Science. NATO ASI Series.
- Psychological assessment instruments published by WPS and reviewed in the Buros Mental Measurements Yearbook.
- Silverton, L. (1992). “Communication breakdowns carry a price.” Los Angeles Times.
Personal life
Silverton is the granddaughter of philanthropist Victor M. Carter. She grew up in Los Angeles and has lived and worked in both California and Mexico.
References
- ↑ Silverton, L. (1981). “Attentional Processing and Marijuana Use.” American Journal of Psychiatry. Available at: https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/ (subscription required).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Colombo, A. & Mednick, S. A. (Eds.) (1997). Advances in Psychological Science. NATO ASI Series. Springer. Available at: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4615-5985-4.
- ↑ Buros Center for Testing (1990–2000). Mental Measurements Yearbook. University of Nebraska Press. Available at: https://buros.org/mental-measurements-yearbook.
- ↑ Silverton, L. (1992). “Communication breakdowns carry a price.” Los Angeles Times. Available at: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-10-op-110-story.html.
- ↑ Jewish Journal (2002). “Carter Family Philanthropy.” Available at: https://jewishjournal.com/.
External links
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