Meet the Faculty: Dr. Steve Graef - The Psychology of Performing Under Pressure

What helps people stay focused, make sound decisions, and perform at their best when the stakes are high?

For Dr. Steve Graef, instructor and dissertation chair in California Southern University's School of Behavioral Sciences, that question connects athletics, leadership, academics, and everyday life.

What He Studies and Why It Matters

Dr. Graef's work focuses on understanding how people respond to pressure and what helps them perform effectively in demanding situations.

His interests extend beyond managing stress to understanding how people make decisions, maintain focus, and stay connected to what matters most. Rather than concentrating solely on problems, he explores the conditions that allow individuals to think clearly, act effectively, and sustain strong performance over time.

It's a perspective that can resonate with students navigating demanding academic work alongside professional and personal responsibilities.

Where the Curiosity Began

Dr. Graef's interest in human performance began during his time as a student-athlete playing football at Ohio State. The experience showed him that success involved more than athletic ability and preparation.

"I saw firsthand how much the mental side of performance mattered," Dr. Graef recalls, "not just talent or preparation, but how you handled pressure, confidence, and adversity."

That curiosity stayed with him, eventually shaping a career focused on helping others navigate similar challenges. Today, his work extends beyond athletics, and focuses on helping students, leaders, and professionals operating in high-pressure environments.

The Unexpected Side of Dr. Graef

Outside academia, Dr. Graef has a creative side that might surprise his students. He's passionate about the performing arts, writes music, and has taken classes in improv and even clowning.

Although the performing arts and behavioral science might seem like very different pursuits, Dr. Graef sees meaningful connections between them. Improv encourages being present, listening carefully, adapting to unexpected situations, and maintaining a sense of humor. These are many of the same skills that inform his professional interests.

Why CalSouthern Stands Out to Him

For Dr. Graef, CalSouthern's appeal lies in its combination of academic rigor and flexibility.

"Many of our students are balancing careers, families, and major life responsibilities," Dr. Graef explains, "and the model allows them to pursue academic work without putting their lives on hold."

He also appreciates CalSouthern's emphasis on structure, clarity, and applied learning. In his view, these qualities help create an educational experience that supports both meaningful academic work and personal growth.

Explore a Path in Psychology at CalSouthern

Dr. Graef's perspective on CalSouthern highlights what students may gain from an educational experience that combines academic flexibility with rigorous coursework, clear expectations, and applied learning. With faculty support and access to academic resources, students can deepen their knowledge, apply what they learn, and pursue their educational goals while balancing work and life commitments.

For students interested in pursuing advanced psychology education, CalSouthern offers a PsyD and Combined Master of Science degree program that allows eligible students to begin with a bachelor's degree, earn an MS in General Psychology within the combined program, and continue into doctoral coursework without a second application.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, licensure, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all jurisdictions. REQ2294360 11/2026