![](/media-center/press-release/2022/08/university-of-phoenix-college-of-doctoral-studies-releases-white14/_jcr_content/root/container_14213/columns/responsivegrid1/container/image.coreimg.png/1669083825541/pr-graphic-14.png) # University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies releases whitepaper on navigating bias to safeguard mental health and reputation **By Sharla Hooper** August 19, 2022 • 3 minute read _Author Dr. Erik Bean shares insights on importance of vetting information for authenticity and objectiveness_ [University of Phoenix](https://www.phoenix.edu)College of Doctoral Studies announces the release of a whitepaper examining how the proliferation of conflicting information can be navigated by understanding bias, self-assessment, and vetting for authenticity: “Separating Fact from Fiction to Help Safeguard Your Mental Health, Protect Your Career Brand and Reputation.” Authored by Erik Bean, Ed.D., associate research chair with the[Center for Leadership Studies and Organizational Research (CLSOR)](https://research.phoenix.edu/research-centers/center-leadership-studies-organizational-research)at the University of Phoenix, this whitepaper explores the various types of bias that impact one’s interpretation of information and offers reflections on how to assess one’s own interactions in order to remove partiality and be more authentic in professional, academic, and personal pursuits. “To safeguard your mental health, your authenticity and impartiality should leave you with peace of mind. However, if you experience an unsettling feeling, it may be due to cognitive dissonance because your authenticity was/is less than impartial,” states Bean. “The goal is to be authentic – for your reputation as an objective professional should be the guiding light. As individuals and business professionals, we must continuously vet information for its authenticity and objectiveness.” Bean holds a doctorate in education from the University of Phoenix, with research interests in bias, cultural competence, immediacy, leadership, and mental health. He is the section editor of Leadership Perspectives in_The Journal of Leadership Studies_, a publication by Wiley® that is sponsored by the University of Phoenix. He is the author of several educational books such as[Social Media Writing Lesson Plans](https://westphaliapress.org/2015/03/06/social-media-writing-lesson-plans-for-youtube-facebook-nanowrimo-createspace-bonus-intro-to-blogger/),[Using Microsoft Word AutoCorrect for Rigorous Grading](https://westphaliapress.org/2014/09/19/rigorous-grading/),[WordPress for Student Writing Projects](https://www.amazon.com/Word-Press-Student-Writing-Projects/dp/1938406346), and his most recent effort,[Bias Is All Around You: A Handbook for Inspecting Social Media & News Stories](https://biashandbook.com/). [The full whitepaper is available as a direct link here](/content/dam/edu/career-institute/doc/separating-fact-from-fiction-bean.pdf). Bean has been employed with University of Phoenix for over 24 years. **About the College of Doctoral Studies** _University of Phoenix’s_[College of Doctoral Studies](/online-doctoral-degrees-2.html)_focuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program puts students in the center of an effective ecosystem of experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time._ **About University of Phoenix ** _University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit _[phoenix.edu](/blog.html)_.  _ - [University of Phoenix College of Education Produces Over 1,000 graduates amidst national teacher shortage](/press-release/college-of-education-produces-over-1000-graduates-amidst-national-teacher-shortage-2024.html) — Press Release | May 07, 2024 • 2 minutes - [University of Phoenix Survey Finds That Education Matters When Americans Cast Their Ballots, yet Only 16 Percent Would Consider Teaching as a Profession - University of Phoenix](/press-release/university-of-phoenix-survey-finds-that-education-matters-when-americans-cast-their-ballots-yet-only-16-percent-would-consider-teaching-as-a-profession.html) — Press Release | November 29, 2016 • 3 minute read - [University of Phoenix Survey Finds Threat of Cybercrime Prompts Nearly 3 in 4 U.S. Adults to Change Online Behaviors - University of Phoenix](/press-release/university-of-phoenix-survey-finds-threat-of-cybercrime-prompts-nearly-3-in-4-u-s-adults-to-change-online-behaviors.html) — Press Release | October 22, 2015 • 4 minute read ```html ```