mental health and well-being
An important area of my research examines mental health and psychological well-being among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) populations. This work focuses on how experiences of stigma, discrimination, trauma, and other social and interpersonal stressors influence psychological functioning, with particular attention to mental health concerns that may be understudied or experienced in unique ways among LGBTQ+ individuals.
Collective Trauma and LGBTQ+ Mental Health
My previous research has examined the psychological impact of collective trauma among LGBTQ+ populations, particularly in the aftermath of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. This tragedy represented not only an act of mass violence but also a traumatic event with implications for LGBTQ+ communities beyond those directly affected. My research explored how LGBTQ+ individuals experienced and responded to this event, including the ways in which shared identity, experiences of discrimination, and community connectedness may shape psychological responses to collective trauma. This work contributes to a broader understanding of how identity-based violence can affect the mental health and well-being of marginalized communities.
Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Among Sexual Minority Men
My current research investigates obsessive-compulsive symptoms and experiences among gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men, a population that has received relatively little attention in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) research. This work seeks to better understand how intrusive thoughts, obsessions, compulsions, and related psychological experiences may intersect with sexual identity, minority stress, and other aspects of lived experience.
Using a mixed-methods approach, this research began with qualitative interviews exploring the nature and content of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among sexual minority men, including experiences that may not be adequately captured by existing assessment measures. Building on these findings, the next phase of the project focuses on developing and evaluating a measure of obsessive-compulsive symptoms that may be particularly relevant to sexual minority men. The long-term goal of this work is to improve the assessment and understanding of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in this population and inform more culturally responsive approaches to mental health care.
Trauma, Dissociation, and Psychological Well-Being
My research has also examined trauma-related psychological experiences among transgender and gender-diverse populations, including dissociation and its relationship to experiences of discrimination, victimization, and other stressors. This work seeks to better understand how both general and identity-specific experiences of adversity may contribute to psychological distress and inform the development of more inclusive approaches to psychological assessment.
Together, these lines of research seek to advance understanding of the mental health experiences of LGBTQ+ populations, identify psychological concerns that may be overlooked in existing research and clinical practice, and contribute to more culturally responsive approaches to assessment, prevention, and treatment.