Faculty Research Labs

Informants tend to provide discrepant ratings of child behavior, which can complicate the process of assessing behavior problems in children. The limited research on child self-report of behavior suggests that children may be better informants than parents or teachers in regard to internalizing symptoms.  This project aims to enhance our understanding of the utility and limitations of child self-report in assessment for ADHD by identifying factors that contribute to discrepancy in parent-child report of symptoms. 

Better understanding of factors that contribute to impairment among children with ADHD, such as emotional dysregulation, may result in more effective assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD and comorbid diagnoses. Recent studies in the lab have explored parenting emotional regulation (i.e., ability to regulate one’s emotions in the context of parenting), parent orientation to child emotions, parenting style, and child behavior (internalizing/externalizing behavior).

A few different projects in the lab focus on maternal self-report of ADHD and other diagnoses and potential influence on perceptions of child behavior and parenting.  One study specifically looks at maternal mental health, positive and negative parenting practices, and child externalizing behavior.  A second study, still in development, will explore maternal mental health, attributions of child behavior, and help seeking interest (interest in seeking child and/or family focused services).

We are currently examining ethical violations committed by psychologists that have resulted in disciplinary actions. We are particularly interested in learning about the types of violations related to correctional and forensic work.

We have recently completed a project on the use of bibliotherapy for the treatment of anxiety and depression in female offenders. Bibliotherapy involves reading self-help materials for therapeutic benefit, and it is a cost-effective treatment that requires minimal contact with a mental health professional. We found that symptoms of depression and anxiety were both significantly reduced after women read a workbook focused on ACT principles of mindfulness. We intend to continue exploring treatment needs of incarcerated women.

Suicide rates in correctional populations and correctional officers are high. Using suicide theories that examine the progression of ideation to suicidal behavior, our lab will investigate factors associated with increased suicidality in correctional officers and incarcerated individuals.

 We've built the largest taxonomy of the behaviors women perform to defend themselves against an impending, ongoing, or completed sexual assault — including over 35 behavioral strategies.

We're examining how both men's and women's fear of specific crimes are likely influenced by the relationship between oneself and the perpetrator.

This project examines the cultural similarities and differences in moral judgments about sexual behaviors across 20 countries.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how different parts of the brain contribute to learning and cognition in young and older adults. We will study behavior related to cognition (working memory, inhibition, set shifting, etc.) using a variety of different tasks and techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether cognitive ability (working memory) might influence how well remediation techniques (transcranial direct current stimulation) work on young adults with anxiety. We will study behavior related to cognition and anxiety using different behavioral tasks, surveys, and non-invasive stimulation techniques.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how differences in higher order cognition relate to levels of death anxiety in young and older adults. We will study behavior related to cognition and death anxiety using different behavioral tasks and surveys.

This study explores how metacognition relates to self and interpersonal difficulties in personality disorders, with the goal of better understanding how people make sense of themselves and others.

This project investigates how different mental health symptoms evoke varying levels of stigma in society, highlighting how public perceptions can shape opportunities for recovery and inclusion in serious mental illness. 

This laboratory study examined the effect of territorial displays on perceptions of other people. Data entry is underway.

This project explores the power of mountains to serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for some people. Data collection is underway.

Matt Johnson's master's project involves coding online singles ads for heterosexuals, homosexuals, and trans individuals to explore differences in mating preferences of these groups. Data coding is under way.

Tyler Good's master's project involves examining gender-related perceptions of people based on the type of vehicle they drive. Data collection is under way.

Paige Bedore's dissertation will explore how parasocial relationships are similar vs different from ordinary social relationships. A research proposal is being developed.

Karina Koo is exploring the role of different orientations toward causality in romantic relationships. Data collection is about to begin.

Hunter Krampe's dissertation explored the basis of negative perceptions of relationships formed when partners are on the "rebound." A defense will be scheduled soon.

Michael Bailey's master's project explored the role of the physical environment of home study spaces on students' success in online classes. A manuscript is under review.