Lab Members
Lab Director
Zachary Soulliard
My research broadly focuses on stigma and health disparities affecting those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any minoritized sexual and/or gender identity (LGBTQ+), with a specific focus on body image concerns, positive body image, and eating behaviors. A central aim of my research is to expand our understanding as to why rates of body image concerns and eating pathology are elevated among LGBTQ+ people. To that end, I employ quantitative and qualitative approaches, as well as rely upon well-established theories (e.g., minority stress) to inform my research. My current research is testing more recent theories (e.g., intraminority gay community stress theory) as frameworks to more fully understand the body image experiences of sexual minority men.
An additional line of my research is dedicated to testing and implementing evidence-based mental health treatments adapted for LGBTQ+ clients, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions. LGBTQ+ people have historically lacked access to evidence-based mental health therapy that addresses the unique needs and strengths of the LGBTQ+ community. As such, my research has examined both facilitators and barriers to training future clinicians in LGBTQ-affirmative care. I have also co-led a nationwide training study among mental health providers at LGBTQ+ community centers to assess the efficacy of an online LGBTQ-affirmative CBT training. My current research is utilizing theories from implementation science to examine ways to effectively implement evidence-based, LGBTQ-affirmative CBT in different mental health settings.
Current Graduate Students
Isabella Tomei
My research interests broadly pertain to how racial and ethnic identity shapes mental health within the realms of culture and community. More specifically, I aim to research the psychological well-being, internalized perceptions, and intersectionality of Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African (MENA) individuals in domestic and international settings. I am also interested in understanding intergenerational trauma, resilience, and coping mechanisms in such communities. Clinically, I aspire to provide culturally sensitive and accessible treatment that will adequately serve historically underserved populations.