The Minority Stress & Trauma (MST) Lab, directed by Dr. Jillian R. Scheer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Rhode Island, conducts mixed-methods research to improve the health and wellbeing of underserved and underrepresented sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations who experience marginalization across multiple minoritized identities. The MST lab is currently funded by the National Institutes of Health, the William T. Grant Foundation, and the VA Center for Integrated Healthcare Research.
MST lab research focuses on understanding biopsychosocial determinants (e.g., trauma exposure, stigma-related stressors, physiological stress reactivity) of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders among SGM people. The MST lab also examines multilevel factors influencing help-seeking and linkage-to-care and develops scalable in-person, telehealth, and digital health interventions tailored to trauma-exposed SGM people.
The MST lab employs diverse and rigorous methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, laboratory experiments, traditional and intensive longitudinal methods, observational studies, qualitative research, and community-based participatory approaches with diverse SGM subgroups (e.g., transgender and gender-diverse people, SGM people of color, aging sexual minority women, SGM people living in low-resource settings).
Data collection methods utilized in the MST lab encompass self-report assessments, focus groups and interviews, computational text analysis, behavioral observation coding, chart reviews, and clinician-administered tools. The lab also uses objective stress reactivity measures (e.g., salivary cortisol, heart rate, skin conductance) to assess responses to trauma cues and stigma-related stressors, such as cissexism, heterosexism, racism, and sexism.
If you are interested in learning more about this work or joining the MST lab research team, please contact jillian.scheer@uri.edu or mstlab-group@uri.edu.
Mission Statement
The Minority Stress & Trauma (MST) Lab is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and supportive research and training environment that is firmly rooted in anti-racism and social justice. We recognize that diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice are not just aspirational goals but essential foundations for conducting meaningful, rigorous, and impactful research. Our work centers on understanding and addressing health disparities and amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities with a focus on sexual and gender minority individuals who experience trauma and stigma based on multiple minoritized identities. We also aim to advance knowledge that contributes to health promotion, fosters resilience, and drives systemic change.
Our Core Commitments
Integrating Intersectionality & Inclusion Across All Domains
Diversity and inclusion are central to our research, clinical work, teaching, mentoring, and scholarship. We actively work to create an environment where individuals of all backgrounds—particularly those who hold minoritized and historically marginalized identities—are valued, respected, and empowered.
Upholding Feminist, Anti-Racist, and Trauma-Informed Principles
We embed feminist, anti-racist, and trauma-informed frameworks into our scientific inquiry and mentorship practices. These principles guide how we design our studies, interpret findings, and disseminate knowledge, ensuring that our work is responsive to the needs of marginalized and trauma-exposed communities.
Dismantling Oppressive Systems & Addressing Bias
Our lab is dedicated to critically examining and challenging oppressive structures in academia, healthcare, and society. We actively engage in self-education and encourage difficult conversations about biases, privilege, and systemic inequities. By questioning the status quo, we seek to foster an equitable and inclusive research environment.
Commitment to Recruitment & Retention of Underrepresented Scholars
We strive to recruit, support, and retain students, trainees, and collaborators from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, as well as individuals with other historically minoritized identities and lived experiences. Our goal is to provide equitable opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and leadership in the field.
Building and Sustaining Collaborative Partnerships
Our impact extends beyond the lab through collaborations with interdisciplinary scientists, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and advisory boards. We prioritize community-engaged research and value partnerships that integrate lived experience into the scientific process.