Research

The Minority Stress & Trauma (MST) Lab at the University of Rhode Island is currently recruiting participants for two paid research studies focused on improving mental health care for LGBTQ+ communities.

Our studies center LGBTQ+ people’s lived experiences, including trauma, stress, coping, alcohol use, and mental health. All projects are approved by the University of Rhode Island Institutional Review Board.

You may be eligible for one or more of the studies below.

Project RISE – Provider Study

For mental and behavioral health providers who work with LGBTQ+ clients

We are recruiting licensed and trainee providers to help us understand how mental health care can better support LGBTQ+ clients.

What’s involved:

  • Brief eligibility screener
  • Short Zoom assessment
  • Online survey
  • 60–90 minute Zoom interview

Time commitment: ~2 hours total
Compensation: Up to $50 in gift cards

Provider eligibility screener:
https://redcap.uri.edu/surveys/?s=ARFAYLH9DHRMPDET

Project RISE – Community Member Study

For LGBTQ+ community members with experiences of trauma and/or alcohol use

We are recruiting LGBTQ+ adults to share their perspectives on trauma, stress, coping, and mental health care, to help us adapt treatments to better fit LGBTQ+ communities.

What’s involved:

  • Brief eligibility screener
  • Short Zoom assessment
  • Online survey
  • 60–90 minute Zoom interview or focus group

Time commitment: ~2 hours total
Compensation: Up to $50 in gift cards

Community eligibility screener:
https://redcap.uri.edu/surveys/?s=4A8NXN3W997F8CPK

Project DAWN

For LGBTQ+ adults interested in a longer research study including surveys and a lab visit

Project DAWN examines how trauma, stress, and coping show up in daily life and in the body. This study includes surveys, Zoom visits, and an in-person lab session at our Providence, RI location.

What’s involved:

  • Eligibility screener
  • Extended Zoom assessment
  • Online survey
  • In-person lab visit in Providence, RI
  • Brief daily surveys for 23 days

Time commitment: ~10–17 hours over 5–7 weeks
Compensation: Up to $235 in Amazon gift cards (with bonuses)

Project DAWN eligibility screener:
https://uri.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_abo3VlV0U75Rn4a

Why participate?

Your voice helps shape more supportive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive mental health tools for LGBTQ+ communities. Our goal is to use this research to improve access to care and develop interventions that reflect real needs and lived experiences.

Participation is voluntary, confidential, and you may stop at any time.

📧 Questions?

If you’re interested or want to learn more, please contact:

Minority Stress & Trauma Lab
📩 mstlab-group@uri.edu

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Jillian Scheer
📩 jillian.scheer@uri.edu