Research
Research conducted in the STRESS Lab aims to explain why individuals with a history of traumatic exposure are more likely to experience substance-related harm. We use this knowledge to develop and evaluate culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches for substance-related harm.
Transdiagnostic Mechanisms Underlying Co-morbid PTSD-SUD
Much of the work in the STRESS Lab focuses on the role of emotion dysregulation in the relation between PTSD and SUD. Our findings suggest that trauma-exposed individuals with PTSD are more likely to experience substance-related harm because they have difficulties regulating their emotions. Our recent studies suggest that these difficulties may be experienced in the context of both negative and positive emotions. For instance, trauma-exposed individuals who experience PTSD symptoms report that they are nonaccepting of both negative and positive emotions, judging both to be unpredictable and threatening, and that, in turn, they use substances to dampen these emotions. Work is underway to further explore the role of emotion dysregulation stemming from both negative and positive emotions in co-occurring PTSD-SUD.
Traumatic Experiences Among Systemically Excluded and Marginalized Groups
Research in the STRESS Lab aims to better understand traumatic experiences among systemically excluded and marginalized groups. Our research investigates traumatic stressors unique to systemically excluded and marginalized groups, such as historical trauma and racial microaggressions. Further, we investigate cultural characteristics (e.g., acculturation, racial-ethnic identity) that may influence post-trauma outcomes (e.g., SUD) among these populations.
Culturally Responsive Interventions for Co-morbid PTSD-SUD
Research in the STRESS Lab aims to develop, implement, and evaluate culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches for reducing substance-related harm. For instance, Native HEALTH is a collaborative partnership with one First Nations community to develop from the ground-up and evaluate through randomized controlled trial a culturally-grounded alcohol intervention that targets historical trauma.
Learn more about our current projects and publications.