Elin Ovrebo, Ph.D, Director

Our research focuses on improving and strengthening the lives of GLBT individuals through study of issues relevant to GLBT experience. Within a social justice framework, we explore GLBT health and wellness from both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. We are interested in factors of sexual minority stress (e.g., internalized heterosexism and stigma consciousness) and how GLBT individuals are resilient in their management of minority stress. GLBT individuals may find they are resilient when they have access to social or community support systems, and are supported in their self-disclosure of sexual orientation or gender identity.

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Research projects have focused on GLBT spirituality; GLBT youth and resiliency; same-sex couples and relationship factors; internalized heterosexism and mental health factors of Russian GLBT individuals; heterosexual attitudes toward GLBT individuals and coming out in therapy; and most recently, the psychological impact of anti-GLBT policies and amendments on the lives of GLBT individuals and their family members (in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Kentucky). We are now embarking on research on the role of sexual and racial minority stress on health behaviors of GLBT individuals (e.g., HIV/AIDS, alcohol and drug use), and how resiliency can reduce harmful health behaviors. In the past 6 years, more than 25 undergraduate and graduate students have participated in the team, resulting in more than 25 publications and 35 national presentations. In addition, students on the GLBT research team have been recipients of 5 national awards.

Current Members:

• Huan-Hsiang Ueng, M.S.
• Teresa Reeves, M.S.
• Linda Baggett, M.A.
• Meghan L. Geiss, M.S.
• Rebecca A. Aycock, M.Ed.
• Suzanne Hatchett, M.S.
• Bridget R. Dunnavant, M.S.
• R. John Sawyer, II, M.S.
• Bryon Pickens, M.S.
• Katherine Brown, B.A.
• Alison Hickman, M.A.
• Michael Green, M.S.
• Julia Puckett, M.S.
• Maria R. Ippolito, B.A.
• Martavius Hampton
• Ashlee N. Albart, B.S.

Additional information about our team.