Ongoing Research
Broadly, I am interested in the psychology of sexual orientation and family life. How might experiences of family vary as a function of one's sexual orientation, and how might they be similar? How can psychologists contribute to understanding of these processes and help members of sexual minorities achieve the family relationships they want? Below, I describe some ongoing lines of research which address these goals.
Predictors of Parenthood
A series of studies to determine why lesbians and gay men, on average, are less likely than their heterosexual peers to express desires and intentions for parenthood and why heterosexual adults so often express them. Includes collaborations with Charlotte J. Patterson, PhD and Brian A. Nosek, PhD.
Community Climate
A series of studies to predict psychosocial outcomes from zip code- and state-level indices of social environments, or community climates, for members of sexual minorities. Includes collaborations with Mark L. Hatzenbuehler, PhD, Charlotte J. Patterson, PhD, Karen M. Schmidt, PhD, Samantha L. Tornello, MA, David J. Lick, Anne "Bayly" Buck, Meredith Halliwell, and Tasha Harris.
Adolescent Sexual Health
A series of studies of psychology and sexual health among adolescents who identify as lesbian, gay or transgender or who report same-sex attractions or sexual behaviors. Includes collaborations with Charlotte J. Patterson, PhD, Samantha L. Tornello, MA, Michelle Birkett, PhD, and The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health in Boston.
Implicit Attitudes
A series of studies of implicit and explicit attitudes towards lesbian and gay people, including internalized stigma among lesbian and gay adults. Includes collaborations with Brian A. Nosek, PhD and Charlotte J. Patterson, PhD.