The QTPIE Lab
Queer and Trans Psychological Inclusion y Equidad
Logo created by our very own Avryel & Naira!
1.
Research Opportunities
The QTPIE Lab at CSU Northridge offers research opportunities dedicated to conducting LGBTQ-affirming and empowering psychological research for undergraduate and graduate-level students from CSU-Northridge.
2.
Mental Health Disparities
Using multicultural and intersectional lenses, the lab aims to understand mental health disparities among diverse LGBTQ+ communities.
3.
Affirming Interventions
The lab aims to design and implement affirming interventions and measures to foster resilience among intersectional LGBTQ+ individuals.
4.
Resilience Building
The lab is dedicated to fostering resilience among intersectional LGBTQ+ individuals through its research and interventions.
Research Opportunities
Bisexuality Needs Assessment
The QTPIE Lab has completed data collection for the Bisexuality Needs Assessment (BNA). The overall goal of the project is to assess and prioritize the specific strengths, needs, and challenges of bisexual people, as it relates to their mental health, as this population is heavily under-researched and understudied. Additionally, the goal of the assessment is to gain insights that can inform future research and development of future affirming support for diverse, bisexual individuals in need. Projects stemming from the BNA have been presented at APA, APS, & WPA this year.
Mental Health Disparities
Did you know...
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Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) individuals are more likely to experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidality, and other negative mental health outcomes compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts (American Psychological Association, 2017; Valdiserri et al., 2019).
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A specific mechanism by which these disparities are perpetuated is Internalized Stigma (IS) – a deleterious result of internalized negative attitudes about LGBTQ+ individuals maintained by pervasive heteronormative, transphobic ideals that then become applied to one’s own SGM identity (Herek et al., 2009; Szymanski et al., 2008; Paul et al., 2014).
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​In general, SGM individuals who report higher levels of internalized stigma are more likely to also endorse depression, anxiety, and suicidality (Meyer, 2003).
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LGB adults are three to six times more likely to exhibit suicide-related behaviors (i.e., thoughts, plans, attempts) compared to heterosexual adults (Ramchand et al., 2021).
Affirming Interventions
The Lab will be modernizing and updating the Reducing Internalized Stigma for Empowerment (RISE) interventions to better support LGBTQ+ individuals from all backgrounds with the goal of developing self-acceptance as well as community empowerment. These updated interventions aim to further the current iterations' cultural-inclusivity to ultimately be more effective at helping a wider range of the community, through the use of a diverse community advisory board. These updated interventions will utilize evidence-based practices to reduce internalized stigma against ones' own identity. More details and ways to get involved are yet to come as we prepare to refine the RISE modules.
Resilience Building
Our Lab is committed to fostering resilience in the community by developing tools to combat mental health disparities through further research, community outreach, and meaningful partnerships to create a healthier world for the queer community. These efforts are made to combat the mental health disparities that exist within the community and to foster resilience, strengthen individuals' well-being, and empower the community as a whole. Through education, we aim to develop effective coping mechanisms and promote a healthier emotional, physical, and social life for queer and trans communities. As we are developing increasingly more resources, our website's resource page will be updated to reflect the latest and most current resources from both the QTPIE Lab and other organizations.
Lab's Mission
The QTPIE Lab's mission is to center the experiences of diverse LGBTQ+ communities and conduct empowering psychological research to address mental health disparities and foster resilience.
Lab's Team
Meet the Principal Investigator and current research assistants dedicated to conducting LGBTQ-affirming research and creating a supportive environment for diverse LGBTQ+ individuals.
Need Support?
If you identify as LGBTQ+, click below to find support. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911.