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Health Psychology Research Laboratory


The Health Psychology Research Lab is directed by Dr. Susan Walch. The lab focuses on conducting research examining biopsychosocial factors related to health and illness using a variety of research methods ranging from cross-sectional and longitudinal correlational research studies to experimental and quasi-experimental research investigations. Recent lab studies have examined the impact of discrimination on the physical and mental health of sexual and gender minorities, factors predicting homophobia and transphobia, HIV prevention and care needs, negative affective states and sexual risk taking behavior, and the role of mindfulness in depressive symptoms and suicidality, among others. Undergraduate and graduate student volunteer research assistants often work on a variety of projects at different phases of the research process to gain experience across research topic areas, methods, stages, and processes. Lab research project have resulted in numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and paper, panel, and poster presentations at national, regional, and local conferences.

The Health Psychology Research Laboratory is located in Building 41, Room 112.

Current Research Projects

Red Ribbon Assessment of HIV Prevention in NW Florida

Further information coming soon

Tracking Post-Deployment Health Reassessment Screening and Referral Processes

Further information coming soon

Health Psychology Research Lab References - Past Research

Publications

Walch, S. E., Orlosky, P. M., Sinkkanen, K. A., & Stevens, H. R. (2010). Demographic and social factors associated with homophobia and fear of AIDS in a community sample. Journal of Homosexuality, 57, 310-324.

Walch, S. E., Sinkkanen, K. A., Swain, E. M., Francisco, J., Breaux, C., & Sjoberg, M. D. (2010). Using intergroup contact theory to reduce stigma against transgender individuals: Impact of a transgender speaker panel presentation. (In press)

Paper Presentations

Walch, S. E., Ngamake, S. T., Raveepatarakul, J. (2012, February). Validation of the Coping with Discrimination Scale in sexual minorities. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA. (*one of five finalists for the Outstanding Professional Paper Award)

Parenteau, S. C., Goodson, J. A., Ngamake, S. T., Palmer, D. A., & Walch, S. E. (2012, February). Religious coping, gender role orientation, and LGBTQ psychological adjustment. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA.

Bovornusvakool, W., Walch, S. E., Ariyabuddhiphongs, K., & Bowen, A. G. (2011).Workplace disclosure of sexual orientation: Discrimination, gender, and income.Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Jacksonville, FL. (*awarded second place overall Student Research Award for Research on Minorities or Women by the Committee on Equality in Professional Opportunities.)

Parenteau, S. C., Carr, R. A., Goodson, J. A., Walker, S. V., Palmer, D. A., & Walch, S. E. (2011, March). Religious affiliation, internalized homophobia, and social support in LGBTQ adults. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Jacksonville, FL.

Symposium Presentations

Walch, S. E. Mathews, S., Hughes-Harrell, M., Swain, E., Francisco, J., Stitt, R., Drake, L., Walker, S., & Sinkkanen, K. (2009, March). Cross-cultural health research in Estonia and the United States. Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA.

Poster Presentations

Raveepatarakul, J., Ngamake, S., & Walch, S. (2012, February). Roles of coping on the relationship between discrimination and distress. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA.

Lyons, S., Thomas, C., Howland, T., Mestre, M., Ross, J., Turner, J., & Walch, S. (2012, February). Disclosure, social support, and GLB life satisfaction. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA.

Ngamake, S., Walch, S., & Raveepatarakul, J. (2011, March). Validation of the attitudes toward transgendered individuals scale in Thailand. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Jacksonville, FL.

Thomas, C., Howland, T., Albesa, J., Lyons, S., Kane, S., & Walch, S. (2011, March). Relationships among sexual orientation, internalized homophobia, disclosure, and distress. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Jacksonville, FL.

Ngamake, S., Wolfe, E., Rudd, T., Rotunda, R., Glass, W., & Walch, S. (2011, March). Moderating effects of exercise on depression among adult sexual minorities. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Jacksonville, FL.

Bovornusvakool, W., Ngamake, S., Bowen, A., McMillan, M., Lane, M., Thomas, C., & Walch, S. (2010, March). Importance of issues and candidate characteristics in the presidential election. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Chattanooga, TN.

Walker, S., Johnson, N., Fischer, C., Robinson, B., Wolfe, E., Gillespie, K., & Walch, S.E. (2010, March). Political knowledge and political media use among college students. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Chattanooga, TN.

Sinkkanen, K. A., Walch, S. E., Swain, E. M., Francisco, J., Priser, C. A., Kirby, C., & Walls, E. R. (2008, November). Impact of a live transgender panel presentation on attitudes toward transgender individuals. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Orlando, FL.

Orlosky, P. M., Fucile, N. E., Sinkkanen, K. A., Rhoden, H. N., & Walch, S. E. (2007, February). Community attitudes toward HIV/AIDS and homosexuality. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA.

Vincent, W., Walch, S. E., Orlosky, P., Yelverton, N., & Vollmer, T. (2006, March). Psychometric properties of the Perceived Barriers to Support Groups Scale. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.

Vincent, W., Fucile, N., Holway, M., Walch, S. E., & Hasting, J. (2006, March). Correlates of Psychosocial Distress Among People Living with HIV/AIDS. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.

Walch, S. E., Balderston, N., George, W., Mickles, E., Jordan, K., & Walker, V. (2006, March). Positive living and quality of life: A program evaluation. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.

Bourne, W. E., Vincent, W., Walch, S. E., & Auerbach, D. (2006, March). Measurement of HIV treatment adherence: Examination of two standardized measures. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.

Kovacs, S. A., Rittenhouse, J. E., Sidney, M., Russell, J., Walch, S. E., & Hartz, M. J. (2005, April). HIV/STD risk behavior among incarcerated adolescents. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Nashville, TN.

Mir, M., Bourne, W. E., Roetzer, L. M., Hinrichs, L., Walch, S. E., Shavandina, A. V., & Vincent, W. (2005, April). Treatment adherence among persons with HIV/AIDS. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Nashville, TN.

Walch, S. E., Orlosky, P. M., Jones, J. A., Mir, M., Durso, B. S., & Briggs, J. M. (2005, April). Negative affective states, substance use, and risky sexual behavior. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Nashville, TN.

Walch, S. E., Orlosky, P. M., & Jones, J. A. (2005, March). Negative affective states, substance use, and risky sexual behavior. Poster presented at the 15th annual meeting of the International Art and Science of Health Promotion, San Francisco, CA.