Research Interest Groups (RIGs)

Sexual violence/exploitation and intimate partner violence RIG

This research interest group focuses on research related to preventing, treating, and understanding the impact of sexual and intimate partner violence. Potential topic areas within this RIG include research on the development and implementation of sexual violence/IPV prevention programs, novel approaches to treating the varying and often complex sequelae of sexual violence/IPV, and theoretical models of sexual violence/IPV perpetration and victimization recovery and resilience. This RIG provides a forum for students and researchers to receive feedback on work in progress, discuss and develop new models of prevention and treatment, as well as discuss/refine theories related to perpetration behaviors and recovery/resilience following victimization, identify and discuss funding opportunities, and form collaborative and supportive relationships with other Institute-affiliated students and researchers with similar interests.

Leader/contact: Heather Littleton (hillres@uccs.edu)
 

Social / Cognitive Research Processes in Trauma Resilience/Recovery RIG

The social/cognitive research processes in trauma resilience/recovery research interest group (RIG) focuses on the role of multiple intrapersonal and interpersonal factors and processes and their relationship to trauma-related outcomes. In particular, this RIG focuses on how social and cognitive processes can facilitate or impede the development of resilient responses to trauma and/or affect trauma recovery. Potential topic areas within this RIG include research on trauma coping appraisals and processes, social support and community resources, trauma appraisals and schemas, and meaning-making processes. This RIG provides a forum for students and researchers to receive feedback on work in progress, discuss and develop new theoretical perspectives, identify and discuss funding opportunities, and form collaborative relationships with other Institute-affiliated students and researchers with similar interests.

Leaders/contact: Thomas Pysczynski; Heather Littleton (hillres@uccs.edu)

Technological Innovation: Delivering Trauma Prevention/Interventions

This research interest group focuses on research that seeks to leverage various technologies to deliver efficacious and effective trauma prevention and intervention programming as well as to promote resilience/recovery. We will discuss trauma prevention and intervention programming delivered via a variety of technologies including interventions delivered via synchronous and asynchronous online programs, the use of mobile apps as standalone or adjunctive prevention/intervention tools, and the utilization of various technologies (e.g., wearable devices, EMA apps) into trauma and resilience related research including trauma prevention and intervention programs. This RIG provides a forum for students and researchers to receive feedback on work in progress, discuss and develop new intervention/prevention programs, identify and discuss funding opportunities, and form collaborative relationships with other Institute-affiliated students and researchers with similar interests.

Leaders/Contact: Joe Ruzek; Carrie Yeager; Heather Littleton (hillres@uccs.edu)
 

Clinical Research: Resilience Interventions, Prevention, and Evidenced-Based Assessment

This research interest group is dedicated to the development of research projects that assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at building resilience and healing from trauma. Interventions can be at the prevention level, at the acute stage in the early aftermath of a trauma, or at the chronic stage to treat PTSD and other trauma-related psychopathology (e.g., substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders). This group is at the intersection of the Healing and Research divisions and will involve testing the effectiveness of our innovative healing models of care. In addition, we strive to create evidence-based assessment practices in which assessment informs the selection and delivery of intervention practices and drives intervention modifications. Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are part of any clinical research approach, group members are encouraged to think beyond those traditional models to infuse science in the day-to-day healing initiatives in the Institute. Discussions will focus on prioritizing intervention interests from team members, identifying relevant funding opportunities, forming cross-site collaborations with other Institute affiliates with similar interests, and receiving consultation from prolific late-career researchers.

Leader/contact: Colin Mahoney (cmahoney@uccs.edu)

 

Currently, scheduled Institute events and RIGs can be seen below.