Identity & Social Movements
This program of research examines the relationship between identity and engagement in national social movements that focus on race, ethnicity, discrimination, and/or segregation. Using a sample of adults from the greater Portland metro area and an interdisciplinary mixed-methods approach, we examine the dynamic process of navigating racial identity within the context of national BLM and Stop AAPI Hate social movements.
The Social Impact of Appearance & Identity
[Description is forthcoming!]
Face Concern & Self-Disclosure
Face concern is a very salient interpersonal dynamic in many Asian cultures. Studies have shown that individuals from Asian backgrounds tend to have high concern about face loss and self-disclosure, especially during interpersonal interactions. This tendency can influence psychotherapy processes and effectiveness for Asian American clients because concerns about losing face may inhibit Asian American clients from fully self-disclosing to a therapist. The study has important clinical implications as clients who are less willing to self-disclose may not view psychotherapy to be a socially valid treatment for their personal problems.
Loosen UP
- The goal of Loosen UP is to create opportunities for the University of Portland (UP) community to slow down and restore their minds, spirits, and bodies in our fast-paced world. During the 2021-2022 academic year, the interdisciplinary team of UP students and faculty will offer regular gatherings featuring live music, poetry, images from the Saint John’s Bible, and time for reflection to students, faculty, staff, and the wider off-campus community. By engaging with a diverse group of community members, Loosen UP will provide new insights into the ways mindful breathing and aesthetic reflection can positively influence overall health and well-being.
- Other Faculty Members on the Interdisciplinary Team
- Rebekah Hanson | Performing & Fine Arts (PFA)
- Susan McDaniel | Performing & Fine Arts (PFA)
Learn more about the Public Research Fellows program on the UP PRF Website
RISE-UPPP: Program Evaluation
The RISE-UPPP project is a program evaluation of the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA)’s Graduate Student Leadership Institute (GLI) leadership pipeline program. The biennial AAPA GLI began in 2017 in recognition that the most vulnerable and isolated Asian American and Pacific Islander American (AAPI) students within AAPA may not graduate from their programs without additional supports and opportunities to engage in work they find meaningful outside of their home graduate programs. The biennial institute is an intentional effort to bring these individuals together for a 2-day intensive leadership building experience in order to facilitate networking and bonding that will hopefully allow students to continue to work together and support one another. The program seeks to link isolated individuals with current mentors and leaders within AAPA to further enhance student’s opportunities of learning about AAPA leadership and demystifying the leadership pipeline.
CA Reducing Health Disparities Project – Phase 2 API Evaluation
The California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP), Phase I, was developed in response to well-documented disparities that exist in mental health care for diverse populations, especially as they relate to access, availability, quality, and outcomes of care. CRDP Phase II focuses on strengthening and demonstrating the effectiveness of population-specific interventions and developing and reinforcing infrastructure to effectively deliver mental health services to impacted populations. The central component of CRDP Phase II are the Implementation Pilot Projects (IPP) representing 5 priority populations (African American, Asian and Pacific Islander, Latino, Native American and LGBTQ communities). Thirty-five groups will implement Community-Defined Evidence Practices (CDEP) that provide culturally competent prevention and early intervention services to members of a CRDP target population. Five population-specific Technical Assistance (TA) Providers work with IPP to develop their administrative, programmatic and evaluation capacities. The statewide evaluation draws on the expertise of The Alliance—the partnership among the ethnic-specific psychological associations (e.g., AAPA, ABPsi, NLPA), The Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, and the APA Division 44 focused on LGBTQ issues.