TEAM LAB PROJECTS
DISRUPT MS
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The Disrupting Racism-related Stress in Multiple Sclerosis (DisruptMS) study aims to address the significant disparities in the MS disease course have been demonstrated in Black patients living with MS (plwMS). This project seeks to identify the pathway through which racism-related stress contributes to physiologic disease activity in Black plwMS and develop a corresponding and specific psychological intervention targeting these pathways.
Timeline: 2024 - 2027
Collaborating Institutions: Auburn University, University of Alabama -Birmingham, Emory Rollins School of Public Health
Funder: Bristol Meyers Squibb Foundation
PODIMS
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The Pathways of Disparities in Multiple Sclerosis (PoDiMS) study sought to understand how previous psychosocial experiences correlate with the mental and physical health of Black patients living with Multiple Sclerosis. The study served as a pilot program for the utilization of the 7T MRI in psychological study with Multiple Sclerosis.
Timeline: 2018 - 2019
Collaborating Institutions: Auburn University
Funder: Intramural Grants Program, Auburn University
SBW Schema
The Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema is a cultural expectation for Black women to consistently demonstrate strength, self-reliance, and emotional resilience, often while suppressing their own feelings and prioritizing the needs of others. This project aims to assess the impact of shame proneness and guilt proneness on the relationship between the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema and life satisfaction. The study seeks to analyze survey data using moderation analysis to determine whether the endorsement of the SBW schema results in higher levels of life satisfaction for Black women.
Timeline: 2021 - 2024
Collaborating Institutions: Auburn University
Funder: TEAM Lab
MACON LIVES HEALTHIER
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The Macon Lives Healthier (MLH) study sought to learn directly from residents in Macon County Alabama affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. MLH sought to understand the impact on psychosocial, psychological, and physical health.
Timeline: 2019 - 2021
Collaborating Institutions: Auburn University, Tulane University
Funder: Presidential Award for Interdisciplinary Research, Auburn University
COPING WITH VICARIOUS RACISM
Few studies have focused on the effects of online vicarious racism and its implications for the mental health of Black Americans. This project aims to establish a foundational framework for comprehending how students grapple with online racism and how psychologists can integrate contextually sensitive therapeutic techniques into their practice to address coping.
Timeline: 2022 - 2024
Collaborating Institutions: Auburn University
Funder: TEAM Lab
SIMMS / REACH
The Stress Indicators in Minorities with Multiple Sclerosis (SIMMS) study sought to understand the psychosocial stressors common in the lives of patients living with Multiple Sclerosis. Study findings were utilized to inform the Restoring Education & Awareness to Conquer Health (REACH) program - a community based program that traveled to areas in Alabama to offer mental and physical health screenings and resources to communities living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Timeline: 2017-2019
Collaborating Institutions: Auburn University, Alabama-Mississippi Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Funder: NAC Research & Outreach Grant