Ongoing Research

Department of Corrections (DOC) and 1 Year Follow-up

This study is an evaluation of a group treatment for female inmates that is focused on women, substance abuse, and trauma. Assessments will be administered one week pre and post treatment. Interviews will also be conducted with each participant in an effort to explore the temporal relationship between trauma, substance use, and criminal behavior.

Domestic Violence Intervention Services/ Call Rape (DVIS)

This study is examining readiness to change, emotional intelligence and PTSD symptoms as potential predictors of treatment outcome for perpetrators of domestic violence. The sample consists of offenders attending a 52-week court-mandated treatment program at Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS). This project also includes a follow-up study looking at recidivism rates in participants after completion of the program.

Efficacy of a Brief Treatment for Nightmares for Children

This study will be a pilot study investigating the efficacy of a brief CBT treatment for trauma-related nightmares in children.

Impact of Mass Disaster News Coverage on Adults

This meta-analysis project seeks to gather and analyze literature about clinical interventions for PTSD and other mental health outcomes in children exposed to disaster and/or terrorism.

Intervention Outcomes Among Child Disaster Survivors: A Meta-Analysis

A critical review of the current base of research examining the effects of trauma-related news media on adults.

Lethality Assessment from Victim Statements

This study aims to develop a coding system based on the dangerousness assessment in attempt to discriminate between DV victim impact statements by women who were later killed by the perpetrator and women who are still living.

Nightmare Themes Study

The Nightmare Themes study is part of a larger study evaluating the efficacy of treatments for trauma-related nightmares. This study utilizes transcriptions of nightmares from participants in a clinical sample of chronic nightmare sufferers and will look at themes within the narratives using qualitative methods.

Oklahoma Community Readiness Training for Military Trauma: Wounded Warriors

A learning community initiative intended to increase the Tulsa community's knowledge of military culture and to facilitate rapid delivery and sustained use of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in mental health agencies.

Paw Pals/SANE Study

This study investigates the physiological benefits for children (age 6-17) who interact with a therapy dog after an exam by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).   Participants are randomly assigned to one of three conditions: therapy dog, placebo life-like toy dog, and treatment as usual.  Dependent variables are: Heart rate, blood pressure, salivary cortisol, and are taken at three time points. This study is currently taking place at Hillcrest Medical Hospital in partnership with Kathy Bell and the Tulsa Police Department’s SANE program.  We are also partnering with the non-profit organization Paw Pals.

Reducing Incarceration of Substance-Abusing Women (WIR)

This project aims to design a meaningful program evaluation for Women in Recovery, a collaborative substance abuse treatment with a trauma component as an alternative to prison sentence.

Student Health, Athletic Performance, and Education (SHAPE)

The purpose of this study is to assess the mental health profile of TU student athletes and examine the impact of mental health indicators on various indices of functioning. Additionally, the SHAPE project explores what support services are currently available for student athletes and if there are any barriers to receiving these services.

Young Child Trauma

This study will examine social and emotional development and behavioral problems in children ages 1-5 that have been exposed to trauma. Additionally, this study will examine the quality of interactions between parents and young trauma exposed children.