ACTIVE STUDIES IN THE GBV LAB

NOW RECRUITING:

Promoting Trauma Recovery for Trans and Gender Diverse Survivors

This study examines how discrimination and stress block pathways to healing for transgender and gender diverse survivors. Transgender and gender diverse folks between the ages of 21-65 who have recently experienced a traumatic life event are eligible to participate. Participation involves the completion of four, 3-hour Zoom interview appointments over 12 months. Each appointment will involve:

  • Completing an interview

  • Providing saliva samples during each appointment

  • Completing questionnaires during each appointment

  • For 14 days after each appointment, you will receive a link each day to complete a brief survey.

Eligible persons can earn up to $360 for their participation.

To see if you are eligible and enroll in the study, CLICK HERE.

NOW RECRUITING:

Understanding the Impact of Stigma, PTSD, and Substance Use on the Daily Lives of Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals 

This study examines how stigma and minority stress impact the mental health and substance use behaviors of transgender and non-binary people to inform the development of more effective, culturally responsive PTSD-SUD treatments for this community. Transgender and non-binary adults who have experienced a traumatic life event and currently use nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, and/or other drugs are eligible to participate. Participation involves the completion of one, 3-hour in-person laboratory session followed by a 14-day period of answering brief surveys on your personal smartphone or tablet. The in-person laboratory session will involve:

·      Completing an interview

·      Providing saliva samples

·      Completing self-report questionnaires

·      Downloading a mobile app to your personal smartphone or tablet

·      Completing a brief training on how to use the app to respond to surveys from your phone

Eligible participants can earn up to $251 for their participation.

 To see if you are eligible and enroll in the study, CLICK HERE.

NOW RECRUITING:

Community Pathways to Gender Affirmation Project 

The Community Pathways to Gender Affirmation Project hopes to gather knowledge to build trans and nonbinary community support for navigating gender-affirming care (GAC) and transition. Trans and nonbinary adults living in the NYC area can earn $75 to complete surveys and attend a 2.5-hour research event created by and for trans and nonbinary people on 8/10. Attendees will engage in group discussion and note taking about different areas of GAC/transition, and receive free lunch. 

Facilitating Access to Care through Engagement with Social Support (FACES) Study

In collaboration with Elijah Castle, Dr. Bryan A. Kutner, and the Brooklyn Ghost Project

This study, funded by a catalytic pilot award from the Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY Center for AIDS Research (ERC-CFAR), aims to address co-occurring HIV risk and mental health challenges among transgender women by integrating group-based behavioral activation and exposure therapy for anxiety and depression with a brief HIV prevention intervention. The project is designed to be community-based and culturally sensitive to the needs of transgender women at the highest risk for HIV.

We are assembling a panel of experts, including mental health professionals and transgender women, to adapt evidence-based procedures for delivery in a community setting. The expert panel will provide feedback on current interventions to ensure they are appropriate for the transgender and non-binary (TNB) population. Feedback from expert interviews will inform the development of the treatment manual, which will be refined iteratively. 

Study Details:

  • Phase 1: Developing a culturally-attuned intervention manual

    • Participants include:

      • Mental health professionals who use cognitive behavioral therapy to treat depression/anxiety and/or improve HIV treatment adherence.

      • Mental health professionals who develop and use psychotherapy for transgender individuals.

      • Transgender women.

    • This study phase is currently in progress

  • Phase 2: Implement group-based behavior activation/exposure therapy for trans women 

    • Participants include

      • Community-based facilitators

      • Trans women living under conditions of HIV risk with anxiety and/or depression

    • Enrollment for the study phase projected to open in Spring 2025