Currently I am invovled in several different studies within a larger program of research focused on two broad, but related, areas: cognitive vulnerabilities and protective factors in suicide. You can learn more about the studies in which I'm currently involved by clicking the "current studies" button above. You can learn more about my research on Protective Facotors in Sucide by clicking the "suicide" link above. Finally, you can learn more about my general program of research by continuing to read below:
My research will attempt to answer the following questions:
- Several excellent theories of sucide risk factors currently exist (such as Alloy's, Beck's, or Joiner's), however, many people possessing the risk factor do not ultimately attempt or even think about suicide. What protective factors might exist to explain why some people even in the presence of a risk factor still do not attempt or consider suicide?
- Certain styles of thinking (called the looming maladaptive style and hopelessness style) cause people to be more likely to develop mood disorders (anxiety and depression, specifically); how do these styles interact to confer additional risk when combined?
- How does the Looming Maladaptive Style interact with other known vulnerabilities such as the hopelessness style, anxiety sensitivity, and certain life events to predict risk to anxiety disorders?
- How do certain cognitive vulnerabilities confer risk for, or protection from, suicide?