Raluca Simons, PhD
Lab and DMHI Director, Professor

Dr. Raluca Simons' research interests include (1) risk and resiliency factors among OEF/OIF veterans (particularly the mediating and moderating mechanisms explaining the co-occurrence of PTSD and substance use), (2) the effects of childhood maltreatment on emotional dysregulation, substance use, and adult interpersonal functioning, (3) military sexual trauma (MST), (4) personality disorders and substance use, (5) disasters and human resilience (6) the role of sleep disturbances in PTSD and substance use (7) neuro-imagining aspects of PTSD, (8) pathological gambling. 

Jeffrey Simons, PhD
Professor and Lab Director

My research focuses primarily on substance use behavior. This is an interesting area to study self-regulation because it is a risk behavior with strong compelling (e.g., positive drug effects) and inhibiting (e.g., negative consequences) factors. In respect to self-regulation processes, I focus primarily on the role of affect, self-control, and personal goals. Much of my research examines factors that differentiate problematic from non-problematic use. In addition to my research in substance use, I am also interested in individual difference constructs such as affect lability and distress tolerance and have worked to develop and validate questionnaires that measure these dimensions. Finally, I have an interest in applied statistics and research methods. My research incorporates structural equation modeling, multi-level modeling, generalized linear models, and other techniques that are useful in understanding risk behavior. I have conducted experience sampling research using palmtop computers to further examine within-person associations with alcohol-related problems measured in situ. 

Alumni: Dr. Raluca Simons

Alumni: Dr. Jeffrey Simons