Current Projects 

Weight-related vigilance as a chronic stressor 

This is an NSF-funded multi-method set of studies that examines whether weight-based vigilance (being on the lookout for weight-based threats and modifying behavior to avoid them) is related to physiological stress and maladaptive health behaviors.  In three experiments, we causally test whether vigilance induces changes in physiological markers of stress, eating behavior, and perceptions of exercise.  In an EMA study we examine the impact of vigilance on eating behavior over the course of two weeks to examine whether vigilance initially induces dietary restriction followed by compensatory overrating. Finally, in a longitudinal study, we examine how changes in body weight, health behaviors, and weight-based vigilance impact one another over two years. These studies will take priority in the lab over the next several years as they are NSF-funded. Prospective students would receive a graduate assistantship on this project.

  Perceptions of  Weight Regain & Obesity Treatments (GLP-1s, bariatrci surgery, diet/ exercise)

This experimental study examines knowledge about dieting and weight regain as well as how weight regain is perceived based on the initial method of weight loss (e.g., GLP-1 use, bariatric surgery, diet and exercise).  We examine how weight regain is related to lay beliefs about weight and antifat attitudes.  We are currently investigating how perceptions of weight loss and regain might change over time as a function of one's chosen weight maintenace strategy. 

Stigma & Chronic Health Conditions 

This set of studies examines interpersonal experiences of individuals with chronic health conditions involving the autoimmune system.  We are currently recruiting patients with PMOS (formerly PCOS) and POTS to examine weight-stigma, chronic illness stigma, person perception, and health behaviors. 

        Lay Beliefs about Weight Controllability 

This set of studies examines participant perceptions of weight controllability and whether lay beliefs can be nudged as a stigma reduction strategy. We are examining how active and passive learning strategies about treatments for obesity and cardiovascular disease might impact lay beleifs about weight controllability, empathy for individuals with high body weight, and person perception.

Stress, Stigma, the Gut-Brain Axis, and Effectiveness of GLP-1s

We are currently seeking collaborators with federally funded research experience with orexin, ghrelin, leptin, and GLP-1s.  Dr. H plans to collect pilot data on stress and stigma as they impact hunger and satiety hormones as well as food cognitions (i.e., food noise).

Current Projects

Masculinity and injury reporting among athletes as a function of gender

This project examines how often student and professional athletes accumulate injuries and play through potential injuries as a function of masculinity and contingencies of self-worth related to gender.  

Stress, Masculinity, Body image and weight stigma in men

Thia was Brandon Martin's master's thesis. This mixed-methods multi-study project combines qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative data (descriptive survey, experimental manipulation) to examine the experience and physiological effects of weight stigma  in men. These data collections are complete and mauscripts are in preparation. There is additional data prospective students could examine in this project. 

Men's Body Image, Muscularity, Dieting, and Supplement use

This study explores relationship between men's body image, exercise behavior, and maladaptive strategies to lose weight or gain muscle mass. This data colleciton is complete and data are ready for prospective students who have interests in this project.