In the Trauma, Resilience and Recovery Lab, we conduct both observational and intervention research to study the process of adaption to psychological trauma exposure through three inter-related questions:
How do psychosocial factors that are present prior to trauma exposure reduce the harmful impact of trauma?
How do modifiable psychosocial factors influence functional adaptation and recovery following trauma exposure?
How can interventions promote resilience and recovery in relation to trauma by targeting these psychosocial factors?
Our approach involves embracing the complexity of post-trauma recovery by focusing on complex combinations of co-occurring mental and physical health challenges. In particular, we seek to identify transdiagnostic factors that influence functional recovery processes across specific diagnostic categories including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and alcohol and substance use disorders.
We focus on transdiagnostic psychosocial factors drawn from intervention models including “third wave” behavior therapies and contemporary forms of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. These interventions are based on the integration of traditional behavior therapy with factors such as mindfulness, acceptance, personal values, self-compassion and emotion regulation.
The populations on which we have focused to date include people exposed to frequent psychological trauma through their employment such as active duty military, military veterans and emergency responders, as well as people living with acquired injuries including traumatic brain injury and stroke.
Learn more about Dr. Meyer's lab here - https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/cbh/research/trauma-resilience-and-recovery-lab