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Examining Sex/Gender Differences in the Associations Between Intimate Partner Violence and Lifetime Mental Health Problems Among Sexual Minority Adults

Posted in Psychological Sciences, SPARK! 2026

Author: Reese Mabolis | Psychological Sciences Abstract: Background: Sexual minorities are disproportionately affected by mental health problems and intimate partner violence (IPV). However, little is known about sex/gender differences in the associations between IPV and mental health problems in this population. This study examined sex/gender differences in the associations between IPV and mental health problems… continue reading

Friending Bias and the Link Between Upward Exposure and Adult Depression

Posted in Prevention Science, SPARK! 2026

Author: Andrea Santalla Escobar | Prevention ScienceBackground: Social determinants of health shape population-level mental wellbeing, yet evidence is mixed on whether childhood exposure to higher-socioeconomic status (SES) peers predicts more favorable adult mental health outcomes. Although cross-class interactions are theorized to increase social capital, expand access to opportunity, and foster psychological benefit, upward exposure alone… continue reading

What Doesn’t Kill Us, Hurts Us Longer: Gun Violence Exposure and Pain in the United States

Posted in Prevention Science, SPARK! 2026

Author: Les Engels | Prevention ScienceGun violence exposure (GVE) is widely acknowledged as a contributor to psychological harm, but chronic pain has received far less attention despite being a common and serious consequence. This study examines how direct exposures (such as being shot or threatened with a firearm) and indirect exposures (such as hearing gunshots… continue reading

Cannabis Sales in Your Backyard? Dispensary Location Preferences Among a Representative Sample of N.J. Residents

Posted in Criminal Justice, SPARK! 2026

Author: Kristina Cagle | Criminal JusticeAbstract: Adult-use cannabis is increasingly gaining public acceptance for both medicinal and recreational uses, fueling a wave of legalization and decriminalization across the nation. Despite this, comparatively little is known about public perceptions surrounding each state’s actualization of cannabis policies. State and local legislatures are tasked with creating rules on… continue reading

The “Acting White Accusation” and Its Impact on Asian College Students

Posted in Psychological Sciences, SPARK! 2026

Author: Amy Senanayake | Psychological Sciences Abstract: Social identity theory suggests that racial or ethnic identity and a sense of belonging are central to self-concept (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). Threats to one’s social identity, such as cultural invalidation, are experiences in which an individual’s racial identity is denied or questioned and may be associated with… continue reading