RESEARCH IN THE LAB
CURRENT RESEARCH STUDIES
Testing Determinants of Disordered Eating in an Integrated Model among Sexual Minority Men and Women
Several theoretical frameworks have been tested to explain the elevated rates of disordered eating in sexual minority populations. Some have been adapted from the body image literature (e.g., objectification theory, tripartite influence model), while others have specifically focused on unique stressors faced by sexual minority individuals (e.g., minority stress theory, intraminority gay community stress theory). In this study, our lab is testing an integrated model informed by well-established theories to identify how constructs from separate theoretical models may together explain pathways to disordered eating among sexual minority men and women. Data collection will begin in Spring 2026, and we anticipate that our findings will expand prior integrated models (e.g., Brewster et al., 2017; Convertino et al., 2021; Mason et al., 2018) by examining additional correlates of disordered eating.
Measurement Invariance of the Gay Community Stress Scale​​
​​
​Gay community stress posits that reliance on other men for social and sexual rewards, as seen among sexual minority men, can generate unique stressors in the form of masculine, status-related competition for those rewards that in turn challenge mental health. In this study, our lab is conducting a study evaluating the Gay Community Stress Scale's (GCSS) ability to measure these unique stressors across diverse racial and ethnic groups. By assessing the scale’s measurement invariance and its relationship with body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and related mental health concerns, the study seeks to understand how gay community stress is perceived by and impacts sexual minority men of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Data collection and analyses are completed, and we plan to submit the paper for publication in 2026.
Scoping Review of Gender and Sexual Identity Demographics in Eating Disorder Journals​​
Sexual and gender minority individuals consistently report higher rates of disordered eating compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers. However, it remains unclear how frequently eating disorder researchers are reporting these demographics. Doing so can address a history of hetero- and cisnormativity that has been present in eating disorder research. Our lab is conducting a scoping review examining the extent to which articles published in four of the most cited eating disorder journals report gender--inclusive of transgender and non-binary identities--and sexual identity of participants. We hope that our findings inform eating disorder researchers to consider collecting and potentially reporting such demographics in future research. We have finished reviewing all articles, and we plan to submit our findings for publication in 2026.
Application of Minority Stress Principles in Clinical Practice with Trans and Gender Diverse Clients
A model for adapting evidence-based interventions to be affirmative for sexual minority clients has been developed (Pachankis, Soulliard et al., 2023a). This model consists of six minority stress principles to inform LGBTQ-affirmative psychotherapy. However, the relevance of these principles specifically for trans and gender diverse (TGD) clients has yet to be examined. In this mixed methods study, our lab is surveying mental health providers to determine the extent to which minority stress principles can guide identity-affirmative treatment for TGD clients.
Acceptability and Feasibility of an Online Training for LGBTQ-Affirmative CBT for Clinical Psychology Trainees
In the past decade, efforts to integrate minority stress principles within CBT models have resulted in the development of LGBTQ-affirmative CBT (Pachankis, Harkness et al., 2022), which has shown promising efficacy in reducing psychological distress among LGBTQ+ individuals (e.g., Pachankis, Soulliard, et al., 2023b). Moreover, online training in LGBTQ-affirmative CBT has been shown to improve competence in LGBTQ+ topics, minority stress knowledge, and treatment familiarity and adoption among mental health providers (Pachankis, Soulliard, et al., 2022). However, further research is necessary to identify barriers, facilitators, and the efficacy of online training modalities specifically for clinical psychology trainees (Fitterman-Harris et al., 2023; Soulliard et al., 2021). In collaboration with the University of Oregon, our lab evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of an online training in LGBTQ-affirmative CBT for clinical psychology PhD students. The training study took place in April 2025, and we are currently finalizing our data analyses.
COMPLETED RESEARCH STUDIES
Body Appreciation among Trans and Nonbinary Adults
(Soulliard et al., 2025, Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention)
Research on disordered eating among transgender and nonbinary individuals has largely overlooked the impact of gender identity pride on body appreciation and intuitive eating. This study, involving 148 transgender and nonbinary adults, found that higher gender identity pride was linked to increased body appreciation but did not directly affect intuitive eating. However, body appreciation significantly mediated the relationship between gender identity pride and intuitive eating. These results underscore the importance of gender identity pride in shaping body image and eating behaviors, suggesting that future research should explore its causal effects, and clinicians should consider incorporating gender identity pride in their approaches to body image and eating issues for transgender and non-binary clients.
Gay Community Stress & Community Connectedness
(Soulliard et al., 2025, Journal of Eating Disorders)​
Sexual minority men often experience heightened body image concerns and disordered eating, in part due to stressors from within their own community, a phenomenon known as gay community stress. Despite this, sexual minority men may also feel a strong sense of connectedness to other gay and bisexual men in their community, which may offer a buffer against these adverse effects. In this study, we found that community connectedness may mitigate the effects of gay community stress and body image concerns on disordered eating. Our lab is currently planning future studies to further integrate the role of protective factors in the literature on gay community stress.