MPS Schvey Lab
Schvey Lab

 

DR. NATASHA SCHVEY: STIGMA AND HEALTH LAB

Dr. Schvey studies stigma and its effects on physical and psychosocial health among a number of vulnerable populations using multiple methodological approaches. She currently has active lines of research assessing: 1) weight-based stigmatization among adults and youth with overweight and obesity, 2) stigma and barriers to seeking mental health care among military spouses, 3) stigma and health among transgender service members and dependents, and 4) experiences of bias among women in a predominantly male military environment. Dr. Schvey’s research includes the entire military family, from active duty service members to their spouses and children. Her research aims to elucidate the presence and potential consequences of stigma on health and functioning in an effort to improve the lives of our service members and their families.

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More About Dr. Schvey
 

GETTING RESULTS

A 2015 study, published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, observed that, compared to their civilian peers, female adolescent military dependents reported greater depression, eating pathology, and binge eating, as well as elevated insulin resistance. These findings indicate that military dependents may be at increased risk for mood- and eating-related psychopathology, perhaps the result of stressors and cultural factors unique to the military milieu.

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A 2017 study, published in the APA journal, Stigma and Health, found that nearly half of overweight or obese service members reported ongoing instances of weight-based stigmatization within the military, such as denial of a promotion or training opportunity due to one’s weight, and hurtful weight-related comments. Weight stigma was associated with depression, internalization of weight bias, and eating-related psychopathology, such as eating in response to negative affect and compensatory behaviors.

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A 2018 study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, revealed that the majority of military family medicine physicians lack proper training to adequately care for transgender patients. These findings signal a need for greater attention to, and consideration of, transgender persons during medical training.

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RESEARCH FROM MEDICAL & CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY LAB

SUICIDE CARE, PREVENTION, AND RESEARCH INITIATIVE

DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY ON EATING AND WEIGHT BEHAVIORS

LABORATORY OF COGNITIVE INTERVENTIONS