Existential Trauma Lab

My research interests focus primarily on the application of existential theory and social psychological theories of meaning-making to psychological trauma. Although clinical conceptualizations of trauma, i.e., PTSD, are often included in my work, I am most interested in studying symbolic trauma. This involves the examination of situations and experiences that are impactful, not necessarily due to a literal threat to one's safety, but because of a threat to one's existential security. I view my research program as theory-based and with an emphasis on applied statistical modeling. By attending to the influence of statistical choices on theory development and paradigm design, both the precision and possibilities of research increases, and isn’t that exciting! Collaborations with students and colleagues, locally and internationally, are important components of my research program. The diversity that students and other collaborators bring to the research process is a resource and a strength—I am always happy to merge my interests and skillset, when appropriate, to support specific topics meaningful to my students and colleagues.

Olathe is a third-year clinical psychology doctoral student and an Indians into Psychology scholar. She is Navajo and Shawnee and grew up in Arizona on the Navajo Nation. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado where her research examined compassion for out-group issues using terror management theory. Her current research seeks to examine the effects of intentional engagement with the environment through traditional ecological knowledge for an Indigenous population. She is specifically interested in changes in subjective connection to nature and climate change distress. Outside of academics, Olathe enjoys traveling, being outside, and making art.

Currently, Selina is a second-year Ph.D. student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Montana. Prior to her time at UM, she worked as a gender-based violence and health research associate in an international team for the Ludwig Maximilian University. Selina grew up in Germany and India, but received a  Bachelor in Psychology and Peace & Global Studies from Earlham College in 2018 and a MSc in Global Mental Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and King’s College London in 2020. In her free time, she loves reading fantasy books, working out, baking, hiking, making art, traveling, and finding the most delicious croissant near her.

Selina’s research interests pertain to community participatory research and the mental health outcomes of gender-based violence, particularly under-recognized and under-studied forms of traumatic stress such as existential trauma.

Brittany (Brit) King is a second-year clinical psychology doctoral student in the ET Lab. Growing up in Florida, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida State University in 2020. Following her undergraduate studies, Brit worked for two years in a post-baccalaureate position at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital Partial Hospital Program, where she researched treatment outcomes and conducted diagnostic interviews. Her current research in the lab is focused on the application of existential theories to climate change and mental health. Brit aims to unravel the complexities in understanding and addressing the psychological challenges posed by global issues like climate change. Outside of academia, Brit enjoys painting, reading (currently whatever fantasy books Selina recommends), sewing, going for walks, camping, and watching movies at the Roxy.

Chris is currently an undergraduate student studying psychology at the University of Montana. In addition to studying psychology, Chris is passionate about philosophy and the interplay between philosophical and psychological concepts and how they might relate to his future work. Chris hopes to pursue Clinical Psychology, and will be applying to graduate school in the fall of 2025. He is interested in researching the impact of stress and trauma and the associated risk and resilience factors as they relate to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and other stress related disorders. When not in school, Chris spends most of his time outdoors with his family or huddled near a wood stove writing poetry.  

Lauren Schulte is a senior from Spokane, Washington studying Psychology and Climate Change Studies at UM. She is an active member of the Davidson Honors College, Franke Global Leadership Initiative, and UM Advocates! She works for Curry Health Center as a Wellbeing Support Coach. In this position, she supports struggling students and helps facilitate wellbeing events across campus.

She has served as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Bryan Cochran’s lab for over a year, but this is her first semester in the ET lab! She hopes to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology and aims to study eating disorders, mood disorders, or climate change trauma in her future career.

In her free time, she loves to read, cook, and spend time with friends. She also loves to whitewater raft, climb, hike, and camp! She is known for trying every vanilla latte in town and loves to meal prep on the weekends.