Family Health Psychology Research Lab
The Family Health Psychology Research Lab is an independent project founded and directed by Dr. Yolanda Adwoa, PhD, and sits at the intersection of health, pediatric, and couple and family psychology. Our work examines family and child health in the context of medical complexity, neurodivergence, and disability — attending to the social-ecological factors that shape physical health, psychological well-being, and lifestyle health, including food and eating psychology, as well as the well-being of caregivers, siblings, and the whole family system. We use quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, and our work includes the role of faith among families and couples navigating chronic health conditions and relational strain within the home.
Interested in joining the lab? I welcome college students interested in gaining hands-on experience in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research on family health, caregiving, and psychological well-being. Internship opportunities will open in 2027—reach out to learn more.
Interested in participating in a research study? I welcome families, couples and individuals interested in contributing to our research on medical complexity, caregiving, and family well-being. Studies currently recruiting will be listed here—check back, or reach out to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
Study Draft Title: Beyond the Diagnosis
Description: A mixed-methods study of childhood, caregiving, and family adaptation in medical complexity. Status: IRB application in progress, Data collection anticipated 2027
Study Title Draft: Caregiving Scoping Review
Status: In preparation
Description: Scoping review focused on the burden of caregivers in families of color and the role of social support.
Study Draft Title: Disability, Parenthood & Social Expectations
Status: Join University Collaboration Study.
with FNEC, in preparation
Description: A critical narrative autoethnography, developed with collaborators.
Study Title: Multilevel Determinants of Diet Related Behaviors in Youth of Color with Autism and/or IDD: Scoping Review
Joint Study with Cornell University
Identifying the multilevel determinants of diet behavior among BIPOC youth with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Status: In progress.
Dissertation Manuscript Series
Status: In preparation
Title: Food Attitudes & Maternal Well-Being
Description: Examining food attitudes as a predictor of psychological well-being among Black mothers in the United States.
Title: Weight Concern & Mental Health
Description: Weight concern as a psychological mechanism linking food behavior and mental health in mothers.
Title: The Mental Health of Black Mothers
Description: Exploring the mental health of Black mothers across the 4 regions of the U.S.
Title: Rethinking Mental Health Models
Description: Examining why social support and socioeconomic status did not predict psychological well-being, and what that means for existing models.
The Psychology of Food Across the African Diaspora: Examining the historical & cultural roots of Black Families' Food Traditions, and Their Psychological and Economic Legacy.
Status: IRB in preparation
Examines how food, eating behavior, and weight-related concerns shape psychological well-being among Black families across the African diaspora—with attention to socioeconomic status, the intergenerational transmission of food traditions, and their implications for family health and economic legacy.
Study Draft Title: Together: Examining Collective Couple & Marital Intimacy and Health for Stronger Loving Relationships.
Status: Scoping review
Description: Examines the psychology of a husband and a wife. This study explores how collective intimacy—emotional, physical, and relational connection—shapes health, psychological well-being, and relationship strength among Black couples—married men and women- with attention to communication, connection, lifestyle behaviors, and shared well-being over time.
