Relationships and Brain Sciences Research Laboratory (RABS lab)
The Relationships and Brain Sciences Research Laboratory (RABS lab) is focused on identifying biomarkers and psychosocial vulnerabilities in the role of health. Using a stress model, we seek to identify how interpersonal relationships can be both protective and a barrier to health and wellness.
Our mission is to dissect the mechanisms underlying interpersonal relationships from the biological to the psychosocial while examining chronic stress moderators (e.g., early life stress/trauma, poverty, discrimination) in an effort to understand health outcomes (including mental and physical) using a holistic model of care.
Lab Director
Dixie Meyer, Ph.D.,
Laboratory director
Dr. Meyer is a licensed professional counselor. Her clinical work predominately provided care to marginalized populations such minoritized racial groups, individuals who are unhoused, and individuals with substance use disorders. Her clinical work centralized relationships and family life transitions. She is the author of over 75 publications. Her scholarship demonstrates four central themes: 1. her dedication to the developmental of mental health clinical interventions in marginalized populations; 2. investigating the role of chronic stress (e.g., early life/trauma, poverty, discrimination) in romantic and familial relationships and mental health; 3. examining coping mechanisms (e.g., substance misuse and abuse) to manage chronic stress; and 4. advancing her research agenda to dissect relationships to ensure the systemic influence promotes mental health, physical health, and wellness.