LGBTQ+ Psychology Lab

The purpose of the lab is to promote the research on LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in light of social and legal progressions enabling more legitimation and presence of LGBTQ+ populations. The lab seeks to identify and to better understand unique aspects relating to the LGBTQ+ population, such as self-acceptance and disclosure, LGBTQ+ couplehood, LGBTQ+ parenthood, and LGBTQ+ aging processes. Thus, offering practical implications tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

The research is mapping hostile-world scenarios that LGBTQ+ individuals may be exposed to and their possible linkage to their mental health. The studies also emphasize the importance of detecting variables that may promote resilience and adaptive psychological coping among sexual minority individuals.

Special focus is given to the research on LGBTQ+ parent families. Within this research agenda, and in order to allow cross-cultural comparisons, the lab is collaborating with leading researchers in the field worldwide (the U.K., Portugal, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and more). These collaborations focus on parenthood aspirations, parenting experiences, socialization processes concerning coping with homophobia, and the usage of assisted reproductive technologies.

The lab is headed by Dr. Geva Shenkman Lachberg, clinical psychologist, clinical supervisor, and senior lecturer at the Baruch Ivcher school of psychology at the Reichman University (IDC Herzliya). His research aspires to draw a comprehensive picture of the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals may face due to their minority status, alongside pinpointing strengths and resilience factors which allow adaptive psychological coping and growth. The studies have implications for therapists, researchers, and policymakers.

Contact Us: geva.shenkman@idc.ac.il