Research Publications

FORGIVENESS THEORY 

This is a comprehensive sociological theory of forgiveness that synthesizes the theoretical contributions of a variety of interdisciplinary experts in the study of forgiveness. The proposed theory of forgiveness centers on narrative reconstruction and positions forgiveness as a dynamic, recursive process of social negotiation and meaning construction that challenges traditional views of forgiveness as passive acceptance or simple emotional resolution through individual psychological mechanisms. The theory conceptualizes forgiveness as a multidimensional social construct embedded within broader relational and cultural contexts within which one creates and recreates meaning. The process of forgiveness is explained, not as a singular event, but as a dynamic cognitive and emotional journey through which individuals re-narrate negative interpersonal experiences, fundamentally reinterpreting the phenomenological landscape of harm and repair. The theory distinguishes between benevolent and non-benevolent forms of forgiveness, explaining how each requires a nuanced reconstruction of meaning that transcends the mere release of negative emotion. One critical dimension discussed is the differentiation between experiential and speculative empathy. Experiential empathy involves embodied understanding rooted in lived experience, and speculative empathy represents a more cognitive, imaginative engagement with the (ultimately unknowable) perspective of another. The theory proposes that forgiveness emerges through a careful navigation of these empathetic pathways, mediated by a stance of interpretive curiosity rather than cognitive rigidity. By bringing to light the nuance involved in the forgiveness process, the proposed theory challenges traditional individualistic perspectives, proposing a sociological approach that recognizes forgiveness as a complex social phenomenon involving symbolic interaction and interpretive meaning-making.

"B.R.I.D.G.E.S: 

Building Respect, Inclusivity, Diversity, Generosity, and Empathy among Students"

PAST FOCUS: The original goal of this project was to investigate the various ways we can better support student-veterans on our campus. Through a series of student-led focus groups, we gathered data on student experiences and perspectives with regard to student-veterans on campus. In collaboration with the Veterans Resource Center at CalStateLA, our intention was to use this research to design a Vet Net Student Ambassador Program on campus with potential to increase the level of support for current and future student-veterans at CalStateLA by raising awareness of, and sensitivity toward, the unique experiences of student-veterans.

CURRENT FOCUS: Our initial research uncovered a student motivation to increase empathy and reduce stigma on our campus by increasing the visibility of marginalized students, showcase their unique experiences, and build bridges between students by fostering engagement and an increased sense of community. Through comparative analyses, we further found that the benefits of ally awareness programming for college students is both amplified and generalized when preceded by curriculum aimed at empathy development. In our research, students who engaged directly with material focused the development of empathy through understanding of stigma and its effects were more likely than students without such learning experiences to support the development of opportunities to reduce stigma and strengthen a sense of belonging and community among marginalized student populations on our campus. This research has led us to create the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program, an initiative aimed at connecting individual students and student groups, through meaningful inter-group dialogue. By fostering the sharing of students’ unique circumstances, experiences, and stories we can increase respect, inclusivity, diversity, generosity, and empathy among students from all backgrounds, thereby building bridges of understanding and respect for difference. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic campus community where diverse voices are elevated and celebrated.

​"EMOTIONS ON CAMPUS"

In this project, I am exploring a variety of issues related to the emotional experiences of university students, including causes and consequences of fear and anxiety in the college classroom; the availability and effectiveness of social support; and barriers to student belongingness within the carceral setting. 

PAST FOCUS: Born in 2013, this project began with a series of anonymous student surveys focused upon fear and anxiety in the classroom. In 2018, I led a team of 21 graduate students in my Qualitative Research Methods in Sociology course to expand the study by incorporating a series of focus groups and qualitative interviews of current CSULA students.

CURRENT FOCUS: The current stage of this project involves analysis of the various datasets constructed over the last several years. In collaboration with a few very capable graduate students, I am exploring several pointed research questions. My intention is to co-author peer-reviewed journal publications on these topics with my graduate students and to present our work at national conferences.

FUTURE FOCUS: In coming years, I intend to explore barriers to students' sense of belonging when engaged in college programming within the prison system.

"EXPLORING IDENTITY, EMOTION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT 

AFTER TRAUMATIC LOSS" 

Through my original study focused upon loss of a loved one to homicide, I quickly became interested in exploring the effects of what I now call 'traumatic identities.' ‘Traumatic identities’ are non-voluntary, non-normative, stigmatized, permanent identities associated with the sudden and unanticipated loss of another identity and prolonged, intense, negative emotions including powerlessness, grief, and anger. I discovered that the experiences of individuals with ‘traumatic identities’ are unique and often misunderstood. Traumatic, life-altering events, which redefine one's identities and disrupt one’s sense of self, have effects that reach a wide range of areas of individuals’ lives. Past research on emotion, identity, and social support typically focuses upon identities that are more common, voluntary, non-stigmatized, and/or better understood by social scientists and society at large. By focusing upon ‘traumatic identities,’ and taking a sociological approach by considering meaning-making processes and the impact supportive others have upon the individual, I investigate the way ‘traumatic identities’ affect one’s sense of self, emotions, views of the world in general, and social relationships. Through such work, we will come to better understand the personal and social consequences associated with loss of identities and acceptance of new, ‘traumatic identities.' 

PAST FOCUS: The first stage of this project focused upon individuals who had lost loved ones to homicide. The methods included in-depth interviews and participant observations. Through content analysis of auto-biographies, I then investigated the experiences of individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. 

FUTURE FOCUS: The next stage of this project will focus upon individuals' experiences following severe spinal cord injury. Methods involve longitudinal interviews.

“REDEFINING MURDER: A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF EMOTION, IDENTITY, AND SOCIAL SUPPORT FOLLOWING LOSS OF A LOVED ONE TO HOMICIDE"​ 

Using a symbolic interactionist’s perspective, this research explores issues of identity, social support, and emotion (including forgiveness/non-forgiveness) after loss due to homicide. Since 2013, I have been interviewing people who have lost loved ones in this tragic manner. Participants share their stories with me in confidential, informal interviews so that we can better understand what their experiences have been. Too often, the loved ones of murder victims are left unheard, and this is an opportunity to give these individuals a voice. During this time, I have also been completing participant observation of victim networks and self-help groups in order to better understand the social ties that bond those who have lost, as well as the ways in which co-victims use their stories to bring change to the world, give meaning to the loss, and reconstruct their identities. 

Please contact me with any questions or to inquire about you, or someone you know, taking part in any of these studies