Sexual and Gender Identity Lab (SGI)
To Further Our Understanding...
SGI Lab Faculty Advisor: Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D.
Dr. Yarhouse directs the Sexual and Gender Identity (SGI) Institute and Lab. SGI is both a center of Wheaton College and a research lab for the doctoral programs in clinical psychology. The mission of SGI is, from a Christian worldview, to further our understanding of sexual and gender identity, and the intersection of these identities with religious identity, and to be a resource to students in training and those in the community who are stakeholders in these discussions. We do this through research, training, and consultations.
We conduct original research on sexual or gender identity and faith to help us further our understanding of these complex experiences for individuals, to be a resource to families navigating these experiences; and to be a resource to Christian institutions (e.g., churches, colleges and universities, campgrounds, parachurch ministries, and so on) as they make decisions about these topics and how to best serve others.
Be Part of SGI!
Research
- Autism Spectrum Conditions and Transgender Modalities
SGI collaborates with multiple U.S. clinics to gather de-identified assessment data for those who have ASD and experience gender dysphoria or identify as transgender. Data includes cognitive functioning, intelligence, mood, and personality outcomes. - SGI+ Project
This is a study comparing LGBTQ+ students at Christian and state universities, as well as LGBTQ+ students to straight and cisgender students in both settings. Data includes religiosity, well-being, views of campus climate, and so on. - MOC & MGIC Study
Survey and interviews of mixed orientation and mixed gender identity couples. Mixed orientation couples are couples in which one partner is a sexual minority and the other is straight. Mixed gender identity couples are couples in which one partner experiences gender dysphoria or may identify as transgender and the other spouse is cisgender. - Side B TG Project
Interviews of Christian transgender persons on what “Side B” means to them, their experience with gender discordance, and their spiritual faith journey. There is greater clarity about the meaning of Side B in the Christian sexual minority conversation; this study examines what Side B means to Christian who experience gender dysphoria or identify as transgender.
Gender Evaluations
Doctoral students, beginning year one, are invited to participate in all-day comprehensive Gender Dysphoria evaluations with individuals and families who travel to SGI from all over the country. Gender evaluations include clinical interviews, assessments, integrated reports, and feedback sessions. Students collaborate with Dr. Yarhouse, receive supervision, and support all aspects of the evaluation.
Organizational Consultations
SGI is often involved in one or more organizational consultations throughout the academic school year. These have included businesses, nonprofits, schools, churches, and parachurch organizations. Students who are interested are welcome to be involved in all parts of the consultation, from initial contact to assessment of need to content creation and training. These have included local, national, and even international/global consultations. Such projects allow for hands-on experience learning how to conduct psychological consultations as well as advocating for individuals navigating sexual or gender identity and faith within Christian contexts. For those passionate about bridging the gap between psychology and the Church, as well as advocating for individuals navigating sexual or gender identity and faith, these are unique and richly rewarding opportunities.
Case Staffing
Christian mental health professionals meet with Dr. Yarhouse monthly via Zoom to discuss clinical issues involving sexual or gender identity and Christian faith or to think through issues of integration and the tensions that exist in these important areas of Christian conviction.
Teaching | Training Opportunities
For those interested in unique teaching experiences, Dr. Yarhouse has been able to invite students to either co-teach/train or guest lecture for a variety of courses, professional workshops, or training events which he is involved in. Such opportunities allow students to develop competencies in specific topics within SGI and learn how to make effective presentations and adapt content to a variety of audiences.
Join Us!
The SGI Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment for students and researchers who are passionate about studying sexual and gender identity, particularly at the intersection of religious identity. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, valuing the unique contributions that each person brings to our community.
We look forward to working together to advance thoughtful and impactful research in this important field.
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