The BRAVE (Building Resilience After Violence Exposure) lab conducts research across multiple global settings focused on promoting the flourishing of children and families who have experienced chronic forms of violence and trauma. The lab is directed by Dr. Laura Miller-Graff, Professor of Psychology and Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
The BRAVE Lab’s research is guided by the following key themes:
Resilience. Guided by multisystemic and dynamic conceptualizations of resilience, the BRAVE lab’s research aims to identify and promote factors that enhance child and family flourishing in the context of chronic violence and trauma.
Intergenerational effects of violence. In contexts where violence is chronic, it is important to recognize that violence, its effects, and resilience-promoting factors are often deeply embedded in intergenerational relationships and processes. For this reason, our research seeks to attend to the role of family relationships, within and across generations, with particular attention to pregnancy and early childhood.
Brief, family-focused psychological supports for children and families exposed to violence. Drawing upon research in our first two themes, the BRAVE lab aims to address gaps in mental health care and psychological support through the development, adaptation, and evaluation of brief, family-focused psychological supports for children and families exposed to chronic forms of violence and trauma.
Contextual and cultural factors in the development and adaptation of psychological care. In collaboration with many researchers and community partners, the work of the BRAVE Lab spans multiple global settings. In each, we are committed to researching and enhancing culturally and contextually grounded evidence-based care.