Research

The Austen Riggs Research Department is dedicated to the study of the psychological, social, biological and cultural aspects of Austen Riggs Center's patients' lives. The department draws upon the intellectual environment at Riggs, and aims to support and develop a range of research interests among the clinical staff members. Empirical research, clinical writing and interdisciplinary collaborations that reflect the Erikson Institute’s mission promote research in psychodynamic thought and treatment and foster the study of human development and the larger society.

Austen Riggs staff members collaborate with one another and with outside researchers from other institutions to produce research on a variety of clinically relevant issues. Current projects include looking at clinical outcomes for "treatment resistant" patients, examining changes in metacognition over the course of therapy, looking at the links and distinctions between creativity and psychosis, and examining the utility of projective tests and clinical interviews in predicting suicide risk. In addition two multi-disciplinary research labs meet on a regular basis: Dr. Jane Tillman and Dr. Jennifer Stevens lead the Suicide and Self-Destructive Behavior Lab, and Dr. Marilyn Charles and Dr. Jennifer Durham-Fowler lead the Psychosis and Creativity Lab.

Research internships are also available periodically for graduate and undergraduate students interested in gaining experience in research related to psychodynamic concepts.

For more information about Research, contact Research Psychologist, Dr. Jennifer Durham-Fowler, at (413) 931-5279.