Doctoral student's work published in national journal

Jennifer Glass

Jennifer Glass

Jennifer Glass, a doctoral candidate in Radford University's Department of Psychology, is the lead author of an article in the April 2013 issue of Prevention in Counseling Psychology, a peer-reviewed publication of the Society for Counseling Psychology.

Written with psychology faculty members Sarah Hastings, Tracy Cohn and Thomas Pierce, Glass's article is titled, "The Role of the Family in Enhancing Positive Development in Rural LGB Youth." Although there is a wealth of literature on LGBT youth and psychology, much of the research has been conducted in urban areas, Glass said. The issues that sexual minority youths face in rural communities are still a relatively unexplored area in professional research.

"Specifically, I'm looking at how rural lesbians come out, how they manage relationships with family and friends," Glass said. "It's about figuring out how to use this information in practice. How can we make the transition easier on people?"

A native of Virginia Beach, Glass began researching the topic for her doctoral dissertation.

Prevention in Counseling Psychology is dedicated to the dissemination of information on prevention theory, research, practice and training in counseling psychology, stimulating prevention scholarship, promoting collaboration among counseling psychologists engaged in prevention, and encouraging student scholarship. Glass's article was reviewed by an editorial board before being selected for national publication.

Her research promises to be a valuable resource in the future, said Associate Professor Sarah Hastings, a coauthor and Glass's dissertation advisor. "I really hope it will have a positive impact, not only on the literature but on people's lives," Hastings said. "Jenny has the potential to affect the direction of the research in the future."

Glass received a Master of Science degree in clinical psychology from RU in 2010. She completed her internship at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem. As an RU undergraduate, she worked in Virginia Beach at Magic Hollow Mental Health and Substance Abuse Center. She is currently participating in a counseling practicum at Virginia Tech and works as a graduate clinician in RU's Center for Assessment and Psychological Services.

Glass was named one of Radford University's Distinguished Women of 2013 and recognized in March during the university's Women's History Month celebrations. The distinguished women were selected based on their commitment to their work, contributions to the university and service to others. "It's an honor, and it's very important to me," Glass said. "I'm so excited to be a part of this group of women."

Learn more about Radford University at www.radford.edu.

Apr 30, 2013
Dan Waidelich
(540) 831-7749
dwaidelich@radford.edu