Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

Journal Article 1: Deckman, T., DeWall, C. N., Way, B., Gilman, R., & Richman, S. (2013). Can marijuana reduce social pain? Social Psychological and Personality Science, 5(2), 131-139.

Abstract: Social and physical pain share common overlap at linguistic, behavioral, and neural levels. Prior research has shown that acetaminophen—an analgesic medication that acts indirectly through cannabinoid 1 receptors—reduces the social pain associated with exclusion. Yet, no work has examined if other drugs that act on similar receptors, such as marijuana, also reduce social pain. Across four methodologically diverse samples, marijuana use consistently buffered people from the negative consequences associated with loneliness and social exclusion. These effects were replicated using cross-sectional, longitudinal, and experimental designs. These findings offer novel evidence supporting common overlap between social and physical pain processes.

Journal Article 2: Dempsey, D. (2010). Conceiving and negotiating reproductive relationships: Lesbians and gay men forming families with children. Sociology, 44(6), 1145-1162.

Abstract: Lesbian and gay parented families are often viewed through the lens of “families of choice,” which assumes they are self-reflexive and innovative in structure. In recent years, some lesbians and gay men have informally negotiated reproductive relationships with friends or acquaintances. The varied kinship assumptions underpinning such relationships are the focus of this article. Three main approaches to family formation are identified: “standard donor,” “social solidarity” and “co-parenting.” I argue that a continuum of kinship intentions is evident in these different approaches, and that the degree of innovation and convention needs to be unpacked, particularly with regard to the status of friendship as kinship. I comment on the persistent appeal of co-habiting coupledom as the basis for parenting and the perceived asymmetry between biological motherhood and fatherhood. In conceptualizing and negotiating reproductive relationships, lesbians and gay men may accept or reconfigure the assumptions characteristic of heteronormative clinical assisted reproductive technology conventions.

Journal Article 3: Carlson, H., & Carlson, N. (2011). An overview of the management of persistent musculoskeletal pain. Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, 3(2), 91-99.

Abstract: Musculoskeletal pain is a common reason for patients to seek care from healthcare providers. These conditions are predominantly nontraumatic injuries with a broad differential diagnosis and often without a specific diagnosis despite thorough history and examination. The management of these conditions is often discouraging for patients with continued chronic symptoms despite numerous diagnostic workups and treatment options. Effective communication with respect to the patient’s goals is the key to a good outcome. The combination of an accurate diagnosis, an informed, motivated patient and a comprehensive review of the potential treatment options is beneficial for long-term success.