Aaron Baker

Research Interests

I run the University of La Verne Anxiety and Trauma Lab (ATL), which is comprised of both undergraduates and graduate students as well as multiple faculty contributors. Our over-arching goal is to improve treatment outcomes, but much of our research focuses on translating basic science into treatment improvement through the exploration of treatment mechanisms. We are also looking to improve assessment of treatment outcome through a greater focus on the functional impairment that comes with clinical disorders.

Active Project(s)

• Functional Impairment in Sexual Trauma Related PTSD: This project is focused on the development of a measure (FIPSA) that assesses specific functional impairment that occurs due to sexual trauma.
• Perceived Discrimination & Emotional Intelligence: This project is focused on developing an experimental measurement of perceived discrimination for use in a larger project looking at the relationship between clinical variables of anxiety, trauma history, and emotional intelligence on the perception of discrimination.
• Enhancing Excitement During Exposure for Acrophobia: This project explores behavioral mechanisms for treatment in exposure-based treatment of anxiety disorders.  Specifically, we will be exploring methods to enhance arousal during exposure in order to improve outcomes.
• Retrieval Induced Forgetting with Aversive Imagery: This project is focused on working with Cognitive memory mechanisms to explore how specific memories could be inhibited. This study aims to inform PTSD treatment as it is concerned with intrusive memories related to trauma.

Student responsibilities

Students are expected to assist with conducting literature reviews, assist in data-entry, run participants in research protocols. There are also monthly lab meetings that volunteers are expected to attend if available.

Expected Time Commitment

5-10 hours/week

Minimum Qualifications

GPA > 2.75, willingness to commit to one full academic year.