Research products
Survey of Black American Arts Engagement, Including Pathways to Flourishing and Barriers to Participation: A Mixed Methods Study
Christa T. Mahlobo, Morgan R. Delizia, Frank Jackson, Katherine N. Cotter, James O. Pawelski [2025], Under Review
This report details the results of a national survey of 596 Black Americans conducted to examine demographic differences in arts and humanities (A&H) engagement, the motivation behind A&H engagement, associations with participant’s flourishing, and the mechanisms by which A&H engagement may lead to flourishing.
The well-being benefits of virtual art galleries: examining the roles of perspective taking, social connection, reflection, immersion, and individual differences
Ainur Alpys, Katherine N. Cotter, Christa T. Mahlobo, Suzannah Niepold, Adam Rizzo, James O. Pawelski [2025], The Journal of Positive Psychology
This study explores how virtual art galleries can enhance well-being by fostering perspective taking, social connection, reflection, and immersion, with effects influenced by individual differences.
Exploring Black American Flourishing Through the Arts and Humanities: A Scoping Review
Christa T. Mahlobo, Katherine N. Cotter, Sam Kirk, Morgan R. Delizia, Norah Aldawsari, Kirsten Calloway, Kim Lancaster, Jennifer Rossano, James O. Pawelski [2025], Empirical Studies of the arts.
This scoping review was conducted to provide a comprehensive summary of literature connecting A&H to Black American flourishing across psychological, physical, interpersonal, collective, and transcendent dimensions of flourishing.
Dispositional coping profiles moderate the links between racial discrimination and mental health in Black Americans
Natalia Van Doren, Eric K. Layland, Christa T. Mahlobo, Bethany C. Bray [2025], Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology.
This study examines how different coping profiles shape the relationship between racial discrimination and mental health in Black Americans, highlighting the moderating role of individual coping styles.
Examining the ability of digital visual art engagement to cultivate empathy and social connection
Katherine N. Cotter, Christa T. Mahlobo, Brittany Smith, Suzannah Niepold, Adam Rizzo, James O. Pawelski [2024], Empirical Studies of the Arts.
We aimed to impact social connectedness and perspective taking using visual art-based psychoeducational materials and skill-building exercises.
The role of mindfulness and compassion in early adults' subsequent mental health, coping and compliance with health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective longitudinal study
Natalia Van Doren, Christa T. Mahlobo, brian M. Galla, Blake A. Collainne, Matthew J. Hirshberg, karen Kurotsuchi inkelas, robert w. Roeser [2023], social and personality psychology compass.
The present study explored prospective links between trait mindfulness and compassion on subsequent coping and compliance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and indirect effects via well‐being and internalized distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Flourishing Through Travel While Black: Unfiltered Voices of Black Travelers
So Young Park, christa T. Mahlobo, Jerrica Oliver Peets [2022], tourism Management.
This report used the social media platform of Twitter to: 1) Examine Black travelers and their experiences, 2) Investigate if and how Black traveler’s voices have evolved over time with the development of the Black Travel Movement on Twitter, and to 3) Explore whether the experiences of Black travelers on Twitter map onto models of well-being and flourishing.
Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease
Tiffany M. Powell-Wiley, MD MPH, FAHA; Yvonne Baumer, PhD; Foster Osei Baah, BSN, MS-PhD, RN; Andrew S. Baez, BS; Nicole Farmer, MD; Christa T. Mahlobo, MS; Mario A. Pita, BS; Kameswari A. Potharaju, BA; Kosuke Tamura, PhD; Gwenyth R. Wallen, PhD (2022), Circulation Review
This review aims to facilitate research coordination and intervention development by providing an evidence-based framework for social determinants of health (SDoH) rooted in the lived experiences of marginalized populations. We present landmark studies and recent findings about SDoH in our framework, with careful consideration of the constructs and measures utilized. Finally, we provide a roadmap for future SDoH research focused on individual, clinical, and policy approaches towards developing community-engaged, multilevel interventions to promote CV health.
Fentanyl Overdose Concerns Among People Who Inject Drugs: The Role of Sex, Racial Minority Status, and Overdose Prevention Efforts
Abenaa Acheampong Jones, Kristin E Schneider, Christa T Mahlobo, Jennifer L Maggs, Lauren Dayton, Karin E Tobin, Carl A Latkin [2022], psychology of addictive behaviors.
This study explores fentanyl overdose concerns among people who inject drugs (PWID) and the role of sex, racial minority status, and overdose prevention efforts in these concerns.
Exploring the Association between Affect and Leisure Activity Engagement in Older Black Adults
Angie L. Sardina, Christa T. Mahlobo, Alyssa A. Gamaldo, Jason C. Allaire, Keith E. Whitfield( 2022), The Journals of Gerontology: Series b
This study examined the types of daily leisure activities to which middle-aged and older Black adults tend to engage, and the association between affect and leisure activity engagement in this population.
consulting products
“strategic plan proposal” - Castle of our skins [2025]
Developed a comprehensive strategic plan proposal to enhance cultural engagement and visitor experience for organization.
“Findings: deai focus group results” - Society of american travel writers [2025]
Facilitated and analyzed focus groups centered on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in travel writing organization.
Synthesized qualitative data into key themes that informed actionable DEAI initiatives and training programs.
Delivered findings that shaped organizational policies to foster more equitable and representative storytelling practices.
“micro internship program development”- visit greater palm springs [2023]
Designed a micro internship program to cultivate emerging talent in tourism and hospitality.
Conducted stakeholder interviews and surveys to tailor program structure for maximum participant engagement and professional growth.
Created a scalable model promoting inclusivity and bridging workforce gaps in the local tourism industry.
“Report: Discovery phase - survey results” - Society of american travel writers [2024]
Led survey design, deployment, and analysis during the discovery phase of climate assessment.
Identified user needs, pain points, and opportunity areas to inform service development.
Presented insights in clear, actionable reports that guided subsequent project phases and stakeholder alignment.
“Report for Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) Phase Three Trip” [2023]
Conducted in-depth qualitative research and observational studies during site visits to capture authentic user experiences.
Compiled comprehensive trip reports highlighting opportunities for enhanced visitor engagement and experience optimization.
Provided strategic recommendations based on data-driven insights to support destination marketing and development efforts.
“deai training session”- Vermont tourism summit [2023]
Designed and facilitated an interactive training session focused on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion best practices for tourism professionals.
Used research-backed frameworks and real-world examples to engage participants and promote inclusive tourism strategies.
Evaluated session impact through participant feedback to refine future training and resource development.
“Report: Accessibility and Inclusion Audit - visit greater palm springs [2022]
Conducted a detailed accessibility audit of website for destination management organization using mixed-methods research, including user testing with people with disabilities.
Identified critical barriers and opportunities to improve digital accessibility.
Delivered prioritized recommendations to enhance destination inclusivity and compliance with accessibility standards.
