Agata Soltys

Applied Social Psychology

Advisor: Tracy DeHart, PhD
Lab: Self and Social Interaction (SASI) Lab

Education

BA: Psychology, Northeastern Illinois University
MA: Human Developmental Science, Northeastern Illinois University

Research Interests

My research interests aim to expand “affirming” understandings of LGBTQ+ individuals’ relationships and lived experiences. I am particularly interested in how varying relational (e.g., romantic partners, the self) and social contexts (e.g., the patriarchy) shape authenticity, identity, and well-being in gender and sexual minorities. I aim to utilize an intersectional lens, as these experiences are shaped by the interplay of multiple identities and systems of power. More recently, I have become interested in BDSM as it pertains to the LGBTQ+ community, particularly (but not limited to) its connections to intimacy and relationship functioning. I am also very excited to further explore mixed-method approaches to capture the complexity and nuances of LGBTQ+ folk lived experiences.