My name is Riddhi Patel and I have had the privilege to work alongside Dr. Lippert as a research assistant in the Law, Crime, and Deviance Lab. I have been working with her since my freshman year. Our current project together is investigating avoidant personality traits, ethnic identity, and alcohol consumption. The primary focus is to determine whether things such as shame or self-esteem play a role in people with avoidant tendencies reasons to drink.
My interest in these behavior traits comes from my observations within the Hindu community, where I have seen firsthand how these traits can influence drinking habits. My informal hypothesis is that individuals with lower self-esteem and shame often turn to alcohol to cope, without being aware of it. One of my closest friends at PVAMU has struggled with excessive drinking from a young age, a behavior that began in our Hindu community. I have witnessed the impact this has had on my friend’s mental health, and despite efforts to help, some individuals don’t get better. Through this project, I hope to not only address alcohol misuse among PVAMU students but also help others who are facing similar challenges.
One of the most significant aspects of working in the LCD lab has been my personal and academic growth. When I first started working with Dr. Lippert, I had never conducted research much less design and run my own research project. However, under her mentorship, I have learned to approach research questions more critically, refine study methodology, and present findings effectively. Each step in this process has taught me to put myself in the shoes of a psychologist, examining behaviors from different angles and considering broader social context. Beyond academic growth, this research has had a lasting impact on my future career aspirations. Initially, I saw myself pursuing a career in psychiatry, but my experiences with research has led me to consider a career in the cultural aspects of clinical psychology.