Brain, mind and body: a ménage à trois?

Several decades of research has revealed a biological basis for the diversity of human sexual orientations. Evidence indicates that genetic, neurodevelopmental and neural factors play a role in the origins of lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual sexualities. This research has implications for how biological theories impact our psychology and, more specifically, LGBT civil rights issues. We’ll be sharing an example sexual orientation questionnaire to show you how this research is carried out - participation is optional.

Childhood trauma is among the most common & established risk factors for psychopathology. Increasingly, it is also viewed as an important risk factor for other medical disorders. Yet, we know comparatively little about why or how traumatised children develop poor health in later life. Our research shows that children who experienced psychological trauma have long-lasting biological changes similar to individuals who suffered physical injury. Evidence of these ‘hidden wounds’ offer a new framework to understand & prevent the health consequences of childhood trauma.