My scholarship is grounded in the belief that counseling and psychological research must serve both scientific advancement and quality psychological care. I prioritize research that democratizes knowledge production and ensures that marginalized populations (e.g., LGBTQ+, persons living with disabilities) are centered in the scientific discourse. My work aims to transform psychological wellbeing through rigorous research and scholarship.
To date, my work is embedded within the domains of multicultural counseling/psychology, clinical rehabilitation counseling, and mental health counseling. I attempt to bridge critical gaps in our understanding of vocational psychology, chronic illness, disability, and counseling practice. I also seek to better understand the career/vocational and psychosocial functioning of LGBTQ+ populations. I leverage qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies in my scholarship, and work collaboratively to secure external funding to advance mental/behavioral health, counseling, and clinical training. I also work collaboratively with community agencies to conduct evaluations of clinical programs and services.
For a listing of published research and scholarship, check out Franco Dispenza’s Google Scholar Profile.
Research Contributions
My scholarship and research helps inform counseling and psychology, with a sustained focus on applications of real-world issues encountered in clinical practice. My scholarship spans three major thematic areas: career/vocational functioning, psychosocial functioning, and counseling practices for LGBTQ+ persons and persons living with chronic illnesses and disabilities (CID).
Career and Vocational Functioning
This line of scholarship addresses how oppressive factors (e.g., discrimination, minority stress) within the social and professional spheres impact the vocational trajectories of LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as persons living with chronic illnesses and disabilities (CID). Notably, my work has examined work-life interface for sexual minority men, vocational rehabilitation experiences of LGBTQ+ living with CID, career development trajectories for LGBTQ+ individuals living with CID, and the impact of identity disclosures on hiring practices.
Psychosocial Functioning
In this area of my scholarship, I have investigated the resilience, health, and adaptation processes of LGBTQ+ persons living with CID, expanding psychological theories like minority stress, attachment theory, and psychosocial adaptation. I have explored sexual health, subjective health functioning, romantic relationship dynamics, and quality of life for these individuals. Using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in collaboration with colleagues, I have also explored the unique resilience strategies and psychosocial experiences of LGBTQ+ persons navigating the psychosocial challenges posed by their respective environments, highlighting this population’s specific needs and strengths.
Counseling and Psychological Practices
Focusing on enhancing culturally competent counseling practices for LGBTQ+ persons, especially those living with CID, I have help contribute to the establishment of professional standards, guidelines, and training recommendations. In addition to research examining counseling practices and counselor burnout, I have collaborated on the development of guidelines, such as the 2021 APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons to ensure effective and inclusive mental health services.I have also helped co-write standards of assessment and research with LGBTQ persons.