Social Psychology PhD student Erica Granz has received a grant from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues to assess the impact of different holiday decorations on perceptions of inclusion and level of care by new patients of various religious backgrounds. Receiving the grant will allow Erica to recruit a religiously diverse group of participants.

What do you hope will be the impact of this project?

This project will assess whether the current standard inclusive winter holiday decoration of something like snowflakes in an organization is truly the best option, or whether having more specifically inclusive decorations (i.e., having both a menorah and a Christmas tree) is a better option for client outcomes. This is especially important in places like a doctor's office, where there is a level of vulnerability that patients must endure, which may be moderated by decorations that set them at ease.

Were there any partnerships that played a crucial role in the success of this opportunity? 

Dr. Kim Rios, my advisor, was extremely supportive of this research idea, as well as for the submission of this grant.

On a personal note, what does this achievement mean to you?

This achievement means a great deal to me. It is always satisfying to have my ideas validated by a grant panel. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that nobody else outside of your research team will think your ideas are interesting, but being awarded a grant can help decrease that worry.