Assessments
Organizational assessments to evaluate trauma impact and resilience capacity.
Organizational Trauma Intervention Studies (OTIS) Lab
Mission
At the Organizational Trauma Intervention Studies (OTIS) Lab, our mission is to advance the understanding and treatment of trauma within organizational contexts. We focus on the pervasive psychological, emotional, and social impacts of adverse events, such as sudden changes, conflicts, violent events, layoffs, and ethical breaches. Central to our work are the concepts of psycho-systemology and the theory of organizational dysregulation, which examine how interconnected systems and stressors within organizations influence behaviors and lead to systemic breakdowns.
We are dedicated to conducting innovative research, developing effective interventions, and fostering resilience to create safer, healthier, and more supportive work environments. By addressing organizational trauma and understanding systemic interactions, we aim to enhance employee well-being, improve organizational functionality, and promote a culture of resilience and inclusion. Our goal is to ensure our findings translate into practical solutions that help organizations thrive and support their most valuable asset: their people.
About Us
The Organizational Trauma Intervention Studies (OTIS) Lab is committed to achieving our mission. Our Lab at Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology is at the forefront of advancing the understanding and treatment of trauma within organizational contexts. Our founder, Dr. Preston V. L. Lindsay, defines organizational trauma as the pervasive and often prolonged psychological, emotional, and social impact of adverse events within an organization. These events include, but are not limited to, sudden changes, conflicts, violent incidents, layoffs, ethical breaches, and other significant disruptions that affect the workforce and organizational systems and culture.
Central to our research is the innovative concept of psycho-systemology, which meticulously examines the interconnected systems within an organization and their influence on individual and collective behaviors and well-being. We also employ the Lindsay theory of organizational dysregulation, which rigorously investigates how disruptions and stressors can lead to maladaptive responses and systemic breakdowns within organizational structures.
Director & Principal Investigator, Preston V. L. Lindsay, PhD
Dr. Preston V. L. Lindsay is an organizational psychologist well known for his specialized expertise in organizational trauma interventions and his dedication to advancing anti-oppressive practices within organizational development. His approach integrates diverse perspectives, including Black-feminist theory, social constructionism, and applied cognitive organizational neuroscience.
Dr. Lindsay serves as Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP), where he teaches and mentors doctoral students in applied organizational psychology and directs the Organizational Trauma Intervention Studies (OTIS) Lab. With extensive experience researching and addressing organizational trauma across industries, his work is pivotal in addressing systemic inequities and promoting organizational resilience. He has also authored several peer-reviewed articles on organizational trauma and its impact on systems and workforce behavior in top organization development journals, contributing significantly to the field's knowledge base. His research underscores his commitment to advancing understanding and best practices in mitigating the effects of organizational trauma.
As Founder and President of The Lindsay Group Co., Dr. Lindsay leads this Organization Development Consulting Firm in dismantling systemic oppression within organizations while optimizing workplace dynamics. Through a blend of transdisciplinary organizational development and insights from organizational psychology, his team drives equitable and transformative change.
Our Work
As a new lab at an R1 research university, we are at the forefront of pioneering research to understand the mechanisms and effects of trauma in organizational settings. Our projects encompass a wide range of topics, including:
- Assessing the prevalence and impact of organizational trauma
- Developing and testing trauma-informed interventions
- Investigating the role of leadership in fostering resilient workplaces
- Exploring the intersections of trauma, diversity, and inclusion
- Providing training and resources for organizations to implement trauma-informed practices
Our Services
We offer a variety of services designed to support organizations in addressing and mitigating the effects of trauma:
Consulting
Customized consulting services to help organizations identify and address trauma-related issues.
Research Collaboration
Opportunities for organizations to partner with us on research projects and studies.
Training
Comprehensive training programs on trauma-informed care, resilience building, and mental health support.
Workshops
Interactive workshops tailored to the needs of specific organizations and industries.
Opportunities
The OTIS Lab offers numerous opportunities for collaboration, learning, and professional growth:
- Fellowships
- Internships
- Partnerships
- Research Assistantships
- Volunteer Opportunities
Alumni Perspective
"As a recent alum of the GSAPP program, I'm thrilled to be a part of the new OTIS Lab. This opportunity allows me to delve into cutting-edge research on impactful issues and provide scientifically-proven interventions to companies navigating their way through organizational trauma. I am excited to continue my collaboration with Dr. Preston Lindsay and look forward to contributing to innovative projects while fostering a dynamic learning environment."
— Dr. Adam Ben-Hanania (Organizational PsyD, May 2024); Organizational Development Consultant & Executive Performance Coach
Support Our Work
The OTIS Lab at Rutgers University's Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology is dedicated to pioneering research and interventions in organizational trauma. OTIS is committed to advancing understanding of how adverse events impact organizational systems and workforce behavior, and to developing effective strategies to promote resilience and equity in workplace dynamics. We invite funders and grantors to partner with OTIS in driving transformative change and fostering healthier, more inclusive work environments through evidence-based practices and innovative solutions. Together, we can empower organizations to navigate and mitigate the impacts of trauma while promoting social justice and organizational effectiveness. We look forward to working with you.
