Jessica Bray

Jessica Bray is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences and the Developmental, Social, and Health Psychology division. Her research focuses on social psychology topics including race relations, prejudice, discrimination, intergroup dynamics, and memory processes. Key interests include exploring how racial nostalgia influences intergroup attitudes, neurophysiological mechanisms in economic decision-making, and the role of social support in mitigating health impacts of discrimination.

Her work combines experimental methods with interdisciplinary approaches, addressing societal issues such as cultural change, systemic racism, and the psychological consequences of globalization. Recent projects investigate strategies to improve receptivity to interracial criticism and the buffering effects of social support in marginalized communities.

Bray has published extensively in top journals like the Journal of Latinx Psychology. Her research spans cognitive neuroscience, health psychology, and sociopolitical psychology, with a focus on developing validated scales (e.g., National Prostalgia Scale) and understanding temporal dynamics of social memory. Current efforts emphasize translating psychological findings into actionable strategies for reducing prejudice and promoting equity.