Rachel H. Farr

Rachel H. Farr is a Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Kentucky, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on child development, family functioning, and LGBTQ+ parent families, with a particular emphasis on adoption and intersectionality. She leads the FAD Lab (Family, Adoption, and Diversity Lab) and collaborates with the Minnesota/Texas Adoption Research Project (MTARP). Dr. Farr holds academic affiliations in Gender and Women's Studies, Family Sciences, and Developmental, Social, and Health Psychology.

Her work employs mixed methods to examine marginalized family structures, stigma experiences, and resilience in diverse families. Key themes include LGBTQ+ parent socialization, transracial adoption outcomes, and the impact of family identity on child well-being. She frequently publishes in developmental psychology and sociology journals, addressing legal/policy implications of adoption practices and family diversity.

Dr. Farr has contributed to amicus briefs on family law and co-authored resources for LGBTQ+ parenting. Her research highlights how family communication, community belonging, and identity-based strategies influence child outcomes across the life course.