Gina Brelsford

Gina Brelsford is a Professor of Psychology at the School of Behavioral Sciences & Education (Harrisburg), with an extensive research portfolio focused on spirituality, religiosity, and parental mental health in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) contexts. With an h-index of 11 and 383 citations, her scholarly impact is evident across 34 research outputs spanning from 2007 to 2025.

Her research interests center on how religious and spiritual coping mechanisms influence parents' psychological outcomes following NICU experiences. Key areas include Spirituality, Religiosity, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Coping Strategies, Mental Health, Parental Stress, and Religious Coping. Her work consistently examines the intersection of spiritual resources and psychological adjustment for parents navigating the challenges of having a child in the NICU.

Analysis of her publication trends reveals a sustained scholarly trajectory with increasing focus on psychospiritual interventions in neonatal care. Her recent work (2022-2025) demonstrates sophisticated exploration of spiritual disclosure, co-parenting dynamics, and mental health outcomes, reflecting maturation in her research program that bridges clinical psychology and spiritual care within medical settings.

While specific awards aren't detailed in the available information, her substantial publication record, h-index of 11, and 383 citations indicate significant scholarly recognition. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to mental health and well-being.

Professor Brelsford's research demonstrates strong collaborative networks, with frequent co-authorship particularly with K. K. Doheny. Her work has practical implications for developing spiritual care interventions in NICU settings, potentially informing clinical practice and healthcare policy related to family-centered care in neonatal medicine.