Mary Cox’s research interests lie at the intersection of identity, discrimination, and health, particularly within marginalized groups. She has developed a strong interest in how stress physiology affects Black adults and seeks to understand how exposure to social stressors, such as racial discrimination, increases the risk for stress-related disorders. An important aspect of her work involves not only contributing to the health psychology literature on stress physiology but also exploring how Black adults develop protective factors and resilience in the face of discrimination.
Her current studies focus on familial support, such as the role of discussing race with grandparents, as well as broader concepts like how perceptions of aging influence health behaviors across racial groups. Mary’s ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive body of strengths-based research centered on promoting the well-being of the Black community.