Coreen Farris

Senior Behavioral Scientist

Pittsburgh Office

Education

Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Indiana University Bloomington

One Page Bio

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Coreen Farris is a senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation. Her research focuses on sexual violence, workplace harassment and discrimination, and domestic violence. Farris earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Indiana University Bloomington and completed her clinical internship at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. She completed postdoctoral fellowships at Carnegie Mellon University and with the Section on Decision Sciences and Clinical Systems Modeling at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

Measuring the Impacts of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault on Military Readiness
Estimating Workplace Harassment and Discrimination in the FEMA Workforce
Program evaluation at DHS
Independent Analysis and Recommendations on Domestic Violence in the Armed Forces
Promoting Healthy Relationships In and Outside of the Workplace: New Approaches to Sexual Assault Prevention

Selected Publications

Farris, Coreen, Terry L. Schell, Lisa H. Jaycox, and Robin L. Beckman, Perceived Retaliation Against Military Sexual Assault Victims, RAND Corporation (RR-2380), 2021

Farris, Coreen, Melissa M. Labriola, Sierra Smucker, Thomas E. Trail, Samuel Peterson, Brandon Crosby, and Terry L. Schell, Healthy Relationship Approaches to Sexual Assault Prevention: Programs and Strategies for Use Within the U.S. Military, RAND Corporation (RR-4241), 2021

Schell, Terry L., Matthew Cefalu, Coreen Farris, and Andrew R. Morral, The Relationship Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Findings from the RAND Military Workplace Study, RAND Corporation (RR-3162), 2021

Farris, Coreen, Carra S. Sims, Terry L. Schell, Miriam Matthews, Sierra Smucker, Samantha Cohen, and Owen Hall, Harassment and Discrimination on the Basis of Gender and Race/Ethnicity in the FEMA Workforce, RAND Corporation (RR-A383-1), 2020

Farris, Coreen, Terry L. Schell, Margaret Tankard, Lisa H. Jaycox, Barbara Bicksler, Angela Clague, and Dionne Barnes-Proby, Measures of Performance and Effectiveness for the Marine Corps' Sexual Assault Prevention Programs, RAND Corporation (RR-2220), 2019

Farris, Coreen, Margaret Tankard, Praise O. Iyiewuare, Lynn Rosenthal, Angela Clague, Laura L. Miller, Peter Glick, Katharine Sieck, and Radha Iyengar Plumb, Availability of Family Violence Services for Military Service Members and Their Families, RAND Corporation (RR-3019), 2019

Matthews, Miriam, Coreen Farris, Margaret Tankard, and Michael Stephen Dunbar, Needs of Male Sexual Assault Victims in the U.S. Armed Forces, RAND Corporation (RR-2167), 2018

Farris, C., Jaycox, L. H., Schell, T. L., Street, A. E., Kilpatrick, D. G., and Tanielian, T. "Sexual harassment and gender discrimination findings: Active component," in National Defense Research Institute,, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Top-Line Estimates for Active-Duty Service Members from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, RAND Corporation (RR-870), 2014

Commentary

Sexual Assault

Here's How a National Database Could Help Colleges Fight Sexual Assault
At a moment of heightened awareness around sexual violence, America's colleges and universities have an opportunity to lead by example, through a commitment to full transparency about campus sexual assaults and openness to learning from each other's failures and successes.
Mar 2, 2018
The Hill

Publications

Report
Domestic Abuse in the Armed Forces: Improving Prevention and Outreach
This report presents domestic abuse prevention and outreach strategies that can be used to improve U.S. Department of Defense programs.
May 16, 2023
Research Brief
Domestic Abuse Prevention and Outreach Approaches for the Military Community
This study focused on identifying strategies to help prevent domestic abuse among service members and their spouses or partners before it occurs and strategies for outreach to high-risk groups that could be effective in the military environment.
May 16, 2023
Report
Considerations Around the Use of Intensive Outpatient Programs for Service Members Who Experienced Sexual Trauma in the U.S. Military
This report summarizes a review of clinical practices and TRICARE requirements for intensive outpatient programs to treat active-duty members affected by the mental health consequences of sexual harassment and sexual assault while in the military.
Jan 10, 2023
Report
Psychological Harms and Treatment of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in Adults: Systematic and Scoping Reviews to Inform Improved Care for Military Populations
Researchers conducted three evidence reviews on interventions for victims of sexual assault and harassment in military settings, barriers and facilitators to accessing care, and associations between victims and specific mental health conditions.
Jan 9, 2023
Research Brief
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault in Military Settings: A Review of Associated Mental Health Conditions, Treatments, and Access to Care
This brief describes three evidence reviews on psychological interventions for victims of sexual assault and harassment in the military, barriers and facilitators to care, and links between assault or harassment and specific mental health conditions.
Jan 9, 2023
Report
Harassment and Discrimination on the Basis of Gender and Race/Ethnicity in the FEMA Workforce: 2021 Survey Follow-Up
This report describes gender-based/sexual and race/ethnicity–based harassment and discrimination at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. About one in five employees experienced at least one civil rights violation in the year preceding the survey.
Aug 24, 2022
Tool
Getting To Outcomes® Handbook for Strengthening Sexual Assault Prevention Activities in the Military
This web-based Getting To Outcomes handbook and PDF for offline use provide streamlined instructions and resources to help with the planning, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of military sexual assault prevention activities.
Jun 20, 2022
Report
Harmful Interpersonal Behaviors in the Department of the Air Force: Informing Prevention and Response
This Perspective describes and applies a conceptual model of prevention to such harmful behaviors as sexual harassment, sexual assault, racial/ethnic harassment and discrimination, hazing, and domestic abuse in the Department of the Air Force.
Apr 20, 2022
Report
Survey for Assessing Racial/Ethnic Harassment and Discrimination in the U.S. Military
The authors describe the development of a survey instrument to help the U.S. Department of Defense understand racial and ethnic harassment and discrimination among its uniformed personnel, the instrument itself, and recommendations to support its use.
Oct 18, 2021
Report
Survey Instrument to Assess the Prevalence of Hazing and Bullying in the Active-Duty U.S. Military
The authors describe the development and design of a survey instrument created to help the U.S. Department of Defense estimate the number of active-duty service members who experience hazing and bullying.
Oct 18, 2021
Tool
Getting To Outcomes®: Guide for Strengthening Sexual Assault Prevention Activities in the Military
This Getting To Outcomes guide will help with the planning, implementation, evaluation, continuous quality improvement, and sustainability of military sexual assault prevention activities. It includes instructions, blank tools, and examples.
Aug 11, 2021
Report
Risk Factors for Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Findings from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study
This report describes analyses, using data from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, designed to identify service member and environmental characteristics that are associated with each individual's risk of sexual assault or sexual harassment.
May 24, 2021
Report
Healthy Relationship Approaches to Sexual Assault Prevention: Programs and Strategies for Use Within the U.S. Military
This guide provides prevention teams and leaders with an overview of a healthy relationship approach to sexual assault prevention, why it could be an effective tool, and strategies for implementing a program as part of their prevention portfolio.
May 13, 2021
Report
Perceived Retaliation Against Military Sexual Assault Victims
What are the characteristics of sexual assault incidents, victims, and perpetrators that increase risk for perceived retaliation against service women who are sexually assaulted? What is the relationship between disclosure choices and retaliation?
Mar 29, 2021
Report
The Relationship Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Findings from the RAND Military Workplace Study
This report describes analyses, using data from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, designed to identify how the sexual harassment of others in a service member's work environment affects his or her own risk of being sexually assaulted.
Mar 2, 2021
Tool
Getting To Outcomes® Operations Guide for U.S. Air Force Community Action Teams: Content Area Module for Air Force Sexual Harassment Prevention
This content area module for Air Force sexual harassment prevention is a companion volume to the Getting To Outcomes Operations Guide for U.S. Air Force Community Action Teams. It includes guidance, resources, and examples of completed tools.
Dec 14, 2020
Research Brief
Harassment and Discrimination in the FEMA Workplace: Topline Results from the Workplace Survey Support Study
This brief summarizes findings and recommendations from a study of the prevalence and characteristics of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, racial/ethnic harassment, and racial/ethnic discrimination at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Dec 2, 2020
Report
Harassment and Discrimination on the Basis of Gender and Race/Ethnicity in the FEMA Workforce
Researchers assessed the prevalence and characteristics of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, racial/ethnic harassment, and racial/ethnic discrimination at FEMA. This report documents the survey results.
Dec 2, 2020
Report
Availability of Family Violence Services for Military Service Members and Their Families
The authors examine resources available to military-affiliated victims and perpetrators of child abuse/neglect and domestic abuse, barriers to utilization, and challenges faced in addressing these issues, and recommend ways to improve services.
Nov 25, 2019
Journal Article
An Online Alcohol and Risky Sex Prevention Program for College Students Studying Abroad: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study protocol describes a proposed randomized controlled trial that builds upon a successful pilot intervention study to address problematic and dangerous drinking among young adult college students studying abroad in foreign environments.
Sep 19, 2019
Report
Measures of Performance and Effectiveness for the Marine Corps' Sexual Assault Prevention Programs
To assist the U.S. Marine Corps in evaluating its sexual assault prevention programs, the authors of this report identify and develop measures of performance and measures of effectiveness with which to assess the programs.
Jul 22, 2019
Report
A Survey System to Assess Abuse and Misconduct Toward Air Force Students in Occupational Specialty Training
This report provides recommendations for how the Air Force's survey system for monitoring abuse and misconduct in Basic Military Training can best be adapted for use in technical training and flying training environments.
Mar 5, 2019
Report
Needs of Male Sexual Assault Victims in the U.S. Armed Forces
This report reviews research on sexual assault against men and describes interviews with military service providers and civilian experts. It concludes with recommendations for improving support to male sexual assault victims in the U.S. military.
May 1, 2018
Journal Article
Identification of Facilitators and Barriers to Residents' Use of a Clinical Reasoning Tool
A clinical reasoning tool improved residents' diagnostic accuracy on written cases.
Feb 21, 2018
Report
Delivering Clinical Practice Guideline–Concordant Care for PTSD and Major Depression in Military Treatment Facilities
This report describes the psychological health workforce at military treatment facilities, examines the extent to which care is consistent with clinical practice guidelines, and identifies facilitators and barriers to providing this care.
Aug 14, 2017
Infographic
Military Mental Health Care: Provider Perspectives on Treating PTSD and Depression
This infographic describes data on various aspects of the Military Health System capacity to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Aug 14, 2017
Report
Improving Oversight and Coordination of Department of Defense Programs That Address Problematic Behaviors Among Military Personnel: Final Report
This report makes recommendations for the Office of the Secretary of Defense to better understand the relationships among six problematic behaviors and its oversight and coordination of programs to address those behaviors.
Jan 25, 2017
Report
The Air Force Deployment Transition Center: Assessment of Program Structure, Process, and Outcomes
Evaluates the Air Force's Deployment Transition Center, which was established in 2010 to provide airmen returning from combat missions an opportunity to decompress and share lessons learned before returning to their home stations.
Jan 16, 2017
Journal Article
Efficacy of Educational Video Game Versus Traditional Educational Apps at Improving Physician Decision Making in Trauma Triage: Randomized Controlled Trial
Results suggest that narrative based video games have the potential to influence physician behavior, although the real world implications remain unclear.
2017
Journal Article
Using Claims Data to Examine Hospital Readmission Risk in Patients With Schizophrenia and Comorbid Marijuana Use Disorders
Results suggest that AUD and other drug use disorder are more problematic than marijuana use disorder in terms of repeated hospital admissions for SSD. Marijuana use disorder does not appear to be associated with shorter times until readmission.
2017
Journal Article
Testing a Videogame Intervention to Recalibrate Physician Heuristics in Trauma Triage: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized controlled trial will test whether a game can help adjust the mental shortcuts physicians use to triage trauma patients, and thus improve accuracy.
Dec 9, 2016
Report
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Volume 2. Estimates for Department of Defense Service Members from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study
This volume presents survey results for the DoD active and reserve components from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, an independent assessment of the rates of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination in the U.S. military.
Apr 15, 2016
Report
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Volume 4. Investigations of Potential Bias in Estimates from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study
This volume presents the results of methodological investigations into sources of potential bias in the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, an independent assessment of the rates of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the U.S. military.
Mar 16, 2016
Journal Article
Knowledge Translation and Barriers to Imaging Optimization in the Emergency Department: A Research Agenda
This article outlines a research agenda to promote the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions for emergency department (ED) imaging.
Dec 1, 2015
Report
Acupuncture for Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
RAND researchers conducted a systematic review that synthesized evidence from trials of acupuncture to assess its efficacy and safety in treating major depressive disorder.
Oct 7, 2015
Report
Meditation for Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
RAND researchers conducted a systematic review that synthesized evidence from trials of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to assess its efficacy and safety in treating major depressive disorder.
Oct 7, 2015
Report
An Integrated Survey System for Addressing Abuse and Misconduct Toward Air Force Trainees During Basic Military Training
RAND developed an integrated survey system to help the U.S. Air Force's Air Education and Training Command monitor and address abuse and misconduct by military training instructors toward trainees during Basic Military Training.
Jun 18, 2015
Report
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Annex to Volume 3. Tabular Results from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study for Coast Guard Service Members
This Annex to Volume 3 contains detailed tabular results from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study on sexual assault and sexual harassment experiences of members of the U.S. Coast Guard active component.
May 27, 2015
Report
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Volume 3. Estimates for Coast Guard Service Members from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study
This volume presents survey results from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study on the sexual assault and sexual harassment experiences of members of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Reserve.
May 27, 2015
Report
Care Transitions to and from the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) for Service Members with Traumatic Brain Injury
The National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) provides specialized services for troops suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). RAND evaluated interactions between the NICoE and providers referring patients and implementing treatment plans.
May 7, 2015
Research Brief
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Highlights from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study
This brief presents major conclusions for Department of Defense service members from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, an independent assessment of the rates of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination in the U.S. military.
May 1, 2015
Report
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Annex to Volume 2. Tabular Results from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study for Department of Defense Service Members
Annex to Volume 2 contains detailed tabular results for the DoD active component from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, an independent assessment of the rates of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination in the U.S. military.
May 1, 2015
Report
Measuring the Quality of Care for Psychological Health Conditions in the Military Health System: Candidate Quality Measures for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
Researchers identified, developed, and described a framework and candidate set of measures to monitor, assess, and improve the quality of care delivered by the military health system for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.
Apr 24, 2015
Journal Article
Cost-utility Comparison of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Versus Primary Debulking Surgery for Treatment of Advanced Stage Ovarian Cancer in Patients ≥ 65 Years Old
The authors sought to evaluate the cost implications of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) relative to primary debulking surgery (PDS) in advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC) patients ≥65.
Feb 11, 2015
Report
Access to Behavioral Health Care for Geographically Remote Service Members and Dependents in the U.S.
Geospatial and longitudinal analyses helped determine how many military service members and dependents are geographically distant from behavioral health care and the resulting effect on use of care.
Jan 5, 2015
Research Brief
Far from Care: Increasing Access to Behavioral Health Care for Remote Service Members and Their Families
RAND researchers sought to identify how many U.S. military service members and their dependents are remote from behavioral health care and the effects of this distance on their access to and use of care.
Jan 5, 2015
Report
Improving Access to Behavioral Health Care for Remote Service Members and Their Families
Geospatial and longitudinal analyses helped determine how many military service members and dependents are geographically distant from behavioral health care and the resulting effect on use of care.
Jan 5, 2015
Report
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Top-Line Estimates for Active-Duty Coast Guard Members from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study
This report provides initial top-line active-duty Coast Guard estimates from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, an assessment of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination in the military.
Dec 4, 2014
Report
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Volume 1. Design of the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study
This volume documents the methodology used in the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, an independent assessment of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination in the U.S. military.
Dec 4, 2014
Report
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military: Top-Line Estimates for Active-Duty Service Members from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study
This report provides initial top-line estimates from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, an independent assessment of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination in the military.
Dec 4, 2014
Report
Ready to Serve: Community-Based Provider Capacity to Deliver Culturally Competent, Quality Mental Health Care to Veterans and Their Families
Civilian providers are a key part of the workforce addressing mental health needs of veterans and their families. This report describes their competency with military culture and their experience treating posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.
Nov 12, 2014
Research Brief
Therapeutic Measures Required: To Ensure Millions of Veterans and Their Families Get High-Quality Care, Community Mental Health Providers Need More Training, Support, Resources
A RAND study found very few community civilian providers surveyed met key thresholds for military cultural competency and use of evidence-based care, indicating few are ready overall to assist service members, veterans, and their families.
Nov 12, 2014
Report
Targeting Alcohol Misuse: A Promising Strategy for Reducing Military Sexual Assaults?
There has been growing concern about both sexual assault and alcohol misuse in the U.S. military. Research on civilians may provide guidance for efforts to reduce alcohol misuse as part of a larger strategy targeting sexual assault in the military.
Oct 31, 2014
Journal Article
Assessing the Validity of Using Serious Game Technology to Analyze Physician Decision Making
Physician non-compliance with clinical practice guidelines remains a critical barrier to high quality care.
Aug 1, 2014
Research Brief
Improving Programs that Address Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury: The RAND Toolkit
RAND developed a set of four tools to assist with understanding, evaluating, and improving performance of programs that address psychological health and traumatic brain injuries among service members.
Jan 8, 2014
Report
A Systematic Process to Facilitate Evidence-Informed Decisionmaking Regarding Program Expansion: The RAND Toolkit, Volume 3
RAND researchers developed a model and tools to support a centralized, systematic, and ongoing process to aid the Department of Defense in making decisions around continued support and expansion of psychological health and brain injury programs.
Jan 8, 2014
Journal Article
Primary Care Providers' Initial Treatment Decisions and Antidepressant Prescribing for Adolescent Depression
This study examined the impact of symptom severity and provider characteristics on initial depression treatment decisions in a setting with fewer structural barriers, an integrated behavioral health network.
2014
Report
The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Care Coordination Program: Assessment of Program Structure, Activities, and Implementation
This report documents RAND's assessment of a program designed to facilitate care coordination for service members and veterans recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
Aug 26, 2013
Periodical
RAND Review: Vol. 37, No. 1, Summer 2013
Stories discuss the harms caused by sexual assault in the military; the prospects for minimalist international interventions; cyber threats and nations' responses to them; and the rising costs of dementia in the United States.
Jul 15, 2013
Report
Physical and Psychological Health Following Military Sexual Assault: Recommendations for Care, Research, and Policy
This paper reviews data on the prevalence of sexual assault among servicemembers, predictors of disclosure, efforts to improve disclosure, victim needs, and DoD efforts to provide necessary resources in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault.
Feb 27, 2013
Journal Article
Translational Research Applications for the Study of Adolescent Sexual Decision Making
Although the initiation of sexual behaviors in adolescence is normative, adverse sexual health outcomes disproportionately affect adolescents relative to adults.
Feb 1, 2013
Journal Article
A Decision Science-Informed Approach to Sexual Risk and Nonconsent
Young women valued communicating their intent not to have sex as an end in itself, but compared with other young women, those who had been raped feel more strongly about protecting their partner's feelings and maintaining a sexual relationship.
Dec 1, 2012