
Brea Perry
Department of Sociology
Expert Bio
Brea Perry is a professor of sociology and an affiliated faculty of the IU Network Science Institute. Her research investigates the interrelated roles of social networks, biomarkers, social psychology and social inequality in health and illness, with a particular focus on mental illness and substance use disorders.
Perry has a strong interest in longitudinal research, dynamic social processes and quantitative methods, especially personal social network analysis. Her work focuses on the social dynamics of high-risk opioid-seeking behavior; cognitive reserve and social network moderation of neurodegeneration in the aging brain; and stigma as a barrier to recovery from opioid dependence.
Areas of Expertise
Social networks, stigma, and social determinants and consequences of mental illness, addiction, and cognitive aging.