Dr. Larry Monocello

Biography

Larry Monocello is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, specializing in cultural anthropology with a particular focus on health and well-being. His research investigates the intersection of psychology and culture through the lens of cognitive anthropology and cultural models, emphasizing the role of cultural consonance in health outcomes. Dr. Monocello's current work centers on young Korean men, exploring how they understand and pursue body ideals and the impact these ideals have on their physical and mental health, particularly regarding eating disorders. His studies aim to address the gaps in psychiatric and anthropological research concerning men in non-Western cultures. As a co-investigator on several NIH and CDC-funded studies, he is focused on developing effective interventions for weight stigma and eating disorders. Dr. Monocello is committed to advancing knowledge by leveraging anthropological methods to foster transdisciplinary collaborations and enhance care delivery. He anticipates establishing a research lab in Fall 2025, providing students with hands-on experience in diverse methodologies and facilitating community-engaged research initiatives. He welcomes inquiries from prospective graduate students interested in mental health, cultural models, and applied anthropology, particularly within the context of South Korea and East Asia.

Research Interests

Courses