Research Papers
Transactional Experiences of Discrimination, Depressive Symptoms, and Ethnoracial Socialization in Mexican-Origin Families
2025
Transactional Experiences of Discrimination, Depressive Symptoms, and Ethnoracial Socialization in Mexican-Origin Families
This study looked at how discrimination affects mental health in Mexican-origin families and how parents’ cultural teachings (ethnoracial socialization) can help or hurt. It found that family members’ experiences of discrimination are deeply connected, and how parents talk about culture and racism can either protect or worsen depression risks for themselves and their children.
Read MoreStress Spillover Among Mother-Adolescent Dyads in Mexican Immigrant Families: How It Varies from Early to Late Adolescence
2025
Stress Spillover Among Mother-Adolescent Dyads in Mexican Immigrant Families: How It Varies from Early to Late Adolescence
Using a five-year study, this research showed that adolescents' stress from discrimination or feeling like outsiders can impact their mothers’ mental health—especially in early adolescence. Surprisingly, mothers’ stress had less impact on teens, showing how youth experiences can deeply shape family wellbeing.
Read MoreCultural Stress, Parenting Practices, and Mental Health Among Mexican-Origin Mothers and Adolescents: A Dyadic Approach
2025
Cultural Stress, Parenting Practices, and Mental Health Among Mexican-Origin Mothers and Adolescents: A Dyadic Approach
This study explored how cultural stress affects both Mexican-origin mothers and adolescents over time. It found that stress impacts mental health through changes in parenting, and these effects go both ways—kids’ stress can affect parents, and vice versa.
Read MoreMotives to Play Drinking Games and Their Unique Associations with Drinking Game Behaviors and Consequences
2024
Motives to Play Drinking Games and Their Unique Associations with Drinking Game Behaviors and Consequences
This study looked at why college students play drinking games and found that thrill-seeking, sexual motives, and wanting to fit in were linked to heavier drinking and more negative consequences. Understanding these motives can help shape better alcohol education and prevention programs.
Read MoreParental Discriminatory Experiences and Ethnic Minority Adolescent Adjustment: A Systematic Review of Family Perspectives
2024
Parental Discriminatory Experiences and Ethnic Minority Adolescent Adjustment: A Systematic Review of Family Perspectives
By reviewing 30 studies, this article shows that when parents face discrimination, it can negatively affect their teens’ mental health and behavior. Parenting, family relationships, and cultural values like familism can either buffer or worsen these effects.
Read MoreA Replication and Extension of the Factor Structure of the Masculine Drinking Norms Measure (MDNM) and Associations with Drinking Behaviors in a Multisite Sample of College Men
2024
A Replication and Extension of the Factor Structure of the Masculine Drinking Norms Measure (MDNM) and Associations with Drinking Behaviors in a Multisite Sample of College Men
This study confirmed that college men who believe “real men drink a lot” are more likely to drink heavily and experience alcohol problems. It shows how masculine ideals around drinking can lead to risky behaviors.
Read MoreAcculturation and Daily Cigarette Use among Mexican-Origin Youth: The Moderating Role of Executive Functions
2023
Acculturation and Daily Cigarette Use among Mexican-Origin Youth: The Moderating Role of Executive Functions
This study found that Mexican-origin teens who felt more acculturated to U.S. culture were more likely to smoke—but only if they had weaker executive function skills (like impulse control). Stronger cognitive skills helped protect against smoking risks tied to cultural stress.
Read MorePerceived Parenting Discrepancy Profiles, Feelings about Language Brokering, and Internalizing Symptoms among Mexican-Origin Adolescents in Immigrant Families
2023
Perceived Parenting Discrepancy Profiles, Feelings about Language Brokering, and Internalizing Symptoms among Mexican-Origin Adolescents in Immigrant Families
This study showed that when moms think they’re parenting positively but their teens disagree, it can lead to more stress and anxiety—especially when teens act as translators (language brokers). Teens who feel misunderstood during these tasks are more likely to struggle emotionally.
Read MoreA National Study on Pregaming Motives, Frequency, Consumption, and Negative Alcohol Consequences Among University Students in the United States
2023
A National Study on Pregaming Motives, Frequency, Consumption, and Negative Alcohol Consequences Among University Students in the United States
Across 119 universities, this large-scale study found that students who drink before going out (“pregaming”) for social or romantic reasons were more likely to drink heavily and face alcohol-related problems. These specific motives may be key targets for alcohol intervention programs.
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