Current Projects
1. Sibling Relationship Quality in Adolescents Residing in Low-income Regions along the US-Mexico Border (SIBSHIP)
Using community-based participatory research model, this study aims to examine the intergenerational transmission of aggression from mother’s to her two adolescent children (Sibling dyad) residing in social-ethnic enclaves “colonias” along the South Texas-Mexico border. For this study, we have support from the local non-profit organization working for the protection and rights of mixed status families in the Rio Grande Valley. Data collection is currently under way.
Related, we are also collecting data from people of color emerging adults examining their relationship quality with siblings during childhood/adolescence and adulthood, and how it be can a protective factor against victimization and violence.
2. Stressful Life Events and Emotional ExpeRiences (STEER)
The current study aims to examine the different patterns of lifetime exposure to childhood adversities, on partner aggression and victimization in adulthood in face-to-face/in-person and online or other technology-based communications (e.g., phones, e-mails, or social media) among college students. In addition, the study will investigate the role of some potential risk and protective factors in mediating or buffering the association between lifetime exposure to maltreatment and aggression, and psychological problems. Data collection is currently underway while we simultaneously clean and code incoming data.
3. Stressful Life Events and Mental Health (SEM)
This study aims to examine the different patterns of lifetime exposure to childhood adversities, including sibling aggression on partner aggression and victimization in adulthood in face-to-face/in-person and online or other technology-based communications (e.g., phones, e-mails, or social media) among sexual minorities. In addition, the study will investigate the intersectionality between race, ethnicity, gender roles, sexual identity, and victimization on psychological problems. Data collection is complete.
4. Dating Violence in Early Adolescents from Denmark
This study is a collaboration with University of Southern Denmark (SDU) to examine latent patterns of childhood maltreatment and dating violence in a large sample of 7th grade school-going adolescents from Denmark. Data collection is complete and is available from the SDU. The ACT lab provides statistical consultation, and is also engaged in the designing and writing of manuscripts from this project.
5. Intergenerational Transmission of Violence in Burundi, Africa
Funded by the University of Amsterdam and UNICEF and in collaboration, this study examined the assessment of childhood maltreatment among Burundian children/adolescents, and also investigated various pathways leading to the transmission of victimization and violence from the parent to the child. Data collection and cleaning is complete. The ACT lab provides statistical consultation, and is also engaged in the designing and writing of manuscripts from this project.
6. Meta-analysis of Technology-mediated Intimate Partner Violence
With collaborators from Boston University and University of Haifa (Israel), the current study aims to examine the effect size of prevalence of technology-mediated intimate partner violence (IPV) during adulthood, and the gender differences in types of IPV. The ACT lab team is currently coding the included articles.
7. Epidemiology of Child Abuse and Neglect in a National Registry Data from Denmark
Using a nationwide registry data from Denmark, the current study prospectively examines the role of child physical and sexual abuse on borderline personality disorders.