Research
Current Studies
Characteristics and Types of Violence in Male and Female Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence on Probation
This study will examine the characteristics of male and female perpetrators on probation and assess what type of violence male and female perpetrators use and their classification as generally violent or family-only violent perpetrators, severity of violence, and proactive vs reactive aggression.
Emotion Recognition and Intimate Partner Violence
The purpose of this study is to describe the facial affect recognition (FAR) and voice affect recognition (VAR) abilities in a sample of IPV perpetrators to determine the efficacy of a training program for improving FAR abilities between the different subtypes of perpetrators in terms of personality traits, generally violent, family only classification, along with anger characteristics and severity of IPV.
Risk Factors of Intimate Partner Homicides
This study is analyzing a national database to identify risk factors and develop prevention strategies.
Marijuana Use and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration
This study is investigating how marijuana use influences the perpetration of IPV.
Previous Studies
Hormonal Assessment in Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence
The current proposal seeks to measure levels of testosterone and cortisol (at baseline and in the laboratory) to compare their ratios in men on probation for intimate partner violence who are only aggressive towards their family (“family-only” subtype) to those men who are more generally aggressive in multiple contexts (“generally aggressive” subtype). Procedures will include two laboratory visits consisting of questionnaires, and a number of salivary testosterone and cortisol collections. The current study aims to further clarify the relationship between the testosterone, cortisol and aggressive behavior in males. We hypothesize that a ratio of high testosterone to reactive cortisol (T/rC) will differentiate between generally aggressive men, and those who are not generally aggressive. Further hypotheses include prediction of T/rC using questionnaire data. Results have the potential to provide a framework for future research on hormonal biomarkers and contribute to issues of prediction, prevention and treatment of aggression.
The Moderating Effect of Cognitive Flexibility on the Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Intimate Partner Violence
The present study seeks to contribute to the literature on cognitive risk factors of intimate partner violence by exploring the role of one's inability to adjust one's cognitions based on contextual factors (cognitive flexibility) in the association between a known situational risk factor (alcohol consumption) and male-perpetrated intimate partner violence in a sample of Hispanic young adult males. By understanding the role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between alcohol and intimate partner violence among Hispanic young adult males, we can reformulate how we conceptualize, design, and implement interventions for intimate partner violence perpetrators with alcohol consumption comorbidity that is culture-specific.
Ability of Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence to Recognize Emotions Based on Facial Expressions
The current study is designed to examine the relationship between the severity of intimate partner violence (IPV), empathy, emotional regulation, and facial affect recognition abilities when comparing IPV perpetrators attending an intervention program for perpetrators of intimate partner violence with non-intimate partner violent males. In addition, the differences between family only and generally violent perpetrators in facial recognition abilities will also be studied. A better understanding of how perpetrators of physical violence interpret facial expressions and the mediating effect of emotion regulation and empathy may lead to the development and implementation of other interventions that may be more effective and lead to a decrease in IPV recidivism.
The Influence of Resilience on Academic Outcomes in Undergraduate Survivors of Interparental Violence and Child Abuse
This study's overarching purpose will be to explore the academic outcomes of undergraduates who have experienced both child abuse and witnessed interparental violence and the resiliency factors that may influence the future of individuals by increasing positive outcomes. Most studies have focused on the negative outcomes that lead to adverse consequences, such as receiving poor grades or dropping out of school. As such, this study will take on a strength-based approach by focusing on positive outcomes that have had an influence on undergraduates who have experienced trauma to succeed academically.