Research
Here in the Multicultural Clinical Lab we are currently focusing on collecting, interpreting, and writing research about Immigration & Mental Health, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Intellectual Developmental Disorders, and Personality Testing.
COVID-19 and Mental Health
Multicultural Clinical Lab is leading an international study on COVID19 and mental health in Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Spain.
Immigration and Mental Health
Title: Mental Health and Trauma of Recent Immigrant Families
Emphasis on trauma, health, and cultural values has been the focus in the lab while assessing the mental health of incoming immigrants and refugee families in a Humanitarian Respite Center. (see publications and presentations)
Title: Young Adult Interpersonal, Physical, and Mental Wellbeing among Children Left Behind by Migration
The objective is to empirically examine the links between the migration of caregivers during childhood and the physical health of young adults (1), (2) interpersonal functioning, and (3) mental health. The present study will be the first to examine whether the positive health benefits of parental migration extend to young adulthood, with the objective of advancing in the areas of health and social sciences. Data is currently being collected in Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, Spain, and Peru.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Title: Culturally Adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy in an Underserved Community Mental Health Setting
Dr. Mercado and his students have explored and evaluated the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on Latinx populations. Dr. Mercado has produced and conducted Spanish & culturally-adapted DBT treatment interventions for Latinx groups. (see publications and presentations)
Intellectual Developmental Disorders
Title: Stress, Stigma, and Culture in Families with a Child Diagnosed with IDD
It is paramount to examine the complex dynamic between internalizing symptomology, social & family support, and stigma in the Rio Grande Valley's Latinx population. (see publication and presentations)
MMPI-2-RF in Latinx Populations
The current study examines the extent to which the Spanish version of the MMPI-2-RF converges with the English version of the test. This study will also compare the extent to which associations with external measures of psychopathology is consistent across these two measures. This study is a collaboration with Dr. Anderson's research lab at Sam Houston State University.