Current Projects

The IFACES Lab is conducting a number of research projects spanning age ranges and methodologies of data collection.  Below are a few of the primary projects being worked on currently.

Examination of the Parent-Child Acculturation Gap Among Immigrant Latino Families on Family Functioning and Adolescent Development - In conjunction with local school districts (Sanger, Tranquility, and Cutler-Orosi), this study is examining the influence of the parent-child acculturation gap on family functioning and adolescent development.  This study recently received federal funding for the next three years from the National Institute of Health. Although we are still collecting data, related findings have been studied.

Study 1: This investigation sought to examine whether parenting effectiveness differed if parent-child dyads has matching language preferences on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug self-report use during early adulthood. The paper has been published in Developmental Psychology.

Study 2: A related investigation examined the association between parent-child differences in acculturation and cultural values and how these are associated with aggression and self-esteem. The findings have been published in the International Journal of Intercultural Relations

Study 3: This project is interested in looking at adolescent reports of feeling distanced from their parents because of acculturation-related reasons (i.e. cultural values incongruences and communication difficulties) is linked to family conflict (i.e. general and acculturation-based)  and behavior outcomes (e.g. internalizing and externalizing). The manunscript is nearing completion and will be sent out for review.  

The Influence of Filial Responsibilities and Health Outcomes for Latino Young Adults - Current health disparities research reports that Latino youth are at a disproportionate risk for experiencing negative health outcomes (e.g. depression).  

Study 1: The goal of this project is to examine how perception of filial responsibilities, a practice of children taking on various adult caregiving tasks, as being unfair influence well-being and whether cultural values serves as a buffer.  Findings indicate that as perception of unfairness increases so do reports of depressive symptoms, but high endorsement of cultural values moderates this effect.  Results have been published in the journal Emerging Adulthood.

Study 2: The goal of this related project is to examine whether bicultural self-efficacy moderates the relationship between filial responsibilities and depressive symptoms among Latinas with at least one foreign-born parent. Results are being prepared to be sent out for review for publication.

The Role of Acculturative Family Distancing (AFD) Among Latino College Students - This project is interested in looking at how college students’ reports of feeling distanced from their parents because of acculturation-related reasons (i.e. cultural values incongruences and communication difficulties) is linked to parent intergenerational cultural conflict and health-related outcomes (e.g. depression and anxiety).  

Study 1: Dr. Toro has presented these findings, as part of an invited Special Collaborative Session on the Mental Health Needs of Immigrant, Refugee and Asylum seeking Women and Girls in the U.S.A, at the 145th American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual meeting and results involving Latinas have been published in a special issue of Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology: Special Edition – The Challenge of Being Latina, Personal, Political, and Economic .

A Qualitative Analysis of Parent's Intergenerational Transmission of Education and Behavior Related Parenting Practices: The Role of Acculturation Among Immigrant Latino Parents - In collaboration with faculty from the University of Southern California (USC), this particular study is interested in conducting a qualitative analysis on interviews conducted with a sample of immigrant Latino parents of HeadStart aged children living in the South Los Angeles area. Currently, research assistants are transcribing the interviews to get the data prepared for analysis.

The Lived Experiences of Latinx College Students: A Daily Diary Approach - The goal of this particular study is to pilot a daily diary which is centered on examining how daily fluctuations in academic and family-related responsibilities have an impact on affectivity and percevied stress among this sector of the growing college student population. In addition, this project is also interested in examining how factors such as first generation student status, guilt, perceived foreigner stereotype threat, family relationships and impostor syndrome impact day to day activities and socioemotional outcomes. Development of the diary will commence during summer 2020 with a prospective piloting phase during Fall 2020. 

Are There Opportunities to  Become a Research Assistant?

Consideration of research assistants is on a rolling and as-needed basis.  Generally, students that have completed PSYCH 010, 042, and 144 satisfactorily (minimum 3.0 GPA) will be considered for a RA position.  In addition, RAs are required to meet certain duties, responsibilities, and time commitments.  If you are interested in a RA position please complete the IFACES Research Assistant Application, it may be accessed here or see below.  Once you have completed the application please submit it to Dr. Toro's mailbox in the Psychology department office.