Active Research Projects

Pregnant Moms' Empowerment Program (PMEP) - Randomized Controlled Trial

PMEP is a brief intervention group for pregnant people who have experienced IPV. Rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy, empowerment theory, and the social ecological theory of resilience, PMEP aims to promote positive prepartum and postpartum outcomes for women and their infants. The program also connects families to community resources and services. PMEP is conducted in partnership with Dr. Laura Miller-Graff at the University of Notre Dame, and both sites are currently conducting intervention groups and interviews.

Stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic are assessed along with the efficacy of PMEP. Ecological momentary assessment is employed for 30 days following the final interview with women and their infants to get a day-to-day glimpse into participant functioning and parent-child relationships.

Empowerment Program #4mykids (EP4) Intervention Study

EP4 is a research project designed to prevent child abuse, neglect, and exposure to intimate partner violence in early childhood through dual-generation programming. The project has two aims: (1) to learn about the long-term effects of interventions that women received during pregnancy and (2) to understand the additional value of supports for families during the preschool years. 

EP4 is conducted in partnership with Dr. Laura Miller-Graff and Dr. Kristin Valentino at the University of Notre Dame. The intervention portion of the study is conducted by staff at the University of Notre Dame, while interviews are conducted by staff at the University of Memphis.

Proyecto FUERTE: Familias Unidas En Resiliencia Tras Violencia

The Proyecto FUERTE study aims to understand the strengths, adversities, physical and mental health functioning, and parenting practices among Spanish-speaking caregivers. The current goals for this study include conducting 150 quantitative interviews, disseminating findings to community partners and families, and utilizing findings to promote culturally adapted programming.