La Esperanza team members have also focused on understanding cultural and contextual factors of mental health and addictive behaviors. Latest publications highlight the significant relationship between language proficiency, cultural factors, religious factors, and minority stressors on minority mental health and addictive behaviors. Most recently, several of studies have intersectional forms of racism and sexual minority stressors associated with addictive behaviors among enculturated Latines. Some current projects include: 

Early Immigration Policy and Psychological Impact

This research uses qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate how early immigration and current federal policies (DACA, DREAM Act) have impacted the psychological impact of first-generation students. Multiple publications have resulted from the study with more work currently in progress.

Family and Cultural Factors on Latine Adolescent Tobacco Use

This research uses mixed-methods to investigate the role of caregiver-adolescent interpersonal and cultural factors on Latinx adolescent tobaccu use. This study is being funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Multiple publications have resulted from the study, with more work currently in progress.

Effects of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems among Latine Smokers 

This study examines how regulations on ENDS flavors might affect Latine smokers, considering the influence of cultural assets on attitudes and behavior. By understanding these dynamics, effective strategies can be implemented to reduce smoking-related harm in Latine communities while respecting their cultural heritage. This study has been funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse and is in the initial stages. Multiple publications are expected to result from this study.

Research has well established that healthcare and healthcare disparities disproportionately affect individuals from lower socioeconomic and ethnic minority backgrounds. La Esperanza aims to identify and remove the educational, political, psychological, social and nutritional barriers to the prevention and treatment of health and mental health outcomes.

Reducing Psychological and Behavioral Health Disparities for Latine Communities

Members of La Esperanza are affiliated with VCU’s iCubed core, which promotes a transdisciplinary approach with researchers specializing in dentistry, policy, health administration, public affairs, social work and education. This core works toward innovative solutions for reducing health and healthcare disparities for children and adolescents. This project is underway and is expected to publish various studies in transdisciplinary journals in the areas of psychology, dentistry, policy, health administration, public affairs, social work and education.

The Latino Behavioral Health Initiative 

This research uses qualitative methods to explore the needs of mental health and treatment utilization among Latino and Spanish speaking communities in Richmond, VA. Several studies have formerly examined adolescent service utilization from marginalized groups in Richmond. However, as the Latine population is drastically growing in Richmond, little is known about Latine needs and service utilization specifically for adolescent health. This study is being funded by the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation and is expected to produce several publications.

Culturally Enhancing a Group-Based Program for Latinx Youth

This four-year study examined the effectiveness of Group Motivational Interviewing for Teens (GMIT) in reducing alternative tobacco product use specifically among Latine adolescents. To achieve this, the GMIT intervention was adapted to linguistic translation, cultural enhancements, and the inclusion of parent sessions. This study was funded by the Virginia Healthy Youth Foundation and has produced several publications.