Current Projects |
College Student Gambling Survey
Gambling behaviors, substance use, and mental health in college students This study is designed to understand the patterns of gambling behaviors in college students, and how these behaviors may be associated with a variety of other factors, including substance use and mental health. We are interested in patterns of gambling with real money, including your own cash, money you borrowed, or credit/debit cards. In the United States, people can gamble on many different things, such as:
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Cannabis & Parenting Project
Self-regulation and culture among Latinx emerging adults What is the effect of parent cannabis use on child outcomes/mental health? What are the predictors and correlates (poverty, discrimination, health issues, impulsivity) of parent SU and what are the consequences that result in the family? Our current aims for this project are the following:
COVID Study
Examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexican heritage families The aim of this study was to understand and characterize the experiences of Mexican heritage families in the U.S. during the Covid-19 pandemic. We aimed to address the following research objectives:
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Past Projects |
Latino College Student Survey (LCSS)
Self-regulation and culture among Latinx emerging adults Using data from the California Families Project, a large longitudinal study of Mexican-heritage families in Northern California funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse , we are studying how cultural and familial processes dynamically interact to influence youth positive and problematic development. We collected data from 472 Latinx college students ages 18-25 focused on cultural factors, self regulations. We collected data from 472 Latinx college students ages 18-25 focused on cultural factors, self-regulation, and substance use behaviors. We are currently analyzing data and working to publish findings from this project.
Salud de los Adolescentes Latinos (SAL)
Multilevel influences on Latinx youth risk behaviors With a research catalyst grant from Utah State's Research and Graduate Studies, we completed a study which examined how culture, family processes, stress, and decision-making influence risk behaviors among Latino youth across Utah's Wasatch Front (Ogden to Spanish Fork). As part of this study we partnered with USU Extension (Zuri Garcia), local community agencies, and collaborator Dr. Ginger Lockhart. Learn more here.
CHOICES Youth Health Study
Latinx youth context, stress, and decision-making In collaboration with Dr. Ginger Lockhart and the Prevention Science Laboratory at Utah State University, we completed a pilot study that examines how context and stress influence decision-making and risky behavior among Latinx youth in Cache County, Utah. We are developing several manuscripts that will be using these data.
Child Mental Health
Prevention and intervention research Dr. Cruz has worked with colleagues at Seattle Children's Research Institute and the Institute for Juvenile Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago to study school- and clinic-based prevention and treatment programs for diverse youth. His most recent focus has been on studying programs for mood disorders, including adolescent depression prevention and family-focused treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder.
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California Families Project
Developmental Trajectories of Substance Use and Mental Health for Latinx Youth Using data from the California Families Project, a large longitudinal study of Mexican-heritage families in Northern California funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse , we are studying how cultural and familial processes dynamically interact to influence youth positive and problematic development.
Utah Family Check Up Study
Implementation of evidence-based prevention program with Latino families In collaboration with community partners at the Family Place, we are studying the implementation of the Family Check Up for Latino families in Logan, UT.
The Family Check-Up is a brief, theory-based intervention model that promotes positive youth outcomes (e.g., prevents substance use initiation and problems) by targeting family processes. Learn more about the Family Check-Up here. This project is funded by a subcontract from the National Institute of Drug Abuse via the University of California San Francisco. The OwlOutcomes Practice Research Network
Improving clinical assessment using a measurement feedback system With a small grant from the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology, we are implementing OwlOutcomes® in our training clinic. We are looking to understand what training and supports promote successful implementation of a measurement feedback system in a training context, and assessing the usability and utility of using OwlOutcomes for student therapists and clients.
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