Gilbert Parra (Ph.D. 2004, University of Missouri-Columbia) Associate Professor Clinical, Child and Family Psychology 338, 678-4682 gparra@memphis.edu curriculum vitae

Education

Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia
M.A., University of Missouri-Columbia
B.A., New Mexico State University

Research Interests

My research focuses on the complex associations between family-related emotion socialization processes and the emotional health of children and adolescents. Family-systems principles as well as several conceptual frameworks that emphasize the role emotions play in shaping and being shaped by family interaction patterns (i.e., attachment theory, emotional security theory, and emotion socialization heuristic models) guide my work. Within this broad framework, I have conducted research in four interrelated areas: (a) adolescent contributions to emotion socialization processes, (b) the empirical investigation of key relations hypothesized in prominent emotion socialization theories, (c) emotion socialization processes in the context of intimate partner violence, and (d) the development and evaluation of a mediation preparation program that targets the negative emotional experiences of parents. Another focus of my work is the use of structural equation modeling analytic techniques. My most recent work is designed to translate knowledge of emotion socialization processes to the design, implementation, and evaluation of family-focused interventions (treatment and prevention) that target adolescent depression.

Representative Publications

• Kitzmann, K. M., Parra, G. R., & Jobe-Shields, L. (in press). A review of programs designed to prepare parents for custody and visitation mediation. Family Court Review.
• Parra, G. R., Buckholdt, K. E., Olsen, J. P., Jobe-Shields, L., Davis, G. L., & Gamble, H. L. (in press). Targeting family risk factors in the context of treating youth depression: A survey of psychologists. The Family Journal: Counseling & Therapy for Couples and Families.
• Parra, G. R., Jobe-Shields, L., Kitzmann, K. M., Luebbe, A. M., Olsen, J. P., & Davis, G. L. (2011). Investigation of change in adolescent perceptions of mothers' and fathers' contributions to interparental discord from grades 7 to 9. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 21, 408-419.
• Gamble, H. L., Klosky, J. L., Parra, G. R., & Randolph, M. E. (2010). Factors influencing familial decision-making regarding human papillomavirus vaccination. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 35, 704-715.
• Olsen, J. P., Parra, G. R., & Bennett, S. A. (2010). Predicting violence in romantic relationships during adolescence and emerging adulthood: A critical review of the mechanisms by which familial and peer influences operate. Clinical Psychology Review, 30, 411-422.
• Parra, G. R., Olsen, J. P., Buckholdt, K., Jobe-Shields, L., & Davis, G. L. (2010). A pilot study of the development of a measure assessing adolescent reactions to parent responses to emotions. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 19, 596-606.
• Buckholdt, K. E., Parra, G. R., & Jobe-Shields, L. (2009). Emotion regulation as a mediator of the relation between emotion socialization and deliberate self harm. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 79, 482-490.
• Parra, G. R., DuBois, D. L., & Sher, K. J. (2006). Investigation of profiles of risk factors for adolescent psychopathology: A person-centered approach. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 35, 386-402.

Courses Taught

• Abnormal Psychology
• Structural Equation Modeling
• Child Psychopathology
• Clinical Assessment and Case Conceptualization
• Clinical Supervision