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Posted: 8/13/15

APA Awards Research Grant to TAMIU Professor

 

Dr. Elizabeth Terrazas-Carrillo
 


A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) faculty member received a grant for $6,200 from the American Psychological Association (APA) to explore cultural influences on attitudes towards partner violence among Mexican American college students.

The study, “Cultural Influences on Attitudes Toward Partner Violence Among Mexican American College Students,” will be led by principal investigator Dr. Elizabeth Terrazas-Carrillo, TAMIU assistant professor, department of Psychology and Communication.

“Current research suggests certain cultural scripts—commonly held assumptions about social norms and verbal interactions—may act as risk and protective factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) among Mexican Americans. Specifically, it is unclear whether traditional male and female gender roles commonly espoused by Mexican Americans act as risk or protective factors for IPV and no study to date has documented their specific impact on IPV incidence,” said Dr. Terrazas-Carrillo.

The study will explore the relationship of male and female-oriented cultural scripts on attitudes towards IPV. Research suggests societal and cultural norms toward violence significantly impact the prevalence of IPV.

“The main goal of the project is to serve as a pilot study documenting the impact of cultural scripts and acculturation on the incidence and attitudes towards IPV,” said Terrazas-Carrillo.

She added that the funds would be used primarily for participant incentives and a graduate research assistant’s salary.

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